Air Fryer Raw Waffles: Is It Possible?

Are you craving waffles but don't have a waffle maker? Or are you simply looking for a quicker and easier way to make this breakfast classic? You can make delicious waffles in an air fryer! Whether you prefer homemade or frozen waffles, an air fryer can give you the perfect level of crispiness on the outside while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

Waffle toppings

Waffles can be topped with a variety of sweet or savoury ingredients. Maple syrup is a classic choice, but you can also get creative with your waffle toppings. Here are some ideas for waffle toppings to inspire your next breakfast or brunch:

Sweet Toppings

• Fresh fruit such as sliced strawberries, blueberries, bananas, or peaches
• Fruit syrups like strawberry, buttermilk, or pomegranate syrup
• Lemon curd with whipped cream and berries
• Brown sugar butter syrup
• Whipped cream
• Peanut butter syrup or regular peanut butter
• Chocolate chips
• Honey
• Nutella
• Jam or jelly
• Chocolate sauce
• Marshmallows
• Crushed pineapple
• Coconut
• Caramel syrup
• Chocolate hazelnut spread
• Ice cream

Savoury Toppings

• Soft fried eggs
• Bacon
• Sausage gravy
• Chili and sour cream, shredded cheese, and avocado
• Pulled pork, barbecue sauce, and coleslaw
• Chicken tenders
• Ham and cheese
• Green onions

Waffle accompaniments

Waffles are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways and paired with numerous accompaniments. Here are some ideas for waffle accompaniments to elevate your breakfast, brunch, or dessert:

Sweet Toppings

• Maple syrup and butter: The classic combination of maple syrup and butter is a perfect match for waffles, enhancing their flavour and texture.
• Fresh fruits: Sliced apples, strawberries, blueberries, or other berries can add a burst of freshness and a touch of sweetness to your waffles.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream, either plain or flavoured with vanilla, can provide a creamy and indulgent touch.
• Chocolate: Try spreading chocolate hazelnut spread or Nutella on your waffle for a decadent treat. Alternatively, melt some chocolate and drizzle it over your waffle for a more sophisticated presentation.
• Caramel or fruit sauces: Strawberry, blueberry, or caramel sauces offer a delightful contrast to the crispiness of the waffle.
• Ice cream: Why not turn your waffle into an ice cream sundae? Add a scoop of your favourite ice cream flavour and let it melt into the waffle's pockets.
• Honey: Drizzle some honey over your waffle for a natural touch of sweetness.
• Dusting of sugar: A light dusting of icing sugar or powdered sugar can add a delicate sweetness and a beautiful presentation.

Savoury Sides

• Crispy bacon: Air-fried bacon can add a savoury crunch to your waffle dish.
• Scrambled eggs: For a heartier breakfast, serve your waffles with a side of fluffy scrambled eggs.
• Green onions: Chopped green onions can provide a mild onion flavour and a pop of colour to your scrambled eggs or other egg dishes.
• Hash browns: Air fryer hash browns from scratch can add a crispy and savoury element to your breakfast plate.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but the possibilities are endless! Feel free to experiment with different combinations of toppings and sides to create your own unique waffle dish.

Air fryer temperature

First off, yes, you absolutely can make raw waffles in an air fryer. It's an excellent alternative to traditional waffle irons or cooking methods. The air fryer gives you that desirable crisp on the outside while keeping the inside fluffy and soft, just as a good waffle should be.

Now, for the air fryer temperature and cooking time. It's recommended to cook your raw waffle batter at around 330°F to 350°F for about 5-10 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on your waffle's thickness and your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them after the 5-minute mark to ensure they don't overcook. Thicker Belgian waffles, for instance, might need an extra minute or so.

If you're cooking frozen waffles in your air fryer, the good news is they take even less time! You can have delicious, crispy frozen waffles ready in about 3 to 6 minutes at 360°F. Again, the timing will depend on your desired level of crispiness and the thickness of your waffles.

Some key tips to keep in mind:

• Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and that sought-after crispy exterior.
• Use a silicone waffle mold that fits inside your air fryer basket to prevent any batter spillage.
• Avoid overfilling the mold or basket; leave enough space for the batter to expand without overflowing.
• Lightly coat the mold or basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and achieve an even golden colour.
• Keep an eye on your waffles to avoid overcooking, especially after the 5-minute mark.
• If making multiple waffles, keep them warm in the oven at a low temperature until you're ready to serve, so everyone can enjoy hot, crispy waffles together.

So, whether you're making raw or frozen waffles, your air fryer temperature should be in the range of 330°F to 360°F, with adjustments made depending on your desired level of doneness and the model of your air fryer. Happy waffle-making!

Waffle crispiness

To get the ideal level of crispiness, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important not to overfill the waffle moulds or the air fryer basket. This can lead to uneven cooking and a dense texture. You should also preheat your air fryer, as this will help you achieve that sought-after crisp exterior.

When it comes to cooking time, most sources recommend cooking the waffles for around 3-6 minutes at 360°F/180°C, flipping them over halfway through. However, cooking time can vary depending on the type of air fryer and the thickness of the waffles, so it is important to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. For thicker waffles, you may need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

To finish off your crispy waffles, serve them with a variety of toppings. Maple syrup, butter, whipped cream, and fresh fruit are all popular choices, but you can also get creative with chocolate chips, peanut butter, or even a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream.

Waffle cooking times

When cooking frozen waffles in an air fryer, it is recommended to cook them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. You don't need to thaw them first. Simply place them in the air fryer basket and cook at 360°F/180°C for 4 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 1-3 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.

If you are making homemade waffles in an air fryer, you will need to use a silicone mold that fits inside your air fryer basket. First, prepare your waffle batter as usual, then spray your mold with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil spray. Fill the mold about 2/3 full and place it into the air fryer. Set the temperature to 330°F and cook for 4 minutes, then check and add about 3-4 minutes more.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so you may need to adjust the timing accordingly. Additionally, if you are cooking multiple batches, the subsequent batches may cook quicker, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Frequently asked questions