Air Fryer Chicken and Waffles (30 Minutes!)

Why This Air Fryer Chicken and Waffles Recipe Is A Hit…

• Ready in 30 minutes: This easy chicken and waffles recipe comes together quickly with just 20 minutes of prep and 30 minutes total cooking time, perfect for weekend brunch or busy weeknights.
• Healthier cooking method: Air frying uses 75% less oil than deep frying, giving you crispy, golden chicken without the extra fat and calories of traditional fried chicken and waffles.
• Simple ingredients: This recipe uses basic pantry staples and works perfectly with or without buttermilk, making it accessible and easy for any home cook.
• Crispy texture guaranteed: The air fryer creates an incredibly crispy coating on the chicken while keeping the inside tender and juicy, delivering that perfect sweet and savory combination in every bite.

What Do I Need For This Southern Chicken and Waffles

• Boneless chicken breasts – Use skinless, boneless chicken breasts for the easiest preparation and healthiest option. You can substitute with boneless chicken thighs for a juicier result, or use chicken tenders for faster cooking time.
• Corn starch – This creates an extra crispy coating on the chicken when combined with flour. The cornstarch helps the breading stick better and gives you that restaurant-quality crunch without deep frying.
• All-purpose flour – Works together with the cornstarch to create the perfect breading mixture. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Nature’s Seasoning – This seasoning blend adds the perfect savory flavor to the chicken coating. You can substitute with your favorite seasoned salt, Cajun seasoning, or a simple mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Eggs – Acts as the binding agent to help the flour mixture adhere to the chicken. Whisking the eggs well ensures an even coating on every piece.
• Waffle mix – I use a packaged waffle mix for convenience and consistently fluffy waffles. You can use any brand you prefer, make homemade waffles from scratch, or even substitute with frozen waffles that you toast while the chicken cooks.
• Water – Combines with the waffle mix to create the batter. You can substitute with milk for richer waffles, or use a buttermilk substitute (milk mixed with lemon juice) for a tangier flavor.
• Maple syrup – For serving and drizzling over your chicken and waffles. Pure maple syrup gives the best flavor, but pancake syrup works too.
• Cooking oil spray – Essential for air frying to help the chicken get crispy and golden brown. Use an oil mister with your preferred cooking oil rather than aerosol sprays, which can damage air fryer baskets.

How To Make Chicken And Waffles

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

1. Start by using a mallet and pound out the chicken to flatten it. Then cut into 4 cutlets.
2. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and whisk up the egg in another bowl. Dredge the chicken dry, then dip in the egg, and back in the flour. (Photo 1)

1. Place the chicken in the air fryer, and cook as directed. While the chicken is cooking, work on making your waffles in your waffle iron. Follow the directions on your waffle maker. (Photos 2, 3 & 4)
2. To assemble, place the waffle on a plate, top with chicken and another waffle if you want, and drizzle with syrup. (Photo 5)

Recipe Tips

• Season the flour with any of your favorite spices when it comes to fried chicken. Season salt, salt and pepper, etc.
• Add a little milk to the egg when you whisk it up, for a even coating of wet on the chicken.
• Make sure that your chicken fully cooks in the air fryer. Depending on thickness of chicken will vary in how long it takes to cook.
• You are welcome to use frozen waffles you reheat, if you do not want to make your own homemade waffles. I prefer making my own for the fluffy texture.
• You can use bone-in chicken or tenderloins in replace if you would like. Just cook the chicken accordingly.

Substitutions and Additions

• Buttermilk alternatives: Don’t have buttermilk? Mix 1 cup whole milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes. You can also use plain Greek yogurt thinned with a bit of milk, or skip it entirely and use regular milk in your waffle batter.
• Chicken breast vs. thighs: While this recipe uses boneless chicken breasts cut into cutlets, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option. You can also use chicken breast tenders for even faster cooking (reduce cook time by 2-3 minutes).
• Bone-in chicken: If you prefer bone-in chicken pieces, increase the cooking time to 18-22 minutes and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part, away from the bone.
• Gluten-free option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend (use a 1:1 ratio) and make sure your waffle mix is certified gluten-free.
• Spice it up: Add 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce to your flour mixture for a spicy kick, or try adding 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning for a different flavor profile.
• Homemade waffles: Skip the packaged waffle mix and make homemade waffles from scratch for an even fluffier texture. Belgian waffles work beautifully with this recipe.
• Frozen waffles: In a pinch, you can use store-bought frozen waffles and toast them while your chicken cooks. This cuts down on prep time significantly.

Recipe FAQs