Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients well using a spoon or whisk.
Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg, then add milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
Combine mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir the mixture with a spoon or whisk just until ingredients are combined. Don't worry about some lumps; it's important not to overmix as this could make the pancakes less fluffy.
Heat pan: Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat and coat with a thin layer of butter or oil to prevent sticking.
Cook pancakes: Pour approximately ¼ cup of batter into the hot pan for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2-3 minutes.
Flip and finish: When bubbles appear, flip the pancakes with a spatula and cook for another 1-2 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked inside.
Repeat: Continue with remaining batter, lightly greasing the pan before each batch. Serve your super fluffy pancakes hot with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, or even whipped cream.