At our house the pancake vs. waffle debate still rages, but these simple 3-ingredient pumpkin waffles made in the air fryer convert even the staunchest pancake fans. They’re fast, flavorful, and ideal for cozy fall breakfasts or an easy brunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A three-ingredient recipe that actually tastes like fall — pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, and a complete pancake mix. The batter is quick to mix and the air fryer browns the outside nicely without needing a waffle iron.
If you want waffles that look like traditional waffles, use silicone waffle molds that fit in your air fryer basket. The molds give the characteristic grid pattern on one side while the other side remains flat.
Serve with maple syrup, candied nuts, whipped cream, or your favorite toppings. You can even make ice cream sandwiches using these waffles with pumpkin or caramel ice cream for a dessert twist.
Katie’s tip
If you prefer an even easier shortcut, try frozen waffles in the air fryer for a speedy breakfast option.
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The Three Essential Ingredients
- 1 cup complete pancake mix (one that says “just add water”)
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
You’ll also add ½ cup of water to the mix to reach the right batter consistency.
Special equipment note:
A silicone waffle mold that fits inside your air fryer basket makes unmolding easy and gives the waffle pattern on one side. Any mold shape works — choose what you like and reuse for other treats or crafts.
Tip: these molds will create a waffled side and a flat side, not two-sided iron-style waffles.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Use a complete pancake mix that only requires water. Other mixes that need egg and oil will increase the ingredient count.
- Use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which adds extra sugar.
- If you don’t like pumpkin pie spice, swap in cinnamon or other warm spices such as ginger, cloves, or allspice.
- Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips or chopped toasted nuts are great stirred into the batter.
Step By Step Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (or the closest setting on your model).
- In a bowl, combine the pancake mix, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and ½ cup water. Stir until just combined into a thick, slightly sticky batter.
- If your silicone molds aren’t nonstick, spray lightly with nonstick spray. Spoon or spread batter into molds until about halfway full (or just enough to cover the grid pattern).
- Place filled molds in the preheated air fryer and cook at 325°F for 5 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned and set. Allow waffles to cool 3–5 minutes so they release more easily.
- When unmolding, pull the mold edges away from the waffle, then gently press the back of the mold over a plate until the waffle pops out. Repeat for additional batches as needed.
- Serve warm with butter, maple syrup, or your favorite toppings.
What to Serve With Pumpkin Waffles
Toppings
- Butter
- Honey butter
- Maple syrup
- Candied nuts
- Sauteed apples or apple pie filling
- Applesauce
- Whipped cream
- Cream cheese icing
- Chocolate sauce
- Ice cream (pumpkin or caramel)
- Almond butter or Nutella
- Cranberry sauce
- Granola
Sides for Breakfast or Brunch
- Eggs any style
- Omelette or quiche
- Bacon or sausage
- Hash browns
Sides for Dinner
- Fried chicken or chicken tenders
- Carne asada
- Roasted sweet potatoes or green beans
Drinks
- Mimosas
- Hot chocolate
- Coffee
- Smoothies
- Bloody Marys
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes. Cook and puree fresh pumpkin, then cool it before using. Aim for a similar consistency to canned pumpkin puree.
What other spices can I add?
Try cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or cloves to boost warm autumn flavors. Adjust amounts to taste.
Can I make these gluten free?
Yes. Substitute a gluten-free complete pancake mix. If using a mix that requires eggs and oil, the ingredient count will increase.
How do I store leftovers?
Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or toaster to crisp and warm.
Can I make a larger batch?
Yes—scale ingredients and cook in multiple batches to fit your air fryer size and number of molds.
Are these waffles suitable for freezing?
Yes. Freeze on a sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between waffles. Store for 2–3 months and reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer.
Can you cook waffles in the air fryer?
Absolutely. Use silicone or oven-safe molds that fit your air fryer basket. Frozen waffles also cook well in the air fryer without special equipment.
Recipe Pro Tips
- Nonstick spray can make the pumpkin color appear more vibrant.
- These 3-ingredient waffles are not as crispy as iron-made waffles; they have a thicker pancake-like texture. To get crisp edges, add egg and oil per typical waffle mix directions.
- You can also cook this batter in a conventional waffle iron if you prefer—follow your waffle iron’s instructions.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store cooled waffles in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, flash-freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 325°F for 2–3 minutes to warm and re-crisp. From frozen, add 1–2 minutes; exact times depend on size and thickness.
More Pumpkin Recipes
Air Fryer Pumpkin Soup: Comforting Autumn Meal Made Easy!
Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned: Sip Some Autumn Magic!
Delicious Air Fryer Pumpkin Pancakes: Fall Breakfast Favorite!
Air Fryer Pumpkin Muffins: Baked in 15 Mins or Less!
- Air Fryer Pumpkin Fritters
Final Thoughts
These 3-ingredient pumpkin waffles are a wonderful, low-effort way to add autumn flavor to your mornings. They won’t mimic the crisp profile of a waffle iron, but they’re tasty, quick, and convenient — a trade-off many mornings are worth.
Top with butter, syrup, and toasted pecans for the perfect bite. They work well on a brunch board and are easy to batch, store, and reheat for busy days.
Make ahead and freeze for grab-and-go breakfasts; the air fryer is great for reheating and restoring a bit of texture.
Katie’s tip
If you want to try other flavors, beetroot waffles made in the air fryer are a colorful alternative.
Pumpkin Waffles in the Air Fryer: Easy 3 Ingredient Recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cup
- Spatula
- Silicone waffle molds (or similar)
Ingredients
- 1 Cup complete pancake mix (such as Krusteaz)
- ½ Cup canned pumpkin
- 1 Tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ Cup water
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (or the closest setting).
- Combine pancake mix, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and ½ cup water until just mixed into a thick batter.
- If molds aren’t nonstick, spray lightly. Fill molds about halfway or just to cover the grid pattern.
- Air fry at 325°F for 5 minutes, or until lightly browned and cooked through. Cool 3–5 minutes.
- Unmold by pulling edges away and pressing the back of the mold until the waffle releases. Repeat for remaining batches.
- Serve warm with butter, maple syrup, or desired toppings.
Notes
- Use a complete pancake mix that says “just add water.” Other mixes may require eggs and oil.
- Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid extra sugar.
- Swap spices to taste and add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts if desired.
- These waffles are thicker and more pancake-like in texture; add egg and oil if you prefer a crisper exterior.
- Store cooled leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer to restore texture.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are approximate and depend on brands, toppings, and portion sizes.
