Air Fryer Toasts: Perfectly Crispy And Golden

Air fryer toast is the easiest way to make toast! It's even easier than using a toaster and delivers perfect, golden, crispy results every time. It's also a great option if you don't own a toaster or if your oven takes a long time to preheat. Here's a simple guide on how to make perfect toast using an air fryer.

Choosing the right bread

The great thing about making toast in an air fryer is that you can use any type of bread. Whether it's white, brown, sourdough, French, Italian, gluten-free, or even plain white or wheat pre-sliced bread, the air fryer will deliver that perfect, golden crispness you're looking for.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try making toast with bagels, English muffins, or gluten-free/keto bread. The possibilities are endless!

For those who enjoy a thicker slice of toast, consider slicing your bread just slightly thicker than your typical store-bought variety. This is especially recommended if you're planning on making avocado toast, as it provides a heartier base for your toppings.

When choosing the right bread, it's also worth considering the size of your air fryer. Depending on the model, you may be able to fit up to four slices of bread at once, allowing you to make a larger batch of toast in one go.

Additionally, if you're short on time, pre-sliced bread can be a convenient option to speed up the toasting process.

No matter which type of bread you choose, the air fryer's versatility ensures that you'll end up with perfectly toasted slices every time.

Getting the temperature right

At 350°F, the bread will toast evenly without burning, resulting in a crisp yet golden texture. This temperature is particularly suitable if you prefer your toast on the softer side.

If you like your toast darker and crispier, increase the temperature to 390°F to 400°F. The higher temperature will give your toast a deeper golden colour and a crunchier texture.

It's worth noting that the type of bread and its thickness will also impact the ideal temperature. For thicker slices of bread, a slightly lower temperature for a longer duration may work better to ensure even toasting. Similarly, if you're using thinner slices, a higher temperature for a shorter duration might be preferable.

Additionally, the desired level of doneness will influence the temperature setting. For a lighter toast, aim for the lower end of the temperature range, and for a darker, crispier toast, opt for the higher end.

Experiment with different temperatures and timings to find the perfect combination for your taste and the type of bread you're using. Remember, the beauty of the air fryer is that it gives you precise control over the toasting process, so you can easily adjust to get your desired results.

Avoiding common mistakes

Now that you know how to make the perfect toast in an air fryer, here are some common mistakes you should avoid:

• Not preheating the air fryer: Preheating your air fryer is important for ensuring even cooking from the start. It only takes a few minutes, so don't skip this step!
• Overlapping slices: When placing the bread slices in the air fryer, make sure they don't overlap. Overlapping slices will lead to uneven toasting, so always arrange them in a single layer.
• Ignoring timing differences: Different models of air fryers may vary slightly in cook time. Always keep an eye on your toast, especially if you're using a new air fryer, and adjust the timing as needed to avoid over-toasting.
• Not flipping the bread: Depending on the type of air fryer you have, you may need to flip the bread halfway through the cooking process for even browning. For basket-style air fryers, flipping is generally recommended, while for oven-style air fryers with better air circulation, it may not be necessary.
• Not experimenting: One of the best things about making toast in an air fryer is the ability to experiment with different types of bread and toppings. Don't be afraid to try out new things and find your perfect combination!
• Forgetting to clean up: While this may not affect the taste of your toast, it's important to clean your air fryer regularly to maintain its performance and longevity. Some models come with removable parts that are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.

Topping ideas

Now that you've made the perfect toast in your air fryer, it's time to top it! Here are some topping ideas to get you started:

Butter

A classic option that adds flavour and gives your toast that golden-brown colour. You can use butter or vegan butter, and only butter one side of the toast if you prefer.

Jam

Any of your favourite fruity jams or preserves will work.

Honey

A sweet and delicious option to top your toast.

Avocado

Keep it simple with just avocado, salt, and pepper, or spice it up with sliced cherry tomatoes, sautéed greens, or other toppings.

Nut Butter

Peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, Nutella, and other nut butters are great options for adding protein and flavour to your toast.

Cinnamon and Sugar

A simple yet tasty combination: spread some butter on your toast, sprinkle on some cinnamon and sugar, and enjoy!

Cream Cheese

Go sweet with a fruit-topped cream cheese or savoury with garden veggie or chive cream cheese.

Garlic

For a simple garlic toast, spread some butter on your toast and sprinkle on garlic powder or minced garlic before air-frying. For a more indulgent version, try an air fryer garlic bread recipe.

Eggs

Make an Air Fryer Egg in a Basket for some extra protein, or serve your toast on the side with sunny-side-up eggs.

Feel free to experiment with other toppings and get creative! The possibilities are endless.

Serving suggestions

Now that you've made the perfect toast in your air fryer, what do you do with it? Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your toast:

• Keep it simple with plain butter or jam.
• Spread on some homemade healthy Nutella.
• Try different types of nut butter, such as peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter.
• Make smashed avocado toast with salt and pepper, or spice it up with sliced cherry tomatoes and sautéed greens.
• Top with cream cheese, either a sweeter variety with sliced fruit or a savoury option like garden veggie or chive cream cheese.
• Make garlic toast by spreading butter and sprinkling garlic powder or minced garlic on one side of the bread before air frying.
• For a sweet treat, add a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar on top of buttered toast.
• For a quick breakfast, top your toast with a fried egg.
• For a tasty avocado toast, spread on some avocado, arugula mixed with olive oil and lemon, and top with an egg, pickled onions, feta, and balsamic.
• Add marinara sauce and a slice of cheese for a cheesy bread.
• For a protein-packed breakfast, try eggs on toast, such as microwave scrambled eggs, air fryer boiled eggs, or microwave fried eggs.
• Make an open-faced sandwich like a BLT, tuna melt, or avocado toast.
• Pair your toast with soups like tomato or butternut squash soup for dipping.

Frequently asked questions