Air Fryer Toaster: Is It A Viable Option?

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for a variety of cooking tasks, including toasting bread. While some people prefer the convenience of a traditional toaster, others find that air fryers offer several advantages, such as the ability to toast multiple slices at once, more even toasting, and the option to add toppings before toasting. However, some users have reported issues with bread flying around in the air fryer, and the potential for the bread to dry out too much. Ultimately, the decision to use an air fryer as a toaster comes down to personal preference and the specific model of air fryer being used.

How to toast bread in an air fryer

You can definitely use an air fryer to make toast. In fact, some people prefer it to a toaster, claiming that it gives more even results and allows them to get rid of one more appliance from their kitchen. However, others have reported that their toast came out dry or that it flew around in the air fryer, so you may need to experiment with your specific model to get it right.

Step-by-Step Guide

• If your bread isn't pre-sliced, cut it to your desired thickness.
• You can butter your bread before putting it in the air fryer if you like, but this isn't necessary.
• Place your bread in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You can overlap the slices slightly if you need to.
• Set your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F.
• Cook for around 3-5 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your toast. Check on it regularly to make sure it doesn't burn.
• If you didn't butter your bread before cooking, you can do so now.
• Serve with your favourite toppings.

Tips

• Keep an eye on your toast as it cooks, as air fryers can vary.
• If you're using butter, only butter one side of the bread and don't flip it halfway through cooking. This will give you a crispy outside and softer inside.
• If you're making a sandwich, you might want to toast your bread at a lower temperature for a shorter time so that the outside doesn't get too crispy.
• If your bread is flying around in the air fryer, try placing a piece of silverware or another heavy object on top of it to weigh it down.

Air fryer toast toppings

Now that you've made your toast in the air fryer, it's time to get creative with toppings! Here are some ideas to elevate your toast game:

Classic Combinations

• Butter and Jam: A timeless duo that never goes out of style.
• Nut Butter and Banana: Spread some almond or peanut butter and top with banana slices for a delicious and nutritious bite.
• Butter, Salt, and Smoked Salmon: A savoury delight that's sure to impress.
• Cream Cheese and Everything Bagel Seasoning: Indulge in the flavours of an everything bagel without the need for toasting a bagel.

Avocado Toast Creations

• Avocado with Feta and Balsamic Glaze: Smash ripe avocado over your toast, then sprinkle with feta cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
• Avocado, Pickled Onions, and Feta: A tasty trio that takes avocado toast to the next level.
• Avocado, Arugula, Olive Oil, Lemon, Pickled Onions, Feta, and Balsamic: For a more elaborate brunch option, top your toast with avocado, arugula tossed in olive oil and lemon, pickled onions, feta, and a balsamic glaze.

Sweet Treats

• Cinnamon and Sugar: Sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar over a spread of butter for a simple yet satisfying treat.
• Nutella and Strawberries: Indulge your sweet tooth with this chocolatey, fruity combination.
• Honey and Walnuts: A simple yet delightful pairing that adds a touch of sweetness to your toast.

Savoury Delights

• Garlic Bread: Spread garlic butter on your bread and air fry for a crispy, aromatic treat—perfect alongside pasta.
• Ricotta Cheese: For a savoury option, spread some ricotta cheese on your toast and enjoy its creamy texture.
• Hummus: Add a savoury twist to your toast with hummus, a protein-rich spread that pairs well with various toppings.
• Cheese and Tomato: Top your toast with fresh mozzarella and tomato slices, then return it to the air fryer for a melted, delicious treat.
• Poached or Scrambled Egg: Perch a poached or scrambled egg atop your toast for an incredibly filling breakfast option.

Air fryer vs toaster

Air fryers and toasters are both countertop appliances, but they differ in design and functionality. While both can be used to make crispy food, there are some key differences to consider when deciding which one to buy.

How They Work

Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air around it, resulting in crispy and browned food with minimal added oil. On the other hand, toasters use concentrated radiant heat to cook food, similar to a mini oven. Toasters are ideal for browning both sides of a slice of bread evenly with direct heat.

Design

Most air fryers come with a basket drawer, which makes it easy to shake and toss food while cooking. They are also equipped with a powerful fan that circulates hot air efficiently. Toaster ovens, on the other hand, typically have a glass door that allows you to monitor the cooking process.

Functionality

Air fryers are great for reheating leftovers and getting them crispy again. They are ideal for foods like French fries, chicken wings, and frozen foods. Toaster ovens, on the other hand, are well-suited for making toast, bagels, and open-faced sandwiches. They are also convenient for cooking flat foods like cookies or puff pastry.

Size and Capacity

Air fryers come in different sizes, with a minimum recommended capacity of 6 quarts to make reasonable-sized batches. Toaster ovens can also vary in size, with some models able to fit six slices of bread, nine cookies, or a whole bag of French fries.

Versatility

Air fryers are versatile and can be used for a variety of cooking tasks, such as frying, roasting, and baking. Toaster ovens, as the name suggests, are primarily used for toasting but can also be used for baking and broiling.

Speed

Air fryers cook food faster than toaster ovens due to the circulating hot air, which results in crispier food and shorter cook times. Toaster ovens may take longer but allow for more precise control over the cooking process.

Suitability for Beginners

For beginners, a toaster oven may be a more accessible option as it is similar to using a traditional oven. Air fryers may be more intimidating for those who are new to cooking.

Both air fryers and toasters have their pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and requirements. If you are looking for a versatile appliance that can cook a variety of foods with minimal oil and faster cook times, an air fryer may be the right choice. If you prioritize the ability to make perfect toast and prefer to monitor the cooking process closely, a toaster oven might be a better option.

Air frying other bread products

Air fryers can be used to make a variety of bread products, including toast, French toast, garlic bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, and breadsticks.

To make toast in an air fryer, set the temperature to between 390ºF and 400ºF and cook for around 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your toast. You can also make French toast by dipping your bread in a simple batter and air-frying it until it turns golden.

If you're feeling more adventurous, you can even make your own bread in an air fryer. Here's a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

• Flour
• Yeast
• Salt
• Water
• Sugar (optional)
• Butter (optional)

Instructions:

• Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl.
• Add water and melted butter (if using).
• Combine until you have a sticky dough.
• Cover with a clean towel and let the dough rise for about an hour in a warm place.
• Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased pan that fits your air fryer.
• Score the top of the dough and brush the sides with butter.
• Place the pan in the air fryer and cook for 15 minutes at 400°F.
• Lower the temperature to 350°F and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes.
• Remove the pan from the air fryer and take out the bread.
• Place the bread back in the air fryer for 5-10 minutes to cook the bottom evenly.
• Tap the bottom of the bread—if it sounds hollow, it's done. Otherwise, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
• Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.

You can also get creative and add different ingredients to this basic dough recipe to change up the flavors. For example, add garlic and herbs or shredded cheese.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature and timing for making toast in an air fryer vary depending on the desired level of crispness, the type of bread, and the model of the air fryer. However, a general guideline is to set the temperature between 375°F and 400°F for 3 to 6 minutes.

For thicker slices of bread, it is recommended to use a lower temperature and increase the cooking time. Conversely, for thinner slices, a higher temperature for a shorter duration may be preferred. It is also suggested to butter the bread before placing it in the air fryer, as this adds flavor and enhances the golden-brown color.

It is worth noting that some people have reported that their toast flew around or got stuck in the air fryer. To prevent this, it is recommended to use a rack-style air fryer or place a piece of silverware or another object on top of the bread to weigh it down.

Additionally, it is important to keep an eye on the toast and adjust the timing as needed to achieve the desired level of crispness.

Frequently asked questions