Toasting Waffles: Air Fryer Magic

If you're a waffle lover, you might be wondering if you can toast waffles in an air fryer. The answer is yes! Air-frying frozen waffles is a quick and easy way to cook them, resulting in perfectly toasted waffles that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

To cook frozen waffles in an air fryer, simply place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with no overlapping. Set the temperature to between 350 to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for around 3 to 6 minutes, flipping the waffles halfway through.

So, if you're looking for an alternative to using a toaster or microwave, give your air fryer a go! It might just become your new favourite way to enjoy waffles.

Why air-fry frozen waffles instead of using a toaster?

Air-frying frozen waffles is a quick and easy way to cook them while achieving perfectly toasted waffles that are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Here are some reasons why you might choose to air-fry your frozen waffles instead of using a toaster:

Counter Space:

If you have limited counter space in your kitchen, you may want to get rid of your toaster or toaster oven and opt for a more versatile appliance like an air fryer. By using just one appliance, you can save valuable counter space.

Batch Cooking:

A toaster typically holds only 2 waffles at a time, making it time-consuming to cook for a family or a larger group. With an air fryer, depending on its size, you can cook 4 or more waffles at once, saving you time and effort.

Even Cooking:

Toasters often cook unevenly, resulting in waffles that are either soggy or burnt. Air frying, on the other hand, provides consistent and dependable results. You won't have to worry about fiddling with the settings or toasting multiple times to get it right. Your waffles will be perfectly cooked every time.

Texture:

Achieving the perfect texture with a toaster can be challenging, especially if you prefer thick Belgian waffles. Air frying allows you to get that desired fluffy inside and crispy outside texture without compromising.

Appliance Preference:

Some people simply prefer the convenience of sticking to one appliance for their cooking needs. If your air fryer is already set up on your counter, it's much easier to pop the waffles in there than to pull out the toaster from the cabinet.

Toppings and Creativity:

While you can certainly top your toaster waffles with butter and syrup, air-fried waffles provide a perfect canvas for culinary creations. From classic toppings to more adventurous combinations like peanut butter and banana, the fluffy and crispy texture of air-fried waffles pairs well with a variety of toppings.

So, the next time you reach for those frozen waffles, consider giving your air fryer a try instead of the toaster. You might be pleasantly surprised by the delicious results!

What kind of waffles can you air-fry?

Air-frying is a great way to cook frozen waffles, and it works with any type of waffle. Whether you like blueberry, chocolate chip, or plain waffles, you can cook them to perfection in your air fryer. You can also use any brand of waffles, such as Eggo, or make your own and freeze them.

Thick waffles, such as Belgian waffles, may need an extra minute or two to cook through. Mini waffles, on the other hand, may need less time. It's important to keep an eye on your waffles as they cook to ensure they don't burn or dry out.

You can also get creative with your toppings. While maple syrup is a classic, you can also try fresh berries and whipped cream, peanut butter and banana slices, chocolate chips and powdered sugar, or even a dollop of ice cream and chocolate syrup.

How to air-fry frozen waffles

Air-frying frozen waffles is a quick and easy way to cook them while achieving perfectly crispy waffles every time. It's also a great way to free up counter space by getting rid of your toaster or toaster oven.

Step-by-Step Guide to Air-Frying Frozen Waffles:

• Place the frozen waffles in the air fryer basket: You can place them in a single layer or with a slight overlap if necessary. Avoid stacking them.
• Set the temperature and time: Cook the waffles at 360°F for 3 minutes.
• Flip the waffles: Use tongs to flip the waffles over and cook for another 1-3 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them.
• Serve: Remove the waffles from the air fryer and serve them immediately with your choice of toppings such as butter, maple syrup, or fresh fruit.

Tips for Making the Best Frozen Waffles in the Air Fryer:

• Keep the waffles in a single layer as much as possible to ensure even cooking.
• Flip the waffles halfway through for the best results and to allow the hot air to crisp up all sides.
• If cooking multiple batches, transfer the cooked waffles to an oven-safe platter and keep them warm in the oven at 200°F until ready to serve.
• Get creative with your toppings! While maple syrup is a classic, you can also try fresh berries and whipped cream, peanut butter and banana slices, chocolate chips and powdered sugar, or extra butter.

