Cinnamon Toast, Air-Fried: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cinnamon toast is a delicious, sweet breakfast option that can be made in an air fryer in a matter of minutes. The air fryer's convection oven-like cooking method gives the toast a perfect crunchy, crispy texture, and the cinnamon sugar butter spread on the toast makes it irresistibly bubbly and delicious. This recipe is a great alternative to traditional oven-baked cinnamon toast, as it is quicker, easier, and doesn't heat up your kitchen.

Choosing the right bread

Firstly, it is important to avoid doughy breads such as challah or brioche. These breads have a higher fat content, which can result in a French toast-like texture rather than the desired crispiness. Strongly-flavoured breads like sourdough or rye are also not ideal, as their distinct flavours may overpower the cinnamon and sugar.

Instead, opt for a sturdy white or whole wheat loaf from your local bakery. A medium thickness slice will give you that quintessential crisp texture. If you want a thicker slice, just be sure to increase the amount of cinnamon butter you spread on top. You can also use gluten-free bread if needed.

For a truly indulgent treat, Italian-style bread is a great choice. Its thick slices and fluffy texture make it perfect for soaking up all the buttery, cinnamony goodness. And if you're looking for a healthier option, whole grain bread is a terrific choice that will add some extra nutrients to your treat.

No matter which bread you choose, the key is to ensure it is evenly coated with the cinnamon butter mixture. This will guarantee that every bite is packed with flavour and has that delightful crispy texture. So, get creative, experiment with different breads, and most importantly, enjoy your delicious air-fried cinnamon toast!

Preparing the cinnamon butter

In a small bowl, mix the butter with cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla extract. You can also add a pinch of black pepper for a subtle spice flavour. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined and you have a smooth paste. If you want to get creative, you can experiment with other spices like nutmeg, star anise, or cayenne pepper. You can also try using honey or brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.

Once your cinnamon butter is ready, it's time to spread it on the bread. Be sure to spread it generously, making sure to get all the way to the edges of the bread. You can use any type of bread you like, but thicker slices of bread may require a little more butter per slice. Whole wheat bread is a popular choice, but you can also use white bread, brioche, or Texas Toast.

After your bread is prepared, it's almost time to air fry! But first, a pro tip: if you want to avoid a mess, place the slices of bread in the air fryer buttered side up. This will prevent the sugar from spinning around in the air fryer like a tiny sandblasting tornado. Now, simply air fry at 390-400°F for 4-5 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy. And that's it! You now have delicious cinnamon toast made in your air fryer.

Spreading the butter on the bread

To spread the butter on the bread, you'll want to make sure it's at room temperature. This will make it easier to mix and whip. You can microwave it in short bursts to soften it if you've forgotten to take it out of the fridge. Once it's soft, use a fork or the back of a spoon to mash it into a paste.

You can then add the sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and black pepper (if using) to the butter and mix until combined. Spread the mixture generously on one side of each slice of bread, making sure to get it all the way to the edges.

If you're not ready to cook the toast yet, you can freeze the slices at this stage. Spread them out on a baking sheet and freeze until hard, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can cook the slices straight from frozen, but you may need to add 30 seconds to one minute to the cooking time.

Air-frying the toast

To air-fry the toast, start by preparing the cinnamon butter. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla extract. You can also add a pinch of salt and a tiny bit of ground black pepper to enhance the flavour. Mix the ingredients until they form a smooth paste. If you are using honey instead of sugar, you might want to mix it with the butter first to make a paste and then add the cinnamon.

Once your cinnamon butter is ready, spread it generously on one side of your bread slices. Make sure to get it all the way to the edges. You can use any type of bread you like, but thicker slices of bread will need more cinnamon butter per slice. If you are using thick bread, you may also need to increase the cooking time.

After your bread slices are prepared, place them in the air fryer basket, buttered side up. You can cook two slices at a time or more, depending on the size of your air fryer. Close the air fryer and set the temperature to 390°F (200°C). Air fry your cinnamon toast for 4-5 minutes, until it reaches the desired level of crispiness. If you prefer your toast softer, check on it after 3 minutes.

Once the toast is golden brown and bubbling, remove it from the air fryer and serve. You can enjoy it plain, or add some extra sweetness with a drizzle of honey or syrup. You can also sprinkle on some icing sugar for visual appeal.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air fryer cinnamon toast. Here are some suggestions:

• Breakfast: Air fryer cinnamon toast is a delicious breakfast option and can be served with breakfast potatoes, scrambled eggs with spinach or feta, or a sweet breakfast option like French toast or waffles.
• Snack: It can also be enjoyed as a snack on its own or with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Dessert: For a sweet treat after a meal, serve the cinnamon toast with a drizzle of honey or syrup, a dusting of icing sugar, or a side of jam.
• Customizations: You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as brioche, Texas toast, whole wheat, or gluten-free bread. Additionally, you can add a pinch of cardamom or pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a unique flavor profile.

Frequently asked questions