Toasting Bread In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can toast bread in an Instant Vortex Air Fryer Oven. While the Vortex 6 Quart Air Fryer is not designed for toasting, the Instant Vortex 7-in-1 Air Fryer does not have a toast program but can still be used to make toast. The Instant Omni and Omni Plus Ovens are also designed to toast bread.

Preheat settings for instant vortex air fryer

Preheating your Instant Vortex Air Fryer is recommended, as most food items benefit from the immediate high heat of a preheated cooking chamber. Preheating your air fryer also helps ensure even cooking from the start. The preheating process only takes 5 minutes, and you can place your food in the air fryer while it's preheating.

If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, you can set the temperature to 400ºF (204ºC) and let it cook for 4-5 minutes without food. Alternatively, you can skip the preheating step by adding 1-2 minutes to your overall cooking time.

• If you want to bypass the preheat function, you can use the reheat feature or add your food before the air fryer has finished preheating.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 2-3 minutes for basket-style air fryers or 3-5 minutes for oven-style air fryers.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer by placing the slices in a single layer to allow even air circulation.
• Keep an eye on your food, as air fryers can vary in cooking time and temperature.
• For more even browning, flip the bread slices halfway through the cooking time.
• If you're toasting frozen bread, simply add 2-3 minutes to your cooking time.

Bread types that can be toasted

Toasting bread in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve golden, crispy toast. While you can toast any type of bread, some types are more suitable than others. Here are some bread types that can be toasted:

Whole Wheat Bread

Whole wheat bread is a popular choice for toasting due to its crunchiness and nutty flavour. It pairs well with herbs, spices, and other toppings. To make whole wheat toast, you can use a cast-iron grill or a toaster. If using a grill, heat it to 37.4 degrees F, drizzle the bread with olive oil, and grill for 3-4 minutes on each side until you get even grill marks. If using a toaster, set it to 309 degrees F and cook the bread for about 216 seconds.

Sourdough

Sourdough bread has a tangy flavour and a sturdy texture, making it ideal for toasting. Its natural texture mimics that of slightly stale white bread, which is often used for toasting. Sourdough bread also has a thick crumb and a crisp crust, making it perfect for soaking up eggs and milk when making French toast.

Baguette

Baguettes are a classic choice for toasting. They have a thick crumb and a crisp crust, making them ideal for soaking. You can cut the baguette into thick slices or rounds for a unique presentation. Toasting baguette slices in an air fryer at 400°F (204°C) for 3-4 minutes will give you a golden and crispy result.

White Bread

White bread is a versatile option for toasting. While it may not be as sturdy as other types of bread, it can still be used for toasting. Thick-sliced white bread is ideal, as it can withstand the egg mixture without falling apart. White bread is also a traditional choice for French toast, especially if it is slightly stale, as it absorbs the custard-like mixture better.

Challah

Challah is a traditional Jewish bread that is braided and has a sturdy, eggy texture. It is a gorgeous choice for French toast, as the braids create a unique presentation. Challah can be toasted in an air fryer, oven, or toaster, depending on your preference.

Toasting methods for different air fryer styles

There are two main types of air fryers: basket-style and oven-style. The key difference when it comes to toasting is that basket-style air fryers may require you to flip the bread halfway through for even browning, whereas oven-style air fryers typically have better air circulation, so flipping isn't usually necessary. Here are the toasting methods for each style:

Basket-Style Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 2-3 minutes.
• Place your bread slices in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap for even toasting.
• Air fry the bread for 3-4 minutes. For more even browning, flip the slices halfway through.
• If you prefer a crispier texture, add an additional 1-2 minutes of cooking time, keeping a close eye on the bread to prevent over-browning.
• Once done, remove the toast and serve with your desired toppings.

Oven-Style Air Fryer:

• Set your oven-style air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and preheat for about 3-5 minutes.
• Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on the air fryer tray, ensuring proper spacing for good air circulation.
• Air fry the bread for 3-5 minutes. Flipping the slices halfway through is optional, depending on your preference.
• For a crispier texture, add an extra 1-2 minutes of cooking time, monitoring closely to avoid burning.
• Once the toast is golden and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and add your desired toppings.

General Tips for Toasting in an Air Fryer:

• Preheating is recommended for even cooking, but if your air fryer doesn't have this function, simply run it without food for 4-5 minutes.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Place the slices in a single layer to allow for proper air circulation.
• Keep a close eye on your toast, especially if it's your first time, to find the perfect timing for your desired level of doneness.
• Buttering your bread before toasting adds flavor and gives it a golden-brown color. You can also add toppings like garlic for extra flavor.
• To prevent the bread from flying into the fan during cooking, use toothpicks or a small baking rack to weigh it down.

Tips for even toasting

To achieve even toasting in your Instant Vortex Air Fryer Oven, follow these tips:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set the temperature to around 350–400°F (175–204°C) and preheat for a few minutes. This ensures even cooking and a golden-brown colour.
• Prepare the bread: Place the slices in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap, to allow for proper air circulation and even toasting.
• Butter the bread: Spread butter on one side of the bread to enhance the colour and flavour. You can also rub a clove of garlic on the bread for added flavour.
• Flip the bread: For even browning, flip the slices halfway through the cooking time. This is especially important for basket-style air fryers.
• Keep an eye on it: Air fryer models vary, so monitor the toasting process closely to find the perfect timing for your desired level of doneness.
• Adjust timing: Depending on your preferred level of crispiness, adjust the cooking time. For lighter toast, aim for 2–3 minutes, and for darker and crispier toast, go for 4–5 minutes.
• Avoid overcrowding: Place the slices in a single layer with adequate spacing to ensure even air circulation and uniform toasting.

Time and temperature settings for toasting bread

To toast bread in an air fryer, you should set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F (175°C and 204°C). The time needed to toast the bread will depend on how crispy you like your toast, but it usually takes between 3 and 5 minutes. If you like your toast lightly toasted, aim for 2-3 minutes. For a darker and crispier result, toast for 4-5 minutes.

The exact cooking time will depend on the type of bread you are using. Breads with a higher sugar content, such as cinnamon raisin bread, will toast faster than regular white sandwich bread. Frozen bread slices will also take longer to toast, so you should add an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

If you are using a basket-style air fryer, you may need to flip the bread halfway through to ensure even browning. However, if you are using an oven-style air fryer, flipping the bread is usually not necessary as these appliances tend to have better air circulation.

Frequently asked questions