Air Fryer Waffles: Is It Possible?

If you're looking for a quick and easy breakfast, air-fried frozen waffles could be your new go-to. They're a great alternative to using a toaster or oven and can be ready in as little as five minutes. Simply place your frozen waffles in the air fryer basket in a single layer, cook at 350–360°F for three minutes, flip, and then cook for another one to three minutes, depending on how crispy you like them. Serve with your favourite toppings, such as maple syrup, butter, or fresh fruit.

Waffle toppings

Waffles are a versatile dish that can be topped with a variety of sweet or savoury options. Here are some ideas for waffle toppings:

Sweet Toppings

• Maple syrup is a classic choice and can be paired with butter.
• Fresh fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, bananas, or peaches. Fruit can also be cooked or served as a compote.
• Whipped cream, either homemade or from a can, adds a fluffy texture.
• Honey is a delicious addition, especially when paired with fruit or nuts.
• Chocolate chips, chocolate sauce, or Nutella for a sweet treat.
• Peanut butter provides a savoury balance to sweeter toppings.
• Jams or jellies add a burst of flavour.
• Sprinkles for a fun, colourful touch.
• Ice cream for a indulgent dessert-style waffle.

Savoury Toppings

• Soft fried eggs and bacon for a hearty breakfast.
• Sausage gravy for a rich and savoury option.
• Chili and cornbread waffles topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, and avocado for a unique combination.
• Pulled pork, barbecue sauce, and coleslaw for a BBQ-inspired waffle.
• Bacon and maple syrup for a sweet and salty combination.
• Chicken tenders or fried chicken for a crispy and juicy contrast.

Waffle accompaniments

Waffles are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways and paired with a range of accompaniments. Here are some ideas for waffle toppings and sides:

Sweet Toppings

• Butter and maple syrup: A classic combination that is hard to beat.
• Fresh fruit: Sliced strawberries, blueberries, bananas, or any other fruit of your choice will add a burst of freshness and colour to your waffle.
• Whipped cream: For an extra indulgent touch, add a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
• Chocolate chips or Nutella: For chocolate lovers, these options provide a sweet and decadent twist.
• Nut butters: Try something different with peanut butter or hazelnut spread.
• Powdered sugar: Sprinkle on some powdered sugar for an extra sweet kick.
• Apple slices and cinnamon: A warming and flavourful combination.
• Strawberry jam: Spread some jam on your waffle for a fruity and sweet treat.
• Vanilla glaze: Drizzle a vanilla glaze over your waffle for an elegant and tasty finish.
• Blueberry sauce: This sauce will add a pop of colour and a burst of flavour to your waffle.

Savoury Sides

• Bacon: Crisp, fried bacon is a classic savoury side that pairs well with the sweetness of a waffle.
• Fried chicken: For a heartier option, serve your waffle with a side of crispy fried chicken.
• Scrambled eggs: For a more substantial breakfast, pair your waffle with some fluffy scrambled eggs.
• Yogurt: A healthy and protein-packed option to balance out the sweetness of the waffle.

Air fryer settings

Temperature Settings:

• The ideal temperature for cooking waffles in an air fryer is around 350°F to 360°F. This temperature range will give you a nice balance between a crispy exterior and a fluffy, soft interior.
• If you prefer your waffles with a medium toasted texture, you can cook them at 320°F for 3 minutes.
• For crispier waffles, increase the cooking time to 4 minutes at the same temperature.
• If you like your waffles lightly toasted, 2 minutes at 320°F will do the trick.

Timing:

• The cooking time for waffles in an air fryer can vary depending on your desired level of doneness. On average, it takes about 5-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to cook waffles thoroughly.
• Some recipes suggest cooking waffles at 360°F for 3 minutes, then flipping them and cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
• It's important to keep an eye on your waffles and check for doneness around the 5-minute mark to prevent overcooking. They should be golden brown and slightly crisp to the touch.

Preheating:

Preheating your air fryer is not necessary, according to some sources. However, others recommend preheating to ensure even cooking and to achieve the desired crispy exterior.

Using a Waffle Mold:

• When making homemade waffles in an air fryer, it is essential to use a waffle mold or a silicone mold. This ensures that your batter doesn't spill or overflow during cooking.
• Fill your mold about 2/3 full to allow for expansion without overflowing.

Other Tips:

• It is recommended to use a light coating of non-stick cooking spray or olive oil spray on the air fryer basket or mold to prevent sticking and promote a golden, crispy exterior.
• If you're cooking frozen waffles, there's no need to defrost them before placing them in the air fryer. Cook them straight from frozen for the best results.
• If you want to add a buttery flavour to your waffles, you can spread butter on them and toast them at 310°F for an additional minute after they've finished cooking.

Waffle crispiness

The crispiness of a waffle is a key factor in determining its quality. No one wants a soggy waffle! Cooking waffles in an air fryer can help achieve the perfect level of crispiness, but it's important to consider various factors to get the desired result.

Firstly, the cooking temperature plays a crucial role in waffle crispiness. Most sources recommend setting the air fryer to around 360°F (182°C) for cooking waffles. A higher temperature will result in crispier waffles, while a lower temperature will yield softer waffles. For example, cooking at 350°F (177°C) for a shorter time will produce softer waffles.

Secondly, the cooking time directly impacts the crispiness of waffles. The longer the cooking time, the crispier the waffles will be. Typically, cooking waffles in an air fryer takes around 3 to 6 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness. It's important to keep an eye on the waffles to avoid overcooking them, as they can quickly turn from crispy to burnt.

Another factor that affects crispiness is the arrangement of waffles in the air fryer basket. For even cooking and maximum crispiness, it's best to place the waffles in a single layer with minimal overlap. This allows the hot air to circulate around each waffle, crisping up all sides evenly.

Additionally, flipping the waffles halfway through the cooking time is crucial for achieving the desired crispiness. By flipping the waffles, both sides get exposed to direct heat, resulting in an even cook and a consistent texture.

The type of waffle and individual preferences also come into play when aiming for the perfect level of crispiness. Thicker waffles, such as Belgian waffles, may require a few extra minutes in the air fryer to ensure they are cooked through while still achieving the desired crispiness. Some people prefer their waffles crunchier, so they might cook them for a longer time or at a higher temperature.

Lastly, while not necessary, applying a small amount of oil or non-stick spray to the air fryer basket can help enhance the crispiness of the waffles. This is because the oil provides a medium for the heat to act on, resulting in a crispier exterior while keeping the interior soft and fluffy.

Waffle preparation

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You can either make your waffle batter from scratch or use a store-bought mix. If you're making it from scratch, you will need ingredients like flour, baking powder, eggs, milk, and butter. For a store-bought mix, simply follow the instructions on the box.

Next, prepare your waffle batter. If you're using a mix, follow the package instructions. If you're making the batter from scratch, whisk together the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. Then, slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until you have a smooth batter.

Now, it's time to cook the waffles. If using an air fryer, preheat it to 330-360 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray your waffle mold or the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Fill your mold about two-thirds full and place it in the air fryer basket. Alternatively, you can pour the batter directly into the air fryer basket if you don't have a mold, ensuring it is spread evenly and not overlapping.

Cook the waffles for 4-6 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. If using a mold, you may need to cook for a few minutes longer. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the waffles to ensure even cooking.

Once the waffles are golden brown and cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can enjoy them plain or with a variety of toppings, such as butter, maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a dollop of peanut butter.

Finally, don't forget to clean your air fryer afterward. Allow it to cool down, and then wipe away any spills or drips to prevent sticking and ensure your air fryer is ready for your next waffle-making adventure.

Frequently asked questions