Crisp Buttermilk Air Fryer Waffles

Name: Crisp Buttermilk Air Fryer Waffles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour; 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar; 2 teaspoons Baking Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1/2 teaspoon Fine Salt; 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon; 2 Large Eggs; 1 1/2 cups Buttermilk; 5 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, Melted and Slightly Cooled; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1 teaspoon Neutral Oil for the Mold

Golden buttermilk waffles with berries, yogurt, and maple syrup

Janet Myers

Published: July 28, 2026

Categories: Air Fryers, Dairy, Waffles

Tags: Breakfast, easy, waffles, Brunch, Air Fryer, Buttermilk

Air Fryer Waffles

These air fryer waffles bake up crisp at the edges and tender inside using a silicone waffle mold, with buttermilk, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon for a warm breakfast flavor.

Prep Time:15 minCook Time:18 minTotal Time:33 minServings:4Difficulty:Easy

A silicone waffle mold turns an air fryer into a practical stand-in for a waffle iron. Hot circulating air sets the patterned surface while the buttermilk batter stays soft and springy in the middle. The result is especially useful in a small kitchen or when the waffle iron is packed away.

This batter is lightly sweet rather than dessert-like. Buttermilk supplies tang and helps the baking soda create lift, while melted butter gives the finished waffles a rounded flavor. Vanilla and cinnamon keep the aroma familiar without overpowering fruit, yogurt, or maple syrup served alongside.

The most reliable method is to fill the mold only two-thirds full and bake the waffles in two stages. Once the tops are set, turning them out of the mold lets the patterned side face the hot air directly, giving it a deeper golden color and a crisper finish.

Serve each batch as soon as it is ready, or hold the waffles uncovered on a wire rack in a low oven. Avoid stacking them while hot, since trapped steam quickly softens the edges. Leftovers reheat well in the air fryer and regain much of their original crispness.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories:410 kcal

Protein:10 g

Carbs:52 g

Fat:18 g

Directions

1

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes. Lightly brush a silicone waffle mold that fits inside the basket with the neutral oil.
2

Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl until evenly combined and free of lumps.
3

In a second bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold just until no dry streaks remain; a few small lumps are fine.
4

Set the mold in the air fryer basket and fill each cavity about two-thirds full. Air-fry at 350°F for 7 to 9 minutes, until the surface looks dry and springs back lightly when touched.
5

Carefully invert the waffles out of the hot mold directly into the basket, patterned side up. Air-fry for 2 to 3 minutes more, until the ridges are golden brown and crisp.
6

Transfer the waffles to a wire rack and repeat with the remaining batter, brushing the mold again if needed. Serve warm with fruit, yogurt, or maple syrup.

Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour:1 3/4 cups
Granulated Sugar:2 tablespoons
Baking Powder:2 teaspoons
Baking Soda:1/2 teaspoon
Fine Salt:1/2 teaspoon
Ground Cinnamon:1/4 teaspoon
Large Eggs:2
Buttermilk:1 1/2 cups
Unsalted Butter, Melted and Slightly Cooled:5 tablespoons
Vanilla Extract:1 teaspoon
Neutral Oil for the Mold:1 teaspoon

Tips & Notes

Use a flexible silicone mold sized for your air fryer basket; a rigid mold can block airflow or be difficult to remove safely.
If the batter rests longer than 10 minutes, fold it once gently before filling the next batch.
Reheat chilled waffles at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes without stacking them.