Air Fryer Toasts Bread: How, When, And Why You Should Try It

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of dishes, but can they toast bread? The short answer is yes, they can. Air fryers can be used to make toast that is crispy, golden, and perfectly cooked every time. This method is even easier than using a toaster and eliminates the issue of uneven cooking.

To make toast in an air fryer, simply preheat the appliance, butter the bread, and air fry for 3-5 minutes at around 400°F (200°C). The exact time and temperature may vary depending on your preferred level of doneness and the type of bread used. It is recommended to keep an eye on the toast to ensure it doesn't burn.

Additionally, air fryers can be used to make a variety of toast-based dishes, such as French toast, garlic bread, and croutons. The ability to toast bread in an air fryer provides convenience, especially for those with limited kitchen space or those who do not own a traditional toaster.

Air fryer toast vs toaster toast

Air fryers and toasters are two different appliances with distinct functions and capabilities. Here is a detailed comparison of the two, focusing on making toast:

Air Fryer Toast:

Air fryers are compact convection ovens that use hot air circulation to cook food. They can be used for a variety of cooking methods such as baking, roasting, grilling, and air frying. While they are not specifically designed for toasting, they can indeed toast bread. Here are some advantages and considerations when using an air fryer for toast:

Advantages:

• Air fryers can toast multiple slices of bread at once, depending on their size.
• They produce even toasting and browning around the bread.
• Air fryers offer the convenience of having a single appliance for various cooking tasks, potentially reducing the number of appliances on your countertop.
• Air fryers are easy to use and allow you to experiment with different types of bread.

Considerations:

• Air fryers may not be as efficient as toasters for toasting, taking longer to achieve the desired level of browning.
• The shape and size of air fryers can vary, and some may not accommodate larger slices of bread or bagels.
• Air fryers require preheating and experimentation with temperature and timing for optimal results.
• Cleaning an air fryer can be more challenging due to its shape and the need to avoid getting water into the heating element.

Toaster Toast:

Toasters are specifically designed for toasting bread and similar baked goods. They use radiant heat to toast slices of bread quickly and efficiently. Here are the advantages and considerations of using a toaster:

Advantages:

• Toasters are designed for the sole purpose of toasting, making them highly efficient at browning and crisping bread.
• They have a compact size and rectangular shape, taking up minimal counter or storage space.
• Toasters are generally more affordable than air fryers, with a wider range of price points.
• Toasters are easy to use, allowing you to select the desired level of browning and producing consistent results.
• Toasters have a long lifespan, typically lasting six to eight years with proper care.

Considerations:

• Toasters have limited functionality and can only toast bread-like items.
• They may not offer the same level of customisation as an air fryer in terms of temperature control and cooking time.
• Toasters typically have a smaller capacity than air fryers, requiring multiple batches for larger families.
• Toasters may not produce even browning on thicker slices of bread or more doughy items.

In summary, both appliances can toast bread, but they have distinct features and capabilities. Air fryers offer versatility and can cook a wide range of dishes, but they may not be as efficient for toasting as dedicated toasters. On the other hand, toasters are specialised for toasting and are more compact, affordable, and energy-efficient. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your specific needs and preferences in the kitchen.

How to make air fryer toast

Ingredients

You will need:

• Bread (any variety will work)
• Butter or vegan butter (optional)
• Olive oil (optional)
• Garlic (optional)
• Salt (optional)

Method

• If you want to add butter or another spread to your toast, do so before placing the bread in the air fryer. This will help the spread melt into the bread.
• Place the bread in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Cook at between 350-400°F for 3-5 minutes, depending on how dark you like your toast.
• If you are using butter, you may want to flip the bread halfway through cooking to ensure even toasting. If you are not using butter, flipping the bread is still recommended to ensure even cooking.
• If desired, rub a clove of fresh garlic on the toasted bread and sprinkle with salt.

Tips

You can make as many slices of toast as will fit in a single layer in your air fryer basket.

• There is no need to grease the air fryer basket as bread is unlikely to stick.
• Different types and thicknesses of bread will take different amounts of time to toast, so keep an eye on your toast to make sure it isn't overcooked.
• If your toast is flying around in the air fryer, weigh it down with an air fryer rack.
• Air fryer toast is best served fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days. Reheat in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes before serving.
• You can also use the air fryer to make French toast. Simply dip your chosen bread in a simple batter and air fry until golden.

Air fryer toast toppings

Now that you've made your toast in the air fryer, it's time to top it! Here are some ideas for air fryer toast toppings:

Butter

A little butter adds flavour and gives the toast a delicious golden-brown colour. You can use butter or vegan butter.

