Air-Fryer Hack: Frozen Waffles, Best Method?

Frozen waffles are a quick and easy breakfast option, and cooking them in an air fryer is even faster than using a toaster or microwave. Air fryers cook food convection-style, with hot air circulating around it, which is why you'll see holes in air fryer plates. This means that frozen waffles get crispy quickly and can be cooked in just a few minutes. You can also cook several at once, depending on the size of your air fryer.

How long to cook frozen waffles in the air fryer

Cooking frozen waffles in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get the perfect amount of crispiness on the outside, while the inside stays beautifully soft and fluffy.

To cook frozen waffles in an air fryer, first place the desired number of frozen waffles in the air fryer basket. It is best to cook them in a single layer, but a slight overlap is okay if you are cooking a large batch.

Next, air fry the waffles at 360°F/180°C for 3 to 4 minutes. Then, flip the waffles and cook for another 1 to 3 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them. The total cooking time should not exceed 5 minutes, or the waffles may lose their soft, fluffy interior.

Once the waffles have reached your desired level of crispiness, they are ready to be served with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, butter, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked air-fried frozen waffles!

Tips for making the best waffles

Frozen waffles are a great option for a quick and easy breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even dinner! They are also versatile, as they can be made sweet or savoury. Here are some tips to ensure you get the best results when making frozen waffles in your air fryer.

Temperature and Timing

Most air fryers have a standard setting of around 350 degrees Fahrenheit, but you can also set yours to 360 degrees. If you are cooking multiple batches, you may need to reduce the timing by a few minutes. The cooking time will also depend on how crispy you like your waffles. If you like them extra crispy, cook them for a further minute or two. However, be careful not to overcook them, as they may lose their soft and fluffy interior and end up tasting dry and hard.

Placement in the Air Fryer

Place the frozen waffles in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with a little space between them. This will allow the hot air to circulate and cook the waffles evenly on all sides. Some overlap is okay if needed, but try to keep them as close to a single layer as possible.

Toppings and Sides

The beauty of waffles is that they are versatile and can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings and sides. Go classic with butter and maple syrup, or get creative with apple slices and cinnamon, peanut butter, fresh berries or fruit, whipped cream, or even a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream. You can also make a savoury breakfast sandwich with bacon, eggs, and cheese, or get indulgent with a fried chicken and waffle combo. The possibilities are endless!

Waffle toppings

Waffles are a versatile dish that can be topped with a variety of sweet or savoury options. Here are some ideas for waffle toppings to elevate your breakfast, brunch, or brinner:

Sweet Toppings:

• Maple syrup is a classic choice and can be paired with butter.
• Fresh fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, bananas, or peaches.
• Whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
• Peanut butter for a quick and nutritious option.
• Nutella for a chocolatey spread.
• Honey for a touch of sweetness.
• Chocolate chips to satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Sprinkles for a fun and colourful addition.
• Compotes or jams made from strawberries, blueberries, or other fruits.
• Cream cheese syrup brings a creamy texture and pairs well with maple syrup.
• Buttermilk syrup for a unique flavour.
• Peanut butter syrup for a rich and nutty option.
• Brown sugar butter syrup is an easy-to-make homemade syrup.
• Lemon curd adds a tangy twist.
• A scoop of ice cream can turn your waffle into a delicious dessert.

Savoury Toppings:

• Soft fried eggs on top of a savoury waffle make for a hearty breakfast.
• Bacon for a classic savoury combination.
• Sausage gravy on a savoury waffle for a unique brunch option.
• Chili and cornbread waffles topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, and avocado for a savoury waffle with a kick.
• Pulled pork, barbecue sauce, and coleslaw on cornbread waffles for a sweet and savoury combination.
• Chicken tenders or nuggets with maple syrup for a sweet and salty contrast.

Can you cook waffles in a toaster?

Yes, you can cook waffles in a toaster! However, if you're looking for an alternative way to cook frozen waffles, an air fryer might be worth considering.

Air fryers have become increasingly popular since their introduction in 2010, and they can cook almost any type of solid food. Frozen waffles are no exception and are, in fact, ideal for air frying as they crisp up quickly and can often be cooked in batches.

To cook frozen waffles in an air fryer, simply place them in the air fryer basket or on the grate, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between them. Set the temperature to 350-360°F and cook for 3-4 minutes before flipping them over. Then, cook for another 1-3 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your waffles.

Using an air fryer results in waffles with a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, which can be difficult to achieve with a toaster. The air fryer also offers the convenience of cooking multiple waffles at once and allows for more precise temperature and timing control.

So, while you can certainly cook waffles in a toaster, an air fryer might be a worthwhile investment if you're looking for a quick, easy, and versatile way to cook frozen waffles to perfection.

How to reheat waffles in the air fryer

If you have leftover waffles, you can reheat them in the air fryer to achieve the perfect amount of crispiness on the outside while keeping the inside beautifully soft and fluffy.

Steps to Reheat Waffles in an Air Fryer:

Step 1: Place the leftover waffles in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It's okay if there is a slight overlap.

Step 2: Set the air fryer to 360°F and heat the waffles for 3 minutes.

Step 3: Check on the waffles and, if necessary, continue to heat for an additional 1-2 minutes until they reach your desired level of crispiness.

Step 4: Serve the waffles immediately with your favorite toppings or store them in the oven on a warm setting until you are ready to serve.

Tips for Reheating Waffles in an Air Fryer:

• If you are reheating a large batch of waffles, it is best to cook them in multiple batches to ensure even cooking.
• If you are serving the waffles later, transfer them to an oven-safe dish and store them in the oven at 200 degrees F until you are ready to serve.

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