Add a fun and nutritious twist to your breakfast with my beetroot waffles. These gorgeous waffles are red thanks to natural coloring from the beets, which add a hint of earthiness and antioxidants too. I make mine in the air fryer, but you can use a waffle iron as well!
What Are Beetroot Waffles?
Beetroot waffles are a variation of traditional waffles that incorporate beets, either in pureed or powdered form, into the batter.
Katie’s Tip
For how to prepare fresh beets, see my recipes for Air Fryer Whole Roasted Beets, Microwave Beets, or use the leftover pulp after straining when making Beetroot Pomegranate Lemonade!
The result is a naturally vibrant, reddish-pink waffle that not only stands out in color but also adds a slightly earthy, sweet flavor from the beetroot. The flavor isn’t overwhelming, though, so it’s a great way to hide veggies for your picky eaters!
In addition to being gorgeous, these waffles also offer some health benefits from the hidden veggies, as beets are rich in nutrients like fiber, folate, and antioxidants.
You can cook them in your air fryer like I do, or just use a waffle iron of your choice!
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Beetroot Waffles Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups waffle mix (such as Krusteaz)
- ½ cup pureed roasted beets (or about one medium approx ½ lb beet)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 3 Tbsp oil
- ⅔ cup water
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can also use your favorite homemade waffle recipe instead of waffle mix, but I like the convenience of the shortcut
- The egg, oil, and water are the package directions for my waffle mix. If yours varies, follow what your box says
- To puree your roasted beets, use a food processor and make sure it’s as smooth as possible. For a blender option, combine a medium roasted beet with the egg, water, oil, and vanilla for the recipe and blend until smooth. If you want to use beet powder instead, add 1 tsp
Equipment Notes
- To make beet waffles in the air fryer, you’ll need a silicone waffle mold. You can use any shape you like as long as it fits in your air fryer’s basket or rack. Note that these molds only add the dimples to one side; the other will be flat
How to Make Beetroot Waffles
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the waffle mix with the egg, water, oil, and vanilla extract, and stir until smooth, then fold in the beet puree until just mixed. Note: if you are using a blender to puree your beet, you can add the wet ingredients in here before blending until smooth, then adding to the dry mix
- Spray your molds with nonstick spray, then spread your batter into the molds until they’re just filled (the “waffle” pattern should be fully covered but they should not be overflowing at all). Smooth the top surface
- Place the filled molds into your air fryer’s basket or rack, allowing a little air space between if you’re using smaller individual molds
- Cook on the air fry setting at 325°F for 5-6 minutes, until the tops are lightly browned
- Cool for 5 minutes (this makes them easier to release) and then pull the edges of the mold away from the waffle along the outside edge. Push down on the waffle pattern side until the waffle releases
- Cook any additional batches as needed (depends on the size of your molds and air fryer)
- Serve warm, with fresh berries, whipped cream, maple syrup, toasted nuts, or other toppings as desired!
More Air Fryer Waffle Recipes
- Waffle Fry Nachos in the Air Fryer
What to Serve With Beet Waffles
- Sausage
- Bacon
- Eggs (any style)
- Smoothies
- Yogurt
- Fresh fruit
- Coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Mimosas
Try my beetroot waffles with some Trader Joe’s Breakfast Sausage in the Air Fryer, a Jamba Juice Beet Smoothie (UpBeet copycat), or a Pomegranate Mimosa for some delightful pairing options!
Recipe FAQs
How Do Beetroot Waffles Taste?
Beet waffles have a subtle sweetness and an earthy flavor from the beets.
The taste is mild and can be complemented by various toppings such as yogurt, honey, fresh fruits, or even savory options like cream cheese or avocado.
Can I Make Beetroot Waffles Gluten Free?
Yes, you can make beetroot waffles gluten free by using a gluten free mix, or making homemade mix with flour alternatives like almond flour, coconut flour, or a gluten free flour blend.
Just ensure that your other ingredients are also gluten free!
What Toppings Go Well With Beetroot Waffles?
Beetroot waffles pair well with both sweet and savory toppings. Popular options include yogurt, honey, berries, whipped cream, or even savory toppings like smoked salmon, avocado, or feta cheese.
