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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.
These have become a standard for special occasions! Just finished a batch for Easter brunch. I had not enough tapioca and no milk this time bit I subbed arrowroot, water and a bit of rum for flavor (cooked of course), and they turned out as delicious as ever.
Thanks also for your testimonial on the Phoenix Helix podcast and greetings to your son from a fellow type 1 diabetic 🙂
Is the calories for 2 waffles or just 1
I believe that’s per waffle.
These are so delicious! My whole family loves them!! When I put the ingredients into My Fitness Pal, it calculated each waffle at over 600 calories (just the waffle—no toppings, etc.) I have had some issues with calories not being calculated correctly on that app and I am praying that is the case with these! Does that seem right—about 625 calories per waffle?? They sure are good but whew that’s is a lot of calories! Just trying to decide how often I will let myself have them! Lol!
Yeah… just finally got around to putting the nutritional data in this one and they are very high in calories. It doesn’t surprise me – tapioca starch is a calorie and carb bomb. I didn’t realize how much until we started having to really pay attention to that for my son’s Type 1 Diabetes! But alas, used in moderation, eating these are fine. I wouldn’t do them every day, but once a week or something would be ok.
These are so delicious they are worth the calories! But it’s good to be informed. I didn’t know that tapioca starch was so high but now I do! All good info to have!
This was super delicious!!! I used arrowroot since I did not have tapioca , I added a bit more coconut flour . Added coconut sugar, vanilla bean paste and cooked for longer. It came out almost as a Belgian waffle and my extremely picky son could not get enough of it. Thank you!!!
What is .75 tsp? Or .75 cups? I am new to baking and unless I have the label on my spoons or cups I get confused…
It’s just 3/4 of a cup or 3/4 of a tsp.
This is the first successful recipe I’ve had since beginning AIP(apart from meat and veggies)! These were so good! I can not thank you enough!
Delicious! I can eat eggs now I wonder if I can add them
Without ruining the recipe lol.
haha, I have no idea! Glad you enjoyed!
This turned out very delicious! I did panic a little when I couldn’t get my waffle iron to open lol it was stuck and I think probably from the maple syrup but eventually I got it open. So it was a little too dark lol too hard or crispy in the middle but even so it was delicious and very like, had a nice chew to it I really enjoyed this
This recipe makes awesome waffles! Even my husband enjoyed them. He’s been so supportive and patient as we’ve waded through recipe after recipe of gummy AIP pancakes and waffles. These were not gummy AT ALL. I didn’t change a thing and mixed everything in the blender. The only discovery I made was that when I put a little more batter in the waffle iron for the second waffle, it was a little more “fluffy” (everything being relative) than the first round. The extra batter made them a little fluffy and crispy, rather than just crispy like the first round.
These turned out great!
Ever since I started the AIP diet I’ve failed at every recipe for pancakes and got discourage or trying anymore but I figured I try this waffle one and I’m soooo glad I did!
Thank you!