Can You Make Waffles in the Air Fryer Discover How

Yes, you can make waffles in the air fryer—and they come out crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside with minimal effort. This quick, mess-free method works with both homemade batter and frozen waffles, delivering golden perfection in under 10 minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can make waffles in an air fryer with great results and minimal effort.
• Use a greased or non-stick basket to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
• Preheat the air fryer for evenly cooked, crispy waffles every time.
• Cook time is faster than traditional waffle irons—typically 5 to 8 minutes.
• Batch cooking works well—make multiple waffles and freeze for quick meals.
• Try store-bought or homemade batter—both adapt perfectly to air fryer waffles.

Can You Make Waffles in the Air Fryer? Discover How

Imagine waking up on a lazy Sunday morning, the smell of golden, crispy waffles wafting through the air. You reach for your trusty air fryer, and instead of pulling out the bulky waffle iron, you wonder: Can I make waffles in the air fryer? If this thought has ever crossed your mind, you’re not alone. The air fryer has revolutionized home cooking with its ability to crisp food without excess oil, and waffles might just be the next frontier.

As someone who loves breakfast foods but hates the clutter of single-use appliances, I’ve experimented with making waffles in my air fryer. The results? A mix of surprise, delight, and a few lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re short on counter space, want to avoid heating up your kitchen with a hot waffle iron, or simply love the idea of crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside waffles, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. Let’s dive into the world of air fryer waffles and discover if it’s a match made in breakfast heaven.

Why Try Making Waffles in an Air Fryer?

Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the why. Why would you want to make waffles in an air fryer instead of a traditional waffle iron? The answer lies in convenience, versatility, and a few surprising benefits that might not be obvious at first glance.

1. Less Heat, Less Mess

Traditional waffle irons can get scorching hot and take up precious counter space. They also require careful handling to avoid burns and often leave behind sticky batter residue. An air fryer, on the other hand, heats up faster, stays contained, and doesn’t require constant supervision. Plus, the basket design means less splatter and easier cleanup—no more scrubbing between waffle grids!

2. Perfect for Small Households

If you’re cooking for one or two, making a full batch of waffles in a standard waffle iron can feel wasteful. Air fryers typically have smaller baskets (4-6 quarts), making them ideal for cooking one or two waffles at a time. You can also make waffles as needed without committing to a full batch, which is great for meal prep or picky eaters.

3. Crispy Texture Without the Oil

One of the biggest perks of air fryers is their ability to create crispy exteriors using little to no oil. When you make waffles in an air fryer, the circulating hot air gives them a satisfying crunch—similar to deep-fried waffles—without the greasiness. This makes them a slightly healthier option, especially if you’re watching your oil intake.

4. Versatility Beyond Breakfast

Here’s a fun twist: air fryer waffles aren’t just for syrup and butter. You can use them for savory dishes too! Think waffle-style grilled cheese, chicken and waffles, or even mini waffle pizzas. The air fryer’s even heating makes it easier to experiment with different batters and fillings without worrying about undercooked centers or burnt edges.

Pro Tip: If you’re new to air fryer cooking, start with a simple batter and a silicone liner to avoid sticking. Once you’re comfortable, you can branch out into more creative recipes.

What You Need to Make Air Fryer Waffles

Making waffles in an air fryer doesn’t require a lot of special gear, but a few key tools and ingredients will set you up for success. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Equipment

• Air fryer: Any model with a basket (4-6 quarts is ideal).
• Silicone waffle mold or liner: This is a game-changer. Silicone molds are flexible, non-stick, and come in various shapes (round, square, heart-shaped). You can also use a silicone liner to line the basket directly.
• Spatula or tongs: For removing waffles without breaking them.
• Mixing bowls and whisk: For preparing the batter.

Ingredients for Classic Waffles

You can use your favorite waffle recipe, but here’s a simple, reliable base that works well in the air fryer:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
• 1 ½ cups milk (or buttermilk for extra fluffiness)
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons melted butter or oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Note: For gluten-free waffles, swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. For vegan waffles, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and use plant-based milk and oil.

Optional Add-Ins and Variations

Want to jazz up your waffles? Try these mix-ins:

• Chocolate chips or blueberries (fold into the batter)
• Cinnamon or nutmeg (for spice lovers)
• Zest of lemon or orange (for a bright flavor)
• Crushed nuts or oats (for texture)

Pro Tip: If you’re using frozen fruit, toss it in a little flour before folding into the batter to prevent sinking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Waffles in the Air Fryer

Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s walk through the process. Making waffles in an air fryer is surprisingly simple, but there are a few nuances to get the best results.

1. Prepare Your Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures the waffles start cooking immediately and helps achieve that crispy exterior. While it’s heating, line the basket with a silicone liner or mold. If you’re using a liner, make sure it fits snugly without overlapping the edges.

Why preheat? Just like with a waffle iron, starting with a hot surface prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.

2. Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar). In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients (milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla). Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix—a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough waffles.

Pro Tip: Let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking. This allows the gluten to relax and the baking powder to activate, resulting in fluffier waffles.

3. Pour and Cook

Lightly grease the silicone mold or liner with cooking spray or a little oil (this is optional but helps with browning). Pour about ½ cup of batter into the mold, spreading it evenly. Don’t overfill—the waffle will expand slightly as it cooks.

Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes. The exact time will depend on your air fryer model and the thickness of your waffle. Check around the 7-minute mark: the waffle should be golden brown and firm to the touch. If it’s still soft, add 1-2 more minutes.

4. Remove and Serve

Using a spatula or tongs, carefully lift the waffle out of the mold. It should release easily if you used a silicone liner. If you’re making multiple waffles, you can keep them warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you cook the rest.

Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, brush the cooked waffle with a little melted butter and pop it back in the air fryer for 30 seconds.

5. Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Waffles are too dense? Try reducing the cooking time or using a lighter batter (more buttermilk or a bit of club soda).
• Waffles stick to the mold? Grease the mold more thoroughly or use a liner with a non-stick coating.
• Waffles are unevenly cooked? Make sure the batter is spread evenly and the air fryer isn’t overcrowded.

Creative Waffle Recipes for the Air Fryer

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to get creative! The air fryer is perfect for experimenting with different flavors and textures. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next waffle adventure.

1. Savory Waffles

Who says waffles have to be sweet? Try a savory version with:

• Cheesy bacon waffles: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar and ¼ cup crumbled cooked bacon to the batter.
• Herb and garlic waffles: Mix in 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of black pepper.
• Cornbread waffles: Replace ½ cup of flour with cornmeal and add a dash of paprika.

Serve with fried eggs, avocado slices, or a drizzle of hot sauce for a hearty breakfast or brunch.

2. Sweet and Fruity Waffles

For a dessert-style waffle, try:

• Banana nut waffles: Mash 1 ripe banana into the batter and add ¼ cup chopped walnuts.
• Berry blast waffles: Fold in ½ cup fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries).
• Chocolate chip waffles: Add ¼ cup chocolate chips or chunks to the batter.

Top with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent treat.

3. International Flavors

Why stop at classic American waffles? Try these global twists:

• Matcha waffles: Replace 2 tablespoons of flour with matcha powder for a vibrant green waffle with a subtle earthy flavor.
• Matcha waffles: Replace 2 tablespoons of flour with matcha powder for a vibrant green waffle with a subtle earthy flavor.
• Churro waffles: Mix 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 2 tablespoons sugar into the batter, then sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar after cooking.
• Japanese mochi waffles: Substitute ½ cup of flour with glutinous rice flour for a chewy, bouncy texture.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, brush the cooked waffles with a flavored syrup (like maple-cinnamon or honey-lavender) while they’re still warm.

Comparing Air Fryer Waffles to Traditional Waffle Irons

Now that you’ve seen how to make waffles in an air fryer, you might be wondering: How do they compare to traditional waffle irons? Let’s break it down.

