Crispy Paleo Waffles

These Crispy Paleo Waffles are pure perfection! Made with almond flour and tapioca starch, these waffles are crispy, slightly sweet, and so fluffy! These paleo waffles can hold their own against any conventional waffle recipe, making this the perfect recipe for paleo-skeptics and waffles lovers alike.

Jump to:

• Ingredient Notes & Possible Substitutions
• Equipment Needed For This Recipe
• How To Make THE BEST Paleo Waffles
• Freezing Paleo Waffles
• How To Use Frozen Waffles
• What I Love About These Paleo Waffles
• Recipe Tips
• Related Recipes
• 📖 Recipe

I love waffles. Not in a casual way, but similar to they way Leslie Knope loves waffles. I spent much of my pregnancy obsessing over making the perfect paleo waffles, and these, my friends, are it.

These waffles have everything a true waffle lover is looking for. They are crispy and golden on the outside. Airy and fluffy on the inside and have just a hint of sweetness.

My favorite way to enjoy these waffles is to microwave some frozen berries until thawed, mash them and top the waffles with the sweet, tart berry mixture, a drizzle of maple syrup and some raw almond butter. Heaven.

Ingredient Notes & Possible Substitutions

Almond Milk

Any type of dairy-free milk alternative in this recipe. I would recommend using coconut milk found in a carton instead of in a can because the cream in the canned varieties tends to solidify and separate. I've tested almond, cashew, and coconut milk. Non-paleo options will also work like oat milk, soy milk and cow's milk.

Apple Cider Vinegar

The apple cider vinegar makes these waffles perfectly crispy while also being light and airy. If you don't have ACV on hand, white vinegar will work!

Almond Flour

Blanched ultra-fine almond flour works best in most recipes because it has a fine texture, and the skin is removed from the almonds before grinding. I don't recommend using almond meal or substituting this ingredient for another type of flour. I like to buy almond flour from Costco because it is the cheapest price per ounce I can find!

Tapioca Starch

Also called tapioca flour, this flour made from a root (cassava) and is super fine and very light. It adds an airiness to these waffles. Cassava flour (which is made from the same plant but has a slightly different texture) will work as a substitute and can usually be used interchangeably. Potato starch, arrowroot starch or cornstarch (not paleo) may work but I have not had an opportunity to test it.

Coconut Sugar

Maple sugar can be used in place of coconut sugar. I would opt for a granulated sweetener over a liquid sweetener, but maple syrup or agave will also work in a pinch. Honey will likely work but is a little harder to incorporate into the batter and you should be aware over-mixing is likely with this substitution.

Egg

One of my readers tested a flax egg with good results. I also think adding ¼ teaspoon of cream of tartar in place of the egg will work, but I will circle back after testing this substitution. If you have tested any egg replacements, let me know in the comments below.

Avocado Oil

Any neutral flavored cooking oil can be used, including melted coconut oil. I have also used olive oil without any noticeable difference in taste.

Equipment Needed For This Recipe

Only a few simple pieces of kitchen equipment are needed for this recipe. Here's what you will need:

• Waffle Iron - Almost any waffle iron will do. Make sure it has a good non-stick cooking surface or be sure to use coconut oil or cooking spray.
• Mixing Bowls
• Whisk

How To Make THE BEST Paleo Waffles

1. Start by combining the apple cider vinegar with almond milk. Mix it together and set aside.
2. Combine the almond flour, tapioca starch, coconut sugar and baking powder, and stir until there are not lumps.
3. Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer's instructions.
4. Add remaining ingredients to dry mix, including the almond milk mixture. Whisk together until smooth but avoid overmixing.
5. Grease waffle iron with cooking spray or coconut oil, if needed. Using a ladle or measuring cup, pour a scoop of batter into the waffle iron (about ⅓ to ½ cup). Cook according to waffle iron manufacturer's instructions. Repeat until all the batter is gone.

Freezing Paleo Waffles

I am a big fan of doubling this recipe and freezing the waffles to have a quick and nostalgic toaster waffle available whenever I am wondering what to make for breakfast. This is a great thing to do if you have kids!

To freeze, I make the recipe as described in the recipe card. I cut the waffles into 4 pieces using kitchen scissors or use a mini waffle iron. The goal is for them to easily fit in a toaster.

I then will put the waffles in a freezer bag. I separate each layer with parchment paper to keep them from sticking. This works great!

These crispy paleo waffles can be kept in the freezer for up to 1 month. Just pull from the freezer and pop into the toaster for a perfect toaster waffle in minutes! The waffles can also be reheated in the oven (we actually don't have a toaster since both my husband and I are gluten-free and we don't generally buy bread). In both the toaster and the oven, they will need less time than you think so watch closely to avoid burning.

How To Use Frozen Waffles

Don't limit yourself to standard waffle toppings! While maple syrup and a little salted coconut oil is hard to beat, the possibilities are endless. Here are some fun ideas to try using these toasted paleo waffles after they have been frozen:

• Avocado toast! Simply just toast the frozen waffle and top with smashed avocado and some salt. Perfection.
• Paleo breakfast sandwich, anyone? Toast two mini waffles. Top with bacon, a gooey egg and avocado for the perfect egg sandwich.
• PB&J. Like I mentioned before, I love doing mashed berries and raw almond butter on top of the toasted waffles. It is sweet, tart and super satisfying with a little crunch from the toasted waffle.

Recipe Tips

• Adding the apple cider vinegar to the almond milk mimics the reaction you would get from using buttermilk. When it is added to the baking powder it reacts and makes tiny air bubbles which help give the waffles a light and airy texture. I prefer to mix the ACV and almond milk together first; however, I have had success mixing all the wet ingredients in at the same time. This recipe is really solid and hard to mess up.
• The number of waffles per recipe usually varies based on size and type of waffle maker. A standard waffle iron will make about 4 waffles, a Belgium waffle maker will make about 2 large waffles, and a mini waffle iron will make about 8 waffles.
• If you can't tolerate eggs, you could try using a flax egg in place of the regular egg. Just mix 1 tbsp. of flax meal with 2.5 tbsp. of hot water, stir and let sit for 5-10 minutes before adding to the recipe.
• Freeze extra waffles for a simple and quick weekday breakfast!

Related Recipes

• Keto Whipped Cream
• Paleo Banana Flour Pancakes
• Paleo Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins
• AIP Breakfast Sausage

Did you try these Crispy Paleo Waffles? I would love to see your creations! Take a photo and tag me on Instagram or leave a photo comment on Pinterest.

Feel free to leave a comment and a rating below. Feedback is always appreciated! 😊

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