diff --git a/esphome/components/ac_dimmer/output.py b/esphome/components/ac_dimmer/output.py
index 5e24779510..9f9afb6d80 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ac_dimmer/output.py
+++ b/esphome/components/ac_dimmer/output.py
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ import esphome.codegen as cg
 from esphome.components import output
 import esphome.config_validation as cv
 from esphome.const import CONF_ID, CONF_METHOD, CONF_MIN_POWER
+from esphome.core import CORE
 
 CODEOWNERS = ["@glmnet"]
 
@@ -36,6 +37,12 @@ CONFIG_SCHEMA = cv.All(
 
 
 async def to_code(config):
+    if CORE.is_esp8266:
+        # ac_dimmer uses setTimer1Callback which requires the waveform generator
+        from esphome.components.esp8266.const import require_waveform
+
+        require_waveform()
+
     var = cg.new_Pvariable(config[CONF_ID])
     await cg.register_component(var, config)