The earthy flavor of beetroot complements a wide range of toppings.
Recipe Pro Tips For the Best Beet Waffles
- To make this recipe in a waffle iron, preheat your waffle iron and cook as directed per manufacturer instructions (full size or mini both work fine)!
- For a crispier waffle, toast before serving!
- I have found that the air fryer turns out a more vibrant red color waffle than the waffle iron (but a waffle iron one will still be red inside)
- Air fryers can vary slightly, but I made my beet waffles in a Ninja Dual Zone and 6 minutes was perfect without preheating. For subsequent batches, I did 5 minutes. Adjust as needed for your specific appliance!
Waffle Storage and Reheating Tips
- Cool any leftover waffles, then store them in an airtight container or zippered bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer term storage, wrap and freeze for up to 3 months
- To reheat leftover waffles, air fry at 325°F for 2-3 minutes (add an extra 1-2 minutes if frozen), until warmed through. You can also toast them in a toaster! Reheating time can vary between different appliances and based on thickness and size of waffles, so adjust as needed
Final Thoughts
These vibrant and delicious beet waffles are a fun fall twist on classic waffles, and even boast some added nutritional benefits too! It’s a great way to add some “hidden veggies” to breakfast since they don’t overpower the flavor either.
Beetroot waffles are perfect for autumn due to the root vegetable addition, but they’re also nice for Mother’s Day brunch or Valentine’s day due to the natural reddish pink coloring!
I love to serve mine with a topping of fresh blueberries and whipped cream, but you can also do maple syrup, yogurt, or add some crunchy toasted pecans!
For more great ways to add these delicious root vegetables into your meals, check out all of my delicious Air Fryer Beet Recipes for inspiration!
Beetroot Waffles in the Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air Fryer (or waffle iron)
- Food processor (or blender; for pureeing beet)
- Nonstick spray
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups waffle mix (such as Krusteaz)
- ½ cup pureed roasted beets (or about one medium approx ½ lb beet)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 3 Tbsp oil (I use olive)
- ⅔ cup water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the waffle mix with the egg, water, oil, and vanilla extract, and stir until smooth, then fold in the beet puree until just mixed. Note: if you are using a blender to puree your beet, you can add the wet ingredients in here before blending until smooth, then adding to the dry mix1 ½ cups waffle mix, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 large egg, 3 Tbsp oil, ⅔ cup water, ½ cup pureed roasted beets
- Spray your molds with nonstick spray, then spread your batter into the molds until they’re just filled (the “waffle” pattern should be fully covered but they should not be overflowing at all). Smooth the top surface
- Place the filled molds into your air fryer’s basket or rack, allowing a little air space between if you’re using smaller individual molds
- Cook on the air fry setting at 325°F for 5-6 minutes, until the tops are lightly browned
- Cool for 5 minutes (this makes them easier to release) and then pull the edges of the mold away from the waffle along the outside edge. Push down on the waffle pattern side until the waffle releases
- Cook any additional batches as needed (depends on the size of your molds and air fryer)
- Serve warm, with fresh berries, whipped cream, maple syrup, toasted nuts, or other toppings as desired!
Notes
- You can also use your favorite homemade waffle recipe instead of waffle mix, but I like the convenience of the shortcut box mix
- The egg, oil, and water are the package directions for my waffle mix. If yours varies, follow what your box says
- To puree your roasted beets, use a food processor and make sure it’s as smooth as possible. For a blender option, combine your roasted beet with the egg, water, oil, and vanilla for the recipe and blend until smooth. If you want to use beet powder instead, add 1 tsp
- To make this recipe in a waffle iron, preheat your waffle iron and cook as directed per manufacturer instructions (full size or mini both work fine)!
- For a crispier waffle, toast before serving!
- I have found that the air fryer turns out a more vibrant red color waffle than the waffle iron (but a waffle iron one will still be red inside)
- Air fryers can vary slightly, but I made my beet waffles in a Ninja Dual Zone and 6 minutes was perfect without preheating. For subsequent batches, I did 5 minutes. Adjust as needed for your specific appliance!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any toppings, sauces, or sides added, size of waffles, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
