Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) based on the proton conducting BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.2O3–δ (BZCY) electrolyte were prepared and tested in 500–700 °C using humidified H2 as fuel (100 cm3 min–1 with 3% H2O) and dry O2 (50 cm3 min–1) as oxidant. Thin NiO‐BZCY anode functional layers (AFL) with 0, 5, 10 and 15 wt.% carbon pore former were inserted between the NiO‐BZCY anode and BZCY electrolyte to enhance the cell performance. The anode/AFL/BZCY half cells were prepared by tape casting and co‐sintering (1,300 °C/8 h), while the Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3–δ (SSC) cathodes were prepared by thermal spray deposition. Well adhered planar SOFCs were obtained and the test results indicated that the SOFC with an AFL containing 10 wt.% pore former content showed the best performance: area specific resistance as low as 0.39 Ω cm2 and peak power density as high as 0.863 W cm–2 were obtained at 700 °C. High open circuit voltages ranging from 1.00 to 1.12 V in 700–500 °C also indicated negligible leakage of fuel gas through the electrolyte.