Air Fryer Chicken and Waffles

Name: Air Fryer Chicken and Waffles
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Chicken Breast (or thighs if you prefer a juicier bite); 1 cup Buttermilk (or milk with a teaspoon of vinegar as a substitute); 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (gluten-free flour works too); 1 tsp Paprika (smoked or sweet, your call); 1 tsp Garlic Powder; Salt and Pepper (to taste); Cooking Oil (for misting or brushing); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (again, gluten-free if needed); 2 tsp Baking Powder; 1/2 tsp Salt; 2 tbsp Sugar (or a sugar substitute for a healthier twist); 1 3/4 cups Milk (any kind works—almond, soy, cow’s); 1/3 cup Cooking Oil (or melted butter for extra richness); 2 Eggs (or egg substitute if you’re keeping it plant-based)

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Air fryer chicken and waffles bring together crispy, succulent chicken and fluffy, golden waffles in a way that’s simple yet satisfying. It’s incredibly straightforward: cook the chicken at 400°F for about 20 minutes in the air fryer, and pair it with freshly made waffles from your waffle iron. It’s a quick, delicious way to enjoy a classic dish.

Using an air fryer means we can still enjoy all the crispy goodness of the chicken and the fluffy delight of waffles without drowning them in oil. It’s honestly the best way to enjoy comfort food at home without feeling too guilty. Plus, it’s super simple to make. Honestly, you’ll want to make this easy breakfast idea a regular thing.

Why Choose Air Fryer Chicken and Waffles?

The air fryer presents a multitude of benefits, changing the way we cook our favorite dishes. Here’s why you should consider it for chicken and waffles:

Less oil usage: Enjoy the health benefits of air frying by significantly reducing the amount of oil needed, making for healthier fried chicken.
Quicker cooking times: Air fryer cooking speeds up the process, delivering quick and easy meals without the wait.
Crispy textures: Achieve that desirable crunch on your chicken with an air fryer, enhancing the texture and overall eating experience.
Health benefits: A leaner cooking method means you can enjoy comfort food at home without the guilt, fitting perfectly into a lifestyle that values convenient breakfast recipes.
Taste superiority: Many swear by the tasty air fryer meals for their ability to maintain the flavor integrity of fried food while being a healthier option.

Using an air fryer for chicken and waffles not only offers a cooking efficiency advantage but also aligns with a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing taste.

My latest recipe: Air Fryer Top Round Steak

Equipment and Ingredients Needed

Essential Kitchen Equipment:

There are plenty of air fryer models out there that can get the job done, from basket to oven-style, so pick one that suits your cooking style and kitchen space. Here’s what else you might need:

Air Fryer (COSORI Pro II is suitable for the recipe)
Waffle Iron (for those crispy waffles)
Mixing Bowls (for batter and seasoning)
Whisk (to mix everything smoothly)
Measuring Cups and Spoons (accuracy matters)
Kitchen Tongs (for flipping that chicken without drama)
Meat Thermometer (to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked)

These cooking tools and kitchen gadgets are more like trusted sidekicks, making your cooking preparation is smooth and ensuring everything turns out just right.

Essential Ingredients:

Now, let’s talk about the main thing: the chicken and waffle ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some handy ingredient substitutions just in case.

For the Chicken:

1 lb Chicken Breast (or thighs if you prefer a juicier bite)
1 cup Buttermilk (or milk with a teaspoon of vinegar as a substitute)
1 cup All-Purpose Flour (gluten-free flour works too)
1 tsp Paprika (smoked or sweet, your call)
1 tsp Garlic Powder
Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Cooking Oil (for misting or brushing)

For the Waffles:

2 cups All-Purpose Flour (again, gluten-free if needed)
2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
2 tbsp Sugar (or a sugar substitute for a healthier twist)
1 3/4 cups Milk (any kind works—almond, soy, cow’s)
1/3 cup Cooking Oil (or melted butter for extra richness)
2 Eggs (or egg substitute if you’re keeping it plant-based)

These food ingredients provide the foundation for a delicious meal. Feel free to get creative with the ingredient substitutions to match your dietary preferences or what you’ve got in the pantry. Cooking, after all, is all about making it work for you.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken and Waffles

Preparing the Chicken

Step 1: Start with the marinade: In a bowl, mix 1 cup buttermilk, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp pepper. Add your chicken breasts (or thighs) and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for marinating chicken for air frying, ensuring it’s juicy and flavorful.

Step 2: Mix your dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp paprika, and 1 tsp garlic powder. This mix is your crispy chicken coating.

Step 3: Coat the chicken: After marinating, take each piece of chicken and dredge it in the flour mixture. Make sure it’s well-coated for that perfect crispy coating.

Step 4: Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F. This cooking temperature is ideal for chicken, ensuring it cooks through evenly.

Step 5: Cook the chicken: Place the coated chicken in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd. Spray a light coat of oil on top. Cook for 10 minutes, flip with kitchen tongs, then spray lightly again and cook for another 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check.

Making the Waffles

Step 6: Mix the batter: If you’re going from scratch, whisk together 2 cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp sugar in a large bowl. In another bowl, mix 1 3/4 cups milk, 1/3 cup oil, and 2 eggs. Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth. This is your homemade waffle batter.

Step 7: Preheat your waffle iron: Follow your waffle iron instructions for the best results. Generally, setting it to a medium-high setting works well for golden, crispy waffles.

Step 8: Cook the waffles: Pour enough batter to just cover the waffle iron grid. Close the lid and cook until the waffle is golden and crisp. This usually takes about 5 minutes but can vary.

Step 9: Serve immediately: Waffles are best enjoyed fresh. If you’re waiting on chicken, keep waffles warm in a low oven.

Note: Remember, not all air fryers and waffle irons are the same. Adjust air fryer settings and cooking times as needed. The key to perfect chicken and waffles is ensuring your chicken is crispy and your waffles are fluffy and golden.

Chicken and Waffles Nutritional Information

Here’s a simplified breakdown per serving based on common ingredient measurements used in this recipe:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	550 kcal
Total Fat	22 g
Saturated Fat	5 g
Trans Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	95 mg
Sodium	850 mg
Total Carbohydrates	55 g
Dietary Fiber	1 g
Sugars	10 g
Protein	34 g
Vitamin D	0 µg
Calcium	200 mg
Iron	3 mg
Potassium	300 mg

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used. For those who have dietary restrictions or are tracking their intake for health reasons, adjusting the recipe to suit your needs can also alter these numbers. For example, using a sugar substitute or a gluten-free flour blend will change the nutritional content.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken and Waffles

To nail the perfect chicken and waffles, a few key steps can make all the difference. Here are my top tips:

Ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated: After marinating, dredge each piece of chicken in your flour mixture until it’s completely covered. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture we all love.
Let the chicken rest: Once coated, let the chicken sit on a wire rack for about 5-10 minutes. This helps the coating stick better and results in a crisper finish.
Waffle batter consistency is key: For the waffles, aim for a batter that’s not too runny and not too thick. It should easily pour off your whisk but still hold its shape. This ensures your waffles are fluffy on the inside and crisp on the outside.
Flavor enhancement: Don’t be shy with your seasonings. A little extra dash of spices can turn your chicken and waffles from good to great.

Recipe Variations and Customizations

Variety is the spice of life, and with recipe variations, you can keep perfect chicken and waffles exciting every time. Here are some ideas:

Spicy chicken: Add a kick to your chicken with a spicy seasoning blend or a dash of hot sauce in the marinade. Spicy chicken pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of waffles for a flavor explosion.
BBQ chicken: Brush your chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for a smoky, sweet layer of flavor.
Herb-infused chicken: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano into your flour coating for an aromatic twist.

For the waffles:

Gluten-free options: Substitute the all-purpose flour with your preferred gluten-free flour blend. Many blends work well one-for-one in waffle recipes, catering to those with dietary restrictions.
Sweet or savory waffles: Customize your waffles to complement your chicken. Add vanilla extract and a bit more sugar for a sweeter base, or incorporate shredded cheese and chopped herbs for savory waffles. This versatility allows for endless flavor profiles.
Recipe adaptation for dietary restrictions: Beyond gluten-free, consider using dairy-free milk or egg substitutes to accommodate all dietary needs without compromising on taste.

Remember, cooking is as much about creativity as it is about following a recipe. Feel free to experiment and make these dishes your own!

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to chicken and waffles serving ideas, the possibilities are as exciting as the dish itself. Whether you’re setting the table for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, here’s how to make your meal unforgettable:

Presentation is key: Arrange your chicken and waffles attractively on a plate. Consider a stack of waffles topped with a piece of chicken for height and visual appeal.
Syrup and sauces: Offer a variety of syrup toppings. Maple syrup is classic, but don’t shy away from experimenting with honey, fruit syrups, or even spicy syrup for a kick.
Side dishes: Complement your dish with side dishes that enhance the meal. Fresh fruit, a light salad, or even scrambled eggs can balance the flavors.
Food pairings: Think about culinary techniques and food pairings that elevate the dish. A glass of orange juice or a mimosa can brighten the meal, while coffee offers a comforting finish.

FAQs about Air Fryer Chicken and Waffles

Can I make chicken and waffles gluten-free?

Yes, you can make chicken and waffles gluten-free by using gluten-free flour for both the chicken coating and the waffles. Ensure other ingredients like baking powder are also gluten-free.

How long to cook chicken and waffles in an air fryer?

Cook the chicken in the air fryer at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Waffles don’t cook in an air fryer; use a waffle iron, which typically takes 5-6 minutes per waffle.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but thaw it completely before seasoning and cooking to ensure even cooking and the right texture.

What are the best toppings for chicken and waffles?

Maple syrup, honey, hot sauce, or a combination for a sweet and spicy kick are great on chicken and waffles. Fresh fruit or whipped cream works well for a lighter touch.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Chicken can last up to 4 days, while waffles are best consumed within 2 days for optimal texture.

Final Words

Making air fryer chicken and waffles at home is truly enjoyable.

It’s a dish that brings together the best of both worlds: the healthy chicken and waffles option that doesn’t sacrifice on the crispy chicken air fryer promise, paired with an easy waffle recipe.

I encourage you to play around with the recipe, tweak it to your liking, and make it your own.

And hey, I’d love to hear about your culinary adventures. Share your experiences, or drop a question if you have any. Cooking is about experimenting and finding joy in the process, after all.