If you have never tried crumpets in the air fryer, then you are in for a game-changing breakfast treat. Whether you like them slathered in butter, topped with melted cheese, or sweetened with a spoonful of jam, air frying gives crumpets the ultimate texture upgrade. So golden and crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy in the middle. It is the perfect way to breathe new life into a pack of shop-bought crumpets, and it only takes a few minutes!
What I love about this method is how simple and versatile it is. There’s no need to switch on the grill or wait for the toaster. Just pop them in the air fryer basket and let the hot air do its thing. So you can cook them plain, lightly buttered, or loaded with your favourite toppings. They come out piping hot, with irresistible crispy edges that make every bite a little bit special.
This recipe is perfect for lazy weekends, speedy midweek breakfasts, or even as a savoury snack topped with cheese and marmite. If you have got some crumpets lingering in the freezer, don’t worry, they cook beautifully straight from frozen too. And if you are catering for kids, it is easy to mix and match toppings so everyone gets their favourite.
Once you have tried these air fried crumpets, you might never go back to the toaster again. It’s one of those quick kitchen wins that turns something simple into something seriously satisfying. Minimal effort, maximum reward. And no soggy bottoms in sight.
Grab your favourite crumpets, get the air fryer on, and let’s crisp things up!
PREP 1 minute
COOK 3 – 5 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air fryer
Ingredients for Air Fryer Crumpets
4 ready-made crumpets
Butter or spread, to taste
Optional toppings: jam, honey, peanut butter, marmite, smashed avocado, or cheese
Method
So start by preheating your air fryer to 180°C (360°F). Some air fryer models heat up quickly and don’t require preheating, but if yours does, give it a couple of minutes to get up to temperature. This ensures the crumpets start crisping as soon as they hit the basket.
While the air fryer is warming up, prepare your crumpets. You can cook them plain, but for best results, I recommend lightly buttering both sides. This not only helps create a golden, crispy finish but also adds an extra layer of flavour. So if you are using toppings like marmite or cheese, you can spread or sprinkle them on before or during cooking, depending on how melty or warm you want them.
Arrange the crumpets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overlapping. And leave the crisper plate in. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly and gives you a consistent crisp on all sides. If you’re doing more than one batch, keep the first lot warm by covering them loosely with foil or placing them in a low oven while you cook the rest.
Air fry the crumpets for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how thick they are and how crispy you like them. If you prefer a softer centre with lightly toasted edges, stick to around 5 minutes. For a more golden, crunchy texture throughout, go for 6 or 7 minutes. You can flip them halfway through, but it’s not essential unless you want an even toast on both sides.
Once they’re done, carefully remove them from the basket, they’ll be hot! Serve immediately with your favourite toppings. Sweet or savoury, breakfast or snack, they’re ready to enjoy straight from the air fryer.!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Crumpets
Here’s some tips to get the best result every time you cook crumpets in the air-fryer.
1. Butter for the win:
For irresistibly crispy edges and that golden toasted finish, lightly butter both sides of the crumpets before air-frying. The butter melts and caramelises slightly in the air fryer, giving you that café-style texture and flavour with barely any effort.
2. Keep them in a single layer:
Don’t overcrowd the basket. Air needs to circulate evenly to toast the crumpets properly. If you’re cooking for a crowd, do them in batches and keep the first round warm in a low oven (around 100°C) while the rest cook.
3. Flipping is optional:
If you’re happy with a slightly softer base, there’s no need to flip them. But for even crispiness on both sides, gently flip the crumpets halfway through cooking. A silicone spatula makes this easy without squashing them.
4. Toppings before or after?
For toppings like marmite, jam, or butter, add them after cooking. For melty cheese or peanut butter, you can spread them on during the last minute or two in the air fryer to warm through. Want extra cheesy crumpets? Top with grated cheese and cook for the final 2 to 3 minutes until bubbling.
5. From freezer to fryer:
Crumpets freeze beautifully and can be air fried straight from frozen. Just add an extra 1 or 2 minutes to the cook time and flip halfway for even heating. A great breakfast back-up when you’re in a rush!
6. Mix up your flavours:
Try savoury toppings like smashed avocado, poached egg, or even crispy bacon. For sweet, go for honey, fruit compote, or chocolate spread. The crispy texture works with just about anything.
Once you have made them this way, you might never reach for the toaster again!
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed these crispy Air Fryer Crumpets, then you are going to love my other quick and easy breakfast ideas! So here are some more comforting classics that are perfect for busy mornings, relaxed weekends, or when you fancy something warm and satisfying:
Air Fryer Pancakes
This is my go-to recipe for thick, soft pancakes that rise beautifully every time. Whether you drizzle them with maple syrup or top them with fresh fruit and yoghurt, they are a guaranteed hit.
Air Fryer Toast
Yes, you can toast bread in the air fryer, and it comes out so brilliantly golden and crisp! It is perfect when your toaster is full (or broken) and you still want the perfect slice.
Easy Air Fryer Scrambled Eggs
So creamy, soft, and perfectly seasoned. My air fried scrambled eggs recipe is super simple and comes together in minutes. Great on toast or crumpets for a protein packed breakfast!
Air Fryer French Toast
This French toast is golden on the outside, soft in the middle, and just the right amount of sweet. Whether you top it with fruit or a dusting of cinnamon sugar, this air fried French toast is always a crowd-pleaser.
Air Fryer Omelette
A speedy omelette with fluffy eggs and your choice of fillings. This air fryer recipe is a brilliant way to use up leftovers and makes a great breakfast, brunch, or light lunch.
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