Air Fryer Toaster: Can You Make Toast?

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of dishes, but can they make toast? The short answer is yes, and it might even be better than using a traditional toaster. Air fryers can make toast with a crispy texture and a golden-brown colour, and you can make several slices at once, depending on the size of your air fryer.

To make toast in an air fryer, simply set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F and cook the bread for around 3-6 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it. You can butter the bread before placing it in the air fryer, but this isn't necessary as air fryers can toast bread without any additional butter or oil.

Air fryer toast offers several advantages over traditional toasters. Firstly, it allows you to add toppings before cooking, which will melt into the bread. Secondly, it can cook more slices at once, making it ideal for serving a crowd. Finally, it produces more even results than a toaster, eliminating the problem of unevenly cooked toast.

So, if you're looking for a new way to make toast, give your air fryer a try! You might be surprised by how well it works.

Air fryer toast toppings

Air fryer toast is an easy, quick, and versatile meal that can be dressed up or down with a variety of toppings. Here are some topping ideas to get you started:

Nut Butter

Try peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or Nutella. For an extra indulgent treat, try making cinnamon toast by spreading butter on the bread and sprinkling it with cinnamon and sugar before air frying.

Avocado

Keep it simple with smashed avocado, salt, and pepper, or add some spice with sliced cherry tomatoes and sautéed greens. You could also add an egg, arugula, and Canadian bacon or ham for a breakfast sandwich.

Jam

Any fruity jam or preserve will work. For an extra special treat, try making French toast in the air fryer by dipping your bread in a simple batter before air frying.

Cream Cheese

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

Garlic

Make garlic toast by spreading butter and sprinkling garlic powder or minced garlic on the bread before air frying. For an even more indulgent version, try an air fryer garlic bread recipe.

Honey

Drizzle honey on your toast for a sweet treat. You could also add butter or cinnamon for extra flavor.

Eggs

For a high-protein breakfast, top your toast with a fried or scrambled egg.

Cheese

Make a grilled cheese sandwich in the air fryer, or add cheese to your toast for a melted treat.

Marinara and Cheese

Add some marinara sauce and a slice of cheese to your toast for a delicious, cheesy treat.

Olive Oil

For a dairy-free option, top your toast with olive oil, coconut oil, vegan butter, or ghee.

Leftovers

Get creative with your leftovers! Air fryer toast is a great way to use up any leftover meats, veggies, or sauces you have in the fridge.

Experiment with different combinations of toppings to find your favorite!

How to prevent bread from flying into the fan

To prevent bread from flying into the fan of an air fryer, you can use toothpicks to hold slices of bread down. This can be done by sticking a toothpick into the bottom crust of a slice of bread and then sticking the other half of the toothpick into the bottom of another slice, so they stick together. You can also use a small baking rack to weigh the bread down. If you have an oven-style air fryer, place the bread between trays or on the lower rack.

If you have a basket-style air fryer, you can use the crisper plate that comes with most basket-style air fryers. Place the ingredients in the air fryer basket and weigh them down with the crisper plate. Alternatively, you can turn the air fryer basket rack upside down and place it over the food.

Another way to prevent bread from flying into the fan is to use a piece of cutlery. Place a fork or butter knife on top of each slice of bread to keep them in place.

How to make French toast in an air fryer

Yes, you can make French toast in an air fryer! Here is a recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

• 8 slices of bread (brioche, sourdough, Italian, French, white sandwich bread, or any bread of your choice)
• 2 eggs
• Milk (any type, including dairy, almond, or oat milk)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• Salt (optional)
• Butter (optional)
• Maple syrup and/or powdered sugar, to serve

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Line the basket with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray if needed.
• In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
• Dip each piece of bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides.
• Place the coated bread slices into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. You may need to work in batches.
• Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the French toast is golden brown. There is no need to flip the bread during cooking.
• Serve warm with maple syrup and/or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Tips:

• For a richer flavour, butter your bread before dipping it in the egg mixture.
• If your bread is stale, it will soak up the egg mixture better, resulting in a crispier outside and softer inside.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Experiment with different toppings, such as cinnamon sugar, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.

How to make garlic toast in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Bread of your choice (sliced to your desired thickness)
• Softened butter (or margarine/olive oil)
• Minced or grated garlic cloves
• Italian seasoning or dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated mozzarella or parmesan cheese (optional)

Method:

• Prepare the garlic butter by mixing softened butter with minced or grated garlic cloves. Add Italian seasoning or dried parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.
• Spread a generous amount of the garlic butter mixture onto one side of each slice of bread.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the garlic butter-coated bread slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, buttered side up.
• Air fry the bread slices for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the bread and the efficiency of your air fryer.
• Once the garlic toast is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the air fryer and serve warm.

Tips:

For a softer toast, reduce the temperature to between 375 and 390 degrees Fahrenheit.

Variations:

• Cheesy Garlic Toast: Top the garlic toast with a layer of shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese before air frying.
• Spicy Garlic Toast: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter mixture.
• Herb-Infused Garlic Toast: Mix finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme into the garlic butter.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Toast: Spread a thin layer of sun-dried tomato pesto on the bread before adding the garlic butter.
• Mushroom Garlic Toast: Sauté sliced mushrooms in olive oil and garlic, then pile them onto the garlic toast before air frying.
• Avocado Garlic Toast: Top the garlic toast with mashed avocado, a sprinkle of sea salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheat in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 2 minutes.

How to make cinnamon toast in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Bread (white, whole wheat, sourdough, or gluten-free)
• Butter (salted or unsalted)
• Sugar (white granulated or brown)
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt (optional)
• A pinch of freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F (200°C).
• In a small bowl, mix the butter, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and black pepper (if using) until well combined.
• Spread the cinnamon butter generously on one side of each slice of bread.
• Place the bread in the air fryer basket, buttered side up. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to cook 2-4 slices at once.
• Air fry for 4-5 minutes, keeping an eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn. You may need to experiment with the timing and temperature depending on your air fryer and the type of bread used.
• Remove the cinnamon toast from the air fryer when it is golden brown and bubbling.
• Repeat the process with any remaining slices of bread.

Tips:

• Room temperature or softened butter works best as it is easier to mix and spread.
• You can freeze the bread slices with the butter/sugar mixture on them and cook them directly from frozen. They may just need a little extra cooking time.
• If you prefer your toast on the softer side, air fry for a shorter time. For crispier toast, air fry for a little longer.
• You can also make garlic toast in the air fryer by spreading garlic butter on the bread before placing it in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions