Hey there breakfast lovers today we're going to dive into an easy recipe for air fryer French toast.
Using an air fryer means we get all that yummy crispiness without the greasiness that can come from a pan. So, put on your favorite apron, grab your air fryer, and let's cook up some Air Fryer French Toast!
This beloved breakfast dish is renowned for its crispy exterior and tender custard-like interior, and air frying promises to deliver both of these delightful attributes with ease.
In an air fryer, French toast cooks quickly and evenly, and with just a few simple steps and some common ingredients, you can whip up a batch of mouth-watering French toast that will impress your family, friends, or simply make your morning extra enjoyable.
Preparing French toast in an air fryer offers convenience and a healthier alternative to the traditional pan-fried version. By using minimal oil or butter and circulating hot air, this appliance creates a crispy exterior with a perfect golden-brown color on each slice.
Say hello to a new quick breakfast hat's easy to make and won't burn or stick to the pan!
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Selecting the Right Bread
When preparing French toast in an air fryer, the type of bread you choose can make a considerable difference.
Opt for thick bread slices just as you would when making traditional French toast to ensure the final result is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Some popular bread types ideal for French toast include brioche bread, challah, sourdough bread, French bread, and Texas toast. If you don't have day-old bread, fresh bread will work as well but may require a longer soaking time.
Eggs, Milk, and Sweeteners
The egg mixture is essential for French toast, and the choice of eggs, type of milk, and sweeteners is crucial for a delicious recipe. Use fresh eggs and whisk them thoroughly. For milk options, consider using whole milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Each option will give a slightly different flavor and texture to your French toast.
I've also used my favorite flavored creamer when I'm in a rush. This option allows for this to be a 2-Ingredient Air Fryer French Toast since I don't need to add any additional sugar or flavoring.
When it comes to sweeteners, there are several options to choose from. These include:
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar or brown sugar will give a pleasant sweetness to the egg mixture.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that can add a hint of floral or fruity flavor.
- Cinnamon sugar: A combination of sugar and cinnamon that adds a warm, slightly spiced sweetness to your French toast.
You can experiment with these sweeteners to find your personal preference.
Spices and Flavorings
To elevate your French toast recipe, add spices and flavorings to the egg custard mixture. Some popular options include:
- Cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon will yield a warm and fragrant spice that pairs well with French toast.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of vanilla flavor and enhances the overall taste.
- Nutmeg: A touch of nutmeg brings a warm and slightly sweet note to your dish.
Keep in mind that the right combination of spices and flavorings can help create the perfect balance of flavors. Feel free to tweak the ratios or try others like cardamom or orange zest to find the blend that suits your taste buds.
- eggs
- milk
- ground cinnamon
- 2 slices thick-cut bread
- *powdered sugar
- *maple syrup
See recipe card for quantities.
- * = optional
If you have a stoneware tray that fits my air fryer perfectly. I like to melt 1 teaspoon of butter on the tray during the preheating process. The stoneware tray means no waste (like you get with parchment paper).
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions, including cooking time and temperature, are in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Making the Egg Mixture
To start, prepare the egg mixture for your French toast. In a shallow dish, combine eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Whisk the ingredients until they are well combined.
Soaking the Bread
For the best results, use stale slices of bread. Stale bread will better absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. If you don't have stale bread, leave fresh slices of bread out for a few hours or even overnight to dry them out. Place each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds, flip, and soak on the second side. Be careful not to over-soak the bread, as it may become too soggy and fall apart when cooking.
Arranging the Bread on the Air Fryer Basket
When making French toast in the air fryer, it is important to select the right settings for the best results.
Before arranging the bread in the air fryer basket, preheat your air fryer to around 370-390 degrees F.
After preheating is completed, line the basket with parchment paper to prevent the French toast from sticking. Spray parchment paper with cooking spray or melt 1 teaspoon of butter on the parchment and brush to coat with a silicone pastry brush.
Place the soaked bread slices in a single layer on the parchment paper-lined basket, ensuring that they don't overlap.
Air fry the French toast for 4-6 minutes, then carefully flip the slices and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of air fryer you have or the thickness of the bread you're using so keep an eye on your French toast to ensure it doesn't overcook.
Once the French toast is golden brown and crispy on the outside, remove it from the air fryer and serve.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Cooking in Batches
Depending on the size of your air fryer basket or model, you may need to cook the French toast in batches. If so, divide the slices accordingly and allow enough space between each piece for proper air circulation. When cooking multiple batches, always remember to adjust the cook time to avoid overcooking the later batches. After you finish air frying, you can easily reheat the first batch for a few minutes to serve everything warm. This ensures an enjoyable French toast experience for everyone.
