Warming Waffles: Air Fryer Style

Waffles are a beloved breakfast staple, but what happens when you're left with leftovers? Reheating them in an air fryer is a great way to restore their crispy texture. To do this, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C), place the waffles in the basket, and heat for about 3-5 minutes. This method ensures a crispy texture, but be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow for even reheating. You can also reheat frozen waffles in the air fryer, which takes about 5 minutes.

Waffle texture and taste

Waffles are a beloved breakfast staple, known for their distinctive texture and taste. The ideal waffle is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and it is this balance that needs to be maintained when reheating.

The air fryer is a great appliance to use when reheating waffles, as it ensures they retain their delicious crunchiness. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the waffle, crisping up the exterior without drying out the interior. This method produces waffles with a crispy exterior and a warm, soft interior.

When reheating waffles in an air fryer, it is important to first preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for achieving an even and consistent cooking environment. Once preheated, the waffles should be placed in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with no overlap. This ensures that the hot air can circulate properly and cook the waffles evenly.

The reheat time will vary depending on the thickness of the waffle and whether it is frozen or leftover. For leftover waffles, reheat for 2-3 minutes until hot and crispy. For frozen waffles, increase the time to 4 minutes, flipping the waffles halfway through if desired.

It is important to note that while some overlap is okay, overcrowding the air fryer basket should be avoided. Reheating in batches may be necessary to ensure even cooking. Additionally, the waffles should be served immediately after reheating to prevent them from drying out or becoming too crisp.

The air fryer method is a quick and efficient way to reheat waffles, producing a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. By following these steps, you can enjoy warm and crispy waffles with your desired toppings in just a few minutes.

How to reheat frozen vs. refrigerated waffles

Waffles are a great breakfast option, but sometimes you may find yourself with leftovers. The good news is that it's super easy to reheat cooked waffles, whether they are frozen or refrigerated. You can reheat them in the toaster, air fryer, oven, or toaster oven.

Reheating Frozen Waffles in the Air Fryer

If you are starting with frozen waffles, first place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It is okay if they overlap slightly. Set the air fryer to 360°F and cook the waffles for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes, flip the waffles and continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until they reach your desired level of crispiness.

Reheating Refrigerated Waffles in the Air Fryer

The process for reheating refrigerated waffles in the air fryer is very similar. Simply place the leftover waffles in the air fryer in a single layer (again, some overlap is okay) and cook at 360°F until the waffles are crispy on the outside and heated through.

Other Options for Reheating Waffles

In addition to using an air fryer, you can also reheat waffles in the oven, toaster, or toaster oven. Reheating waffles in the oven is a great option if you want to reheat a large batch at the same time. This method can take a bit longer, but will result in delicious, perfectly cooked waffles. To reheat waffles in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F, place the waffles on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, and heat for 5-10 minutes, or until crispy.

Reheating waffles in the toaster is a quick and easy option, but you can only reheat two at a time. Place the waffles directly into the toaster slots and use a medium setting. The reheating time will depend on the thickness of the waffles, but it usually takes about 1-2 minutes for refrigerated waffles and 2-3 minutes for frozen waffles.

The toaster oven is another option that is quicker than the oven and can heat multiple waffles at once. Place the waffles on a rack or a small sheet pan (they can overlap but should not be stacked) and heat at the lowest setting for about 3 minutes if fresh, and 5 minutes if frozen.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature for reheating waffles in an air fryer is 350°F (175°C). Some sources suggest a slightly higher temperature of 360°F, and one source recommends 375°F for the best results.

The timing depends on the type of waffle and the desired level of crispiness. Frozen waffles will take longer to heat than refrigerated ones. For refrigerated waffles, 3-5 minutes should be enough, flipping them halfway through. Frozen waffles will need 7-9 minutes, also flipping them halfway. If you like your waffles extra crispy, you can leave them in the air fryer for up to 10 minutes.

If you are reheating cooked waffles, 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C) should be enough. For frozen leftover waffles, increase the time to 4 minutes, flipping them halfway through if you like.

If you are cooking frozen waffles, the timing will depend on the type of waffle and the desired crispiness. Mini waffles will take about 2 minutes, while medium-sized waffles will take 3-5 minutes. Thicker and larger waffles will need 6-8 minutes. Don't forget to flip them halfway through the cooking time for even crisping on both sides.

Waffle toppings

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

Sweet Toppings:

• Maple syrup
• Honey
• Chocolate chips
• Whipped cream
• Fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, bananas, peaches)
• Fruit syrups (strawberry syrup, buttermilk syrup, pomegranate syrup, lemon syrup)
• Fruit compote (strawberry compote)
• Fruit preserves (lemon curd)
• Fruit with a light sauce (peaches with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of bourbon)
• Fruit with cream (strawberries and cream)
• Fruit with yoghurt (fresh fruit with Greek yoghurt)
• Peanut butter
• Nutella
• Jam
• Jelly
• Butter
• Ice cream
• Chocolate sauce
• Caramel sauce
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Sugar
• Sprinkles
• Chocolate
• Marshmallows
• Graham cracker crumbs
• Cookie butter
• Condensed milk
• Honey butter
• Vanilla sauce
• Powdered sugar
• Pecans
• Walnuts
• Almonds
• Hazelnuts
• Crushed nuts
• Coconut

Savoury Toppings:

• Bacon
• Eggs (fried eggs, soft-boiled eggs, poached eggs)
• Sausages
• Chicken (chicken tenders, fried chicken)
• Ham
• Cheese
• Chives
• Avocado
• Smoked salmon
• Sautéed vegetables

Combinations:

• S'mores (mini chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, chocolate syrup, and Graham cracker crumbs)
• Brown sugar score (mini chocolate chips, brown sugar, score crumbs, caramel syrup)
• Pineapple Dream (crushed pineapple, brown sugar, coconut, whipped topping, caramel syrup)
• Strawberries and cream
• Strawberries and Nutella
• Hot sauce butter and bourbon maple syrup
• Bananas foster
• Peanut butter and banana
• Chocolate and peanut butter
• Strawberries and chocolate
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Whipped cream and berries
• Whipped cream and chocolate chips
• Chicken and waffles
• Chicken and maple syrup
• Chicken and bacon
• Bacon and maple syrup
• Bacon and butter
• Sausage and gravy
• Chili and cornbread
• Pulled pork, barbecue sauce, and coleslaw
• Ham and cheese
• Ham, cheese, and maple syrup
• Ham, cheese, and "hot" maple syrup (maple syrup with a splash of hot sauce)
• Brie and apple slices
• Apple cinnamon with cream
• Tuna

Waffle storage

Waffles can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, depending on how long you plan to keep them. If you plan to eat your waffles within the next few days, it is best to store them in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days.

If you want to keep your waffles for longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze waffles, allow them to cool completely after cooking. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Once they are frozen solid, transfer the waffles to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

When you are ready to eat your frozen waffles, there is no need to thaw them. Simply place them directly in the air fryer and cook at 360°F for about 3-4 minutes until they are hot and crispy. You can also reheat leftover waffles in the air fryer to restore their crispy texture. Place them in the air fryer at 360°F for 1-2 minutes, and they will be warm and crispy again.

Additionally, there are some specific waffle storage containers available, such as the Kellogg's Eggo Expand-O Freezer Container, which holds up to 10 waffles.

Frequently asked questions