Toasting Bread In An Air Fryer: How Long Is Ideal?

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for a variety of cooking tasks, including making toast. Air fryer toast is a convenient and easy way to make breakfast, with many people claiming that it is even better than using a toaster. The air fryer produces a consistent, even crispness that is difficult to achieve with a toaster, and it can cook multiple slices at once. The time it takes to toast bread in an air fryer depends on the desired level of crispness, the type of bread, and the temperature used, but it typically ranges from 3 to 6 minutes at temperatures between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

The ideal temperature to toast bread in an air fryer

Toasting bread in an air fryer is an easy and effective way to get perfect toast. The ideal temperature range for toasting bread in an air fryer is between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to Toast Bread in an Air Fryer

First, set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to preheat. While the air fryer is heating up, you can select and prepare your bread. You can use any type of bread, from sliced white bread to sourdough, and even gluten-free or keto bread. If you are using pre-sliced bread and want thicker slices, you can slice the bread to your desired thickness.

Once your air fryer is heated, place the bread slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You can overlap the slices slightly if needed, but ensure there is enough space for air to circulate.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Air fry your bread for about 3 to 6 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a softer toast, you can lower the temperature to between 375 and 390 degrees Fahrenheit and increase the cooking time. For a darker toast, you can add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

It is recommended to flip the bread halfway through the cooking time to ensure even toasting on both sides. However, if you are adding butter or other toppings to your bread before toasting, you may choose not to flip it to prevent the toppings from melting into the air fryer.

Toppings and Variations

You can add various toppings to your toast, such as butter, jam, peanut butter, Nutella, cinnamon and sugar, or avocado. You can also make garlic toast by adding butter, garlic powder, or minced garlic to the bread before toasting.

Tips

There is no need to grease the air fryer basket, as the bread is unlikely to stick. Additionally, if you are concerned about the bread flying into the fan during cooking, you can use toothpicks or a small baking rack to weigh it down.

How to prevent bread from flying into the fan

To prevent bread from flying into the fan of an air fryer, you can use toothpicks to weigh the bread down. Stick the toothpicks into the bottom of a slice of bread and then slide the other half into another slice so they stick together. You can also use a small baking rack to weigh down the bread. If you are using an oven-style air fryer, place the bread between trays or on the lower rack.

Alternatively, you can use a stainless steel mesh or a piece of cutlery to hold the bread down. The weight of the mesh should be enough to prevent the bread from flying around. If you are using a cutlery item, such as a fork or butter knife, be aware that it will leave a mark on the surface of the bread.

The best bread for perfect toast

To make the perfect toast, you'll need to start with the right bread. While you can use any type of bread, from plain white bread to sourdough, French bread, Italian bread, or even gluten-free bread, the best bread for perfect toast is thick-sliced bread.

Thicker slices of bread will give you more leeway when it comes to toasting time, allowing you to go for a deeper golden brown without risking burning. They also provide a more substantial base for toppings, ensuring your toast can stand up to even the heartiest of spreads.

When choosing the best bread for perfect toast, look for a loaf with a dense crumb and a thick, chewy crust. This will ensure your toast has a nice, crispy exterior while remaining soft and tender on the inside.

Some recommended types of bread for perfect toast include:

• Sourdough: The tangy flavor and chewy texture of sourdough make it an excellent choice for toast. Its thick crust and airy interior create the perfect contrast when toasted.
• Brioche: Brioche bread has a rich, buttery flavor and a soft, fluffy texture. When toasted, it becomes slightly crisp while retaining its moist, tender crumb.
• Texas Toast: Texas Toast is a thick-sliced white bread that's perfect for toasting. It's designed to be extra crispy and holds up well to toppings.
• Baguette: Sliced baguette makes for an excellent base for toast, especially if you're looking for a crunchier texture. Its thin shape also makes it ideal for dishes like French toast.

Once you've selected your bread, the next step is toasting it to perfection. Preheat your air fryer to around 375-400°F (190-200°C) and place the bread inside in a single layer. For thicker slices, you may need to toast for a little longer, while thinner slices may require a slightly lower temperature. Keep an eye on your toast, as the timing will depend on your preferred level of doneness.

With the right bread and a few simple techniques, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the perfect toast, golden and crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside.