Texture and Crispiness

Traditional waffle irons create deep, grid-like indentations that trap syrup and butter beautifully. They also tend to produce a crispier exterior because of the direct heat and pressure. Air fryer waffles, on the other hand, are more like “pancake-waffle hybrids”—crispy on the outside but with a softer, less defined grid pattern. If you love the deep grooves of a classic waffle, the air fryer might not fully replicate that. However, the texture is still satisfyingly crisp, especially if you brush them with butter and give them an extra minute in the fryer.

Cooking Time and Efficiency

Waffle irons typically take 3-5 minutes per batch, while air fryer waffles take 8-10 minutes. The trade-off? Air fryers can cook multiple items at once (like bacon or hash browns), making them more efficient for a full breakfast spread. Plus, you don’t have to wait for the waffle iron to reheat between batches.

Cleanup and Storage

Here’s where the air fryer shines. Silicone molds are dishwasher-safe, and the basket can be wiped down quickly. Waffle irons, with their crevices and non-removable plates, are often a pain to clean. Air fryer waffles also store better: they can be frozen and reheated in the air fryer in just 2-3 minutes, whereas frozen waffle-iron waffles often need a toaster or oven.

Energy Use

Air fryers are generally more energy-efficient than waffle irons, especially if you’re only cooking a few waffles. They heat up faster and use less electricity overall, making them a greener choice for small batches.

Feature	Air Fryer Waffles	Traditional Waffle Iron Waffles
Texture	Crispy exterior, softer grid	Deep, crispy grid
Cooking Time	8-10 minutes	3-5 minutes
Cleanup	Easy (silicone molds, removable basket)	Harder (crevices, non-removable plates)
Batch Size	1-2 waffles	1-4 waffles (model-dependent)
Energy Efficiency	High	Moderate

Final Thoughts: Are Air Fryer Waffles Worth It?

So, can you make waffles in the air fryer? Absolutely. While they might not replace your waffle iron entirely (especially if you’re a die-hard fan of deep-grid waffles), they offer a convenient, versatile, and slightly healthier alternative. They’re perfect for small households, quick breakfasts, or when you want to avoid the hassle of a bulky appliance.

The key to success lies in using the right tools (silicone molds or liners) and tweaking your technique to suit the air fryer’s unique cooking style. Don’t be afraid to experiment—whether it’s adding mix-ins, trying savory versions, or playing with international flavors. The air fryer’s even heat and crispiness might just surprise you.

At the end of the day, the best waffle is the one that fits your lifestyle. If you love the ritual of a waffle iron, keep it. But if you’re short on space, time, or just want to try something new, the air fryer is a fantastic option. Who knows? You might just find yourself making waffles more often—because now, they’re easier than ever.

So go ahead, dust off your air fryer, and give it a try. Your taste buds (and your countertop) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make waffles in the air fryer?

Yes, you can make waffles in the air fryer! It’s a quick and easy way to achieve crispy, golden waffles without a traditional waffle iron. Just use a batter-friendly mold or silicone waffle mold to shape them.

What type of batter works best for air fryer waffles?

Standard waffle batter works well, but slightly thicker batters (like Belgian waffle mix) hold their shape better in the air fryer. Avoid overly thin batters, as they may spread or cook unevenly.

How long does it take to cook waffles in an air fryer?

Most air fryer waffles take 8–12 minutes at 350°F (175°C), depending on thickness and your model. Check for a golden crust and insert a toothpick to ensure the center is fully cooked.

Can you make waffles in the air fryer without a mold?

Yes, but using a heat-safe silicone mold or small baking pan helps maintain the classic waffle shape. Without one, spread the batter thinly in the basket—but note they’ll resemble pancakes more than waffles.

Are air fryer waffles as crispy as traditional waffles?

Air fryer waffles get delightfully crispy on the outside, though slightly less textured than waffle iron versions. For extra crispiness, lightly spray with oil before cooking or add a 1–2 minute broil at the end.

Can you cook frozen waffles in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Air fry frozen waffles at 320°F (160°C) for 3–5 minutes, flipping halfway. They’ll reheat evenly and get crispier than a toaster—perfect for quick breakfasts.