Troubleshooting:

• Why did my waffles burn? Check for leftover crumbs or debris in your air fryer basket, reduce the cooking time, or lower the temperature.
• Do I need to apply oil or non-stick spray? No, neither is necessary. However, you can add oil if you prefer a crispier texture.

Storing and Reheating:

• To store frozen waffles, transfer them immediately from your car to the freezer to prevent sogginess.
• For cooked waffles, let them cool, then wrap them in plastic or aluminium foil, or store in an airtight container or plastic bag. They will keep in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to two months.
• To reheat, place the waffles in the air fryer at 360°F until crispy and heated through.

Creative topping ideas

Waffles can be topped with almost anything! Here are some creative ideas to elevate your waffle toppings:

Fresh Fruit

Fresh berries, bananas, apples, kiwis, pineapple, peaches, and blueberries all make great waffle toppings. You could also try something more unusual, like grapefruit or cherries. Why not pair your fruit with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of honey, or a dusting of cinnamon?

Indulgent Treats

For a more indulgent option, try adding a scoop of ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, a sprinkle of chocolate chips, or a spread of chocolate-hazelnut spread like Nutella. You could even make a waffle ice cream sandwich!

Savoury Options

If you're feeling adventurous, try something savoury like fried chicken, bacon, eggs, or sausage. Chicken and waffles are a classic combination, but you could also pair your waffles with avocado, salsa, or jalapeno syrup. Or, for something really unusual, try goat cheese and balsamic syrup, or barbecue pulled pork with coleslaw.

Over-the-Top Creations

For a special occasion, go crazy with your waffle toppings! Try the "Elvis" – peanut butter, banana, and bacon – or the "Sundae", with ice cream, chocolate and caramel syrup, whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry. Or how about a waffle topped with mac and cheese and crumbled bacon, or crushed pineapple, coconut, and macadamia nuts?

What to serve with waffles

Waffles are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sweet or savoury sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve with waffles:

Sweet Options:

• Fresh fruit such as berries, bananas, pears, grapefruit, and apples.
• Yogurt, especially Greek yogurt with honey.
• Whipped cream, sugar-free if desired.
• Maple syrup.
• Chocolate chips and powdered sugar.
• Peanut butter.
• Chocolate hazelnut spread.
• Ice cream and chocolate syrup.

Savoury Options:

• Crispy air-fried/fried bacon.
• Sausages, especially breakfast sausages.
• Ham, such as thick-cut ham steaks.
• Fried chicken.
• Scrambled eggs, perhaps with green onions/scallions.
• Fried/boiled eggs.
• Poached eggs with avocado slices.
• Sautéed green beans.
• Hash browns.
• Baked mushrooms.
• Grilled tomatoes.

Full Meal Ideas:

• The Crunchy Flower Power Waffle: Top your waffle with Greek yogurt and granola, and serve with a generous helping of fresh berries or a summer fruit salad on the side.
• Banana and Bacon Waffle: Top a banana-flavoured waffle with peanut butter, sliced bananas, and crispy bacon. Serve with a large bowl of strawberry fruit salad for extra vitamins.
• The Lady Who Brunches: Add lox, capers, and whipped cream cheese to your waffle. Serve with an avocado and citrus salad on the side.
• The Classic English: Top your waffles with fried eggs and bacon, and serve grilled tomatoes, baked mushrooms, sautéed green beans, or homemade baked beans on the side.
• The Paradise: Make some berry cheesecake fruit salad or creamy fruit salad to serve on top of blueberry waffles.
• The Falling into Autumn: Serve pumpkin waffles topped with honey butter and chopped pecans, with a large helping of sautéed cinnamon apples on the side.
• The Everything Waffle: Top some chocolate chip waffles with Greek yogurt, granola, sliced bananas, strawberries, chopped nuts, and syrup.
• Blueberry Bliss: Serve blueberry waffles with Greek yogurt and honey, with fresh blueberries on the side.
• The Avocado Toast Waffle: Mash avocado with lime juice, salt, and pepper, and spread it on the waffles. Top with hard-boiled egg slices and serve with fresh or grilled tomatoes on the side.

Frequently asked questions