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Crispy, golden AIP waffles will make your weekend breakfast an utter delight. Easy to make and ready in minutes, plus you can make these directly out of ingredients from your pantry!
Back in the AIP Dark Ages (aka, 2014) there were no AIP waffles.
The first time I did the AIP Diet I mainly ate leftover dinner for breakfast, even on the weekends. While this was ok, after a while I just wanted some traditional breakfast foods!!
The 2nd time I did AIP, in 2018, there were a few waffle recipes floating about, but we couldn't seem to make them without a huge stack of plantains (which were not always easy to find) or without the waffle mix sticking in our waffle maker.
Bless my family's hearts, as they really tried to support me in doing AIP by eating some AIP meals with me, especially weekend breakfast treats like pancakes and waffles, but eventually they gave up and said I was on my own.
I totally don't blame them. I would've done the same thing.
Hence, why I made it my mission to create some amazing AIP breakfast foods.
Well, at least weekend breakfast treats – I still think leftovers, soups, and hashes make the best weekday meals….
Table of contents
AIP Waffles
These waffles are of the crispy thinner variety, not the really soft ones and not belgian-style.
They are perfection though when served warm – a buttery flavor (not sure how that happens honestly) – and something you can sink your teeth into.
Egg-free, dairy-free, nut-free, seed-free, all the things that make them AIP-friendly and yet leave you extremely satisfied.
It's just one of those traditional breakfast items that can help you feel normal again – at least to help you face another week.
Ingredients you might need
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You may already have many, if not all of these ingredients in your AIP pantry, but just in case not, here are the ingredients that you'll need.
Tapioca Starch
I like Anthony's brand for most of the AIP flours these days because they've been consistent in quality and tend to have the most inexpensive prices. However, any tapioca starch (also called tapioca flour) will do.
Coconut Flour
Again, I like Anthony's coconut flour, but any coconut flour will do. Just make sure to whisk out any clumps! (Learn more about coconut flour!)
Avocado Oil
I use avocado oil in this recipe because it's already liquid, has no taste, and easy to use. But you could also use melted coconut oil, palm shortening, or lard if you prefer, or even olive oil in a pinch (though it may leave a bit of a taste). I'm linking to the Chosen Foods Avocado Oil I like, but I do think the price at Costco is waaay less (like half the price) of this one on Amazon!!
Coconut, Tigernut or Banana Milk
You really could use water in place of these in a pinch, but these three options give the waffles more flavor.
You can buy guar gum-free coconut milk on Amazon, Thrive Market, Trader Joe's and at many Asian markets, or you can make it yourself using shredded coconut and water and save a lot of money. See how to make homemade coconut milk.
Or see how to make an AIP coconut milk alternative called banana milk! It just uses a banana and water.
Or make your own tigernut milk.
Waffle Maker
Of course, you'll need a waffle maker in order to make these into waffles (though you COULD just make these into pancakes). I just use a standard circle one that makes classic waffles and set it to about 4.
If you want to make these ahead of time
These waffles are best-served immediately after cooking, but the batter can be mixed up to 4 days ahead of time and just poured into the preheated waffle maker right before you need them.
If you DO make them ahead of time though, they are best reheated in the microwave. They'll lose some of their crispiness but the toaster oven tends to make them TOO crispy.
You can store these in the fridge for a few days or freeze up to 3 months.
To freeze: Place the cooked waffles on a baking sheet and into the freezer for 4+ hours. Then remove from the pan and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. This way you can easily just take 1-2 as needed without them sticking together.
Can you add blueberries, etc in the batter?
You could add blueberries or any other berries, etc into the batter but I do find that the waffles don't come out as well. They seem to stick to the waffle iron more and fall apart.
I personally am a bigger fan of adding toppings AFTER cooking. (see the next section for more on that)
Waffle Toppings
In the pictures, I just am using some fresh blueberries and a bit of coconut “whipped” cream. The term whipped is used loosely since I didn't really go through the trouble of whipping it, rather I just emptied a can of coconut cream into a bowl, added a dash of maple syrup and stirred it. Same thing 🙂
Of course, you could just use the traditional maple syrup as well!
If you like a little crunch, perhaps try some “Chocolate” AIP Tigernut Granola on top! Or my Pumpkin Spice Tigernut Granola.
If you want a long list of AIP-friendly breakfast toppings that could also be used on these waffles, I've got a list in my Paleo & AIP Freebie Library.