How to make French toast in an air fryer

French toast is a classic breakfast dish that is typically made on a stovetop. However, with an air fryer, you can make this delicious dish even more easily and conveniently. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make French toast in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Bread of your choice (sliced thick or thin, depending on your preference)
• Eggs
• Milk (regular, almond, oat, or non-dairy milk)
• Butter (optional)
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon
• Cooking spray or oil
• Toppings of your choice (e.g. maple syrup, butter, fruits, nut butter, etc.)

Instructions:

Before you begin, preheat your air fryer to 350°F to 400°F. Greasing the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil is optional, as some sources say it is unnecessary, while others recommend it for easier cleanup.

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar (if using). You can adjust the amount of sugar and cinnamon to your taste preferences. Whisk until the mixture is well combined.

Step 2: Dip the Bread in the Custard Mixture

Take each slice of bread and dip it into the custard mixture, ensuring that both sides are coated. Allow the bread to soak for about 10 seconds on each side. You don't want to oversoak the bread, as it may start to fall apart while cooking.

Step 3: Place the Bread in the Air Fryer

Place the soaked bread slices into the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you are using thinner slices of bread, you may need to insert a toothpick to hold everything in place. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to cook multiple slices at once.

Step 4: Air Fry the French Toast

Cook the French toast for 3 to 7 minutes at 350°F to 375°F, flipping the bread halfway through. The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of your bread. For thinner slices, 3 to 4 minutes should be sufficient, while thicker slices may need up to 7 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the French toast is golden brown and cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and serve with your choice of toppings. Classic options include butter and maple syrup, but you can also get creative with fruits, nut butter, or a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar.

Tips and Variations:

• For an even crispier French toast, spray the exterior of the bread with oil and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before air frying.
• If you're making a large batch, cook the French toast in smaller batches to ensure even cooking.
• You can also make French toast sticks by slicing the bread into thick strips before dipping them in the custard mixture. Reduce the air frying time by a couple of minutes to compensate for the smaller surface area.
• If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different types of milk (such as almond or coconut milk) and extracts (such as almond or coconut extract) to change up the flavor of your French toast.

Topping ideas for your toast

To make toast in an air fryer, set the temperature to between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for around 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your toast. If you are not using butter, or if you want to toast both sides evenly, flip the bread halfway through.

Now for the toppings! Here are some ideas to elevate your toast:

Savoury

• Avocado, bacon, and a fried egg
• Grilled cheese
• Peanut butter or any nut butter
• Scrambled eggs with green onions
• Avocado, arugula, olive oil, lemon, pickled onions, feta, and an egg
• Poached egg and garlic mushrooms
• Kimchi cheese
• Crab, peas, tarragon, and lemon
• Broad beans and goat's cheese
• Creamed leeks and smoked haddock
• Asparagus, grana Padano, sun-blush tomatoes, and olives
• Truffle honey-roasted fig, pancetta, gorgonzola, and prosciutto
• Chicken, chorizo, crème fraiche, and parsley
• Spring onion, herby ricotta, and 'nduja
• Manchego cheese, egg yolks, and mustard powder
• Lemon ricotta, Tenderstem broccoli, and heirloom tomatoes
• Hummus and olive tapenade
• Tuna and lemon
• Gorgonzola and sliced pears
• Prosciutto and grapes
• Pesto and shaved Parmesan
• Chorizo and manchego
• Crab and wasabi mayo
• Smoked salmon and dill
• Taleggio cheese and candied pecans or walnuts
• Apple butter and blue cheese
• Mushrooms, butter, thyme, and Parmesan
• Caramelized onions, apple slices, and Brie
• Cheddar cheese and apple slices
• Ham and cornichon
• Turkey, cranberry sauce, sea salt, and pepper
• Fennel and golden raisins
• Chipotle chiles, cream cheese, and smoked turkey
• Tomato pulp, sea salt, and basil
• Refried beans, green chiles, pepper jack cheese, and broil
• Egg salad and asparagus
• Wilted baby spinach, bacon, and hard-boiled eggs
• Caesar salad and anchovies
• Ham and Brie
• Turkey and mascarpone
• Bacon and grapes

Sweet

• Nutella
• Homemade healthy Nutella
• Butter and cinnamon sugar
• Jam
• Honey
• Figs, honey, and sea salt
• Ricotta, honey, and pepper
• Mascarpone, espresso, shaved chocolate, and cocoa powder
• Peanut butter, banana, and honey
• Cream cheese and hot pepper jelly

Frequently asked questions