Crispy Chicken & Fluffy Waffles: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Crispy Chicken Meets Fluffy Waffles: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

If you caught my Instagram Stories a few days ago, you may have seen me share this crispy air fryer chicken and waffles recipe—and it was so good, it made its way into a blog post! With just one photo, I can tell you this dish tastes even better than it looks.

I combined crispy, breaded chicken tenders with a classic waffle mix to create a mouth-watering sweet and savory combo. This recipe is easy to make, family-friendly, and something I will definitely add to our dinner rotation. Jace and Kevin devoured theirs so quickly, I had to make a second batch!

The chicken is crispy and flavorful, while the waffles are soft and fluffy.

• Total cook time: Less than 20 minutes
• Family friendly: YES
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Serving size: 2-3
• Serving suggestions: Top with Sugar Free Syrup and use a side of Sugar Free BBQ Sauce as dipping sauce. You can also add fruit like raspberries, bananas, or blueberries. Pair with a crisp salad or a chilled iced tea.

Why You Will Love These Air Fryer Chicken and Waffles

If you enjoy a combination of sweet and savory, this is the meal for you. It was easy for a weeknight meal, and as unique of a combination it is, the flavors meshed together so well. This classic dish is a beloved combination of savory and sweet flavors, perfect for breakfast, dinner, or even a brunch gathering.

This family-friendly meal is comfort food at its finest. If you love tender, crispy chicken and soft, decadent waffles, this recipe will transport you to a nostalgic diner. With only 7 ingredients and a 20 minute cook time, you will want to add this recipe to your monthly rotation.

How to Customize Your Chicken and Waffles

There are several ways to customize your chicken and waffles and really, it's all up to you! The most common way is to add a syrup on top and then, if you wanted, a side of BBQ sauce. You can also top the waffles with your favorite fruits such as raspberries, bananas, or blueberries.

If you are looking for a low-calorie option or a sugar-free option, you can use sugar-free syrup and sugar-free BBQ sauce. If you enjoy sweet, you can top with powdered sugar, cinnamon or nutmeg. For a savory taste, you can top with green onions.

Why Air Fried Chicken?

Not only is air frying chicken the healthiest, compared to greasy fried chicken or baked chicken, my personal opinion is that air frying is the absolute best because it provides a crunch that you can't get elsewhere.

This air fryer chicken is the perfect balance of crispy crunch and a light, non-oily texture—just what you need for a healthier alternative to fried chicken!

I use the Gourmia Air Fryer so cook times will vary depending on the type of air fryer you use. I don't typically have any issues with overcooking or undercooking chicken in the air fryer. I will usually take a piece of chicken, break it in half, and if it's white and cooked on the inside, it's ready to go.

If You Enjoy Chicken Recipes, You May Also Like

Shredded Ranch Chicken with Green Beans and Brown Rice
Easy Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pies
Greek Chicken Gyro Recipe

Ingredients for the Chicken:

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• 2 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into tenders or strips
• 1/3 cup reduced fat mozzarella cheese (for a lighter, healthier alternative without compromising flavor.)
• *1/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs (adds crunch and flavor, without being overly heavy. Perfect for creating a crispy exterior on the chicken)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning

*I removed the flour from this ingredient list, it wasn't necessary to have or use and the chicken tasted great without it.

Ingredients for the Waffles:

• Waffle mix (use your favorite waffle mix and follow the instructions on the box)
• Water

How to Make Savory Chicken and Waffles (Step-by-Step)

✓ Step #1: Make waffles – Prepare the waffles according to the box directions.

✓ Step #2: Prep the chicken – While the waffles are cooking, prep the chicken breasts by cutting them into tenders or strips.

✓ Step #3: Combine all ingredients – In one small bowl, add the breadcrumbs, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning. In another bowl, add the egg.

✓ Step #4: Preheat the air fryer – Set your air fryer to 400°F.

✓ Step #5: Dip eggs in breadcrumbs – Dip each chicken tender in the egg (let excess drip off), then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.

✓ Step #6: Add the chicken to the air fryer – Spray the air fryer basket with PAM or cooking spray and place the coated chicken inside.

✓ Step #7: Cook the chicken – Cook for 8 minutes, flip, and cook for an additional 8–10 minutes until golden and cooked through.

✓ Step #8: Serve – Place crispy chicken tenders on top of the waffles and serve immediately.

Note: Make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through. I break one piece in half—if it’s white and cooked inside, it’s ready to eat.

Storage Tips

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Store waffles in a Ziploc bag in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating Tips

• Reheat chicken in the air fryer for the best crispiness.

• Waffles can be reheated in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or in a toaster for extra crisp.

How Do You Enjoy Your Chicken and Waffles?

Do you like your chicken with sweet syrup, or do you prefer a savory BBQ twist? Let me know your favorite variations in the comments! You can also pin this recipe on Pinterest or share with your friends so they can enjoy it as well!

If you loved this recipe like we did, you can share your creations on Instagram using the hashtag #savvywithabbie for a chance to be featured on my page!