Air-Fryer Toasts: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to make toast. The process is simple: set your air fryer to around 400°F, place your bread of choice inside, and cook for 3-6 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your toast. You can also add toppings such as butter, cinnamon, sugar, or garlic powder to your toast before or after cooking.

Choosing the right bread

The beauty of making toast in an air fryer is that you can use any type of bread. Whether it's sliced white bread, sourdough, French bread, Italian bread, wheat bread, brioche, gluten-free bread, or even frozen bread, the air fryer will deliver perfectly toasted results.

However, it's important to note that different types of bread may require slight adjustments in toasting time. For instance, thicker slices of bread may need a longer cooking time, while thinner slices may be ready faster.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also use the air fryer to make French toast. Simply dip your chosen bread in a simple batter and air fry until golden.

• Bread Type: As mentioned, you have a wide variety of options when it comes to bread. Sourdough, French bread, Italian bread, and brioche are all great choices and will give your toast a unique flavour and texture.
• Slice Thickness: Thicker slices of bread, such as those from a loaf of sourdough or a baguette, may require a slightly longer cooking time. If you're using pre-sliced bread, you can adjust the thickness by slicing the bread to your desired thickness before toasting.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best bread for air fryer toast is the one you enjoy the most. Whether it's a crusty sourdough, a soft brioche, or a simple slice of white bread, choose a bread that suits your taste preferences and the toppings you plan to use.
• Toppings: Consider the toppings you plan to use. For example, if you're making avocado toast, a heartier bread like sourdough or a thick slice of whole wheat bread might be a better option to withstand the weight of the toppings. On the other hand, if you're making cinnamon toast or French toast, a softer bread like brioche might be a better choice.
• Experimentation: Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of bread. The beauty of the air fryer is that it gives you precise control over the toasting process, allowing you to create your perfect piece of toast. Try a few different options and see which one you like best.

In conclusion, the air fryer is a versatile appliance that can handle any type of bread you throw at it. By considering factors such as bread type, slice thickness, personal preference, toppings, and a willingness to experiment, you can choose the right bread to make the perfect air fryer toast that suits your taste and preferences.

Adding toppings

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

Butter

A little butter adds flavour and gives your toast a delicious golden-brown colour. You can use regular butter or vegan butter. If you're making a sandwich, you might want to only butter one side of the bread and skip flipping it halfway through to keep the outside crispy and the inside softer.

Cinnamon and Sugar

Sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar over your buttered toast before air frying for a sweet treat. You can also add cinnamon sugar to your buttered toast after air frying.

Nut Butter

Try peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or even Nutella for a sweeter breakfast option.

Jam

Any kind of fruity jam or preserve will work great on your toast.

Avocado

Avocado toast is a popular choice. Keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or add some sliced cherry tomatoes, sautéed greens, or other toppings.

Cream Cheese

Use a sweet or savoury cream cheese, such as garden veggie cream cheese or cream cheese with chives.

Garlic

For a simple garlic toast, spread some butter on your bread and sprinkle with garlic powder or minced garlic before air frying. Don't flip the bread!

Feel free to get creative and experiment with other toppings too! The possibilities are endless.

Timing and temperature

The timing and temperature for making toast in an air fryer will depend on how crispy you like your toast, the type of bread you are using, and the number of slices you are making.

As a general rule, the air fryer should be set to between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For thicker slices of bread, it is recommended to lower the temperature and increase the cooking time. For thinner slices, a higher temperature and shorter cooking time are preferable.

For toast cooked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, the cooking time is typically between 3 and 6 minutes. If you are cooking at a lower temperature of 390 degrees Fahrenheit, you may need to increase the cooking time to around 4 to 5 minutes. It is recommended that you keep an eye on your toast and adjust the timing as needed to achieve your desired level of doneness.

Most recipes suggest flipping the bread halfway through the cooking time to ensure even toasting on both sides. However, some recipes recommend only buttering one side of the bread and not flipping it for sandwich toast, as this results in a crispier outside and softer inside.

It is also worth noting that different types of bread will take different amounts of time to toast, so you may need to experiment to find the perfect timing and temperature for your preferred bread.

Avoiding common issues

• Prevent bread from flying into the fan: Use toothpicks or small baking racks to weigh down the toast as it cooks. Alternatively, place the bread in between trays or on the lower rack if using an oven-style air fryer.
• Avoid dry toast: Butter the bread before placing it in the air fryer to add moisture and flavour.
• Ensure even cooking: Place the bread in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and flip it halfway through the cooking process.
• Adjust cooking time: The cooking time may vary depending on the type and thickness of the bread, as well as your preferred level of doneness. Keep an eye on the toast and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Avoid burning: Check the toast regularly during cooking, especially if you like your toast well-done. Adjust the temperature and cooking time to prevent burning.
• Avoid overcrowding: Depending on the size of your air fryer, cook 2-4 slices of bread at a time to ensure even cooking and prevent the bread from overlapping too much.
• No need for grease: There is no need to grease the air fryer basket, as the bread is unlikely to stick.

Storing leftovers

While freshly made toast is always the best, storing leftovers can be a great way to reduce waste and save time and money. Here are some detailed tips for storing leftover toast made in an air fryer:

• Cooling: Before storing, allow the toast to cool completely at room temperature. Placing warm toast directly into storage can create condensation, resulting in soggy bread.
• Storage Containers: Use airtight containers to store your leftover toast. They prevent air from entering and lock in moisture, helping to maintain the texture and freshness of the toast. Place each slice of toast in a single layer, separated by parchment or wax paper, and seal the container tightly.
• Labelling: Label the container with the date of storage. This helps you keep track of how long the toast has been stored and ensures you consume it within the recommended timeframe.
• Refrigeration: Store the leftover toast in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within a couple of days. The cool temperature inhibits bacterial growth and keeps the toast fresh. Place the container in the main compartment of the refrigerator, not on the door, to maintain a consistent temperature.
• Freezing: If you won't be consuming the toast within a few days, freezing is a great option for long-term storage. Wrap each slice of toast tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, or place them in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen toast can be stored for up to a month.
• Separation and Stacking: When storing in the freezer, separate the slices with parchment or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together. You can then stack the individually wrapped slices or place them in freezer-safe containers for better organisation.
• Thawing: When you're ready to enjoy frozen toast, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw gradually. This helps retain moisture and prevents the toast from becoming soggy.
• Reheating: Reheat the toast using an oven, skillet, or griddle for optimal flavour and texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can result in soggy toast. Reheat in small batches to ensure even heating and monitor the process to prevent overcooking.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your leftover air-fried toast while reducing waste and saving time and money.

Frequently asked questions