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The first time I tried to make Yorkshire pudding, it was a disaster. Flat as a pancake. Burnt edges. My Nan would’ve cried.
But fast forward to today-thanks to Jamie Oliver and a game-changing air fryer-I can whip up golden, fluffy Yorkies in no time. It’s wild how far we’ve come. I mean, we’re talking about a centuries-old British classic… reinvented with a countertop gadget.
If you’ve been scared to make Yorkshire puddings or just want to save time without sacrificing that iconic puff, you’re in the right place. Let’s walk through this together.
I stumbled across this recipe one Sunday morning while scrolling through Jamie Oliver’s YouTube channel, half-awake and very much craving a roast.
Jamie, in his usual cheerful style, promised puffy Yorkshire puddings-without the oven. I raised an eyebrow. But he delivered.
Here’s what makes his air fryer version brilliant:
He sticks to the basics but gets the timing and temp just right. That’s the secret. And we’re diving deep into how.
I keep these ingredients in my kitchen 99% of the time. That’s why this recipe’s a go-to. Nothing fancy. Just honest, simple staples.
Here’s what you’ll need:
(room temperature makes a big difference)
(Jamie always says full-fat is best-and he’s right)
(All-purpose works fine in the US)
(trust me, it lifts the flavor)
(for that hot sizzling base)
I like to think of this mix as the holy grail batter. Equal parts egg and milk, then flour to bring it all together.
The first time I made these in the air fryer, I hovered nervously like a hawk. But now? I pop them in and walk away with confidence.
Let’s break it down, step-by-step:
Let’s nerd out for a second. Because every ingredient in this recipe pulls serious weight.
They’re the main lift. The proteins stretch and trap steam, helping the pudding rise.
Adds richness and moisture. Full-fat milk also browns better.
This gives the pudding its body. Too much and it’s dense. Too little and it flops.
Crucial. It acts like a frying surface. Cold oil = soggy bottom.
The real science? Steam. That batter hits hot oil and high heat, steam forms fast, and bam-puffed Yorkies. It’s like alchemy with flour and fat.
Learned a few tricks the hard way. Let me save you the trouble:
Cold eggs or milk? Your batter won’t rise properly.
Give it at least 30 minutes. Overnight in the fridge is even better.
If the oil’s not hot, you’re wasting your time.
The air fryer needs to stay closed during cooking. Let the magic happen inside.
Silicone or metal muffin molds work best. Just make sure they fit your air fryer.
Once you’ve mastered the classic, the sky’s the limit. Here are a few ways to remix your Yorkies:
Add grated cheddar to the batter for extra flavor.
Mix in chopped rosemary or thyme before pouring into the molds.
Drop in a cooked cocktail sausage before air frying. Game-changer.
Swap the oil for garlic-infused butter. Adds rich depth.
Controversial-but try a drizzle of honey and whipped cream for a dessert version.
If someone had told me five years ago I’d be making Yorkshire puddings in an air fryer, I’d have laughed them out of the room.
But honestly? This recipe changed my Sunday roast game. It’s simple. Fast. Foolproof. And every time I pull them out of the fryer, I get a little thrill. They’re tall, golden, and perfect.
Jamie Oliver deserves a medal for adapting this classic to modern life. And hey-if I can do it, so can you.
Yes, as long as it fits the recommended cooking temperature and size, any air fryer should work.
It usually takes around 15-20 minutes depending on the size and model of your air fryer.
Yes, preheating is recommended for the best results. About 5 minutes should be enough.
Absolutely! Mini Yorkshire puddings cook quicker and fit perfectly in most air fryer baskets.
You’ll need flour, eggs, milk, water, and a bit of salt for a basic batter.
Yes! Just cook them at the temperature listed on the package, adjusting for your air fryer’s power.
It’s better to use a muffin tin or silicone molds to help keep the shape of the puddings.
If they’re flat, it could be due to underheating or the batter not being whisked enough. Make sure your air fryer is preheated and your batter is smooth.
Yes, you can make them ahead and reheat them in the air fryer for a crispy finish.
Vegetable oil or sunflower oil works well since they have a high smoke point and will give your puddings a nice crisp.