Air Fryer Frozen Waffles: Quick, Easy Breakfast

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious breakfast, air fryer frozen waffles are the way to go. They're a convenient alternative to using a toaster or oven, and they come out perfectly crispy and fluffy every time. All you need are your favourite frozen waffles and an air fryer!

How to make frozen waffles in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Before placing the waffles in the air fryer, you may want to preheat it to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Some recipes also suggest preparing the air fryer basket with olive oil spray if needed, but others claim that non-stick spray is unnecessary.

Step 2: Place the Frozen Waffles in the Air Fryer

Place the frozen waffles in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It is okay if the waffles overlap slightly, but try to keep them as close to a single layer as possible so they cook evenly.

Step 3: Cook the Waffles

Air fry the waffles at 360 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will depend on how crispy you like your waffles. One source suggests cooking them for 3 minutes, then flipping and cooking for another 1-2 minutes. Another source recommends cooking them for 6 minutes total, flipping them halfway through. If you like your waffles crunchier, you can cook them for up to 7 minutes total, flipping halfway through.

Step 4: Serve

Remove the waffles from the air fryer and serve immediately. Waffles are typically served with butter and maple syrup, but you can get creative with toppings such as fresh fruit, chocolate chips, peanut butter, or whipped cream.

Tips:

• If you are cooking more than one batch, transfer the cooked waffles to an oven-safe platter and store them in the oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit until you are ready to serve.
• If your waffles are burning, check your air fryer basket for any leftover crumbs or debris, and consider reducing the cooking time and temperature.

Why air fryer frozen waffles are better than using a toaster

Air fryers have become increasingly popular, and for good reason. They can cook, roast, steam, and toast, making them a one-stop shop for many cooks. But how do they fare when it comes to frozen waffles?

Texture

The main benefit of using an air fryer for frozen waffles is that it gives you the perfect balance of crispiness on the outside and fluffiness on the inside. This is because air fryers cook with circulated hot air, which a toaster, with its wire sheets, cannot do. Air fryers also allow you to cook several waffles at once, whereas a toaster is limited by the number of slots it has.

Control

Air fryers also give you more control over the cooking process. They have a timer and exact temperature settings, so you can get your waffles just the way you like them every time. Toasters, on the other hand, usually have a simple dial and a chart of different shades of brown, which doesn't allow for the same level of precision.

Space

Another advantage of using an air fryer is that it saves space. Instead of having multiple appliances, you can use one appliance to do the job of several. This is especially beneficial if you have a small kitchen or limited counter space.

Speed

Air fryers are also speedy. Frozen waffles are usually done in an air fryer in 5 minutes or less, which is much faster than preheating an oven. This makes them a great option for busy mornings when you need to get breakfast on the table quickly.

Versatility

Finally, air fryers offer more versatility when it comes to toppings. While butter and maple syrup are classic choices, you can also get creative and add apple slices and cinnamon or even savory toppings like fried eggs or avocado slices.

In conclusion, while the toaster is the most common way to cook a frozen waffle, air fryers offer several advantages that make them a better choice. They give you more control over the texture and doneness of your waffles, save space in your kitchen, and offer more versatility when it comes to toppings. So, if you're looking for the perfect frozen waffles, an air fryer is definitely the way to go!

Recommended temperature and time for cooking frozen waffles in an air fryer

To cook frozen waffles in an air fryer, it is recommended that you set the temperature to between 350 and 360 degrees Fahrenheit. The waffles will then need to cook for around 3 minutes before being flipped and cooked for a further 1 to 3 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them.

It is important to avoid overlapping the waffles in the air fryer basket, although some overlap is okay if necessary. 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.

Topping ideas for your waffles

Yes, you can cook frozen waffles in an air fryer! They are done in 5 minutes and you can add your favourite toppings. Here are some ideas:

Sweet Toppings

• Maple syrup
• Whipped cream
• Fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, bananas, peaches)
• Fruit syrups (strawberry, lemon, pomegranate, buttermilk)
• Lemon curd
• Brown sugar butter syrup
• Honey
• Chocolate-hazelnut spread (e.g. Nutella)
• Peanut butter
• Ice cream
• Chocolate sauce
• Jam
• Jelly
• Powdered sugar
• Greek yoghurt
• Chocolate syrup
• Crushed nuts

Savoury Toppings

• Bacon
• Eggs
• Avocado slices
• Sautéed vegetables
• Smoked salmon
• Chili
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Pulled pork
• Barbecue sauce
• Coleslaw
• Chicken
• Steak

What to serve with your waffles

So, you want to make some frozen waffles in your air fryer? Great idea! They're done in 5 minutes flat, so now you just need to think about what to serve with them. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Savoury Options

• Eggs: fried, poached or scrambled.
• Frittata: a Greek yoghurt frittata is a great way to add some protein to your meal.
• Breakfast casserole.
• Hash Browns or skillet potatoes.
• Breakfast sausages.
• Bacon.
• Smoked salmon and cream cheese.
• Fried chicken.
• Cottage cheese.
• Sautéed vegetables.
• Avocado slices and poached eggs.
• Cheddar cheese and ham.

Sweet Options

• Whipped cream and berries.
• Peanut butter and banana.
• Parfait: yoghurt, fresh strawberries and granola.
• Blueberry almond butter.
• Apple crisp: applesauce, sautéed apples or air fryer apples with cinnamon granola.
• Fruit salad.
• Fresh fruit.
• Fruit pizza.
• Hot chocolate.
• Honey.
• Chocolate hazelnut spread.
• Chunky peanut butter.
• Powdered sugar.
• Greek yoghurt.
• Chocolate syrup.
• Crushed nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts).

Waffle Topping Combinations

• Butter and syrup.
• Whipped cream and berries.
• Peanut butter and banana.
• Parfait: yoghurt, fresh strawberries and granola.
• Blueberry almond butter.
• Apple crisp: applesauce, sautéed apples or air fryer apples with cinnamon granola.
• Savoury herb and cheese: omit the sugar and vanilla in your waffle recipe and spread a layer of goat cheese into the pockets. Top with freshly chopped parsley, basil and sliced tomatoes.
• Avocado "toast": serve the filling from avocado chickpea toast on waffles instead. Omit the sugar and vanilla from your waffle recipe.

Frequently asked questions