Air fryer scallion pancakes are a delicious Asian-inspired treat that can easily be made right at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy these flavorful pancakes anytime with far less oil than traditional methods.
This easy recipe calls for common pantry staples along with fresh scallions to give each bite a sweet, aromatic quality. The dough gets perfectly crisp and layered in the air fryer, while the buttered scallion filling provides a savory contrast.
Take a look below at everything you’ll need to whip up a batch of these amazingly good pancakes in your air fryer. Let’s get started and make the best air fryer scallion pancakes ever!
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy, Perfect Texture– They’re perfectly crispy on the outside and soft in the middle! The air fryer gives these scallion pancakes an irresistibly crisp, golden brown shell while keeping the inside steaming and tender.
Tasty– They have that incredibly flavorful scallion infused taste! Each bite brims with aromatic scallion flavor that will make your taste buds sing. The minced scallions get caramelized by frying and add tons of savory onion goodness.
They reheat wonderfully- Leftovers (if you have any) retain their crispness and fabulous flavor for days after. Just reheat briefly in the air fryer or microwave – good as new.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
For this scallion pancake air fryer recipe you will need:
For The Dough
- 2 cups All Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup Hot Water
- 1/4 cup Cool Water
- 2 teaspoons Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
For The Filling
- 8 Scallions (minced)
- 1/4 cup All Purpose Flour
- 1/3 cup Butter (melted)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
👨🍳 How To Make
Easily make the perfect air fryer scallion pancakes in no time! Follow these simple steps:
Step 1
Place the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Whisk all the ingredients together. Then, slowly add the hot water while stirring with a fork. Then, slowly pour in the cool water and mix.
Step 2
Press the dough together with your hands and shape it to form a ball. Dust a surface with flour, and knead the dough for about 4 minutes until it’s smooth.
Cover it and let it sit for 40 minutes.
Step 3
Meanwhile, we will make the filling for the air fryer scallion pancakes. Whisk the flour, melted butter, and salt. Set the mixture aside.
Step 4
Cut the dough into 6 or 8 even pieces, and roll them into a ball. Roll each ball on a floured surface and shape it into a rectangular shape.
It should be very thin. Bruth one tablespoon of the filling over the dough, leaving a barrier around. Sprinkle with green onions.
Repeat with the reaming dough balls.
Step 5
Roll the dough into a long log. Press the seams together to secure them. Then, roll it into a spiral shape, and tuck the edges underneath to hold it in place.
Step 6
Preheat the air fryer to 350F (175C).
Step 7
Take the spirals and flatten them on a clean surface. Roll them into circles.
Step 8
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place the pancakes inside. Air fry for 5-6 minutes, then flip them and air fry for 4-5 more minutes.
That’s it! Enjoy these amazing air fryer scallion pancakes! You can also cut them into triangles.
💡Tips
1. Rest the Dough for Maximum Rise
Letting the kneaded dough rest for 40 minutes allows time for the flour to fully hydrate and the gluten to relax. This important rest period enables the dough to puff up light and airy when fried.
Rush this step and the pancakes may turn out dense and chewy rather than delicately crispy. Resist the urge to shorten the waiting time for best texture.
2. Flavor and Consistency
The filling of scallion pancakes plays a significant role in their overall flavor profile. When preparing the filling, finely mincing the scallions ensures that their flavor is evenly distributed throughout the pancake. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a small amount of minced garlic or ginger to the scallion mixture.
3. Brush Pancakes with Oil Before Air Frying
Misting or brushing a little vegetable oil on top of the flattened dough circles helps them get extra crisp and brown beautifully in the air fryer.
Without oil, they may dry out unevenly. For best results, spray or brush immediately before cooking. A soft brush helps evenly distribute just the right amount.
4. Pan Spray Avoids Sticking
Be sure to spray the air fryer basket well before adding the flattened dough circles. Without sufficient oil coating, the delicate pancakes may stick to the metal and tear when flipped or removed.
For best release, use an olive oil or high heat cooking spray and reapply between batches.
5. Knead the Dough Thoroughly
Properly kneading the dough is essential for scallion pancakes with a layered, flaky texture. Spend at least 4-5 minutes vigorously kneading the dough after mixing the initial ingredients. Stretch and fold the dough, pressing down with the heels of your hands.
The dough should become very smooth and elastic. Resist the urge to cut kneading short. Those extra minutes make a difference when it comes to dough texture and ensured the yeast is activated.
Variations
1. Sesame Serenade: Craving a nutty crunch? Swap half the scallions for toasted sesame seeds in the filling. Then, sprinkle a touch more on top before air frying for a textural tango. Bonus points for drizzling a homemade sesame chili oil after the final note.
2. Kimchi Kick: Embrace the heat with a Korean twist! Finely chop some kimchi and mix it into the scallion filling. The tangy spice will wake up your senses and pair beautifully with a dollop of creamy gochujang dipping sauce. Be warned, this variation is addictive!
3. Veggie Vibe: Feeling virtuous? Ditch the butter in the filling and replace it with mashed avocado. Fold in grated carrot, zucchini, or even finely chopped mushrooms for a veggie-packed twist. Pair them with a refreshing yogurt-mint dip for a guilt-free encore.