More AIP breakfast recipes like this
AIP Cassava Flour Pancakes – fluffy, delicious, amazing. Need I say more? (Also a “chocolate” syrup recipe)
10 AIP Breakfast Ideas – don't know what to make? This post will give you ideas
Lemon AIP Scones – little bundles of lemony deliciousness that you can sink your teeth into!
Spiced Carrot Porridge – if you're in the mood for a warm porridge, this AIP one will hit the spot!
AIP Breakfasts Book – my new eCookbook! 61+ AIP breakfast recipes and ideas make your mornings amazing
More Helpful AIP & Paleo Resources in the Freebie Library
If you find this recipe helpful, you may really enjoy the resources in my Paleo & AIP Freebie Library! There's a “dump” freezer meal plan, a list of AIP-compliant breakfast toppings, and so much more. Plus, you'll get even more ideas sent to your inbox! Get the password here.
AIP Waffle Recipe
If you make these waffles I'd love to hear how it turned out! Either comment below or share a pic on Instagram and tag me @thrivingautoimmune!
AIP Waffles
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup Tapioca Starch
- 3 tbsp Coconut Flour
- Pinch Salt
- 1/4 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/4 cup Avocado Oil (or melted Coconut Oil)
- 3 tbsp Maple Syrup ( or Honey)
- 2/3 cup Coconut Milk (or Tigernut Milk, or Banana Milk)
- 1 tbsp Avocado Oil ( or Coconut Oil – for greasing the waffle iron)
Instructions
- Preheat a standard waffle maker to medium-high. Mix all of the ingredients together, whisking to get rid of any clumps. Once the waffle maker is heated, grease it with a little avocado or coconut oil and then spoon the batter into the maker.
- Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until slightly browned. (It's ok to open the maker and check – just close it again if they aren't done)
- Remove and serve immediately. These are best served immediately, but if you do make them ahead of time the microwave is the best place to reheat.
Notes
Nutrition
Can you use arrowroot starch instead of tapioca?
Yep! It should be fine to use as a replacement!
I was happy to find a waffle mix that didn’t require cassava flour. These were a hit. Now I need to find toppings or add-ins to add some protein.
I am obsessed with these! I made them twice in 2 days and I should have doubled it. Thank you so much!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them! Got onto the AIP diet and to try to find something I could have had been hard it was always the same. I tried another recipe for pancakes and they were so gooey. My mom and I love eating them- anytime, hot or cold. I make batch weekly and then freeze them. Microwave or toast through the week. I had probably not made waffles in over 5 years. I now bought a new waffle maker and it is a staple! Was waiting on its delivery so have not had waffles in a few days and was craving them!,, great recipe that is also easy. Realized after you can click 3x for the recipe to show larger batch.
These are great! They turn a darker brown but taste great by themselves, sweet from the added Maple Syrup so they don’t need any extra. I cook them to a 5-6, makes them crispy on the outside and a bit chewy on the inside. Reminds me of a cookie. I started making them because they were the only waffles with ingredients I had on hand, glad I did. I have made these twice and both times they turned out yummy.
Amazing! Turned out great in my Belgium waffle maker. I may leave in an extra minute next time due to being slightly gummy. I also want to try this as a pancake recipe. For some reason, I can never get the regular AIP Pancake recipe to turn out right.
They turned out great! Was craving pancakes/waffles. My question is to serving size and nutrition info. Next to the serving on the printed copy it had 1x. Does this mean one serving? Do you know the number of calories or carbs?
Sorry for the delay – it’s been a crazy few weeks with my son being in the hospital, etc. But so the 1x actually refers to the ability to double or triple the recipe amount and the recipe card will automatically adjust the amount of the ingredients. The actual amount of servings is 2 waffles though. And as for the nutrition info, I just purchased this new recipe card software in January that allows me to put the nutrition info in, but it’s a slow-going process transferring over the recipes from the old recipe card and then putting in all of the nutrition info after, esp with the “weird” ingredients like the AIP flours. I hope to have it in there soon though!
ok these are delicious! I have celiac and must say no other GF waffle has been worth the effort or calories! I added 2 TBSP coconut flour and used a Belgian waffle maker so haven’t gotten them to fully fill in yet but 3 mins at 400F did the trick, perfect texture for me :0) Thank You!
After trying several waffle and pancake AIP batters without real success, this one worked! I was so excited. I also used a mini waffle maker and left them in for about 7 minutes and yummm! Mine were the slightest but gummy in the middle so next time I will play with the Tapioca Starch and Coconut flour. Otherwise, this was a hit! Thank you!
Is the maple syrup supposed to go into the waffle batch or used on top after. Mine turns out terrible.
It goes in the waffle batch, in the first step where it says “mix all of the ingredients together.”