Toaster Ovens: Air Fry, Microwave, And Toast?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular, with some people even choosing to get rid of their toasters and ovens. But can they really replace these appliances and make toast just as well? It seems that air fryers can indeed toast bread, but the process is not as straightforward as using a toaster. To make toast in an air fryer, you need to set the temperature and timing carefully to prevent the bread from drying out or burning. The type of bread and the size of the air fryer also play a role in achieving the perfect toast. While some people swear by air fryer toast, others still prefer the convenience and results of a traditional toaster.

Air fryer toast: a quick, easy, and versatile way to make toast

Air fryer toast is a quick, easy, and versatile way to make your favourite breakfast food. It is also a great way to save space in your kitchen by removing the need for a toaster. All you need is your favourite bread and your air fryer!

How to Make Air Fryer Toast

First, set your air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit to preheat. While you are waiting, select your bread of choice and how many slices you would like to toast. White bread, wheat bread, sourdough, or Texas toast are all great options. You can also make French toast or French toast sticks in your air fryer by topping them with syrup or fresh fruit.

Once your air fryer is preheated, place each slice of bread flat in the basket or on the baking rack in a single layer. If you are making multiple slices, be sure not to completely block the airflow. Air fry your bread for 3-6 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. For a lighter toast, 3-4 minutes should be enough, but for darker toast, you may need to add an extra minute or two. Flip the bread halfway through the cooking time to ensure even toasting.

Toppings and Serving Suggestions

The great thing about toast is its versatility. You can enjoy it plain, with a variety of toppings, or as a sandwich. Some popular topping options include butter, honey, jam, avocado spread, sugar and cinnamon, or peanut butter/almond butter. You can also make garlic toast by adding butter and garlic powder or fresh garlic before air frying.

If you're feeling adventurous, try making a grilled cheese sandwich or a tuna melt in your air fryer. For a sweet treat, spread some butter and cinnamon sugar on your bread before air frying to make delicious cinnamon toast.

Tips and Tricks

To prevent your bread from flying around during the cooking process, you can use toothpicks or a small baking rack to weigh it down. If using an oven-style air fryer, place the bread in between trays or on the lower rack. It is also recommended to preheat your air fryer before adding the bread for the best results.

Air fryer toast is a convenient and tasty way to make your breakfast staple. With a variety of bread and topping options, the possibilities are endless. So, the next time you're craving some crispy, golden toast, give your air fryer a try!

How to make toast in an air fryer: a step-by-step guide

Ingredients:

• Your favourite bread
• Optional: butter, honey, jam, avocado spread, sugar, cinnamon, peanut butter, almond butter, etc.

Step 1:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This may take around 2-3 minutes, depending on your appliance.

Step 2:

Place your desired number of bread slices flat in the basket or on the baking rack, ensuring they are in a single layer. You can make up to four slices of toast at once, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 3:

If you want to add butter, spread it on your bread before placing it in the air fryer. You can also add other toppings like cinnamon sugar or garlic powder at this stage.

Step 4:

Air fry your bread for 3-6 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a lighter toast, aim for 3-4 minutes, and for a darker toast, go for 5-6 minutes. Flip the bread halfway through the cooking time to ensure even toasting on both sides.

Step 5:

Once your toast is golden brown and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and add your preferred toppings. Enjoy!

The best types of bread for air fryer toast

Air fryer toast is the easiest way to make toast! It turns out perfectly golden and crispy in just a few minutes. You can use any kind of bread, but here are some suggestions for the best types of bread to use for air fryer toast:

• White bread: This is a classic choice for toast and will give you a familiar, comforting taste.
• Wheat bread: Wheat bread has a slightly nuttier flavor and a heartier texture, making it a great option for air fryer toast.
• Sourdough: Sourdough bread has a unique, tangy flavor and a chewy texture that makes it perfect for toast. It's a favorite choice for many toast lovers.
• Texas Toast: Texas Toast is a thick-sliced white bread that's perfect for air fryer toast. It's a great option if you want a hearty, crispy slice.
• Brioche: Brioche bread is a rich, buttery bread that makes delicious toast. It has a soft and tender texture that will pair well with your favorite toppings.
• Baguette: Sliced baguette bread will give you a crisp and crunchy texture, especially if you like your toast on the drier side.

When it comes to making toast in an air fryer, the possibilities are endless! You can use any type of bread you prefer and experiment with different flavors and textures. The key is to adjust the time and temperature settings according to the thickness and type of bread you choose. So, go ahead and grab your favorite bread, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy the perfect, crispy toast!

Creative toppings for air fryer toast

Air fryer toast is a quick, easy, and versatile way to make the perfect toast. You can get creative with your toppings, and here are some ideas for you to try:

Avocado Toast

Avocado is a popular choice for toast toppings. Keep it simple with just avocado, or add some salt and pepper for a classic flavour. For something more adventurous, try adding sliced cherry tomatoes, sautéed greens, or other vegetables of your choice.

Nut Butter

Peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, Nutella, and other nut butter spreads are all great options for adding some extra protein to your toast. You can also get creative and make your own homemade Nutella at home!

Jam

Any kind of fruity jam or preserve works well with toast. You can also make your own homemade jam with fresh or frozen fruit.

Cinnamon and Sugar

This classic combination is a simple yet delicious topping for toast. Just sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar on top of your buttered toast for a sweet and spicy treat.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese on toast can be taken in a sweet or savoury direction. Try a sweeter cream cheese topped with sliced fruit, or go savoury with garden veggie or chive cream cheese.

Garlic Toast

For a simple and tasty savoury option, spread some butter on your toast and sprinkle with garlic powder or minced garlic before air frying. For a more indulgent version, check out recipes for air fryer garlic bread.

Honey

Honey is a great natural sweetener for your toast. Spread it on your toast or drizzle it on top of other toppings like butter or peanut butter.

Eggs

While not exactly a topping, eggs are a great addition to your air fryer toast. Try a fried egg on top of your avocado toast, or make an "egg in a basket" by frying an egg in a hole cut out of a slice of bread.

So, there you have it! These are just a few ideas to get you started, but the possibilities for creative toppings for your air fryer toast are endless. Experiment with different combinations and enjoy the perfect crispy, golden toast every time.

Other foods you can make in an air fryer, besides toast

Air fryers are a great way to cook food without the mess and health implications of deep-frying. They can cook a wide range of foods, from breakfast to dinner, and even desserts.

If you're looking for a quick and easy breakfast, air fryers can cook eggs in a variety of ways. You can make hard-boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, or even an omelet. For a more indulgent breakfast, you can make French toast, pancakes, or muffins.

Air fryers are also great for cooking proteins. You can cook chicken breasts, chicken drumsticks, chicken sandwiches, chicken Parmesan, or even fried chicken with a juicy interior and a crunchy exterior without the need for oil. Other proteins that can be cooked in an air fryer include salmon, shrimp, pork chops, tilapia, bratwurst, steak, and tofu.

Vegetable sides are also a breeze in an air fryer. You can cook broccoli, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, and cauliflower. For a healthier alternative to deep-fried snacks, you can make onion rings, mozzarella sticks, jalapeño poppers, tater tots, or even sweet potato chips.

Lastly, air fryers can also be used to make desserts. You can make chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon rolls, donuts, apple pie, or even a berry crisp.

Frequently asked questions