4. Cheese Charmer: Indulge in cheesy bliss by sprinkling your rolled-out dough with grated cheddar or mozzarella before adding the scallions. As it air fries, the cheese will melt into gooey pockets, creating a symphony of savory satisfaction.
Keto / Low Carb Version
Instead of all-purpose flour, use a keto-friendly flour blend made with almond flour, coconut flour or carb-free flour alternatives. You may need to adjust the ratio of wet to dry ingredients.
Gluten Free Version
To make a gluten-free version of this recipe, simply substitute the all-purpose flour called for in the dough and filling with a gluten-free flour blend.
I recommend using a blend that contains tapioca flour, rice flour, potato starch, and xanthan gum, such as Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Flour or King Arthur Gluten Free Measure for Measure Flour Blend.
Dipping Sauces
1. Spicy Sesame Sizzle: Imagine this: the crisp, golden flakiness of your pancake meets a wave of fiery chili oil, tempered by the nutty richness of toasted sesame seeds.
This sauce isn’t just a dip, it’s a tango of sweet heat, a whisper of smoke from the sesame, and a kick that’ll leave you wanting more. Drizzle it on, dunk it deep, and watch your taste buds do a victory dance.
2. Sweet and Sour Symphony: Craving a touch of sunshine to cut through the savory? This sweet and sour sauce is your new bestie. Think tangy rice vinegar dancing with the mellow sweetness of brown sugar, flecked with the vibrant zing of fresh ginger.
3. Creamy Curry Craze: Calling all adventurers! This creamy curry dip is for those who like their flavors deep, complex, and oh-so-slightly exotic. Coconut milk creates a velvety base, turmeric paints it with sunshine, and a touch of garam masala whispers secrets of faraway lands.
4. Garlic Ginger Goodness: Sometimes, the classics are the best. This simple yet sensational sauce is a testament to that. Fresh garlic and ginger, minced to a fragrant oblivion – combined with soy sauce’s umami depth and a touch of sesame oil’s nutty whisper.
5. Spicy Mayo Mischief: Who says mayo can’t be exciting? This spicy mayo sauce is here to prove them wrong. It’s smooth, it’s spicy, it’s totally unexpected, and it’ll have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about mayo. Dip your pancake in, savor the creamy heat, and prepare to be surprised.
Storage
These delicious air fryer scallion pancakes taste best when fresh. However, you can store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
To reheat, place the pancakes in a 350°F air fryer for 3-4 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave or toaster oven. The reheated pancakes may lose some crispiness but will still have great flavor.
You’ll Love These Recipes Too
If you liked my scallion pancake air fryer recipe- make sure to check out these excellent recipes too:
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to a day in advance. After kneading the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use. Allow the chilled dough to sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before rolling out.
2. Can I freeze the uncooked scallion pancakes?
Yes, you can freeze the shaped, uncooked scallion pancakes. Place layers separated by parchment paper in an airtight container or bag. They will keep for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
3. Can I substitute green onions or chives if I don’t have scallions?
Yes, you can use green onions or chives instead of scallions. The flavor will be slightly different, but they work well as a substitute in this recipe. Just adjust the amount to taste depending on how strong you want the onion flavor to come through.
I hope you enjoy making these delicious air fryer scallion pancakes! With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a batch of flaky, crispy pancakes ready in no time.
Be sure to check out more of my air fryer recipes on the blog, and let me know if you have any other recipes you’d like to see made in the air fryer. I love hearing feedback and suggestions from readers!
Leave a comment below with any questions about the scallion pancake recipe, modifications you made, or how they turned out for you. I’m always happy to help troubleshoot or provide any advice I can to help you make these tasty air fryer scallion pancakes perfectly. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Air Fryer Scallion Pancakes
- 2 cups All Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup Hot Water
- 1/4 cup Cool Water
- 3 teaspoons Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 8 Scallions (minced)
- 1/4 cup All Purpose Flour
- 1/3 cup Butter (melted)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- Place the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined. Then, slowly add the hot water while stirring with a fork. Then, slowly pour in the cool water and mix.
- Press the dough together with your hands and shape it to form a ball. Dust a surface with flour, and knead the dough for about 4 minutes until it’s smooth.Cover it and let it sit for about 30-40 minutes.
- Meanwhile, we will make the filling for the air fryer scallion pancakes. Whisk the flour, melted butter, and salt. Set the mixture aside for now.
- Cut the dough into 6 or 8 even pieces, and roll them into a ball. Roll each ball on a floured surface and shape it into a rectangular shape.It should be very thin. Bruth one tablespoon of the filling over the dough, leaving a barrier around. Sprinkle with green onions.Repeat with the reaming dough balls.
- Roll the dough into a long log. Press the seams together to secure them. Then, roll it into a spiral shape, and tuck the edges underneath to hold it in place.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350F (175C).
- Take the spirals and flatten them on a clean surface. Roll them into circles.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place the pancakes inside. Air fry for 5-6 minutes, then flip them and air fry for 4-5 more minutes.
