Toasting Bread In An Air Fryer: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryers are a great alternative to toasters and can be used to make the perfect toast. The air fryer is a diverse kitchen gadget that can be used to make toast that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is also a great way to make avocado toast, grilled cheese sandwiches, and even cinnamon toast. The ideal temperature for making toast in an air fryer is between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and the ideal time is around 3 to 6 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bread and the desired level of crispness.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature for toasting bread in an air fryer is 400° Fahrenheit or 200° Celsius. The timing depends on the type of bread you are toasting. For sandwich bread, toast for 3-5 minutes. If you are using thicker bread, such as rye, Texas toast or sourdough, toast for 4-6 minutes. For bagels, toast at 370° Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes. If your bagels are frozen, reduce the temperature to 330° Fahrenheit and cook for 6 minutes. For English muffins, toast at 400° Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes.

If you like your toast on the softer side, reduce the temperature to somewhere between 375° and 390° Fahrenheit. If you prefer your toast darker, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.

There is no need to preheat the air fryer before toasting bread. If you do preheat it, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.

When toasting multiple slices of bread, be sure not to overlap the slices, as this will prevent them from toasting evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may only be able to toast 2 slices at a time.

Bread type

The type of bread you use will impact the baking time. For example, thicker slices of bread may need a longer cooking time.

You can use any type of bread in an air fryer, including sourdough, French bread, Italian bread, plain white bread, wheat bread, Texas toast, baguette, whole wheat bread, brioche bread, and gluten-free bread.

Some people prefer denser bread, like frozen sourdough, as it doesn't fly around the air fryer.

Avoiding flying bread

To avoid flying bread, follow these steps:

Firstly, it's important to understand why bread might fly around in your air fryer. As bread toasts, it loses moisture, becoming lighter. In theory, if the bread becomes light enough, it could be picked up and blown around by the powerful fan in your air fryer. However, this is unlikely to happen with most modern air fryers.

To be cautious, it's recommended that you stay near the air fryer the first time you toast a new type of bread. This way, you can monitor the bread and turn off the appliance if the bread starts to fly around. If you hear strange noises, like something is blowing around in the basket, this is a good indication that your bread is taking an unexpected flight.

If you are concerned about flying bread, there are a few simple methods to weigh down your slices:

• Use toothpicks to pin the bread down.
• Place a small baking rack on top of the bread.
• If using an oven-style air fryer, place the bread between trays or on the lower rack.
• For frozen bread, which is denser and less likely to fly, set your air fryer to a lower temperature, such as 330°F for 6 minutes.

Additionally, avoid using parchment paper when toasting bread, as it can be picked up by the fan and potentially catch fire.

By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your bread stays safely in place while toasting and avoid any potential hazards caused by flying bread.

Buttering before or after

There are a few different opinions on whether to butter your bread before or after toasting it in the air fryer. Some sources suggest that you should butter your bread before placing it in the air fryer. This is because the butter will melt beautifully into the bread as it toasts, giving it a delicious golden-brown colour. Adding butter beforehand also saves you from having to handle the toast after it's toasted, which can be hot and potentially messy.

However, other sources suggest that you can add butter to your toast after it's cooked. This is because, as mentioned previously, the toast will be hot, and adding butter to it after it's cooked will allow the butter to melt into the bread.

Some sources suggest that you can do both! If you want to add a pat of butter to your bread before toasting, place it butter-side up in the air fryer. Then, once it's cooked, you can add some more butter to the other side.

It's worth noting that butter is not a vital ingredient when toasting bread in an air fryer. However, it does add flavour and gives the toast a golden-brown colour.

Avoiding burnt toast

Toasting bread in an air fryer is a simple process, but there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid ending up with burnt toast. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect toast without any charring:

Temperature Control

The ideal temperature for toasting bread in an air fryer is around 400°F. However, if you are concerned about burning your toast, you can set the temperature lower, between 350-370°F. This will give you more time to monitor the toasting process and prevent burning. Keep in mind that lower temperatures will also increase the cooking time.

Timing is Key

The toasting time depends on the type of bread and your desired level of doneness. Thicker and denser slices of bread will require a longer cooking time, usually around 4-6 minutes. Lighter and thinner slices may only need 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on your toast, especially if you are toasting it for the first time, and adjust the timing accordingly.

Avoid Overlapping

When placing the bread in the air fryer, make sure the slices do not overlap. Overlapping slices will prevent even toasting and may lead to uneven cooking. Leave some space around each slice to allow for proper air circulation.

No Need to Flip

One of the benefits of using an air fryer is that you don't need to flip the bread. The hot air circulates evenly, toasting both sides of the bread without the need for manual intervention.

Avoid Parchment Paper

Do not use parchment paper or any other type of liner when toasting bread in the air fryer. The lightweight nature of the bread means that the paper could fly up and come into contact with the heating element, posing a fire hazard.

Monitor Light Bread

Lighter types of bread may lift and move around in the air fryer due to the powerful air circulation. If this happens, use a metal trivet to weigh down the bread or place a butter knife or similar item on top to prevent it from flying around.

Adjust for Preheating

If you preheat your air fryer, remember to reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes to avoid overcooking the toast.

Frequently asked questions