Air Fryer Toasts: Timing, Tips, And Tricks

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of dishes, including toast. The process of making toast in an air fryer is simple and can deliver perfect, crispy, and golden toast every time. The duration for which the bread needs to be in the air fryer depends on the desired level of toastiness and the thickness of the bread. Generally, thinner slices of bread require a lower temperature setting and a shorter duration, while thicker slices may need a higher temperature and more time. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer, butter the bread, and keep an eye on the toast to ensure it reaches the desired level of crispiness.

How to make toast in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Your favourite kind of sliced bread (you can use anything from sourdough to plain white bread)
• Butter (optional)
• Your choice of toppings (e.g. avocado, butter, jam, cinnamon and sugar, nut butter, etc.)

Method

• Set your air fryer to 390-400°F to preheat.
• If you want to, you can butter your bread before putting it in the air fryer. This will give your toast a golden-brown colour.
• Place your slice(s) of bread in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You can cook between 2-4 slices at once, depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Air fry for 3-6 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your toast. Flip the bread halfway through for even toasting.
• Top with your favourite toppings and enjoy!

Tips

• There's no need to grease the air fryer basket as bread won't stick to it.
• Keep an eye on your toast as it cooks, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Different types and thicknesses of bread will take different amounts of time to toast.

Best bread for air fryer toast

Air fryer toast is an easy, effective, and versatile way to make the perfect toast. You can use any kind of bread, from sliced white bread to baguettes, sourdough, brioche, and even gluten-free options. The key to achieving the desired level of crispiness and softness lies in adjusting the temperature and timing based on the type and thickness of the bread.

• Bread Type: The type of bread you choose depends on your preference. Sourdough, French bread, Italian bread, brioche, and sourdough are popular choices for their distinct flavours and textures. For a simple option, sliced white or wheat bread from your local grocery store works just fine.
• Thickness: Slightly thicker slices of bread, such as those slightly thicker than typical store-bought bread, are ideal, especially if you plan to make avocado toast or sandwiches. Thicker slices may require a lower temperature and longer cooking time to achieve the desired level of toastiness.
• Toppings: Consider what toppings you want to add to your toast. For example, if you're making avocado toast, a slightly thicker slice of bread can better accommodate toppings like avocado, arugula, and cherry tomatoes. If you prefer a simpler approach, a basic slice of white or wheat bread with butter or jam can be just as delicious.
• Dietary Restrictions: Air fryer toast is versatile and can accommodate various dietary needs. If you follow a gluten-free or low-carb/keto lifestyle, there are gluten-free and keto bread options available. For dairy-free toppings, you can use olive oil, coconut oil, vegan butter, or ghee.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best bread for air fryer toast is the one you enjoy the most. Experiment with different types of bread, toppings, and cooking times to find your perfect combination.

Remember, the beauty of air fryer toast is that you can customise it to your liking. Don't be afraid to experiment with different breads and toppings to find your favourite combinations. Happy toasting!

Air fryer toast 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 plain butter or jam, or you can get creative. Here are some ideas for air fryer toast toppings:

Butter

Butter is a classic choice for toast, and it can be added before or after toasting. Adding it beforehand will give your toast a golden-brown colour. You can use regular butter or vegan butter, and you can also add a sprinkle of garlic powder or some fresh garlic for garlic toast.

Cinnamon and Sugar

A simple yet delicious combination. Spread some butter on your toast and sprinkle on some cinnamon and sugar before toasting in the air fryer.

Nut Butter

Peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or Nutella are all great options for toast. You can also add some sliced fruit, like bananas, or honey for extra sweetness.

Avocado

Avocado toast is a popular choice. Keep it simple with just avocado, salt, and pepper, or add some sliced cherry tomatoes, sautéed greens, arugula, olive oil, lemon, pickled onions, feta, or balsamic for a more complex flavour.

Jam

Any kind of fruity jam or preserve will work.

Cream Cheese

Try a sweet cream cheese topped with sliced fruit, or go savoury with garden veggie or chive cream cheese.

Eggs

For a heartier breakfast, top your toast with a fried or scrambled egg, or make an egg sandwich.

Other Ideas

• Honey
• Honey and cinnamon
• Almond butter with sea salt
• Smashed avocado packets
• Mayonnaise
• Arugula
• Ham
• Cheese
• Canadian bacon
• Marinara sauce
• Cheese
• Olive oil
• Coconut oil
• Ghee

Air fryer toast cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making toast in an air fryer depend on how crispy you like your toast and the thickness of your bread. The ideal temperature range for making toast in an air fryer is between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. At 400 degrees Fahrenheit, the ideal cooking time is around 4 minutes for a perfect golden toast. However, if you prefer a softer toast, you can reduce the temperature to between 375 and 390 degrees Fahrenheit.

For thicker slices of bread, it is recommended to lower the temperature and increase the cooking time, while for thinner slices, a higher temperature for a shorter duration works best. It is also important to note that different types of bread will have slightly different cooking times. Therefore, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your toast and adjust the time accordingly to achieve your desired level of crispness.

Additionally, it is recommended to flip the bread halfway through the cooking process to ensure even toasting on both sides.

Air fryer toast vs toaster toast

There are many variables that will impact the time it takes to make toast in an air fryer, including the type of bread, the thickness of the bread, and how crispy you like your toast. However, a good rule of thumb is to air fry your bread at 390-400°F for 3-5 minutes. You may also want to flip your bread halfway through to ensure even toasting on both sides.

Now that we know how long it takes to make toast in an air fryer, let's compare it to making toast in a toaster.

Advantages of Using an Air Fryer for Toast

• Air fryers are more versatile than toasters and can be used for a wider range of tasks such as broiling, roasting, grilling, and baking.
• Air fryers can cook larger quantities of food at once, making them ideal for feeding a crowd.
• Air fryers can cook food faster than toasters, taking as little as 3-5 minutes to make toast.
• Air fryers can cook food without the need for oil or butter, making them a healthier option.
• Air fryers have a compact design and can be easily stored away when not in use.

Disadvantages of Using an Air Fryer for Toast

• Air fryers are more expensive than toasters, with a typical price range of $50-$500.
• Air fryers use more energy than toasters, with a typical power consumption of 1500 watts per hour.
• Air fryers are harder to clean than toasters due to their more complex design and more moving parts.
• Air fryers are not as good at toasting bread as toasters, which are specifically designed for this task.

Advantages of Using a Toaster for Toast

• Toasters are specifically designed for toasting and are, therefore, the best appliance for toasting baked items.
• Toasters are more energy-efficient than air fryers and have a shorter toasting time, typically taking 1-4 minutes.
• Toasters are cheaper than air fryers, with a typical price range of $15-$300.
• Toasters are small and compact, making them easy to store and taking up less space on your kitchen counter.

Disadvantages of Using a Toaster for Toast

• Toasters have limited functions and can only be used for toasting bread.
• Toasters typically have a smaller capacity than air fryers and may require multiple batches to feed a large family.
• Toasters may not be able to accommodate large items such as bagels or thick slices of bread.

So, which is better for making toast, an air fryer or a toaster? The answer depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a versatile appliance that can cook a variety of dishes and have a larger capacity, then an air fryer may be the best choice. However, if you are primarily looking to toast bread and want a more energy-efficient and affordable option, then a toaster may be the way to go.

Frequently asked questions