Crumpets in the Air Fryer
A toaster can turn crumpets into a sticky mess in the slots, and the grill burns the top while the base stays pale. Crumpets in air fryer baskets cook evenly in 3–5 minutes at 180 °C, with a crisp, golden top and a soft, chewy middle that soaks up butter. It works for fresh and frozen crumpets, and for sweet or savoury toppings.
- Temperature
- 180°C
- Total time
- 6min
- Prep
- 2min
- Servings
- 2
- Per serving
- 245kcal
Why the air fryer works for crumpets
Making crumpets in air fryer baskets avoids the usual toaster problems: butter and batter stuck in the slots, uneven toasting and burnt edges. The hot air surrounds each crumpet, so the top turns crisp and golden while the soft, springy middle stays warm. Because there is no direct heat element, the holes stay open and ready to catch butter.
An air fryer is also good when you need to make a big batch. Four to six crumpets fit in one layer in most baskets, whereas a toaster holds two. Do not stack them, as they would steam and go soft. Treat the timings below as a starting point, since crumpets differ in thickness, and cook one first.
How to toast crumpets in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Prepare the crumpets Take the crumpets out of the packet. Frozen ones can go in as they are, although a few minutes at room temperature helps them toast more evenly. Leave them dry, with no butter yet.
- Preheat Set the air fryer to 180 °C and heat for . A warm basket gives the crumpets an immediate crisp base.
- Cook the first side Place the crumpets in a single layer, smooth side up, without overlapping. Cook for , until the underside starts to colour.
- Turn and finish Flip the crumpets so the holey side is up and cook for more for fresh crumpets. Frozen crumpets need on the second side. They are ready when the top is golden and crisp at the edges.
- Butter and serve Spread the butter on the holey side straight away, so it melts into the holes. Serve hot.
Cooking times and temperatures
| Crumpets | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh crumpetsTurn halfway | 180 °C | 3–4 min |
| Frozen crumpetsNo need to defrost | 180 °C | 5–6 min |
| Cheese crumpetsAdd cheese for the last minute | 180 °C | 4–5 min |
| Cinnamon sugar crumpetsSprinkle after buttering | 180 °C | 4–5 min |
| Reheating toasted crumpetsUntil steaming hot | 160 °C | 2 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size of the food and the power of your air fryer. See also cooking times and temperatures for all dishes.
Tips
- Start smooth side up. The flat side browns evenly and sets the shape. The holey side is then toasted second so butter can melt into it.
- Do not butter before cooking. Butter on the crumpet drips into the basket and can smoke. Add it at the end.
- Use the same temperature for frozen. Frozen crumpets simply need a few more minutes. A higher heat will burn the top before the centre thaws.
Serving
Serve crumpets with butter and honey for a simple breakfast, or with a soft egg (see boiled eggs) and bacon. For a savoury snack, top with grated cheddar and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. If you also cook toast, you can toast it in the same batch. Crumpets in air fryer baskets are quick enough to cook while the kettle boils.
Storing and reheating
Toasted crumpets are best eaten hot. Untoasted ones keep in the packet for 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. If you want to reheat a toasted crumpet, put it in the air fryer at 160 °C for 2 minutes, until it is steaming hot all the way through (75 °C) and crisp on top again. It will be a little drier than fresh.
Variations
- Cheesy crumpets: Top with grated cheddar after the first side and cook for 1–2 minutes more until melted. Add a little chutney for extra flavour.
- Cinnamon sugar crumpets: Mix 1 tbsp caster sugar with ½ tsp cinnamon and sprinkle it over buttered crumpets for a churro-style treat.
- Crumpets with egg: Press the centre of a toasted crumpet slightly down and add a soft egg, or top with sliced avocado and chilli flakes.
Troubleshooting
- The crumpets are dry and hard
- They were cooked too long. Crumpets are thin and dry out quickly, so check them at 3 minutes and take them out as soon as the top is golden.
- They fly around the basket
- Crumpets are light and the fan can flip them. Lay them flat and use a small metal rack on top if your machine has a strong fan.
- The topping runs everywhere
- Add cheese in the last minute of cooking, and spoon jam or custard on after cooking, so nothing drips into the basket.
Frequently asked questions
Can you cook crumpets in an air fryer?
Yes. They toast evenly in a basket at 180 °C, and you can cook several at once, which is useful if you need more than a toaster takes.
How long do crumpets take in an air fryer?
Fresh crumpets take 3–4 minutes at 180 °C and frozen crumpets take 5–6 minutes, turned halfway. Check one early the first time.
Can you cook crumpets from frozen in an air fryer?
Yes, there is no need to defrost them. Add 2 minutes to the cooking time and turn them once.
What can you put on crumpets in the air fryer?
Butter is the classic, but cheese, beans, egg, honey, jam, custard and cinnamon sugar all work. Add melting toppings for the last minute.
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