Air-Fried French Toast: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

French toast is a breakfast classic, but can you get the same delicious results by using an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryer French toast is a simple, tasty, and quick way to make this popular breakfast dish. It's also a great option if you're short on space or don't want the hassle of cleaning multiple pans. The air fryer gives French toast a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft, and it only takes around 10 minutes to cook. You can also make French toast sticks in the air fryer for extra syrup-dipping fun, which is perfect for kids. So, if you're looking for a new way to make French toast, give the air fryer a go!

How to make French toast sticks in an air fryer

Yes, you can make French toast in an air fryer! Here is a detailed recipe for French toast sticks:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 4 slices of day-old bread, cut into thirds
• 1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar, or to taste
• Eggs
• Milk

Method:

• Mix the eggs, milk, butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon together in a bowl.
• Line an air fryer basket with parchment paper. You can also use cooking spray if needed.
• Dip each piece of bread into the milk mixture and then flip it over to coat both sides.
• Place the French toast sticks in the air fryer, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook them in batches.
• Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees F (188-190 degrees C).
• Add the basket and cook the bread for 4-6 minutes. Then, flip and cook for 2-3 minutes more.
• Sprinkle each stick with confectioners' sugar and serve warm.

Tips:

• You can use any type of milk for this recipe, such as dairy milk, almond milk, or oat milk.
• Don't oversoak the bread in the egg mixture, as it will start to fall apart while cooking.
• If you are using thinner slices of bread, insert a toothpick to hold everything in place, then remove it when you are ready to eat.
• For extra crispiness, spray some oil on the bread and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before cooking.
• If making a big batch, cook the French toast in batches to ensure even cooking.

How to prevent French toast from sticking to the air fryer

Yes, you can make French toast in an air fryer. Here are some tips to prevent your French toast from sticking to the air fryer:

Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer. If you skip this step, your French toast may not cook evenly, and the middles can be left raw. If your air fryer does not have a preheat function, simply let the air fryer run at 375°F for five minutes before adding your bread.

Secondly, use parchment paper. Line your air fryer basket with a piece of parchment paper to stop the French toast from sticking to the basket and creating a mess. You can also spray the parchment paper with cooking spray for extra assurance. However, be careful not to put the parchment paper in during the preheating stage, as this could cause a fire. Instead, preheat your air fryer, and then carefully place the parchment paper in the basket, spray it, and place the French toast on top.

Thirdly, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. You want to avoid squishing too many slices of bread inside, as this will prevent your French toast from cooking evenly. It is recommended to cook the French toast in batches to ensure they all cook evenly and completely.

Finally, don't oversoak the bread. If you leave the bread in the egg mixture for too long, it will start to fall apart while cooking.

How to store and reheat French toast

Storing French Toast:

If you want to eat your French toast within the next couple of days, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also use a glass container with a tight lid.

If you have a lot of leftovers, or if you want to freeze your French toast for later, there are two methods. Firstly, you can cook the French toast, let it cool, and then place a sheet of wax paper between each slice. Wrap the stack in foil and/or place it in a freezer bag. This will last for one to two months.

The second option is to soak the bread in the batter and then freeze it. Place the soaked slices on a greased baking sheet and flash-freeze for about 45 minutes before transferring to a freezer-safe container. This method allows you to take out and cook one slice at a time.

Reheating French Toast:

There are several ways to reheat French toast, depending on your preference and how much time you have.

Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a baking sheet. Lay out the slices of French toast in a single layer with at least half an inch of space between them. Reheat for six to eight minutes, flipping the slices over halfway through.

Toaster: If your French toast is defrosted and not too crumbly, you can use a toaster. Set it to medium-low and pop the slices in. Be sure to clean out the crumb tray afterward to prevent burning.

Stovetop: Make sure your French toast is defrosted, as it will reheat unevenly otherwise. Heat a skillet or stovetop griddle on medium heat and coat it with cooking spray. Place one or two slices at a time on the pan and heat for one to two minutes on each side. If your French toast is soggy, put the pan on a higher temperature, add some butter, and re-crisp the outsides. Be careful not to overheat the French toast, or it may become dry.

Microwave: French toast can be quickly reheated in the microwave. Heat two slices for about 30 seconds. If you are microwaving frozen French toast, place a paper towel underneath to soak up extra moisture. The microwave will not make your French toast crispy, but it will still taste great.

What type of bread to use for French toast in an air fryer

You can use a variety of bread types to make French toast in an air fryer, including:

• Thick slices of fresh bread, such as Texas toast, brioche, or challah. Thicker slices hold the custard filling better than thinner slices.
• Sourdough bread, which may require a longer soak in the egg mixture.
• Simple white sandwich bread, whole wheat, or multigrain bread.
• French or Italian bread.
• Gluten-free bread.

When choosing a bread type, consider the density and thickness of the slices, as this may impact the cook time. For example, if using a dense bread like sourdough, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

What to serve with French toast

French toast is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and toppings to elevate your breakfast game. Here are some ideas to make your French toast even more delicious:

Savory Sides and Toppings:

• Bacon: Crispy, thin bacon strips or bacon bits provide a satisfying crunch and a salty contrast to the sweetness of French toast.
• Sausage: Salty sausage links or patties pair perfectly with French toast, offering an extra boost of protein.
• Scrambled Eggs: A classic breakfast staple, scrambled eggs can be made even more indulgent with the addition of cheese and a dash of hot sauce.
• Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns or a hash brown casserole make a tasty side dish, especially when cooked in an air fryer for extra crispness.
• Breakfast Meats: Try serving your French toast with ham, turkey, or breakfast sausage.
• Eggs Benedict: For a decadent breakfast, top your French toast with poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, and ham or bacon.

Sweet Sides and Toppings:

• Fresh Fruits: Sliced bananas, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or other berries can be served as a refreshing side or used as a topping.
• Dried Fruits: Apricots, raisins, or other dried fruits can add a chewy texture and concentrated sweetness.
• Syrup: Drizzle your French toast with maple syrup, buttermilk syrup, chocolate syrup, or honey for extra sweetness.
• Yogurt: Strawberry or other flavoured yogurt can be served on the side or used as a topping for a tangy and creamy contrast.
• Peanut Butter: For a creative twist, use peanut butter as a spread or make a peanut butter frosting as a syrup substitute.
• Caramelized Bananas: Bananas coated in brown sugar and caramelized in a skillet make for a soft, sweet, and indulgent topping.
• Powdered Sugar: For an extra sweet touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top of your French toast.
• Granola: Adding a crunchy texture and extra nutrients, granola goes well with French toast, especially when paired with yogurt.

Whether you prefer sweet or savory, there are endless possibilities to enhance your French toast and make it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Frequently asked questions