Air-Fried French Toast: A Quick, Crispy Breakfast Treat

French toast is a breakfast classic, and using an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make this delicious dish. With a custardy texture inside and a crisp, golden-brown exterior, this recipe is sure to impress. The best part? It only takes about 10 minutes to make!

Choosing the right bread

Firstly, it is recommended to use thicker slices of bread. Thicker slices, such as Texas toast, brioche, or challah bread, hold onto the custard filling better and result in a more decadent bite. These types of bread also tend to have a denser texture and a richer flavour, making them ideal choices for French toast. If you opt for brioche, be mindful that it has a soft texture and will soak up the custard mixture quickly, so be careful not to oversoak it.

You can also use day-old or stale bread. This is a great way to use up any leftover bread, and it will give your French toast a nice crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior. However, if you only have fresh bread, that will work just fine too!

While thick slices of bread are preferable, you can also use simple white sandwich bread, whole wheat, or multigrain bread. The key is to ensure that the bread fits into your air fryer. You can cut the slices into thick strips to make French toast sticks, which are perfect for dipping!

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough or French bread. Just keep in mind that denser breads like sourdough may require a longer soaking time in the egg mixture.

Lastly, if you have dietary restrictions, you can use gluten-free bread or opt for dairy-free milk alternatives such as almond, oat, or coconut milk to accommodate your needs.

Remember, the bread you choose will be the foundation of your French toast, so take your time in selecting the right type to ensure a delicious breakfast treat!

Preparing the air fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Different recipes suggest different temperatures, ranging from 350°F to 375°F. It is important to note that the temperature may vary depending on your air fryer model. Check your air fryer's instructions or experiment to find the optimal temperature for your French toast.

Once you've decided on the temperature, grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This will prevent the bread from sticking to the basket and ensure your French toast comes out crispy. You can also line the basket with parchment paper, which some recipes recommend for easier cleanup. If you use parchment paper, be sure to spray it with cooking spray as well to prevent sticking.

Some recipes suggest adding a toothpick to hold everything in place if you are using thinner slices of bread. This will help keep the bread together while it soaks in the egg mixture and cooks in the air fryer.

When preparing the air fryer, it is also essential to ensure that you don't overcrowd the basket. Leave some space between each piece of bread to allow for even cooking and browning. This may mean cooking the French toast in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

By following these steps, you will be well on your way to making delicious French toast in your air fryer!

Making the custard

To make the custard, start by preparing a shallow bowl. You can use a medium-sized bowl, but a shallow one will make it easier to dip the bread slices later. Crack and whisk two eggs in the bowl. You can also add a tablespoon of sugar to the mix, but this is optional and depends on how sweet you want your French toast to be. Next, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the bowl. Pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste is recommended for the best flavour. Whisk the mixture until everything is well combined.

Now, gently dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture. Make sure both sides of the bread are coated. You can also flip the bread over in the bowl to ensure it is evenly coated. Don't leave the bread in the mixture for too long, as it can start to fall apart, especially if you are using a soft variety like brioche. Once the bread is coated, place it in the prepared air fryer basket, making sure the slices don't overlap.

Dipping the bread

To begin, prepare the egg mixture by cracking and beating two eggs in a medium-sized bowl. Then, pour in about a cup of milk. You can use any type of milk, such as dairy milk (whole or 2%), or plant-based milk like almond, coconut, or oat milk. Whisk the eggs and milk together until they are well combined.

Next, add in your desired flavourings. A combination of cinnamon and vanilla extract is a classic choice for French toast, with cinnamon providing a warm, spicy note and vanilla adding a nutty, sweet aroma. You can also include a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of sugar if you prefer your French toast on the sweeter side. Mix all the ingredients until they form a smooth custard.

Now you are ready to dip the bread. Choose a thick-sliced bread, such as brioche, challah, or Texas toast, as these varieties have a dense texture that can better absorb the custard without falling apart. If possible, use day-old or stale bread, as it will soak up more of the custard mixture. Gently dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, turning it over to coat both sides. Allow the bread to sit in the custard for about 10 seconds on each side, taking care not to oversoak it.

Once the bread is coated, carefully place the slices into the prepared air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping and are spaced at least half an inch apart. This ensures that the hot air can circulate evenly, cooking the French toast uniformly and giving it a nice golden colour. If your air fryer basket is not non-stick, you may want to line it with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make flipping the toast easier.

Serving suggestions

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

Sweet toppings

• Butter and maple syrup: For a classic French toast experience.
• Confectioners' sugar: Also known as powdered sugar, this will add a sweet dusting to your French toast.
• Fresh fruit: Try berries, bananas, or other fruits of your choice.
• Whipped cream: For an indulgent, creamy addition.
• Cinnamon sugar: A sweet and spicy option.

Savoury toppings

• Scrambled eggs
• Breakfast sausage
• Bacon
• Fruit salad

You could also serve air fryer French toast as part of a larger breakfast spread, with hot coffee or tea.

Frequently asked questions