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

French toast is a breakfast classic, but can you put it in the air fryer? The answer is yes! This method of cooking French toast is faster, easier, and results in a perfect crisp. It's also a great way to save time on busy mornings. You can use any kind of bread, and the recipe is simple: dip sliced bread into a mixture of eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla, then place in the air fryer. The result is a delicious, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside breakfast treat.

How to make French toast in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need:

• Eggs
• Milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• Bread (sliced brioche, sourdough, or challah are recommended)
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Butter (optional)
• Powdered sugar (optional)
• Maple syrup (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F-375°F (180°C).
• Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
• In a large, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
• Dip each piece of bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides.
• Place the coated bread into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. You may need to work in batches.
• Cook for 4-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the French toast is golden brown and puffed.
• Serve immediately with maple syrup and/or a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.

Tips:

• Don't oversoak the bread in the egg mixture, as it may start to fall apart.
• Use stale or day-old bread if possible, as it will soak up the egg mixture better and result in a crispier outside and softer inside.
• If using fresh bread, lightly toast it first to prevent sogginess.
• For extra crispiness, spray the exterior of the bread with oil and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before air frying.

Tips for making French toast in an air fryer

Preparation:

Before you start making French toast in an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to use stale or day-old bread, as it will absorb the liquid better and result in less soggy French toast. If you only have fresh bread, lightly toast it to make it sturdier. Secondly, preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking. Most recipes recommend preheating to 350°F (180°C), but temperatures can vary between 340°F and 375°F (190°C) depending on the model. Finally, prepare a shallow bowl or dish by mixing together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a small amount of sugar. You can also add a pinch of salt and nutmeg if you like.

Cooking:

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to start cooking! Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are coated. Don't leave the bread in the mixture for too long, as it can become oversaturated and fall apart. After coating the bread, place the slices into the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding. If your bread is a bit soggy, consider lining the basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking and create a crispier texture. Close the basket and cook for 4-6 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. Keep a close eye on the French toast towards the end of the cooking time to prevent overcooking. Once the slices are golden brown, they're ready to be served!

Serving:

Air fryer French toast is best served warm with a variety of toppings and sides. You can dust it with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar, or serve it with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream. For a more decadent option, try dipping the French toast sticks in cinnamon sugar before air frying. You can also serve it with a side of bacon, spinach egg muffins, or a fruit salad.

Storage:

If you have any leftovers, air fryer French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place the cooled French toast on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours before transferring to a freezer bag. Frozen French toast can be stored for up to 3 months and reheated in the air fryer or toaster.

Serving suggestions for French toast made in an air fryer

Air fryer French toast is a quick, easy, and delicious breakfast option. It is light, fluffy, and full of yummy cinnamon and vanilla flavours. The best part is that you can serve it in a variety of ways! Here are some serving suggestions to make your French toast even more enjoyable:

Dust with Powdered Sugar

Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top of your French toast for a touch of sweetness and elegance. This simple addition can elevate the dish and make it look even more tempting.

Drizzle with Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is a classic accompaniment to French toast and for a good reason! The rich, sweet syrup pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and vanilla flavours of the French toast. It adds moisture and a touch of decadence to your breakfast.

Fresh Fruits and Berries

Add a healthy and colourful touch to your French toast by serving it with fresh fruits and berries. Some great options include strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas. Not only do they provide a burst of flavour, but they also offer a contrast in textures.

Whipped Cream

For an extra indulgent treat, add a dollop of whipped cream on top of your French toast. The creamy texture and sweetness of the whipped cream complement the French toast beautifully. It's like having dessert for breakfast!

Bacon

If you're looking for a savoury side to balance out the sweetness of the French toast, consider cooking some bacon. You can cook it in the air fryer alongside your French toast for efficiency!

Poached Eggs

For a classic breakfast combination, serve your French toast with poached eggs. The runny yolk of the poached egg will mix beautifully with the cinnamon and vanilla flavours of the French toast.

Green Smoothie

If you want to balance out the indulgent French toast with something healthy and refreshing, consider making a green smoothie. Blend together spinach, banana, and your choice of milk for a nutritious boost in the morning.

Breakfast Potatoes

For a heartier breakfast, serve your French toast with a side of breakfast potatoes. Crispy roasted potatoes or hash browns can add a savoury and satisfying element to your meal.

Remember, French toast made in an air fryer is versatile, so feel free to get creative with your toppings and sides! Whether you stick to the classics or experiment with new flavours, your breakfast is sure to be a tasty one.

Storing and reheating French toast made in an air fryer

Storing and reheating French toast is a great way to ensure you have a delicious breakfast on hand for busy mornings. Here are some detailed instructions for storing and reheating French toast made in an air fryer:

Storing French Toast:

If you plan on eating your French toast within the next couple of days, simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer-term storage, you can freeze your French toast. There are two methods for doing this:

• Cook the French toast as usual, allow it to cool, and then place a sheet of wax or parchment paper between each slice to prevent sticking. Wrap the stack tightly in foil or place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Consume within one to two months for the best quality.
• Soak the bread in the batter and then freeze. 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 makes it easier to take out and cook individual slices as needed.

Reheating French Toast in the Air Fryer:

To reheat your French toast in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 300°F. Place the slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, brushing both sides lightly with oil or butter if you want a crispy texture. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, and checking frequently to avoid over-browning.

Reheating French Toast in the Oven:

If you're reheating a larger batch of French toast, the oven is a good option. Preheat the oven to 300°F and place the slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and heat for 10-15 minutes, checking periodically to prevent drying out. For a crispier exterior, uncover for the last 2-3 minutes.

Reheating French Toast in the Microwave:

For a quick and easy reheat, the microwave is a good option. Place one to four slices of French toast on a microwave-safe plate, ensuring they are not stacked. Cover with a paper towel to prevent drying out and microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute per slice. Check periodically and adjust the cooking time in 10-second increments to avoid overcooking.

Reheating French Toast on the Stovetop:

To re-crisp your French toast, you can use a stovetop method. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a teaspoon of butter or oil. Cook the slices for 2-3 minutes per side until heated through and lightly browned. If the exterior is browning too quickly, use a lower heat setting.

General Tips for Reheating French Toast:

• Always reheat French toast to an internal temperature of 165°F.
• When reheating, start with lower heat and gradually increase to avoid over-browning the exterior before the interior is heated through.
• If your French toast is frozen, defrost it slowly in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• If reheating syrup or fruit toppings, do so separately from the French toast to prevent sogginess.
• Reheated French toast should be consumed within 3-4 days and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Different types of bread to use for French toast in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook French toast in an air fryer! It is an easy and quick way to make French toast.

There are several types of bread that can be used for French toast in an air fryer. Here are some suggestions:

• White sandwich bread
• Whole wheat bread
• Multigrain bread
• French bread
• Italian bread
• Challah
• Brioche
• Sourdough
• Baguette
• Texas toast
• Gluten-free bread

Some recipes specifically recommend brioche bread for its richness, sweetness, and soft texture, which soaks up the egg and milk mixture well. However, if you are using a denser bread like sourdough, you will need to soak it in the egg mixture for a little longer.

It is important to note that the type of bread used can affect the cooking time, so keep an eye on your French toast to ensure it is cooked to your liking.

Frequently asked questions