Turn on your waffle maker or waffle iron. Allow it to heat for a few minutes until it reaches the ideal temperature. You want a hot surface that helps the waffle batter form a golden exterior.

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. This helps your batter mix evenly and prevents lumps.

In a separate bowl, stir your chosen milk substitute or water instead of milk with the melted butter (or a dairy-free alternative). If you use almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk, the batter may develop a subtle flavor twist. This is a good way to explore different tastes in your dairy free batter.

Pour the liquid blend into the dry mixture. Stir until you see no streaks of flour, but avoid overmixing. The batter should appear slightly thick, yet smooth. If it feels too dense, add a splash more milk substitute or water. If it seems runny, sprinkle in a spoonful of flour.

Some people let the waffle batter rest for a couple of minutes. This brief break allows the baking powder to activate, creating a lighter texture. It also gives the gluten in the flour time to relax, helping produce a fluffy waffle.

Use cooking spray or a bit of oil to coat the plates of your waffle iron with cooking spray. This step prevents sticking and supports the crispy edges.

Ladle about half a cup of batter (or follow the recommended amount for the size of your waffle iron) onto the preheated surface. Close the lid and let the waffle cook until the appliance’s indicator light signals that the waffle is done. Depending on the model, it may take around 3–5 minutes.

Lift the lid to see if the waffle meets your desired shade. A longer cook time results in extra crispy waffles, while a shorter cook time offers a softer texture.

Continue with the rest of the batter, adding more cooking spray if needed to keep the plates lightly greased. Transfer each cooked waffle to a plate and keep the waffles warm until serving.