In short, there are four ways to reheat waffles: using a toaster, using a microwave, using an oven, and using an air fryer. Each way has different steps and heating times, depending on the number and quality of waffles.
Along with pancakes, waffles are undoubtedly the best breakfast you can serve for yourself and your children. You can season them with your favorite sweet toppings like fruit, honey, maple syrup, or jam.
However, waffles can sometimes take a lot of your time, especially if you prepare them with your own mixture and cook with a waffle maker instead of ready-made ones.
In that case, it is wise to make waffles in advance to save time in the morning. But reheating can sometimes turn these sweet and delicate snacks into gummy ones. Here’s how to restore the perfect texture and great taste to your leftover waffles.
Reheating Waffles In A Toaster
A toaster will certainly be the best way you can reheat leftover waffles. With this method, you will achieve exactly what you wanted: a soft and airy waffle interior with a delicate crispy crust.
However, you have to be very careful with the reheating time because the crispy waffles in the toaster will burn very quickly if you don’t pay attention to it.
Step 1: Preheat the Toaster to Get Started
Turn on the toaster to heat up thoroughly. If you have the ability to adjust the temperature on it, put it closer to medium-strong, and not to the strongest. This will prevent the waffle from accidentally burning.
Step 2: Place the Waffle Inside and Heat
Put the waffles in the toaster and heat it for one minute. Then, open it and make sure it is hot enough. If not, leave for another 30 seconds. As we have said, you have to check the waffle’s condition very often so it doesn’t burn, therefore, you must stay close.
How to Warm Up Waffles In The Microwave
Microwaving waffles is even a faster way to reheat than a toaster because it does not require time to preheat initially. But you must be aware that the texture of the leftover waffle itself will not be as beautiful as in a toaster.
Microwave usually softens all pastries, so they end up becoming soggy. In the worst cases, if you leave the waffle in the microwave for too long, it will become scorched and chewy. Yet a great advantage is the heating speed.
You can also heat frozen waffles in the microwave without defrosting them first. You just need to heat for a few seconds or longer in that case.
Step 1: Place the Waffle on a Rack or a Plate
It would be best to place the waffle on a heating rack to heat it finely on all sides. However, if you don’t have one nearby, place the waffle on a plate that can go in the microwave.
You will need to heat them one by one, depending on their size, as it is not good to put one waffle on top of another.
Step 2: Nuke in Short Intervals to Get the Best Result
Put the waffle in the microwave and heat for one minute. Then, take it out and check if it still needs to be heated. If yes, put it back for 30 seconds and repeat at short intervals until you get the desired result.
Heating Up Leftover Waffles In The Oven
Of course, the toaster oven is a somewhat slower method of heating the waffles than the previous methods. However, the significant advantage is that you can heat more waffles at once, as many as you can fit on the baking tray. Besides, it is unnecessary to defrost the waffles for the oven if they have been frozen, so it is certainly practical.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven to 350 °F
Set the oven to 350 degrees and let it heat up thoroughly. During this time, you can arrange the waffles.
Step 2: Arrange the Waffles on a Baking Tray and Bake
Place the waffles on a baking sheet so that they are in a single row. Do not place them on top of each other as they will not heat up evenly and nicely. It would be good to leave a small space between each waffle.
Put them in the toaster oven and bake for about 10 minutes. This will probably be enough to heat the waffles very nicely. If you find that they need a little more time to be perfectly hot, feel free to extend the baking time.
Warming Up Waffles In An Air Fryer
An air fryer is another quick and great way to reheat waffles and make them soft and crispy at the same time.
Although the technique in the toaster will probably be more straightforward, you decide depending on which appliance you have in the kitchen.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer to 375 Degrees
To heat the waffles, use a slightly higher temperature, approximately 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the machine heat up thoroughly, and during that time, arrange the waffles in the air fryer basket.
Step 2: Place the Waffle In a Basket
Waffles should be placed in a basket so that there is some space between them and that air can circulate better.
Therefore, do not cram and squeeze the waffles into the basket, but rather arrange the heating in a couple of cycles. You can certainly arrange the waffles upright to fit more of them.
Step 3: Heat Up for Up to 5 Minutes
You will need approximately 4 to 5 minutes for good heating. Some waffles are a little bigger or thicker, so they will take a minute longer than the thinner ones.
If you are unsure, set the cycle to 4 minutes and then decide if an additional minute is needed depending on the result. Add your favorite fillings and enjoy.
FAQs
How do you properly freeze leftover waffles?
Allow the waffles to cool to room temperature before placing them in the freezer. Then, wrap each waffle separately in wax paper so that they do not stick to each other. This way, you will be able to heat precisely as many pieces of waffles as you need in the future. Put them in a plastic bag and freeze. They will easily last up to 2 months in the freezer so that you can prepare breakfast in advance for a few weeks ahead.
How do you keep waffle leftovers?
If you have a few waffles left and want to store them for tomorrow, put them in the fridge. It would be good to store them without additional dressings so you can warm them up nicely tomorrow. Only put toppings on those waffles that are ready to be eaten. Leave the others as they are.
Do waffles go bad?
Just like any food, waffles can spoil. They will generally last up to a week, but keep in mind that their texture will change, and they will not be as tasty after six days as after one day. It is, therefore, better to freeze them for longer.
How do you eat leftover waffles?
To eat leftover waffles, you can reheat them in a toaster or toaster oven to regain their crispiness, and then serve them with your favorite toppings like syrup, fruit, whipped cream, or butter. Alternatively, you can enjoy them at room temperature or even cold, depending on personal preference.
Conclusion
Homemade waffles are the perfect breakfast that you can complement with numerous toppings like honey, maple syrup, fruit, whipped cream, jam, etc. To have the ideal breakfast every morning, make waffles in advance and freeze them, then reheat as many waffles as you need that day and enjoy a delicious and sweet snack every morning.
Use the same techniques to reheat frozen waffles. Only defrost them first. Even though you might reheat them while in frozen shape, it’s always better to thaw the food first. Texture and flavor are much better that way. Without a doubt, you can make waffles crispy again.
Tanja is great lover of healthy eating and lifestyle, she has been editing TV series about nutrition and health for years. She also engaged in food production in the family business, mainly focused on fruit processing without destroying vitamins and minerals. She believes that quality nutrition is one of the key ingredients of a happy and healthy life.