Avocado

Keep it simple with salt and pepper, or spice things up with sliced cherry tomatoes, sautéed greens, or a sprinkle of feta cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Jam

Any of your favourite fruity jams or preserves work great.

Cinnamon and sugar

A sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar on buttered toast is simple yet delicious.

Cream cheese

Use a sweeter cream cheese topped with sliced fruit, or go the savoury route with garden veggie or chive cream cheese.

Nut butter

Peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or even homemade Nutella are all tasty options.

Garlic

Spread some butter on one side of the toast and sprinkle with garlic powder or minced garlic before air frying.

Honey

Try honey with almond butter, or honey with peanut butter and banana slices for an "Elvis favourite"!

Eggs

For a protein-packed breakfast, try eggs on toast. Poached eggs go well with avocado toast, or try scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, or fried eggs.

Banana and almond butter

A great option for kids getting home from school.

Bagel toppings

If you're toasting a bagel, you can't go wrong with cream cheese and everything bagel seasoning.

Smoked salmon

Try butter, salt, and smoked salmon for a fancy breakfast.

French toast

For a sweet treat, try French toast or French toast sticks with syrup or fresh fruit.

Storing air fryer toast

Air fryer toast is a quick and easy way to make breakfast for a crowd. It's simple to make and easy to store. Here are some tips for storing your air fryer toast:

Leftovers and Storage

Ideally, you should only toast as many slices as you need and eat them straight away. However, if you do have leftovers, allow them to cool completely before storing. Place the slices of toast in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They will keep for a couple of days.

When you're ready to eat the toast, simply air fry it for 1-2 minutes to warm it through. You can also pop it in the toaster to reheat.

Freezing

You can also freeze your air fryer toast. Allow it to cool completely, then place the slices in a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen toast will keep for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to eat the frozen toast, you can defrost it at room temperature or pop it straight into the toaster or air fryer to reheat.

Storing Bread

If you're planning to make air fryer toast, it's best to store your bread in the fridge, as it will last longer. You can also freeze bread for up to 3 months.

So, there you have it! Storing your air fryer toast is simple, and you can enjoy it for a couple of days after making it.

Air frying other bread products

Air fryers can be used to cook a variety of bread products, from toast to full loaves of bread. Here are some tips for air frying other bread products:

Toasting Bread in an Air Fryer

Air fryer toast is easy to make and comes out perfectly crispy and golden every time. You can toast multiple slices of bread at once, depending on the size of your air fryer. There is no need to grease the air fryer beforehand as bread rarely sticks to the basket. You can butter the bread before placing it in the air fryer for added flavor and a golden-brown color. It is recommended to place the bread in a single layer and flip it halfway through for even toasting. The cooking time will depend on how toasted you like your bread, so keep an eye on it and adjust the time as needed.

In addition to toast, you can air fry other bread products such as:

• Croutons: Brush your bread with olive oil and cook it in the air fryer. Cut the toasted bread into cubes to make delicious croutons for your salad or soup.
• Crostini: Brush your bread with olive oil and rub it with a clove of fresh garlic. Cut the bread into slices and serve it with bruschetta, soft cheese, or dips.
• French Toast: Dip your favorite bread in a simple batter and air fry until golden.
• Garlic Bread: Spread some butter on your bread and sprinkle it with garlic powder or minced garlic before air frying.
• Avocado Toast: Make your own avocado toast by toasting bread in the air fryer and then topping it with avocado.
• Sandwiches: Air fry two slices of bread and fill them with your favorite ingredients, such as an Italian chicken cutlet.

Making Bread in an Air Fryer

You can even make a loaf of bread from scratch in your air fryer! Here are the basic steps:

• Mix the dough: Combine flour, yeast, salt, and water in a large mixing bowl. You can also add sugar, butter, or milk for extra flavor.
• Let the dough rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature or in an unheated oven for about 2-3 hours until the dough doubles in size.
• Shape the dough: Place the dough on a floured surface and shape it into a ball.
• Place the dough in a greased pan: Use a springform pan or a cake pan that fits in your air fryer. You can also line your basket with air fryer parchment paper if you don't have a pan.
• Proof the dough: Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let the dough rise again until it doubles in size.
• Bake the bread: Brush the top of the loaf with an egg wash or melted butter and place the pan in the air fryer. Bake at 320-400°F for 8-30 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and the desired doneness of your bread.

So, whether you're looking to toast bread, cook other bread products, or even bake a loaf of bread from scratch, your air fryer has you covered!

Frequently asked questions