Air Fryer Toasts: Perfect Timing For Crunchy Bread

Air fryers are a great alternative to toasters, producing evenly cooked, crispy, golden toast in just a few minutes. The cooking time depends on the type of bread, the desired crispiness, and the air fryer being used. Generally, the air fryer should be preheated to between 350°F and 400°F, and the bread should be cooked for 3 to 6 minutes, with the option to add toppings and return to the air fryer for an additional minute.

Air fryer toast toppings

To make toast in an air fryer, set your oven-style air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and preheat for about 3-5 minutes. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on the air fryer tray, ensuring they are spaced evenly. Then, cook the bread for 3-5 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through if you prefer. For a crispier toast, leave the bread in for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Now, for the fun part: toppings! Here are some ideas for air fryer toast toppings:

Classic Butter and Jam

A timeless combination that remains a favorite.

Nut Butters and Banana

Spread almond or peanut butter and top with banana slices for extra flavor and nutrition.

Avocado Toast

Smash ripe avocado over your toast and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and chili flakes. For a more elaborate version, add a layer of peanut butter or almond butter, sliced bananas, and a fried egg.

Cream Cheese with Chives or Smoked Salmon

A versatile option that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a meal.

Honey with Walnuts

A simple yet delicious option.

Cheese and Tomato

Top with fresh mozzarella and tomato slices, then return to the air fryer for melted goodness.

Eggs

A poached or scrambled egg on top of your toast makes for an incredibly filling breakfast.

Air fryer toast temperature

The ideal temperature for making toast in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F (180°C and 200°C). The temperature you choose will depend on how crispy you like your toast and the thickness of your bread. For example, if you prefer your toast on the darker side, you can increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. Similarly, if your bread is thicker, you may want to lower the temperature and increase the cooking time.

To make toast in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer for 2-3 minutes. Then, place your bread in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking. If you are using butter, you can add it to your bread before placing it in the air fryer. Cook your bread for 3-5 minutes, flipping it halfway through. The total cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness and the type of bread you are using, so be sure to keep an eye on your toast to avoid overcooking it.

It is important to note that the temperature and cooking time may vary depending on the model and size of your air fryer, so you may need to adjust the settings to suit your specific appliance. Additionally, different types of bread may require slightly different cooking times, so it is always a good idea to check your toast regularly and adjust the time as needed.

Air fryer toast timing

Firstly, it's important to note that different types of bread will have slightly different cooking times. For example, thicker slices of bread may require a lower temperature but a longer cooking time, while thinner slices can be cooked at a higher temperature for a shorter duration.

When using an air fryer to make toast, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes. This timing may vary depending on the type and size of your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's instructions.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can proceed to cook your toast. The cooking time will depend on your desired level of crispness and the specific model of your air fryer. A good starting point is to set the temperature between 350°F and 400°F and cook the toast for 3 to 4 minutes. If you prefer your toast darker or crispier, you can increase the cooking time by 1 to 2 minutes. It is also recommended to flip the toast halfway through the cooking process to ensure even toasting on both sides.

It's worth mentioning that some sources suggest cooking times as short as 3 minutes, while others recommend up to 6 minutes. The variation in cooking times could be due to differences in air fryer models and personal preferences for toast doneness. Therefore, it's always a good idea to keep a close eye on your toast during the cooking process and adjust the timing accordingly.

Additionally, if you're making multiple slices of toast, you may need to adjust the cooking time. For example, if you're only making one or two pieces of toast, you might need to reduce the cooking time by 1 to 2 minutes. On the other hand, if you're cooking for a crowd, you can cook up to 4 or more slices at once, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Air fryer toast texture

The air fryer is a great way to make toast with a crispy texture and a golden-brown colour. The duration for air-frying bread varies based on the thickness of the slices and the desired level of crispiness. Generally, you can air-fry bread for 3 to 6 minutes at a temperature of 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C).

For a temperature of 350°F (175°C), air-fry the bread for 3 minutes on one side, turn it over, and then cook for another 2 minutes. For a temperature of 390°F, air-fry the bread for 4 to 5 minutes. For a temperature of 400°F, air-fry the bread for 4 to 6 minutes.

It is recommended to check the toast early and then add time as needed so that it is toasted to your liking. It is also a good idea to flip the bread halfway through for even toasting, unless you have buttered the bread, in which case you can choose not to flip it.

The type of bread you choose can also make a difference in the texture and flavour of the toast. Whole grain bread, for instance, offers a hearty flavour and a nutty aroma, while sourdough provides a tangy taste that blends nicely with various toppings. Thicker slices of bread may require a higher temperature and a longer cooking time, while thinner slices may require a lower temperature and a shorter cooking time.

Additionally, applying oil or butter to the bread before toasting can enhance the flavour and texture, giving the toast a delightful crispiness and a richer taste. However, this step is optional, and the bread will still toast well without it.

Air fryer toast vs toaster

Cooking method

The main difference between a toaster and an air fryer is their cooking method. A toaster uses radiant heat to brown and crisp slices of bread, whereas an air fryer uses a heating element and a fan to circulate hot air around the cooking chamber, resulting in crispy dishes without the need for added oil or butter.

Functions

Toasters are designed specifically for toasting and are limited to this function due to their small size and design. On the other hand, air fryers are more versatile and can perform a wider range of cooking tasks, including baking, roasting, broiling, and air frying. They can also reheat frozen foods and perform more complex cooking tasks that a toaster cannot.

Size and storage

Toasters are compact and lightweight, making them easy to store in cabinets without taking up much space. In contrast, air fryers are larger countertop appliances that may require more permanent placement on the kitchen counter.

Efficiency

Toasters are generally more energy-efficient than air fryers, and they also have a longer lifespan, typically lasting six to eight years compared to three to six years for air fryers. Toasters are also faster at making toast, with a medium setting taking between one to four minutes, while an air fryer may take anywhere from five to 25 minutes for a similar task.

Results

Toasters allow for adjustable browning levels, but they often produce unevenly cooked toast. Air fryers, on the other hand, consistently deliver perfectly golden and crispy toast, although they may not be ideal for doughy or baked items.

Frequently asked questions