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

French toast is a breakfast classic, but did you know you can make it in an air fryer? It's a simple, quick, and easy way to cook this dish, and it only requires a few ingredients. You can use a variety of breads, including brioche, sourdough, and even frozen bread, and the recipe can be adapted to be gluten-free. The air fryer method gives the French toast a custardy texture and a crisp, golden-brown exterior. You can also experiment with toppings, such as butter, maple syrup, cinnamon sugar, and fresh fruit.

Ingredients and preparation

Air Fryer French Toast is a simple, quick, and delicious breakfast recipe. It is light, fluffy, and full of cinnamon and vanilla flavors. The best part? It only takes about 10 minutes to make!

To make Air Fryer French Toast, you will need the following ingredients:

• Bread: Thick slices of fresh bread, such as brioche, challah, Texas toast, or sourdough, are ideal. You can also use frozen or day-old bread for a crispier texture.
• Eggs: Room temperature and large eggs are preferred.
• Milk: Whole milk or 2% milk is recommended for a rich, classic flavor. Non-dairy alternatives like oat milk or almond milk can also be used.
• Sugar: The amount of sugar added to the batter can be adjusted based on personal preference. Powdered sugar can also be used as a topping.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract or paste adds warm and nutty notes to the French toast.
• Cinnamon: A must-have spice that gives the dish its distinctive flavor.
• Butter: For serving, butter is a classic choice to pair with the French toast.
• Toppings: Fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries), sliced bananas, maple syrup, cinnamon sugar, whipped cream, or fresh fruit are all excellent choices.

Before you begin, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Now, let's get started with the preparation:

• Make the custard: In a shallow bowl or dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar until well combined. You can also add a little butter to the mixture for extra flavor.
• Prepare the bread: Cut the bread into slices or sticks, depending on your preference. If using slices, thicker slices are recommended as they hold the custard filling better.
• Dip the bread: Dip each piece of bread into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated. Allow the bread to soak up the mixture until the liquid is absorbed, but not too long, to avoid sogginess.
• Grease the air fryer basket: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or non-stick spray to prevent the bread from sticking. You can also use a pan inside the air fryer for easier cleanup.
• Place the bread in the air fryer: Arrange the coated bread slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each slice to allow for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding, as this will affect the crispiness of the French toast.
• Air fry: Cook the French toast at 350°F (180°C) for about 4-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness and density of your bread, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
• Serve: Serve the Air Fryer French Toast warm with your choice of toppings. Butter and maple syrup are classic, but feel free to get creative with cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.

And there you have it! Air Fryer French Toast, made with simple ingredients and ready in just a few minutes. Enjoy the delicious, crispy and custardy treat!

Cooking method

Air Fryer French Toast is a simple, quick, and delicious breakfast recipe. It is light, fluffy, and full of cinnamon and vanilla flavours. The recipe calls for only a few ingredients and about 10 minutes to make it.

To make Air Fryer French Toast, you will need the following ingredients:

• Eggs
• Milk (whole milk, almond milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy milk)
• Bread (thick slices of fresh bread, preferably Texas toast, brioche, or challah bread)
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Sugar (optional)
• Butter
• Maple syrup

You can also use frozen or stale bread, as it will soak up the egg mixture better, giving you a crispier outside and softer inside.

• Preheat the air fryer to 180C/350F or 375 degrees F, depending on your air fryer model.
• Grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or non-stick spray.
• In a shallow bowl or dish, whisk or beat the eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar (if using) until well combined. You can also add a pinch of salt if desired.
• Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, turning to coat both sides until lightly saturated. You can also cut the bread into French toast sticks before dipping.
• Place the coated bread slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each slice to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will affect the crispiness of the French toast.
• Air fry at the desired temperature for 4-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown. The cooking time may vary depending on the density and thickness of your bread slices.
• Serve hot with toppings of your choice, such as butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.

You can also make a large batch of Air Fryer French Toast and freeze the leftovers. They reheat well in the air fryer, toaster, or toaster oven. Simply reheat until warm and crispy.

Toppings and serving suggestions

When it comes to toppings and serving suggestions for air fryer French toast, there are many options to choose from. You can go for the classic route and top your French toast with butter and maple syrup. For an extra decadent touch, add a dollop of whipped cream on top. If you have a sweet tooth, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar on your French toast for an extra punch of flavour.

Fresh fruit also pairs well with the warm, crispy French toast. Try sliced bananas, fresh berries like blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries, or a mix of your favourite fruits. For a well-rounded breakfast, serve your French toast with a hot cup of coffee or tea, along with a side of scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, bacon, or a refreshing fruit salad.

If you're feeling creative, you can experiment with different types of milk and extracts to vary the flavours. For example, you can use almond milk, oat milk, or other non-dairy options instead of whole milk. You can also adjust the sweetness to your liking and add vanilla extract for a warm, nutty flavour.

Finally, if you have any leftovers, you can easily store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or freeze them for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy your French toast again, simply reheat it in a toaster oven, air fryer, or toaster until warm and crispy.

Storage and reheating

Storing and reheating French toast is simple and convenient. If you have any leftover French toast, you can store it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy your French toast for a few more meals without compromising its freshness and taste.

If you want to keep the French toast for a more extended period, freezing is an excellent option. Place the slices in freezer-safe bags or containers and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. This method ensures that you can indulge in your favorite breakfast treat even when you don't have the time to make it from scratch.

When it comes to reheating, there are several options to choose from. You can use a toaster, toaster oven, or a regular oven. Place the slices in the toaster or toaster oven and heat them until they are warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat the French toast in a preheated 350-degree air fryer for about 3 minutes. If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can always use a frying pan. Heat the French toast over medium heat until it reaches your desired temperature.

For those who prefer a quicker option, the microwave is a viable choice. Place the French toast on a plate and microwave it for about 30 seconds. This method is ideal when you're short on time and want to enjoy your French toast in a hurry.

Gluten-free adaptations

Gluten-free French toast can be made in an air fryer by using gluten-free bread. If your gluten-free bread is refrigerated or frozen, be sure to leave it out at room temperature until it's soft.

You can also make French toast sticks by cutting the bread into sticks or strips before dipping them into the egg mixture. This method is also suitable for gluten-free bread.

For a gluten-free French toast recipe that is also eggless, you can use a combination of milk, arrowroot, cinnamon, vanilla, and a splash of heavy cream. Whisk these ingredients together in a shallow dish until fully combined. You can use whole milk or non-dairy milk, and cornstarch can be used as a 1:1 substitute for arrowroot.

If you are making French toast sticks, you can also add coconut milk, coconut sugar, ghee, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture. After coating the bread sticks in the mixture, lay them in a single layer in the air fryer basket without letting them touch each other. Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip with a spatula and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

For a sweet glaze to add flavor and texture, whisk together powdered sugar and coconut milk. Drizzle the glaze over the French toast sticks as soon as you pull them out of the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions