Air Fryer Frozen Waffles: Quick, Easy Breakfast?

Yes, you can cook frozen waffles in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to enjoy waffles without the fuss of making them from scratch. Simply place the frozen waffles in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between them, and cook at around 360°F for 3-6 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This method produces perfectly toasted waffles that are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.

Waffle toppings

While maple syrup is a classic waffle topping, there are endless other options to dress up your waffles. Here are some ideas for sweet and savoury waffle toppings:

Sweet Toppings

• Fresh fruit such as apple slices, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, or kiswis
• Fruit syrups like strawberry syrup, buttermilk syrup, or pomegranate syrup
• Honey
• Chocolate syrup
• Whipped cream
• Peanut butter
• Chocolate chips
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nuts such as pecans, walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts
• Lemon curd
• Yogurt
• Chocolate spread
• Jam
• Jelly
• Ice cream
• Caramel syrup
• Marshmallows
• Graham cracker crumbs
• Cookie butter
• Condensed milk
• Honey butter
• Sprinkles
• Sugar
• Powdered sugar

Savoury Toppings

• Eggs
• Bacon
• Sausage gravy
• Chili
• Avocado
• Smoked salmon
• Sautéed vegetables
• Fried chicken

Get creative and combine different toppings to make the ultimate waffle stack!

Waffle accompaniments

Waffles are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways and accompanied by a variety of toppings and sides. Here are some ideas for waffle accompaniments:

Sweet Toppings

• Maple syrup
• Apple slices and cinnamon
• Sugar-free whipped cream
• Powdered sugar
• Honey
• Chocolate syrup
• Greek yogurt
• Fresh fruit (e.g. bananas, berries, kiwi, peaches)
• Blueberry sauce
• Strawberry jam
• Nutella
• Homemade whipped cream
• Vanilla glaze

Savory Toppings

• Crispy bacon
• Fried or poached eggs
• Smoked salmon
• Avocado slices
• Sautéed vegetables

Sides

• Scrambled eggs
• Bacon
• Yogurt
• Hash browns
• Fried chicken

Why use an air fryer over a toaster

If you're a waffle lover, you might wonder why you should use an air fryer over a toaster. Well, there are several benefits to using an air fryer to cook frozen waffles. Here are some reasons why you might prefer an air fryer over a toaster:

Counter Space:

If your counter space is limited, an air fryer can be a great option as it eliminates the need for a toaster or toaster oven. This can free up valuable counter space in your kitchen.

Batch Cooking:

Air fryers can cook multiple waffles at once, depending on their size and the capacity of the air fryer. In contrast, toasters are limited by the number of slots available. If you're cooking for a family or a large group, an air fryer can save you time and effort.

Consistency:

Air fryers provide consistent results by cooking waffles evenly, thanks to the circulation of hot air. Toasters, on the other hand, can leave you with either soggy or burnt waffles due to uneven heating. With an air fryer, you can achieve that perfect balance of a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior every time.

Precision:

Air fryers offer precise temperature and timing controls, allowing you to customize your waffle's doneness to your liking. Toasters, with their simple dials and browning charts, don't offer the same level of precision.

Multifunctionality:

Air fryers are versatile appliances that can cook, roast, steam, and toast. This means you can use one appliance for various cooking tasks, reducing the number of gadgets in your kitchen.

Taste and Texture:

Air-fried waffles offer a superior taste and texture experience. The circulating hot air in the air fryer creates a crispy exterior while keeping the interior soft and fluffy. This combination is harder to achieve with a toaster, which can leave waffles either too cold inside or too brown on the outside.

So, the next time you're craving waffles, consider using your air fryer for a quick, convenient, and delicious breakfast experience!

How to store waffles

Waffles can be frozen and stored for future use. To do this, first place the waffles on a cooling rack to let them cool down. Do not stack them. Once they are completely cool, place them in a freezer bag or plastic box, separating each waffle with a piece of parchment paper. When you want to eat them, you can reheat them in a toaster on a low setting, in a toaster oven at 160°F for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave on low heat.

If you have already cooked the waffles and want to store them in the fridge, let them cool down first, then wrap them in plastic or aluminium foil. You can also put them in an airtight container or plastic bag, again separating them with parchment paper. They should keep for up to three days in the fridge. You can also refreeze them for up to two months.

Why do waffles get soggy

Yes, you can cook frozen waffles in an air fryer. Simply place the frozen waffles in the air fryer basket and cook at 360°F for 3-6 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.

Now, onto why waffles get soggy.

The main reason waffles get soggy is due to moisture. If you leave frozen waffles out on the counter for too long, they will start to thaw, and the moisture inside will turn your waffle soggy. Similarly, if you don't have your waffle iron or air fryer hot enough, the moisture won't turn to steam and evaporate, leaving you with a soggy waffle.

To prevent sogginess, it's important to ensure your waffle iron or air fryer is hot enough. You should hear the batter sizzle as soon as it hits the iron or fryer. This will ensure the outer crust of the waffle sets and crisps immediately.

Additionally, the ingredients you use can also impact the texture of your waffle. Buttermilk, for example, tends to make a heavier batter, resulting in less crispy waffles. Using milk instead will give you a thinner, more liquidy batter, which will make your waffles lighter and crispier.

Finally, adding too much moisture to the batter, such as by adding lots of fruit or vegetables, can also make your waffles soggy.

Frequently asked questions