Air Fryer French Toast
Air fryer french toast cooks in 8 minutes with no frying pan and only a little melted butter. Thick slices of bread soak up a cinnamon and vanilla custard, then turn crisp at the edges in the basket while the middle stays soft. This batch makes four slices, enough for two people, and it is a good way to use up bread that is a day or two old.
- Total
- 18 min
- Prep
- 7 min
- Cook
- 11 min
- Serves
- 2
- Per serving
- 370kcal
Why air fryer french toast works
The fan in an air fryer dries the surface of the bread quickly, so the edges crisp up while the custard inside sets gently. That is why the toast needs less butter than a frying pan, and why it does not need standing over. A couple of things matter more than the rest: bread cut about 2cm thick, and a short soak.
Day-old bread is ideal because it drinks up the custard without collapsing. Brioche gives a richer, more cake-like slice and sourdough gives a chewier one. Thin supermarket sandwich bread tends to go soggy in the middle, so choose a thick-cut loaf if you can.
How to make air fryer french toast
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Preheat Heat the air fryer to 180°C for . Brush the basket lightly with the melted butter.
- Make the custard Whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon and maple syrup in a shallow dish until smooth and no streaks of egg white remain.
- Soak the bread Dip each slice in the custard for 20–30 seconds on each side, until it has absorbed the liquid but still holds its shape. Lift it out and let the excess drip back into the dish.
- Cook Lay the slices in the basket in a single layer, without overlapping. Cook at 180°C for , turning them with tongs after , until golden brown and set in the middle. If your basket only fits two slices, cook them in two batches of .
- Serve Serve straight away with extra maple syrup, berries and a dusting of icing sugar.
Serving ideas
Maple syrup, fresh strawberries or blueberries and a dusting of icing sugar are the classic choices. A spoonful of Greek yoghurt on the side balances the sweetness, and sliced banana cooked in the last 2 minutes next to the toast is a good addition.
If you would rather use a frying pan, melt a knob of butter over a medium heat and cook the soaked slices for 2–3 minutes on each side. The classic french toast works the same way. For something savoury, air fryer pizza toast uses the same basket.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer French Toast
- The middle is soggy.
- Use thick, slightly stale bread and soak it for no more than 30 seconds on each side. Let the excess custard drip off, and give the toast the full 8 minutes, adding 1 minute if the centre still feels wet.
- The edges are dark before the middle is set.
- Brioche and other enriched breads brown faster because of their sugar and butter. Cook them at 170°C for 10 minutes instead, turning after 5 minutes.
- The toast sticks to the basket.
- Brush the basket with melted butter before every batch, and wait until the underside is golden before you turn the slices. Toast that is properly set lifts away cleanly.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer French Toast
How long does french toast take in the air fryer?
It takes 8 minutes at 180°C, turning the slices halfway. Allow 3 minutes to preheat, and cook in two batches if your basket is small.
Can I use brioche, sourdough or stale bread?
Yes. Stale bread is the best choice because it soaks up more custard without falling apart. Fresh sliced white bread works too, but dry it out for 5 minutes in the air fryer at 160°C first, or it will turn soft.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use unsweetened oat drink instead of milk, and a dairy-free spread for greasing the basket.
How do I keep and reheat leftovers?
Cool the slices within 2 hours and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat at 180°C for 2–3 minutes, until steaming hot all the way through.
How did you like the recipe?
4.7 / 5 · 41 ratings
