Can I make the batter ahead of time?

While it's best to use the batter right away for maximum fluffiness, you can make it up to an hour ahead and keep it covered at room temperature. If you refrigerate it longer than that, the pancakes might not rise as well, though they'll still taste delicious.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes! If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. The pancakes might be slightly less tender but will still turn out great.

Why are my pancakes absorbing too much oil?

This usually happens when the oil isn't hot enough before adding the batter. Make sure the oil is properly heated (but not smoking) before frying. Also, don't overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature too much.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly as gluten-free flours can absorb moisture differently.

Fried Pancakes Recipe

Name: Fried Pancakes Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 eggs; 2 cups buttermilk; 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

These delightful Fried Pancakes transform the traditional breakfast staple into bite-sized golden treats that are crispy on the outside and deliciously tender inside. They cook up in just 10 minutes and require minimal ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Perfect for weekend brunches or a quick sweet treat, these little gems will have everyone reaching for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: From mixing bowl to table in just 15 minutes—perfect for those mornings when you want something special without the fuss.
Crowd-Pleaser: These mini fried pancakes disappear in seconds! Their crispy exterior and fluffy interior make them irresistible to kids and adults alike.
Versatile: Dress them up or down with different toppings and fillings to suit any taste preference or occasion.
Different from Regular Pancakes: The frying method creates a wonderful contrast between the crispy golden exterior and the soft, pillowy interior that you just don’t get with traditional pancakes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-purpose flour: The foundation of our pancakes, providing structure and that classic pancake texture.
Granulated sugar: Just enough to add a touch of sweetness without overwhelming the palate.
Baking powder: The magic ingredient that gives these pancakes their light, fluffy texture.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Eggs: Provides richness and helps bind everything together.
Buttermilk: Creates tenderness and adds a subtle tangy flavor that makes these pancakes stand out. The acidity also helps activate the baking powder for extra fluffiness.
Vegetable oil: For frying, creating that irresistible golden crust. Its neutral flavor lets the pancake taste shine through.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious ways to customize your fried pancakes:

Fruit Additions: Fold blueberries, small diced apple pieces, or mashed banana into the batter before frying.
Chocolate Lover’s Version: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle melted chocolate over the finished pancakes.
Savory Twist: Reduce the sugar and add chopped herbs, grated cheese, or cooked bacon bits for a savory version.
Spiced Version: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice to the batter for a warming flavor profile.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Fried Pancakes

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Make a well in the center, add the eggs and buttermilk, and mix everything until you have a mostly smooth batter. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and will give you tender pancakes.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Set a skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Pour in enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer, about 1/4 inch deep. Allow the oil to heat up—you’ll know it’s ready when a small drop of batter sizzles immediately upon contact.

Step 3: Fry the Pancakes

Working in small batches of 3 to 4 at a time (don’t overcrowd!), drop tablespoons of batter into the hot oil. Let them fry until the edges look set and the bottoms turn a beautiful golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Flip and Finish

Using a slotted spoon or spatula, carefully flip each pancake and cook the other side until equally golden brown, about 1 minute more. The pancakes should puff up slightly as they cook.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Transfer the fried pancakes to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve them warm with your favorite toppings for maximum enjoyment!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Temperature Control: The key to perfect fried pancakes is maintaining the right oil temperature. Too hot and they’ll burn before cooking through; too cool and they’ll absorb too much oil.
Test Batch: Always cook a single test pancake first to check your oil temperature and adjust as needed.
Fresh Baking Powder: Make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise. If it’s been sitting in your pantry for more than 6 months, consider replacing it.
Don’t Overmix: A few lumps in the batter are actually good! Overmixing develops gluten and can make your pancakes tough.
Quick Scoop: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon measure for uniform pancakes that cook evenly.

How to Serve

These versatile little treats can be enjoyed in so many ways:

Sweet Toppings:

Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar, drizzled honey, maple syrup, or fruit compote. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream turns them into an impressive dessert.

Savory Pairings:

For a delightful breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs and bacon or with a spoonful of sour cream and chives if you’ve made the savory variation.

Breakfast Board:

Create a beautiful breakfast board with fried pancakes as the centerpiece, surrounded by various toppings, fresh fruits, and nuts for a stunning brunch presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover fried pancakes to cool completely, then store in an airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

These freeze beautifully! Place cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat frozen or refrigerated pancakes in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or in a toaster oven until warm and crisp again. You can also briefly refry them to restore their crispy exterior.

FAQs

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

While it’s best to use the batter right away for maximum fluffiness, you can make it up to an hour ahead and keep it covered at room temperature. If you refrigerate it longer than that, the pancakes might not rise as well, though they’ll still taste delicious.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. The pancakes might be slightly less tender but will still turn out great.
Why are my pancakes absorbing too much oil?

This usually happens when the oil isn’t hot enough before adding the batter. Make sure the oil is properly heated (but not smoking) before frying. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature too much.
Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly as gluten-free flours can absorb moisture differently.

Final Thoughts

These Fried Pancakes bring a delightful twist to your breakfast table—combining the familiar comfort of pancakes with the irresistible appeal of crispy, golden-fried goodness. They’re quick enough for busy mornings yet special enough for weekend brunches. With endless topping possibilities, they’re sure to become a family favorite that everyone will request again and again. Give them a try this weekend—I promise these little golden bites of joy will not disappoint!