Air Fryer Frozen Waffles: Perfect Timing For Breakfast

Frozen waffles are a quick and easy breakfast option, and cooking them in an air fryer is a simple and hassle-free way to prepare them. Air fryers cook waffles more evenly than toasters, and the short cook time allows you to cook a large number of waffles, making them a great option for a fun family breakfast.

Waffle toppings

Frozen waffles are a quick and easy breakfast option, especially when cooked in an air fryer. They are done in just a few minutes, leaving ample time to focus on toppings.

Waffles are a versatile dish with a wide range of toppings to suit all tastes. The most popular choice is the classic maple syrup, but there are many other sweet syrups to explore, such as buttermilk, strawberry, or even a homemade maple cream cheese syrup. For a more indulgent option, try a drizzle of melted chocolate, nutty spreads like Nutella, or peanut butter syrup. A sprinkle of sea salt on top of these sweet toppings will create a delicious sweet-salty balance.

Fresh fruit is another popular choice, with strawberries, bananas, blueberries, and peaches all pairing well with the natural sweetness of the waffle. For a more gourmet option, try adding a handful of blueberries or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Lemon curd also works well as a tangy-sweet topping, especially when paired with freshly whipped cream and berries.

For those who prefer savoury options, there are plenty of choices too. Why not try a waffle with hot sauce, butter, and bourbon, or even fried chicken? For a more classic savoury option, poached eggs and hollandaise are a perfect combination.

Grilled chicken with bacon and maple syrup is another tasty option.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to waffle toppings, so get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite. Whether you like sweet, savoury, or a mix of both, there is a waffle topping to suit every taste.

As a reminder, when cooking frozen waffles in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to around 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the frozen waffles in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with some overlap being okay. Cook for 3 minutes, flip, and then cook for another 1-2 minutes until they are crispy to your liking. Serve immediately and enjoy with your chosen toppings.

Air fryer temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking frozen waffles in an air fryer is around 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit. Most air fryers have a standard setting of 350 degrees Fahrenheit, so you may not need to adjust the temperature at all. However, some sources recommend cooking at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for the best results.

It's important to note that the cooking time will depend on the thickness of your waffles and your desired level of crispness. Thin waffles, such as Eggo brand, will cook faster and may only need about 3-5 minutes in total. Thicker waffles may require an extra minute or two.

When cooking frozen waffles in an air fryer, it's best to start with a lower temperature and shorter cooking time to avoid burning them. You can always increase the temperature or cook them for a little longer if needed. Additionally, it's recommended to cook the waffles in a single layer, with some overlap being acceptable.

Some people prefer to cook their frozen waffles at a higher temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a shorter time of 3-4 minutes to achieve a crunchier texture. However, be cautious as a higher temperature may result in overbrowning and excessive crispness.

The key to successfully cooking frozen waffles in an air fryer is to monitor them closely and adjust the temperature and cooking time as needed. This may require some experimentation to dial in the perfect settings for your specific air fryer and personal preferences.

Air fryer preparation

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen waffles, as they can get them crispy and golden in just a few minutes. The short cooking time means you can make a large number of waffles quickly, making them an ideal choice for a fun family breakfast or brunch.

To prepare frozen waffles in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer. Most air fryers have a standard setting of around 350 degrees Fahrenheit, but you can go as high as 360 degrees. Place the frozen waffles in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with some overlap being okay if necessary.

Cook the waffles for 3 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 1-3 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispness. Thicker waffles may take an extra minute to cook. Keep a close eye on the waffles after you flip them, as they can go from golden to burnt quite quickly, depending on the temperature. Serve immediately with your favourite toppings, such as butter, maple syrup, peanut butter, or fresh fruit.

You can also get creative with your waffles and use them as a base for mini pizzas or s'mores, or as the bread in a breakfast sandwich. The possibilities are endless!

Waffle brands

Frozen waffles are a convenient breakfast option, and they're even better when cooked in an air fryer. The air fryer cooks frozen waffles quickly and gives them a crispy exterior while keeping the interior soft and fluffy. But with so many waffle brands available, which ones are the best for your air fryer?

Kashi's Frozen Waffles are a great option if you love the taste of whole grains but don't want too much sugar in your breakfast. Despite containing more sugar per serving than some other brands, Kashi's waffles have a barely discernible sweetness. They also offer a fair amount of dietary fiber, with 5 grams per two waffles.

Annie's Frozen Waffles stand out for their heft and sweetness. In a taste test, these waffles were found to be sweeter than other whole-grain options, even though they contain a similar amount of sugar. So, if you're looking for a whole-grain waffle that's a bit more indulgent, Annie's might be the brand for you.

Kroger's Homestyle Waffles are an excellent choice if you're looking for a bargain. These waffles are similar in thickness, texture, and taste to pricier name-brand options, like Eggo. However, they do contain a bit more salt, with 500 milligrams of sodium per two waffles. But if you're not concerned about sodium intake, Kroger's generic waffles offer top-tier quality at a low cost.

Wegman's Frozen Waffles are another excellent choice, especially if you're looking for a protein-packed option. These waffles have a substantial texture and a lovely flavour, likely due to the use of rye flour, wheat bran, and barley flour. They are also quite affordable, with six waffles costing only $3.49.

Kodiak is another brand that offers protein-packed frozen waffles. Their buttermilk and vanilla-flavoured waffles have a wonderful aroma, and the vanilla flavour is subtle and not artificial-tasting. These waffles also have a thick and crispy exterior, while the interior remains fluffy.

So, the next time you're stocking up on frozen waffles for your air fryer, consider giving these brands a try. Whether you're looking for whole grains, protein, or just a great deal, there's a waffle brand out there that's perfect for you.

Air fryer vs. toaster

Air fryers and toaster ovens are both countertop kitchen appliances that act like mini ovens, but there are key differences that make each one better suited for specific cooking tasks. For example, air fryers circulate hot air around food to achieve a crispy texture, while toaster ovens provide oven-like heat without air circulation, potentially creating hot spots.

Air fryers are great for reheating leftovers and restoring their crispy texture. They are also ideal for cooking frozen foods like waffles, as they cook quickly and can fit several waffles at once, depending on the air fryer's size. To cook frozen waffles in an air fryer, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer with some overlap. Set the temperature to 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 3 minutes. Flip the waffles and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they reach your desired level of crispiness. Serve immediately or keep them warm in the oven until ready to serve.

On the other hand, toaster ovens can perform almost all the functions of a full oven, such as baking bread, pizzas, and cookies, without having to heat up the entire oven. They often have a convection oven setting, which helps achieve crispier food. Toaster ovens also typically have a glass door that lets you see inside while cooking, unlike air fryers.

When deciding between an air fryer and a toaster oven, consider your specific needs and cooking habits. If you want a quick and easy way to reheat leftovers and cook frozen foods, an air fryer might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you're looking for more functionality and the ability to bake and cook a wider variety of dishes, a toaster oven might be the way to go.

Additionally, some people opt for a combination air fryer and toaster oven, which offers the best of both worlds. However, these combination appliances might not perform as well as dedicated air fryers or toaster ovens. Ultimately, the decision between an air fryer and a toaster oven depends on your personal preferences, cooking needs, and available counter space.

Frequently asked questions