Crispy and fluffy Eggo waffles will brighten up your mornings! From kids to adults, it is a delicious treat, not just for breakfast, but any time of the day! Good thing, it is easy and quick to prepare if you know how to air fry Eggo waffles.
The most common way to cook Eggo waffles is in the toaster. You can cook it on the stovetop as well. However, now that an air fryer is a staple in many kitchens, it is a great alternative for preparing waffles, even straight from the freezer.
Read on and I will share the basics of preparing Eggo waffles. All you need is a few minutes and you can whip a delicious breakfast or snack in an air fryer.
Why Cook Eggo Waffles in an Air Fryer
Before air fryers became famous, or even up to these days, a lot would use the toaster for cooking Eggo waffles. While it is convenient, one thing I do not like is that it can result in uneven cooking. One side may end up hot and the other side remains cold. With the way how air fryers work, however, the heat circulates evenly, making the waffle more consistent.
Using an air fryer also means that you can cook more at a time. In most toasters, you can cook only two waffles at a time. With air fryers, you have the luxury of space. For instance, the best air fryer for making pizza has a generous cooking surface while others even have racks to double the cooking area.
For something quick, many would reheat waffles in a microwave. The problem, however, is that it does not have a distinct crispness. With an air fryer, you can cook Eggos quickly while making sure that it turns crispy, similar to the texture if you use a toaster.
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Air Fry Eggo Waffles
Ready to prepare Eggo waffles? Here’s a quick guide on how you can do so in an air fryer.
- To start, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Position the Eggo waffles in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave enough space between each of them.
- While maintaining the same temperature, start air frying the waffles for two minutes.
- Flip the waffles and cook for another two minutes.
- Check the waffles. Once you achieve the desired color or texture, it is done. Serve and enjoy! Otherwise, cook a little bit longer if the edges are not crisp or if the color is still pale.
Tips and Tricks for Preparing Air-Fried Eggo Waffles
Make the best Eggo waffles in your air fryer. Below are some of the best things to keep in mind.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer
This is often a subject of debate. While it can be different from one model to another, I suggest that you preheat your air fryer. This is especially effective in getting a crispy exterior while the interior is fluffy. Another good reason to pre-heat the air fryer is that it shortens the cooking time.
One of the most common arguments against pre-heating is that it does not fully cook the interior. Nonetheless, take note that Eggo waffles are pre-cooked, and hence, there should be no problem.
- Do Not Over-Crowd
Especially if you are cooking for a large group, it is tempting to put as many waffles as you can fit in the basket. However, you should never over-crowd or stack them. The best practice is to arrange them individually, making sure there is enough space between each.
Consider the size of your air fryer to determine how many waffles can fit. For big families, invest in larger models, such as the best 10-quart air fryers. They are big enough to cook up to eight waffles in one batch. Those with multiple racks will also allow you to cook more at a time.
- Add Oil if Needed
In the steps mentioned earlier, I did not recommend using oil or grease when air frying Eggo waffles. Nonetheless, do not be afraid to use it if you want the edges to be crispier or if you want to cook the waffles quicker.
Make sure to choose the right kind of oil if you are using one. I suggest going for oils with neutral flavors. This way, the flavor of the oil will not overwhelm the natural flavors of the waffle.
- Brush With Butter
Eggo waffles are flavorful on their own, but some people prefer a stronger taste. If that is what you want, then you should consider brushing butter on the waffles before air frying them. This can also help achieve a crispier texture and browner color as the butter replaces the oil.
One of the most common problems with Eggo waffles is that they can end up being dry. A good solution is to add butter. It will not only make the waffles moist but can also incorporate better flavors.
- Heat Quickly
When cooking Eggo waffles in an air fryer, time is of the essence. Right out of the freezer, no need to thaw. Nonetheless, this does not mean that you should air fry them for a long time. Stick to four minutes. You might need to cook for a few more minutes, but don’t make it too long.
The problem with cooking waffles for a long time, especially if they were frozen, is that they can end up being soggy instead of crispy.
Level-up Your Air-Fried Eggo Waffles with These Tips
Plain Eggo waffles can be boring! With a few tweaks, you can turn it into a more delicious and filling meal. Here are some suggestions you might want to consider.
- Classic Butter and Syrup
It is hard to go wrong with a classic. Do not eat plain waffles! A good way to level up its flavor is to add a slice of butter on top and drizzle it with your favorite syrup. This is best done when the waffles are still hot, which makes it easy for the butter to melt.
- Delicious Taco
One of the most inventive ways to enjoy air-fried Eggo waffles is to turn them into a taco. The waffle will act as the taco shell. Fill the top with sour cream, salsa, bacon, ground beef, beans, and shredded lettuce. Fold and enjoy a sweet and spicy savory treat!
- Make it a Sandwich
For those looking for an on-the-go meal or a delicious brekky, turning air-fried waffles into a sandwich can be a good idea. The choice of filling depends on your preference. Bacon, egg, cheese, and fried chicken are good for something savory. If you like it simple but sweet, on the other hand, you can add hazelnut spread, peanut butter, fruit jam, bananas, or strawberries.
- Waffle Pizza
Make individual-sized pizza using Eggo waffles. After air frying, slather the top with tomato sauce, which will act as the base. Fill with your choice of toppings, such as pepperoni, sliced chicken, bell pepper, onions, and greens.
- Fully-Loaded Breakfast
Looking for a quick and filling breakfast? Start by air frying Eggo waffles. Once you are done, lay them down on a plate. Top with slices of avocados and the greens that you like. Put a fried egg on top. Add a splash of olive oil and top with grated cheese. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper to taste.
Conclusion
Now that you are done reading, I hope that you learned something useful when it comes to how to air fry Eggo waffles. It is a great alternative to cooking waffles on a toaster or stovetop. It is one of my favorite breakfast option along with a Jimmy Dean sandwich. With less than five minutes in the air fryer, it is possible to have Eggo waffles with crisp edges and a fluffy interior.
