Air Fryer Toasts: A Quick, Easy Breakfast Guide

Making toast in an air fryer is an easy and convenient way to achieve the perfect, golden crispy texture. It is also a great way to save counter space by removing the need for a toaster. To make toast in an air fryer, simply place your desired bread slices in the air fryer basket, and cook at around 400°F for 3-6 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your toast. You can also add toppings such as butter, cinnamon, or even make French toast by dipping the bread in a simple batter before air frying.

Choosing the right bread

The great thing about making toast in an air fryer is that you can use any type of bread. Whether it's sourdough, sliced baguette, Texas toast, white bread, whole wheat bread, brioche bread, gluten-free bread, Italian bread, French bread, or plain white or wheat pre-sliced bread from your local grocery store, the air fryer will deliver perfectly toasted bread.

If you're making avocado toast, you might want to slice your bread slightly thicker than your typical store-bought bread. This will ensure that your toast can withstand the weight of the avocado and any other toppings you choose to add.

If you're making a sandwich, you might prefer to use softer bread, such as white or wheat bread, rather than a crusty bread like sourdough or baguette. This will make it easier to bite into your sandwich without squishing out the fillings.

For a more indulgent option, try using brioche bread for your toast. The high egg and butter content of brioche will make your toast extra rich and delicious.

For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free bread or keto bread are also great options to use in the air fryer.

No matter which type of bread you choose, the key to achieving the perfect level of doneness is keeping an eye on it while it's in the air fryer. Different types and thicknesses of bread will take different amounts of time to toast, so it's important to check on your toast regularly to avoid overcooking or burning it.

Buttering the bread

Toasting bread in an air fryer is a simple process that can be made even better with the addition of butter. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to buttering the bread for your air-fried toast:

Firstly, select your preferred type and thickness of bread. You can use any variety, such as sourdough, French bread, Italian bread, white bread, wheat bread, brioche, or even gluten-free bread. If you are slicing the bread yourself, consider cutting it slightly thicker than usual, especially if you plan to make avocado toast.

Next, take a knife and spread butter onto your slice of bread. You can use regular butter or vegan butter, depending on your preference. It is recommended to add butter to only one side of the bread, as this will create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside softer, which is ideal if you're making a sandwich. Additionally, you can enhance the flavour by sprinkling cinnamon and sugar on top of the butter. If you're making garlic toast, spread some butter on one side and sprinkle garlic powder or minced garlic before placing it in the air fryer.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try different toppings on your buttered bread. For a sweet option, spread some Nutella or your favourite jam. For a savoury treat, smashed avocado or banana and almond butter are excellent choices. You can even add some protein by topping it with a poached egg.

Once you've finished preparing your bread, place it in the air fryer basket. Make sure to place the slices in a single layer, and avoid overlapping them. If you're using butter, there's no need to grease the air fryer basket additionally.

Now, you're ready to air fry your buttered bread. Set the temperature to between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on how crispy you like your toast. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your bread and your desired level of doneness, but it typically ranges from 3 to 6 minutes. If you're not using butter, remember to flip your bread halfway through to ensure even toasting on both sides.

With these steps, you'll have delicious, buttery toast made in your air fryer!

Air-frying time and temperature

The ideal air-frying temperature for toast is between 375°F and 400°F (180°C and 204°C). The time needed to make toast in an air fryer varies between 3 and 6 minutes, depending on the desired crispiness and the thickness of the bread. For example, thinner slices of bread may require a higher temperature but a shorter cooking time.

If you are using butter, it is recommended to spread it on the bread before placing it in the air fryer. This will help the butter melt into the bread. However, if you prefer your toast to be crispier, you can add the butter after removing the bread from the air fryer.

It is also important to keep an eye on the toast while it is cooking, as different types of bread will take different amounts of time to toast. Additionally, some air fryers may require you to flip the bread halfway through the cooking process to ensure even toasting on both sides.

Avoiding toast flying around

To avoid your toast flying around in the air fryer, you can try the following methods:

• Use toothpicks to tether slices of bread together, making them heavy enough to stay put and easy to flip.
• Place a small baking rack on top of the toast to weigh it down.
• If you have an oven-style air fryer, place the bread between the trays or on the lower rack.
• If you have a basket-style air fryer, you can try laying the slices of bread flat in the basket, rather than placing them in an upright position.
• Only cook one layer of food and leave some distance between each slice of bread to ensure the air can circulate properly.

Toppings

Now that you've made your toast in the air fryer, it's time to think about toppings. The great thing about toast is its versatility. You can keep it simple with just a spread of butter or get creative with toppings. Here are some topping ideas to get you started:

Sweet Toppings

• Butter and jam or preserves
• Cinnamon and sugar on buttered toast
• Nutella or Nutella and peanut butter
• Honey
• Cream cheese with sliced fruit or savoury toppings like chives or garden veggies

Savoury Toppings

• Avocado with salt and pepper, or spiced up with cherry tomatoes or sautéed greens
• Peanut butter or any other nut butter like almond or cashew butter
• Pickled onions and feta
• Garlic powder or fresh garlic with butter

You can also use your toast as a base for an open-faced sandwich. Try toppings like:

• Arugula, egg, ham and cheese
• Scrambled eggs with green onions
• Canadian bacon, egg and arugula

Frequently asked questions