Air-Fried Cinnamon Toast: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cinnamon toast is a popular breakfast option, and it turns out you can make it in an air fryer! This method is quicker than using a traditional oven and delivers the same level of crispness. It's also a great way to avoid sogginess, a common issue with microwave meals. To make cinnamon toast in an air fryer, simply mix softened butter with cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla extract, spread the mixture on bread, and air fry for 4-5 minutes.

Cinnamon toast in an air fryer vs. an oven

Cinnamon toast is a heavenly combination of warm, spiced, buttery goodness atop crisp, sliced triangles of toasty bread. While a toaster or traditional oven can be used to make cinnamon toast, an air fryer offers simplicity, speed, and unmatched results.

Air Fryer vs. Oven

The air fryer has become the "it" appliance of the last few years, and for good reason. It solves the sogginess issue of microwave meals and reduces the wait times of a conventional oven. An air fryer cooks like a convection oven, with hot air circulating around a small space, resulting in the perfect crunchy, crispy toast.

With a traditional oven, you would typically apply the cinnamon butter after toasting the bread. However, with an air fryer, the bread is buttered before going into the air fryer, resulting in a more intensely flavored toast.

Air Fryer Method

To make cinnamon toast in an air fryer, mix softened butter with sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Spread this mixture onto slices of bread, and place them into the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit and the time for 4-5 minutes. Keep an eye on the toast to ensure it reaches your desired level of doneness.

Oven Method

To make cinnamon toast in an oven, you would typically toast the bread first and then apply the cinnamon butter. The toast can be made in a conventional oven or a toaster oven. Set the oven temperature to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit, and place the buttered bread on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the topping is bubbly.

Both the air fryer and the oven can deliver delicious cinnamon toast, but the air fryer method may be preferable for those seeking speed and convenience. The oven method may be more suitable for those who want to toast multiple slices of bread at once or prefer the traditional way of making cinnamon toast.

The best type of bread to use

When making cinnamon toast in an air fryer, the type of bread you use can make a difference in the final result. While you can use a variety of bread, including white bread, it's important to consider the texture and thickness of the bread for the best outcome.

For a crispier texture, it's recommended to use a sturdy white or whole wheat bread from your local bakery, sliced to a medium thickness. This will give you the quintessential crispness associated with cinnamon toast. If you're looking for a heartier option, whole wheat bread is a popular choice.

However, it's best to avoid doughy breads like challah or brioche, as they may result in a French toast-like texture. Strongly flavoured breads such as sourdough or rye are not ideal either, as they can overpower the delicate cinnamon flavour.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can try Italian-style bread for a thick slice or opt for gluten-free bread to make the recipe gluten-free. Ultimately, the best bread to use will depend on your personal preference for texture and taste, but with a few simple guidelines, you can ensure your cinnamon toast turns out perfectly every time.

How to prepare the cinnamon butter

To prepare the cinnamon butter, you will need butter, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Some recipes also suggest adding a pinch of black pepper for a nice enhanced spice flavour.

First, take your butter and let it come to room temperature. This will make it easier to mix and whip. Using a fork or the back of a spoon, mash the butter into a paste. Then, add in the sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt, and mix until well combined. If you are using black pepper, add a pinch now and mix it in.

You can make this cinnamon butter in advance and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before spreading it on your bread and air frying.

Some people also like to add nutmeg or cardamom to their cinnamon butter for a unique flavour. However, it is important to note that ghee is not a good substitute for butter in this recipe, as the sugar will not caramelize properly due to the lack of water content.

How long to cook the cinnamon toast

How Long to Cook Cinnamon Toast in an Air Fryer

The cooking time for cinnamon toast in an air fryer depends on the desired texture and level of browning. Most recipes recommend cooking the toast for 4-5 minutes at 390-400°F (200-204°C). However, it is important to keep an eye on the toast and adjust the cooking time as needed, as different bread thicknesses and air fryer models may require slightly different cooking times.

For softer cinnamon toast, it is recommended to check on the toast at the 3-minute mark and adjust the cooking time accordingly. On the other hand, if you prefer your cinnamon toast to be crispier, you can air fry it for a little longer, but be careful not to let it burn.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the type of bread used can also impact the cooking time. Thicker slices of bread, such as Italian-style or thick-sliced bread, may require a slightly longer cooking time compared to thinner slices.

When cooking cinnamon toast in an air fryer, it is crucial to prepare the bread properly before air frying. This includes mixing the desired toppings, such as butter, cinnamon, sugar, and other optional ingredients, and spreading them evenly on the bread before placing it in the air fryer.

In summary, the cooking time for cinnamon toast in an air fryer can range from 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the desired texture and the type of bread used. Always keep an eye on the toast to avoid overcooking or burning, and feel free to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to find your perfect cinnamon toast recipe.

What to serve with cinnamon toast

Cinnamon toast is a delicious treat, but what should you serve it with? Here are some ideas to elevate your cinnamon toast and make it a part of a more substantial meal:

• Jam: A classic pairing, the sweetness of the jam complements the cinnamon and sugar perfectly.
• Fruit: Cinnamon toast can be served with fresh fruit such as berries, bananas, or apples. This adds a healthy element to your meal and some extra flavour.
• Syrup or Honey: Drizzle some syrup or honey over your cinnamon toast for an extra sweet treat. This could be especially good if your cinnamon toast is on the savoury side.
• Ice Cream: For a dessert option, serve your cinnamon toast with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a tasty cinnamon toast à la mode.
• Nutmeg: Adding a sprinkle of nutmeg to your cinnamon toast can enhance the flavour and give it an elegant touch.
• Vanilla: A dash of vanilla extract in the cinnamon-sugar mixture can add depth of flavour to your cinnamon toast.
• Nuts: Toasted nuts such as walnuts or pecans can be a nice crunchy addition to your cinnamon toast, especially if you're serving it for dessert.
• Meat: If you're looking for a savoury option, cinnamon toast can be served with bacon, sausage, or ham for a heartier meal.
• Eggs: For a classic breakfast combination, serve your cinnamon toast with fried, scrambled, or poached eggs.
• Cheese: For a savoury twist, try spreading some garlic or herb cheese on your cinnamon toast. This can be a nice option for those who don't have a sweet tooth.

Frequently asked questions