As a lover of easy and mouthwatering breakfast recipes, I’ve come to appreciate the simplicity and charm of Air Fryer French Toast. It’s one of those recipes that takes just a few ingredients but delivers an incredibly satisfying meal. What I love most about making French Toast in the air fryer is the golden crispy exterior with a soft and custardy center. Plus, it’s a time-saver! You can have a delicious, warm breakfast ready in just minutes.
If you’re like me and appreciate a quick yet indulgent breakfast, this recipe will soon become your go-to. The best part is that you can customize it with your favorite toppings—whether that’s fresh fruit, syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Let me walk you through how you can create this perfect dish using the magic of your air fryer!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Eggs: The foundation of French Toast is the egg mixture. Eggs create that rich, custardy texture inside the bread and help the toast brown beautifully when cooking. They also provide a slight sweetness and depth of flavor that makes French Toast so comforting.
Milk: Milk adds creaminess to the custard base. You can use whole milk for a rich taste, or opt for almond or oat milk if you prefer a dairy-free alternative. The milk helps the bread soak up the egg mixture, making each bite tender and delicious.
Ground Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon gives the French Toast its warm, cozy flavor. This spice adds just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of spice that elevates the dish. It pairs perfectly with the other ingredients to create that irresistible aroma while cooking.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract provides a lovely depth of flavor. It adds a natural sweetness and a fragrant aroma that enhances the overall taste of the French Toast, making it extra special.
Bread: For the best French Toast, you want a hearty bread. Thick slices of brioche, challah, or Texas toast are ideal for this recipe, as they soak up the custard without falling apart. They also hold their shape during cooking, giving you that satisfying golden exterior.
Butter: A small amount of butter helps the French Toast cook to perfection in the air fryer. It adds richness and a subtle flavor that complements the cinnamon and vanilla. You’ll also use some butter for greasing the air fryer basket to ensure the French Toast doesn’t stick.
Ingredients List
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 slices of thick-cut bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast)
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing and cooking)
How to Make Air Fryer French Toast
Step 1: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture
Start by whisking the eggs in a bowl. Add the milk, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it forms a smooth, well-combined custard. The cinnamon should be fully dissolved, and the mixture should be light and airy.
Step 2: Coat the Bread Slices
Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture. Make sure the bread is evenly coated on both sides. You want the bread to soak up enough of the custard, but not become overly soggy. Gently press the bread to make sure the mixture is absorbed well.
Step 3: Prepare the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). While the air fryer is heating up, lightly grease the basket with some butter. You can also use a cooking spray if you prefer. This will prevent the French Toast from sticking to the basket during the cooking process.
Step 4: Air Fry the French Toast
Place the soaked bread slices into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket, as the air needs to circulate around each piece for even cooking. Air fry the French Toast at 350°F for about 5-6 minutes. Flip the bread halfway through to ensure both sides cook evenly and become golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the French Toast is done, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can top it with your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries, maple syrup, powdered sugar, or whipped cream. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and fluffy Air Fryer French Toast!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use Thick Bread: Opt for thick slices of bread for the best results. Bread like brioche or challah works wonders, as it absorbs the custard without becoming too mushy.
- Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to get creative with the flavors! You can add nutmeg, cardamom, or a little brown sugar to the custard mixture for added depth.
- Air Fryer Basket Size: If your air fryer basket is small, cook the French Toast in batches. Don’t overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking.
- Check for Doneness: Cooking times can vary depending on the air fryer, so check the French Toast after 5 minutes and flip it if necessary. The toast should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Top it Right: To make this French Toast even more indulgent, top it with fresh fruits, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe with gluten-free bread?
Yes, you can easily make this Air Fryer French Toast gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free bread. The texture might differ slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Can I make the custard mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the custard mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before using it to coat the bread.
What can I serve with Air Fryer French Toast?
Air Fryer French Toast pairs beautifully with crispy bacon, fresh fruit, yogurt, or even a savory side like scrambled eggs. For drinks, enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of orange juice.
Can I make Air Fryer French Toast without an air fryer?
Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can cook the French Toast on a stovetop. Simply cook it in a skillet or griddle over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until golden brown.
Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make Air Fryer French Toast!