We can't stop thinking about French toast, a sweet egg-battered bread dish popular across many Western breakfast traditions. It's a classic breakfast that brings back those cozy Saturday mornings, traditionally made by soaking bread in an egg-milk custard and pan-frying until golden.
Nothing beats that fluffy, golden goodness drizzled with syrup.
A while back, we wondered if we could whip up this favourite using our air fryer. Spoiler alert: we totally could, and it was a useful!
The result was a crispy outside and a soft center that had us diving in for seconds.
If you want to impress your friends or just treat yourself, this recipe is all about simplicity and fun. Get ready to enjoy breakfast like never before-crispy, easy, and oh-so-delicious!
Ingredients for Air Fryer French Toast
Gather up the essentials for this sweet delight - no need for any fancy pants ingredients here:
- Bread: Go for thick slices of your favourite bread, whether it's fluffy brioche or classic Texas toast. Seriously, the thicker the slice, the better!
- Eggs: 2 large ones to create that delicious custard base. Remember, no egg - no French toast. It's like a party without a DJ!
- Milk: About half a cup. Whole milk, almond milk, oat milk - we're not picky; just let it flow!
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of this will make all the difference. Hello, cinnamon rolls, goodbye, blandness!
- Cinnamon: Because duh, no French toast is complete without a sprinkle (or a not-so-sneaky scoop) of this magical spice.
- Sugar: Just to add a lil' sweetness, but feel free to skip it if your bread is already sweet enough.
Easy peasy, right? Let's get that air fryer ready for some breakfast bliss!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer French Toast
Get ready to flip your breakfast routine upside down with these handy tips:
For a spiced, sweet spin that crisps beautifully in an air fryer, try air fryer cinnamon toast for extra crispiness.
- Soak it well: Make sure to soak the bread slices in the egg mixture long enough so they're thoroughly coated and soak up that custard goodness, about 20-30 seconds per side.
- Spray it down: A light spray of cooking oil on the air fryer basket will keep your French toast from turning into a sticky mess; for tips on getting crispy results with proteins see crispy air-fryer chicken tips. (Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or sunflower.)
- Cook in batches: Depending on your air fryer size, you may have to do a few rounds. Just think of it as an opportunity to eat more delicious French toast!
Variations and Substitutions
Let's get creative! Here are some fun variations and substitutions to jazz up your French toast:
- Nutella Swirl: Spread some Nutella between two slices before dipping them in the egg mixture. Chocolate for breakfast? Yes, please!
- Berry Delight: Toss some fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries) into the egg mixture or top your cooked French toast with a berry sauce.
- Savory Spin: Swap out the vanilla for a sprinkle of herbs and cheese (for example, chives and sharp cheddar), turning French toast into a fab savory dish; pair it with moist cornbread variations for sides.
Serving Suggestions
Now that your air fryer is pumping out crispy French toast like it's nobody's business, here's how to serve it up:
- Maple syrup, obviously: Drizzle that sweet goodness over your stack of French toast, preferably Grade A maple syrup for balanced sweetness.
- With whipped cream: For those days when you want to feel fancy. A spoonful of whipped cream makes everything better! (Whip heavy cream to soft peaks for the best texture.)
- Fruit toppings: Top it off with banana slices, strawberries, or whatever fruit you fancy. Healthy-ish, right?
Crispy Air Fryer French Toast
Equipment
- Air-fryer
- Mixing bowl
- whisk
- Cooking spray
Ingredients
- 4 slices of thick bread
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar optional
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar (if using).
- Soak each slice of bread in the mixture for a few seconds on each side.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
- Place the soaked bread slices in the basket in a single layer.
- Set your air fryer to 320°F and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm with your choice of toppings and enjoy every bite!
Notes
- Customize the cooking time based on your preferred level of crispiness. If you like it extra crunchy, give it another couple of minutes!
- Feel free to pop some chocolate chips or nuts on top before serving for an extra treat!
Nutrition
For a creamy, savory start, try air fryer avocado toast for quick breakfasts. If you want an easy protein boost, air fryer egg toast for protein cooks eggs directly on the bread for a one-pan breakfast.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
