Air-Fryer Waffles: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cooking waffles in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy this breakfast favorite. It is also one of the healthiest ways to cook food, as air frying requires minimal oil and doesn't leave food to cook in its own grease. The circulated hot air of the air fryer cooks the inside of the waffle perfectly while leaving a light and crispy outside. It's important to note that cooking times can vary based on the air fryer model and the size and thickness of the waffles. This article will provide a general guide on how to cook waffles in an air fryer, using both frozen and homemade waffle mixes.

Waffle and air fryer preparation

Waffles and air fryers are a match made in heaven. The air fryer can cook several waffles at once, and its timer and temperature settings ensure your waffles come out perfectly every time. Plus, it's a healthier way to cook your waffles, as it requires minimal oil and doesn't leave food to cook in its own grease.

First, decide if you want to make homemade waffles or use frozen ones. If you're short on time, frozen waffles are a great option, and you can find various flavors, including blueberry, strawberry, and chocolate chip.

If you opt for frozen waffles, simply place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It's okay if they overlap slightly, but try to keep them as close to a single layer as possible for even cooking. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (some sources suggest 350°F) and cook the waffles for 3 minutes. Then, flip them and cook for another 1-3 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.

For homemade waffles, start by making your waffle mix, either from scratch or using a store-bought mix. The batter should be thick yet pourable to ensure even cooking and proper expansion. Spray your waffle mold with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Fill the mold about two-thirds full and place it in the air fryer basket. Preheat your air fryer to 330°F and cook for about 8 minutes, checking for doneness after 4 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Whether you choose frozen or homemade waffles, the air fryer will deliver delicious, crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside waffles that are sure to impress!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for waffles in an air fryer depend on the type of waffle, the brand of air fryer, and the desired level of crispiness. For frozen waffles, preheat the air fryer to 350-360°F (175°C) and cook for 3 minutes. Then, flip the waffles and cook for an additional 1-3 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness. The total cooking time for frozen waffles in an air fryer is typically 5-6 minutes.

If you are cooking thicker waffles, such as Belgian waffles, you may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through and hot in the center. It is important to note that different brands of air fryers may also require different cooking times, so adjustments may be necessary depending on the specific air fryer model.

When making homemade waffles in an air fryer using a store-bought mix or a homemade batter, the cooking time and temperature can vary. It is recommended to set the air fryer to 330°F and cook the waffles for 4 minutes, and then check and add about 3-4 minutes more. The cooking time can be adjusted based on the desired level of crispiness and the specific air fryer model.

To prevent sticking and achieve a golden, crispy exterior, it is recommended to lightly spray the air fryer basket or waffle mold with a high smoke point oil or a non-stick cooking spray before adding the batter. Additionally, it is important to use the right batter consistency and not overfill the air fryer basket or mold to ensure even cooking.

How to achieve the perfect crisp

Achieving the perfect crisp when cooking waffles in an air fryer is a delicate art. The first step is to ensure that your waffles are frozen. This is because the circulated hot air of the air fryer will cook the inside of the waffle perfectly while leaving a light and crispy outside. If you are making your own waffle batter, it is important to aim for a thick yet pourable consistency. A batter that is too thin will spread too much and may not cook evenly, while a batter that is too thick might not expand properly, leading to dense waffles. When pouring your batter into the air fryer basket or mold, be careful not to overfill—fill it just enough to allow the batter to expand without overflowing.

The next step is to preheat your air fryer to 360°F. Some recipes suggest a lower temperature of 350°F, but this will depend on your air fryer model and the size of your waffles. It is important to note that you should not preheat your air fryer if you are cooking frozen waffles. Once your air fryer is preheated, prepare the air fryer basket with olive oil spray or non-stick cooking spray if needed. This will help to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

Now it's time to cook your waffles! Place the frozen waffles or the waffle mold in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Some overlap is okay, but try to keep them in as close to a single layer as possible so that they cook evenly. Set the timer for 3 minutes, then flip the waffles and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until they reach your desired level of crispiness. If you are cooking thicker waffles, you may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through and hot in the center.

Finally, remove the waffles from the air fryer and serve immediately. Top your waffles with your favorite fresh berries, whipped cream, maple syrup, or any other desired toppings. Enjoy your perfectly crisp waffles!

Waffle toppings

There are endless ways to top a waffle, from sweet to savoury. Here are some ideas for waffle toppings:

Fruity Options

• Fresh berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries
• Banana slices
• Peach slices or peach compote with a hint of lemon and a splash of bourbon
• Sliced apples
• Fruit salad
• Lemon curd with a scoop of whipped cream and a handful of berries
• Strawberry syrup
• Blueberry syrup
• Pomegranate syrup
• Meyer lemon syrup

Syrups and Sauces

• Maple syrup (or bourbon maple syrup)
• Peanut butter syrup
• Buttermilk syrup
• Brown sugar butter syrup
• Chocolate sauce
• Caramel sauce
• Cheesecake topping (cream cheese mixed with powdered sugar and vanilla)
• Devonshire cream (cream cheese, whipped cream, and confectioner's sugar)
• Almond butter
• Orange cashew butter
• Jam, such as strawberry jam
• Applesauce or pear sauce

Other Sweet Options

• Whipped cream
• Powdered sugar
• Chocolate chips
• Mini marshmallows
• Graham crackers or Graham cracker crumbs
• Cookie butter
• Nutella

Savoury Options

• Fried chicken
• Bacon
• Hot sauce
• Butter
• Poached eggs and hollandaise sauce

Waffle batter

To make waffle batter from scratch, you will need flour, baking powder, eggs, milk, sugar, and butter. Mix these ingredients together until you have a thick yet pourable batter. You can adjust the consistency of the batter by adding more milk or flour. If you prefer sweet waffles, you can add more sugar to the batter.

Once you have achieved the desired consistency, it is time to cook the waffles. Preheat your air fryer to 330°F (165°C). While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your waffle maker by spraying it with a non-stick cooking spray or olive oil spray. This will ensure that your waffles do not stick to the waffle maker and will also help to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

When your air fryer is preheated, it is time to pour the batter into the waffle maker. Fill the waffle maker about two-thirds full, leaving enough space for the batter to expand. Close the lid of the waffle maker and place it in the air fryer basket. Set the timer for 4 minutes, then check on the waffles and add an additional 3-4 minutes of cooking time if needed.

If you are making multiple waffles, keep the cooked ones warm in the oven on a low setting while you finish cooking the rest. This way, everyone can enjoy hot, crispy waffles together. You can also experiment with different flavors by adding ingredients like vanilla extract, cinnamon, or citrus zest to the batter. For added texture and taste, try mixing in chocolate chips, blueberries, or chopped nuts.

Frequently asked questions