Air Fryer Waffles: A Quick Breakfast Treat

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious breakfast, air fryer waffles could be the answer. Frozen waffles cooked in an air fryer are ready in just a few minutes and can be topped with anything from classic maple syrup and butter to something more adventurous like peanut butter and banana. But can you get that perfect balance of crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside?

Why use an air fryer over a toaster?

Air fryers are a great alternative to toasters when it comes to cooking frozen waffles. Here are some reasons why you might prefer using an air fryer:

Counter Space

If you have limited counter space in your kitchen, an air fryer might be a better option. Toasters or toaster ovens can take up valuable space, whereas an air fryer can perform the same function without requiring as much room. This is especially useful if you have multiple appliances and want to streamline your setup.

Batch Cooking

Air fryers typically have larger cooking capacities than toasters, allowing you to cook more waffles at once. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can cook four or more waffles simultaneously, making it quicker and easier to prepare breakfast for a family or a large group.

Even Cooking

Air fryers circulate hot air to cook food, resulting in more even cooking than traditional toasters. Toasters often leave waffles either soggy or burnt, with inconsistent textures. Air fryers, on the other hand, can produce waffles that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, every time.

Precision

Air fryers offer more precise temperature and timing controls than toasters. Toasters usually have simple dials and browning charts, whereas air fryers allow you to set exact temperatures and timers. This precision ensures that you can cook your waffles to your desired level of doneness consistently.

Versatility

While a toaster is limited to toasting, an air fryer can cook, roast, steam, and toast, making it a more versatile appliance. With an air fryer, you can prepare a variety of dishes beyond just waffles, making it a valuable tool for any cook who wants to streamline their kitchen setup.

How to make frozen waffles in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen waffles (any kind)
• Optional: olive oil spray, butter, maple syrup, fresh fruit, or your favourite waffle toppings

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F/350°F. You can also prepare the air fryer basket with olive oil spray if needed, but 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 and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they are crispy.
• Plate the waffles and serve as desired! You can add classic toppings like maple syrup or butter, or try something different like apple slices and cinnamon, chocolate syrup, or whipped cream.

Tips:

• You don't need to preheat the air fryer when cooking frozen waffles.
• 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 are cooking a thicker waffle like a Belgian waffle, add a few minutes to the cook time to ensure they are cooked through and hot in the centre.

Topping ideas

Waffles cooked in an air fryer can be topped with almost anything. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Fresh Fruit

Fresh berries, bananas, and apples are all great options to add a touch of sweetness to your waffles. You can also try other fruits like kiwis, peaches, and grapefruit.

Syrups

Maple syrup is a classic choice, but you can also get creative with chocolate syrup, honey, or even a mixed berry syrup.

Spreads

Peanut butter, whipped cream, Greek yogurt, and butter are all delicious spread on waffles. For a special treat, try making your own strawberry whipped butter.

Nuts

Chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts can add a crunchy texture and a boost of protein to your waffle topping.

Sweet Treats

For an indulgent dessert-style waffle, top with ice cream, chocolate chips, or crushed candy sprinkles.

Savory Options

If you're feeling adventurous, try something savory like crispy bacon, fried or poached eggs, smoked salmon, avocado slices, or sautéed vegetables.

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:

• Bacon
• Sausages
• Ham
• Eggs (fried, boiled, or poached)
• Avocado slices
• Fried chicken
• Hash browns or skillet potatoes
• Sautéed green beans
• Baked mushrooms
• Grilled tomatoes
• Sautéed apples with cinnamon

Sweet Options:

• Maple syrup
• Honey
• Chocolate chips
• Whipped cream
• Greek yoghurt
• Fresh fruit (especially berries)
• Fruit salad
• Banana slices
• Peanut butter
• Jelly
• Chocolate sauce
• Ice cream
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Nut butters (e.g. peanut butter or hazelnut spread)
• Cinnamon

Full Meal Ideas:

• The Crunchy Flower Power Waffle: Top your waffle with Greek yoghurt and granola, and serve with a generous helping of fresh berries or a summer fruit salad on the side.
• Peanut butter, sliced bananas, and crispy bacon on a banana-flavoured waffle.
• Add lox, capers, and whipped cream cheese to your waffle, and serve with an avocado and citrus salad on the side.
• Top your waffles with fried eggs and bacon, and serve with grilled tomatoes, baked mushrooms, sautéed green beans, or homemade baked 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 on the side.
• Chocolate chip waffles topped 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 on the side.

Why did my waffles burn?

There are a few reasons why your waffles may have burned in the air fryer. One possible reason is that there were leftover crumbs or debris in your air fryer basket from previous use, which could have burned during the cooking process. To prevent this, ensure that you clean your air fryer basket after each use.

Another reason could be that the cooking time or temperature was too high. Waffles cook quickly in an air fryer, and even a slight increase in cooking time can lead to burning. Try reducing the cooking time by 1-2 minutes and lowering the temperature slightly. The ideal temperature for cooking frozen waffles in an air fryer is 360°F, and the cooking time can range from 3 to 6 minutes, depending on the type of waffle and your desired level of crispness. It is important to monitor the waffles closely during the cooking process and adjust the time and temperature as needed.

Additionally, the size and thickness of the waffles can impact how they cook. Smaller or thinner waffles may cook faster and are more prone to burning, so it is important to adjust the cooking time accordingly. It is recommended to cook waffles in a single layer to ensure even cooking and to avoid overlapping or stacking them.

Frequently asked questions