Air-Fried French Toast: A Quick, Crispy Breakfast Treat

French toast is a breakfast classic, and it turns out that it's even easier to make using an air fryer. The air fryer method is simple, quick, and delivers a delicious result: crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside. You'll need just a handful of simple ingredients, and about 10 minutes to make it.

What ingredients do you need?

Making French toast in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to whip up a tasty breakfast. The ingredients you'll need are simple and you might already have them in your kitchen!

Bread

The type of bread you use is important for achieving the right texture. It's best to use thick slices of bread, such as brioche, challah, Texas toast, or French or Italian bread. These denser breads will soak up the egg mixture without becoming too soggy, resulting in a crisp exterior and fluffy interior. You can also use whole wheat, multigrain, or simple white sandwich bread if that's what you have on hand.

Eggs

Eggs are a key ingredient in French toast, providing structure and richness to the dish. It's best to use room temperature, large eggs for the best results.

Milk

Milk adds richness and flavour to the French toast batter. Whole milk or 2% milk is recommended for a classic, creamy taste. However, non-dairy milk alternatives such as almond, oat, or soy milk can also be used. Avoid fat-free milk as the recipe relies on a certain amount of fat for the best results.

Vanilla

Vanilla is essential for adding warm, nutty, and sweet flavours to your French toast. Pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste are the best options, but vanilla essence will also work.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is the star spice in French toast, providing a delightful aroma and warm, sweet flavour. It's best not to skip this ingredient!

Sugar

While not essential, sugar can be added to the batter or sprinkled on top of the cooked French toast for a sweeter dish. You can also dip the cooked French toast in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for an extra crunchy coating.

How do you make it?

Here's how to make French toast in an air fryer:

Ingredients

First, gather your ingredients. You will need:

• Bread (thick slices of brioche, challah, Texas toast, French bread, or even whole wheat bread are good options)
• Eggs (room temperature and large)
• Milk (whole milk is recommended, but non-dairy options like almond or oat milk work too)
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon
• Sugar (optional, especially if you prefer sweeter French toast)
• Cooking oil spray
• Butter (optional, for serving)
• Maple syrup (optional, for serving)

Method

Now it's time to cook! Here's what to do:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F-380°F (if your air fryer is a tray style that needs to be preheated; if it's a basket style, do not preheat).
• Grease your air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray. If using a basket, you can also grease a pan that fits inside instead.
• In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar (if using) until well combined.
• Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for about 10 seconds on each side. Be careful not to oversoak the bread, as it may start to fall apart.
• Place the soaked bread slices into the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer, leaving a little space between each slice to ensure even cooking.
• Air fry at 350°F-380°F for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
• Serve hot with butter and maple syrup, if desired. You can also top with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream for a more decadent treat.

Tips and Tricks:

• Use stale or day-old bread if possible, as it will soak up the egg mixture better and result in a crispier exterior and softer interior.
• If using thinner slices of bread, insert a toothpick to hold everything in place while cooking, then remove it before eating.
• For an even crispier exterior, spray the bread with oil and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before air frying.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer to ensure even cooking. Cook in batches if needed.
• If making a big batch, consider cooking in batches to ensure even cooking.
• Don't oversoak the bread in the egg mixture, as it may start to fall apart.

How do you make it crispy?

To make your French toast crispy, use stale bread as it will soak up the egg mixture better, resulting in a crispier outside and softer inside. You can also use thicker slices of bread, such as Texas toast or brioche, as they hold onto the custard filling better than thinner slices. Make sure the egg mixture is not too runny, as a thicker batter will coat the bread better and give you a crispier crust.

If you want an even crispier French toast, spray some oil on the exterior of the bread and sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top. You can also use a toothpick to hold thinner slices of bread together so they don't fall apart while cooking.

How do you store leftovers?

Storing your leftover French toast correctly is essential to maintaining its freshness and flavour. Here are some tips to ensure your leftover French toast stays delicious and safe to eat:

Cool Before Storing:

Firstly, allow your French toast to cool completely at room temperature before storing. Placing hot French toast directly into a container can cause condensation, resulting in a soggy texture. Leave it to cool for about 15-20 minutes before storing.

Use Airtight Containers:

Airtight containers are ideal for storing leftover French toast. They prevent air from entering and lock in moisture, helping to maintain the texture and flavour. Place the French toast slices in a single layer, separated by parchment or wax paper, and seal the container tightly.

Label and Date:

Label the container with the date of storage to keep track of how long your French toast has been stored. This helps ensure you consume it within the recommended timeframe.

Refrigerate:

If you plan to eat your leftover French toast within a few days, store it in the refrigerator. The cool temperature inhibits bacterial growth and keeps the French toast fresh. Place the container in the main compartment of the refrigerator, not the door, to avoid temperature fluctuations.

Freeze for Longer Storage:

If you won't finish your leftovers within a few days, freezing is a great option. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or place them in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. This method can extend the storage life for up to a month.

Separate and Stack:

When freezing, separate the slices with parchment or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together. This also allows for easy retrieval of individual slices when needed.

Thaw Overnight:

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen French toast, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. This gradual process helps retain moisture and prevents sogginess.

Reheat Carefully:

When reheating your leftover French toast, avoid the microwave as it can make the texture soggy. Instead, use a toaster, toaster oven, oven, skillet, or griddle for best results.

Storage Duration:

Leftover French toast can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or frozen for up to a month. Consume within this timeframe to ensure freshness and quality.

What do you serve it with?

French toast is a sweet breakfast treat, so it goes well with other sweet treats like butter, maple syrup, and powdered sugar. You can also serve it with fresh fruit, like berries, or a blueberry sauce. For a more indulgent option, you could try a dollop of bourbon whipped cream or a drizzle of cinnamon simple syrup.

If you want to balance out the sweetness of the French toast, you could serve it with something savoury, like sausage links or patties, scrambled eggs, or a fried egg. Hash browns are another tasty option, or you could make a breakfast pizza with eggs, bacon, spinach, and goat cheese.

Frequently asked questions