Air Fryer Microwave: Can You Make Toast?

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of foods, but can they make toast? The answer is yes! Air fryers can be used to make toast that is crispy, crunchy, and golden. This method is even easier than using a toaster and produces perfect results every time. You can use any type of bread, from sourdough to gluten-free, and add toppings like smashed avocado, banana and almond butter, or simply butter and jam. The air fryer's ability to cook multiple slices at once and its even cooking make it a convenient alternative to a toaster. So, if you're looking for a new way to make your morning toast, give the air fryer a try!

How to make toast in an air fryer

Making toast in an air fryer is a simple process. It is also a great alternative to using a toaster, especially if you are making toast for a crowd or prefer your toast to be evenly cooked.

Ingredients:

• Bread of your choice (sliced to your desired thickness)
• Butter or vegan butter (optional)
• Toppings of your choice (e.g. smashed avocado, banana and almond butter, jam, Nutella, eggs, etc.)

Method:

• Step 1: If you want to, you can slice your bread. Any type of bread will work, and you can slice it to your desired thickness.
• Step 2: Butter your bread, if you want to include butter. Adding butter beforehand will help it melt into the bread.
• Step 3: Place the bread in a single layer in the air fryer basket. The slices can overlap slightly, but placing them in a single layer will give the best results.
• Step 4: Air fry your bread. The ideal temperature is between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and the toast should be cooked for around 3-5 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it. If you are using butter, you can choose to flip the bread halfway through.
• Step 5: Add your toppings. As air fryer toast tends to be drier than toaster toast, it is recommended to add something on top, even if it is just butter.

Tips:

• Keep an eye on your toast, especially if you are toasting multiple slices at once. Different types of bread will take different amounts of time to toast.
• If your toast is flying around in the air fryer, you can weigh it down with an air fryer rack.
• You can make other bread products in the air fryer, such as bagels, English muffins, and French toast.
• You can also make croutons, crostini, and garlic bread in the air fryer.

Air fryer toast toppings

The Basics

Before we get into specific topping ideas, here are some general tips and recommendations for air fryer toast toppings:

• Butter: While not necessary, adding butter to your toast can enhance the flavour and give it a golden-brown colour. You can use regular butter or vegan butter, and you can add it before or after toasting the bread.
• Single Layer: For the best results, place your bread in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding any overlap.
• Flip Midway: For even toasting, it's recommended to flip the bread halfway through the cooking process. However, if you're adding toppings to your buttered bread, you may want to avoid flipping to prevent the toppings from falling off.

Topping Ideas

Now, let's explore some specific topping ideas to take your air fryer toast to the next level:

• Avocado: Smashed avocado toast is a classic choice. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or add some sliced cherry tomatoes, sautéed greens, or other toppings.
• Nut Butter: Peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or Nutella are all delicious options. For an extra indulgent treat, put the bread back in the air fryer for a minute to warm the nut butter.
• Jam: Go for your favourite fruity jam or preserve. If you want a healthier option, try a strawberry puree.
• Cinnamon and Sugar: Sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar over buttered toast for a simple yet delicious treat.
• Cream Cheese: Opt for a sweet cream cheese topped with sliced fruit, or go savoury with garden veggie or chive cream cheese.
• Eggs: For a protein-packed breakfast, top your toast with poached, scrambled, or fried eggs.
• Banana and Almond Butter: This combination is a great option for kids or a quick snack to tide you over until dinner.
• Garlic: For a simple garlic toast, spread butter on one side of the bread and sprinkle with garlic powder or minced garlic before air frying.
• Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, you can store your toast in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply air fry for 1-2 minutes to warm it up.

Get Creative

Don't be afraid to experiment and create your own unique topping combinations! You can also use your air fryer toast as a base for sandwiches or grilled cheese. The possibilities are endless!

How to make avocado toast in an air fryer

Yes, you can make toast in an air fryer! It's a convenient way to make a large batch of toast, especially if you're short on space or don't have a toaster.

Now, here's how to make avocado toast in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Bread of your choice (sourdough, brioche, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
• Avocado
• Butter (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon or lime juice (optional)
• Other toppings: crushed red pepper, feta, basil, cherry tomatoes, etc.

Instructions:

• Slice your bread to the desired thickness. If you're making avocado toast, slightly thicker slices are recommended.
• (Optional) Spread butter on one or both sides of the bread. This step is optional, but it adds a nice melt to your toast.
• Place the bread slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overlapping the slices.
• Air fry at 350-400°F (180-204°C) for 3-4 minutes. If you're using butter, you can flip the bread halfway through.
• While the bread is toasting, prepare your avocado. Slice or mash the avocado, adding salt and pepper to taste. You can also add lemon or lime juice to prevent discoloration and add flavor.
• Once the toast is done, spread the avocado mixture generously over the slices.
• Top with your choice of additional toppings, such as crushed red pepper, feta, basil, cherry tomatoes, etc.
• Enjoy your avocado toast! It's best to eat it fresh, as avocado can spoil quickly.

Feel free to get creative with your toppings and experiment with different types of bread to find your favorite combination!

How to make French toast in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Eggs
• Milk
• Bread
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Butter or cooking spray
• Maple syrup
• Powdered sugar

Method:

First, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. You can also add a little nutmeg if you like. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides.

Next, place the coated bread slices into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. If your air fryer basket is not non-stick, you may want to line it with parchment paper first, and spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Cook in the air fryer at 370-375°F for 4-6 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

Finally, serve warm with butter, maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Tips:

• Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• For a crispier outside and softer inside, use stale bread as it will soak up more of the egg mixture.
• Thicker slices of bread may require a longer cooking time.
• If making a large batch, keep the cooked French toast warm in the oven while you cook the rest.
• You can also freeze any leftovers for up to 3 months and reheat in the air fryer.

How to make garlic bread in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Softened butter (unsalted or salted)
• Garlic (freshly minced or powder)
• Parmesan cheese
• Dried parsley (or fresh)
• Bread of your choice (e.g., baguette, ciabatta, French bread, Italian bread, etc.)

Optional Ingredients:

• Mozzarella cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Italian seasoning
• Olive oil

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
• Prepare your chosen bread by slicing it in half or into pieces that will fit easily into the air fryer.
• In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley. You can also add other ingredients like red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning to this mixture.
• Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the bread.
• Place the bread into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space for air circulation.
• Air fry at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. If you are adding cheese, do so in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.
• Remove the garlic bread from the air fryer and slice it if desired. Serve warm!

Tips:

• Preheating the air fryer helps to ensure crispy bread. If you don't preheat, the top of the bread may brown too quickly before the bottom crisps up.
• Avoid stacking or overcrowding the bread in the air fryer to allow for even cooking.
• If you're not using cheese, add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
• You can also add other herbs like dried basil or fresh parsley to the garlic butter mixture.
• If you prefer your garlic bread on the softer side, reduce the temperature to between 375°F and 390°F and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Frequently asked questions