Air-Fried Waffles: A Quick, Easy Breakfast Treat

Air fryers are a great alternative to toasters for making waffles, especially if you're short on counter space or want to make more than two waffles at a time. They can cook waffles more evenly, resulting in a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. The cooking time will depend on your preferred level of crispiness, the size and thickness of the waffles, and the type of air fryer you have. You can also reheat waffles in an air fryer.

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

There are several reasons why you might want to opt for an air fryer over a toaster when making waffles. Firstly, air fryers can cook multiple waffles at once, whereas toasters are limited by the number of slots available. This makes the air fryer a more time-efficient option, especially if you're cooking for a family.

Secondly, air fryers offer more precise temperature and timing controls than toasters. While toasters often have a simple dial and browning chart, air fryers allow you to set exact temperatures and timers, making it easier to achieve your desired level of crispiness consistently.

Another advantage of air fryers is their cooking method. By circulating hot air, air fryers can crisp up the outside of the waffle while keeping the inside nice and fluffy. In contrast, toasters can sometimes leave waffles soggy or burnt on the outside while remaining cold on the inside.

Additionally, air fryers are versatile appliances that can cook, roast, steam, and toast, reducing the need for multiple appliances and saving valuable counter space. They are also handy for reheating waffles and keeping them warm until serving.

Lastly, air fryers are a great alternative if you don't have a toaster or if your toaster is broken. They provide a quick and easy way to make waffles with minimal prep and cleanup, resulting in crispy and fluffy waffles every time.

How to make frozen waffles in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen waffles (any kind)
• Olive oil spray (optional)
• Butter, maple syrup, fresh fruit, or your favorite waffle toppings (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F. You can also prepare the air fryer basket with olive oil spray if you wish, though this is not necessary.
• Place the frozen waffles in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It's okay if they overlap slightly.
• Air fry the waffles for 3 minutes, then flip them over.
• Air fry the waffles for another 1-2 minutes, until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
• Serve immediately with your choice of toppings, such as butter, maple syrup, or fresh fruit.

Tips:

• You don't need to preheat your air fryer when cooking frozen waffles.
• It's important to flip the waffles while cooking to ensure they are cooked properly and browned evenly on both sides.
• Different brands of waffles may cook at different rates depending on their thickness. Keep a close eye on the waffles after you flip them.
• If you're cooking Belgian waffles or other thicker waffles, you may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.
• If you're cooking more than one batch, transfer the cooked waffles to an oven-safe platter and store them in the oven at 200°F until you're ready to serve.

Topping ideas

There are endless possibilities when it comes to waffle toppings, and preparing them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook them while achieving perfectly crispy waffles every time. Here are some creative topping ideas to elevate your waffle game:

• Fresh Berries and Whipped Cream: Top your waffles with a generous helping of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. Add a dollop of whipped cream for a touch of sweetness and a creamy texture.
• Peanut Butter and Banana Slices: Spread some creamy peanut butter on your waffle and top it with fresh banana slices. This combination is a delightful mix of sweet and savoury.
• Chocolate Chips and Powdered Sugar: For a decadent treat, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over your waffle and dust it with powdered sugar. The chocolate chips will melt slightly, creating a gooey texture that pairs perfectly with the airy powdered sugar.
• Extra Butter and Maple Syrup: If you're a traditionalist, a classic combination of melted butter and maple syrup is always a winning choice. This duo never fails to satisfy those early morning sugar cravings.
• Apple Slices and Cinnamon: For a hint of warmth and spice, top your waffle with thinly sliced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This topping idea is perfect for those who prefer a slightly less sweet option.
• Savoury Options: If you're feeling adventurous, explore savoury toppings like crispy bacon, fried or poached eggs, smoked salmon, avocado slices, or sautéed vegetables. Why not try a waffle Benedict or a smoked salmon and cream cheese waffle bagel?

Remember, the beauty of waffles is their versatility, so feel free to experiment with different combinations or set up a waffle bar for a fun family brunch!

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:

• Fried or boiled eggs
• Crispy bacon
• Sausage links or patties
• Hash browns or skillet potatoes
• Fried chicken
• Avocado slices and poached eggs
• Smoked salmon and cream cheese
• Grilled tomatoes and baked mushrooms
• Sautéed green beans
• Sautéed apples with cinnamon

Sweet Options:

• Fresh fruit and maple syrup
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate chips
• Peanut butter
• Honey
• Greek yoghurt
• Nuts
• Granola
• Powdered sugar

Full Meal Ideas:

• The Crunchy Flower Power Waffle: Serve your waffle with Greek yoghurt, sprinkled with granola and a generous helping of fresh berries or summer fruit salad on the side.
• Peanut butter, sliced bananas and crispy bacon on a banana-flavoured waffle.
• Lox, capers and whipped cream cheese on your waffle, served with an avocado and citrus salad.
• Top your waffles with fried eggs and bacon, served with grilled tomatoes, baked mushrooms or sautéed green beans on the side.
• Scrambled eggs, sliced avocado and fresh salsa.
• Blueberry waffles with berry cheesecake fruit salad or creamy fruit salad.
• Pumpkin waffles topped with honey butter and chopped pecans, served with a large helping of sautéed cinnamon apples.
• Chocolate chip waffles with Greek yoghurt, granola, sliced bananas, strawberries, chopped nuts and syrup.
• Blueberry waffles with Greek yoghurt, honey and fresh blueberries.
• Mash avocado with lime juice, salt and pepper, and spread on the waffles. Top with hard-boiled egg slices and serve with fresh or grilled tomatoes.

Why do waffles burn in the air fryer?

Waffles burning in an air fryer could be due to a few reasons. Firstly, it is important to ensure that there are no leftover crumbs or debris in the air fryer basket from previous cooking sessions, as these could burn and cause your waffles to burn. Secondly, the cooking time and temperature may need to be adjusted. Reducing the cooking time by 1-2 minutes and lowering the temperature slightly can help prevent burning. For example, it is recommended to cook frozen waffles at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes, flip them, and then cook for an additional 1-3 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispness.

Additionally, the type of waffle and the specific air fryer model can also impact cooking time. Thicker waffles may require an extra minute of cooking time, and different air fryer models may cook at different temperatures and speeds. Therefore, it is important to monitor your waffles closely and adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly to prevent burning.

Frequently asked questions