Toppings and Serving Suggestions
Sweet and Savory Topping Ideas
Air fryer French toast offers a variety of topping options to satisfy your taste buds. For those who prefer sweet toppings, consider drizzling maple syrup over your French toast, and dusting it with powdered sugar or confectioners' sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Whipped cream and a generous helping of fresh fruits, such as berries, banana slices, or peaches are also excellent choices.
If you're craving something savory, try topping your French toast with crispy bacon. To take it a step further, combine both sweet and savory elements, like bacon with maple syrup.
Accompaniment Options
Pairing your air-fried French toast with the right sides can create a balanced and fulfilling meal. Hash browns make for a classic, savory side that adds texture and crunch to your breakfast. Here are a few side options to consider:
- Fresh fruit: Complement your French toast with a fruit salad or a mixed berry medley for a refreshing and light side.
- Yogurt or cottage cheese: A side of yogurt or cottage cheese adds a creamy, protein-rich contrast to the crispy French toast.
- Eggs: Serve scrambled, fried, or poached eggs alongside your French toast for a traditional and satisfying breakfast option.
Remember to experiment with various combinations of toppings and sides to discover your perfect air fryer French toast experience.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
Healthier Ingredient Alternatives
Air frying is a popular alternative to traditional frying methods, as it requires less oil and cuts down on dietary fat and excess calories while still producing crispy and delicious results. In the case of French toast, the air fryer can be a game-changer. Here are some healthier ingredient options to consider while making French toast in your air fryer.
- Whole-wheat bread: Swap traditional white bread with whole-wheat bread to increase fiber and nutrients, which can help regulate blood sugar levels, improve digestive health, and promote a feeling of fullness. Whole-wheat bread also offers more protein, vitamin E, and healthy fats than white bread.
- Low-fat milk alternatives: Replace whole milk with a low-fat or non-dairy milk alternative to reduce saturated fat content. By choosing almond, oat, or soy milk, you can further decrease the overall calories and saturated fat in the recipe.
- Egg substitute: Use egg whites or an egg substitute to lower cholesterol and fat content. This change will also reduce the number of calories in each serving.
- Natural sweeteners: Opt for a natural sweetener, like honey or pure maple syrup, to replace granulated sugar. These alternatives may have fewer calories, as well as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can promote better health.
- Reduce or eliminate butter: Instead of using melted butter in the egg mixture, consider a healthier fat option, like olive oil, or eliminate the need for added fat by using non-stick cooking spray.
By making these adjustments to your French toast recipe, you are able to create a more nutritious and lower calorie breakfast option. In addition to these changes, air frying allows you to enjoy a deliciously crispy texture without the need for excess oil.
When preparing French toast in the air fryer, remember that each serving typically contains protein, carbohydrates, and a small amount of fat. Depending on the ingredients you choose, your French toast could also provide fiber, potassium, vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and healthy fats like polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. By incorporating healthier ingredient alternatives, you can make your air-fried French toast even more nourishing and satisfying.
French Toast Variations
French Toast Sticks
French toast sticks are a fun twist on the traditional recipe that are perfect for dipping. To make them in your air fryer, simply slice your bread into thick sticks and dunk them into your egg and milk mixture. Be sure to coat the sticks evenly with cinnamon and sugar before placing them into the air fryer. Cook the sticks at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Serve your air fryer French toast sticks with your choice of dipping sauce, such as maple syrup or fruit compote.
Bites
If you're looking for an even smaller version of French toast, try making bites. Cut your bread into small cubes and toss them in the egg mixture. You can use a toothpick or a fork to help with this process. After coating the bread cubes with the egg mixture, transfer them to a shallow dish filled with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Gently toss the bites until they're coated with the cinnamon sugar. Place the bites in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving room for air to circulate. Cook at 350°F for 6-8 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and crispy. Serve your French toast bites with a sprinkling of powdered sugar and a side of maple syrup for dipping.
Mini Versions
Mini French toast is an excellent choice for those who want bite-sized portions. To create these tiny treats, use a round cookie cutter or small glass to cut out circles from your slices of bread. Prepare your egg mixture as you would for standard French toast, and then dip the circular pieces of bread into the mixture. Place the soaked bread onto a plate and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Transfer the mini French toast pieces to your air fryer basket, and cook at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, flipping them halfway, until they're golden brown and crispy. These mini French toast bites can be served with syrup drizzled on top or with a side of fresh fruit for a healthy breakfast option.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Preserving Leftovers
Storing your leftover French toast properly helps preserve its taste and texture. To store your leftover French toast:
- Allow it to cool down completely to room temperature.
- Place the French toast in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store it in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking, and use it within one to two days.
Reheating Instructions
Reheating your French toast in the air fryer can help maintain its delicious taste and crisp texture. To reheat your French toast:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the French toast slices from sticking.
- Arrange the French toast slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap.
- Reheat the French toast for 5 minutes, turning the slices halfway through the cooking time.
Remember to keep an eye on your French toast to prevent overcooking, and to retain its flavorful taste. With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your delicious French toast leftovers without compromising on quality.
Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes
Sweet Breakfast Ideas
For a more indulgent treat, try making Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls. Just prepare your favorite cinnamon roll dough, cut into individual rolls, and place them in your air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for around 8 minutes, or until cooked through. Drizzle with icing for the perfect finish!
Additional Recipe Tips and Tricks
Before you start preparing your air fryer French toast, gather the necessary ingredients and tools. Here are some tips and tricks you can utilize to make your French toast even better:
- Oil: If you're using butter to grease your air fryer basket, ensure that it's unsalted butter for a more balanced flavor. Alternatively, you can use coconut oil or cooking spray for a healthier option.
- Cream: To make the egg mixture extra rich and creamy, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.
- Recipe Tips: For a different spin on the classic French toast, try adding flavors to the egg mixture such as a splash of orange juice or rum.
- Preparation Time: Save time in the morning by prepping the egg mixture the night before and storing it in the refrigerator. Make sure to give it a quick mix before dipping the bread in the morning.
Make your air fryer French toast recipe Pinterest-worthy with these presentation suggestions:
- Serve with Fresh Fruit: Add color and freshness to your plate by serving the French toast with seasonal fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas.
- Add Crunch: A sprinkle of chopped nuts, like pecans, almonds or walnuts, will give your French toast some texture contrast and extra flavor.
- Top with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar can make your French toast look more professional and taste even better.
Follow these tips and tricks to elevate your air fryer French toast experience. Remember, you can always experiment with new flavor combinations and toppings to create your ultimate version of this breakfast favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook French toast?
To cook French toast in an air fryer, it typically takes about 8-10 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through the cooking process. However, cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your bread and the specific air fryer model. Always keep an eye on the toast to ensure it doesn't overcook.
What temperature for French toast?
The ideal temperature for cooking French toast in an air fryer is 350°F to 375°F. This heat level allows the toast to become crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. Experiment with your air fryer to find the perfect temperature setting for your desired texture.
Fry with butter or oil?
When making French toast in an air fryer, it is recommended to use butter rather than oil. The rich flavor of butter enhances the taste of the toast. Before placing the bread in the air fryer basket brush melted butter onto the parchment paper or stoneware tray you will be using.
Air fryer vs oven?
The main advantage of using an air fryer to cook French toast is the shorter cooking time and the crispier texture it achieves. Air fryers cook with hot air circulation, which makes the bread evenly cooked and crispy. On the other hand, ovens may not provide the same level of crispiness and require a longer cooking time.
Making French toast sticks?
To make French toast sticks in an air fryer, simply cut the bread into 1-inch wide strips before dipping them in the egg mixture. Cook the sticks in the air fryer at the same temperature and time recommended for French toast slices. This is a fantastic option for making a fun and easy-to-eat breakfast dish, especially for kids.
Ninja Foodi recipe?
The procedure for making French toast in a Ninja Foodi air fryer is similar to any other air fryer. Prepare your egg mixture, dip the bread slices, and air fry at the desired temperature for 8-10 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. Keep an eye on the toast to ensure it doesn't overcook and adjust the cooking time accordingly for your specific model.
📖 Recipe
French Toast in the Air Fryer
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 slices bread
- 1 teaspoon butter
Instructions
- To start, prepare the egg mixture for your French toast. In a shallow dish, combine eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Whisk the ingredients until they are well combined.2 eggs, ½ cup milk, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the best results, use stale slices of bread. Stale bread will better absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. If you don't have stale bread, leave fresh slices of bread out for a few hours or even overnight to dry them out. Place each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds, flip, and soak on the second side. Be careful not to over-soak the bread, as it may become too soggy and fall apart when cooking.2 slices bread
- Before arranging the bread in the air fryer basket, preheat your air fryer to around 370-390 degrees F. After preheating is completed, line the basket with parchment paper to prevent the French toast from sticking. Spray parchment paper with cooking spray or melt 1 teaspoon of butter on the parchment and brush to coat with a silicone pastry brush. Place the soaked bread slices in a single layer on the parchment paper-lined basket, ensuring that they don't overlap.1 teaspoon butter
- Air fry the French toast for 4-6 minutes, then carefully flip the slices and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of air fryer you have so keep an eye on your French toast to ensure it doesn't overcook. Once the French toast is golden brown and crispy on the outside, remove it from the air fryer and serve.
Nutrition
Related
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Sweet Treats
These are some of my favorite sweet treats made in an air fryer:
