Making Waffles In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can make waffles in an air fryer! In fact, cooking frozen waffles in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and fuss-free way to get perfect, evenly cooked, crispy waffles. The air fryer is also a great alternative if you don't have a toaster or want to free up counter space by using one appliance instead of two.

Why make waffles in an air fryer instead of a toaster?

Waffles are a fun and tasty breakfast option, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy alternative to using a toaster. Here are some reasons why you might choose an air fryer over a toaster:

More Efficient Use of Counter Space

If you have too many appliances, they will all be competing for cupboard and counter space. Using an air fryer instead of a toaster means one appliance can do the jobs of several, freeing up space for other uses.

Cook More Waffles at Once

An air fryer can cook several waffles at once, whereas a toaster is limited by the number of slots available. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can cook four or more waffles at the same time, making it quicker and easier to feed a family.

Better Texture and Consistency

Air fryers cook with circulated hot air, crisping up the outside of the waffle while leaving the inside nice and fluffy. Toasters, on the other hand, often produce waffles that are either too soggy or burnt on the outside, with the insides cold. Air fryers give you the perfect texture every time.

No Need for Preheating

Unlike some other cooking methods, air fryers require no preheating, making them a more efficient option when you're in a hurry.

More Consistent Results

Air fryers have precise timer and temperature settings, so you can be confident that your waffles will be cooked the way you like them every time. Toasters, on the other hand, often require you to fiddle around with a simple dial and a chart of different shades of brown to get the desired result.

How to make frozen waffles in an air fryer

Yes, you can make frozen waffles in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make them:

Step 1:

Place your frozen waffles in the air fryer basket. It is best to arrange them in a single layer, but a slight overlap is okay if you are cooking multiple waffles.

Step 2:

Set your air fryer to cook at around 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will vary depending on how crispy you like your waffles, but on average, they should take about 3 minutes on each side, or 5-6 minutes in total.

Step 3:

After the initial 3 minutes, flip the waffles and cook for an additional 1-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on your desired level of crispiness.

Step 4:

Once the waffles are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can top them with butter, maple syrup, fresh fruit, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, or any other toppings of your choice.

Tips:

• If you are cooking more than one batch, you can keep the cooked waffles warm in the oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit until you are ready to serve.
• There is no need to preheat the air fryer before cooking frozen waffles.
• You don't need to apply oil or non-stick spray to the air fryer basket or the waffles.
• Different brands of waffles may cook at different rates, so keep an eye on them the first time you cook them to avoid overcooking.
• If you are cooking thicker waffles, like Belgian waffles, you may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.

Enjoy your air-fried waffles!

Topping ideas for your waffles

There are endless ways to top a waffle, from sweet to savoury, and everything in between. Here are some ideas to elevate your waffles and take them to the next level.

Sweet Toppings

Waffles are often associated with sweet toppings, and the most classic choice is maple syrup. But why stop there? You can add fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries, blueberries, bananas, or peaches. For a more indulgent option, add a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or a sprinkle of nuts like pecans or walnuts. If you're feeling extra creative, make your own syrup at home, such as a creamy maple cream cheese syrup or a fruity strawberry syrup.

For a real treat, try a unique combination like S'mores waffles with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham cracker crumbs, or Pineapple Dream with crushed pineapple, coconut, and caramel syrup. If you're a peanut butter fan, combine it with Nutella or strawberry jam for a sweet and savoury balance.

Savoury Toppings

If you're feeling adventurous, explore the world of savoury waffles. Try a soft fried egg on top, or even a ladleful of sausage gravy for a hearty breakfast. For a fun twist, use waffles as a base for chilli and cornbread, adding toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and avocado. You can also go for a sweet and savoury combination, like ham and cheese waffles with a splash of hot sauce in your maple syrup.

Creative Combinations

Some people like to get creative with their waffle toppings, and the possibilities are endless. Try adding green onions to your waffle batter for an unexpected savoury twist, or go for a combination like strawberries and Nutella, banana and chocolate, or even avocado blossom honey.

So, there you have it! Whether you're a sweet tooth or a savoury enthusiast, there are countless ways to top your waffles and make them even more delicious. Get creative, experiment with different combinations, and enjoy your waffle creations!

What to serve with waffles

Waffles are a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. Here are some ideas for what to serve with waffles:

Savoury Options:

• Eggs: fried, boiled, poached, or scrambled eggs all make a great side dish or topping for waffles. You could also make an egg-based dish like a frittata or an egg breakfast casserole.
• Meat: bacon, fried chicken, or breakfast sausage are all tasty options to serve with waffles. Chicken and waffles is a classic pairing, and you can even make a fried chicken and waffles sandwich!
• Fish: smoked salmon is a fancy option, especially when served with cream cheese, mirroring the classic bagel with lox.
• Vegetables: sautéed green beans, grilled tomatoes, baked mushrooms, or onion roasted potatoes are some veggie sides that could complement waffles.

Sweet Options:

• Fruit: fresh fruit, such as berries, bananas, apples, or peaches, can be served as a side or used as a topping. Fruit salad is another option, and you could even try serving it as a topping on your waffles.
• Dairy: butter, whipped cream, yoghurt, or cream cheese can be spread on or served as a side with waffles.
• Nuts: crushed or chopped nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts, can add a crunchy texture to your waffles.
• Syrup: maple syrup is a classic waffle topping, but you could also try chocolate syrup or honey.
• Spreads: apple butter, applesauce, seed butter, or nut butter (such as peanut, almond, or macadamia butter) can be spread on waffles for added flavour.

Drinks:

Hot chocolate or lemonade are refreshing drink options to serve alongside waffles.

How to store waffles

Waffles can be stored in a variety of ways, depending on how long you want to keep them for. If you want to store them for a few days, you can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them.

To store waffles in the fridge, let them cool completely. Then, wrap them in plastic or aluminium foil. You can also put them in an airtight container or plastic bag, with a piece of parchment paper between each waffle to stop them from sticking together.

To freeze waffles, let them cool completely on a cooling rack. Do not stack them or lay them on a flat surface, as this will make them soggy. Once they are cool, wrap them or place them in an airtight container or plastic bag, with a piece of parchment paper between each waffle. You can also freeze them on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer bag once they are frozen. Frozen waffles will keep for up to two months.

Frequently asked questions