Abstract Operation of anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) on propane–air fuel mixtures was studied. A thermodynamic calculation was used to show that propane is partially oxidized without coking for oxygen-to-propane ratios >1.75 and T>733 °C. Differentially-pumped mass spectrometer measurements verified partial oxidation at the anode under these conditions with H2 as the primary product. In single-cell tests, stable output power density of 0.7 W/cm2 was obtained without coking at 790 °C with an oxygen-to-propane ratio of 1.75. Limiting current behavior was observed due to the diluted hydrogen produced by the partial oxidation.