This air fryer French toast recipe is my secret weapon for effortlessly making breakfast on busy mornings! It requires only a handful of pantry staples, and the air fryer makes everything so simple and efficient, transforming thick, custardy slices of bread into perfectly crispy, golden brown perfection. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday breakfast or a delightful weekend brunch, this recipe has got you covered.
Ⅰ. Time Overview
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes per batch
Total Time: 18 minutes
Ⅱ. Ingredients Needed
To whip up this delightful air fryer French toast, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 slices of bread: Thick slices work best, such as challah, brioche, or French bread.
- 4 large eggs: These provide the rich, custardy base for the French toast.
- 1 cup milk: Whole milk is ideal, but 2% or non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk work too.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely flavor to the custard mixture.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: For a warm, spiced touch.
- Butter or cooking spray: Used to grease the air fryer basket and prevent sticking.
Ⅲ. Tools Needed
Before starting, gather these essential tools:
- Air fryer: The key appliance for this recipe.
- Mixing bowls: For preparing the custard mixture.
- Whisk or fork: To beat the eggs and mix the ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Tongs: To handle the French toast slices in the air fryer.
- Pastry brush: To grease the air fryer basket.
Ⅳ. Cooking Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture
Start by preparing the custard mixture. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined. This mixture is the heart of your French toast, giving it that perfect custardy texture and delicious flavor.
Step 2: Dip the Bread
Next, dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated. Let the excess drip off back into the bowl. It’s essential not to soak the bread for too long to avoid sogginess, especially if using softer bread.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes. Preheating ensures that the French toast cooks evenly and achieves that perfect golden brown color.
Step 4: Air Fry the French Toast
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with butter or cooking spray. Place the dipped bread slices in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry the French toast for about 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. The air fryer cooks them quickly and evenly, resulting in perfectly crispy edges and a soft, custardy center.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the French toast from the air fryer using tongs. Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar. Enjoy the delightful combination of crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior.
Ⅴ. Tips for Making This Recipe
1.Use Thick Bread Slices:
Thick slices of bread hold up to the custard mixture without becoming soggy. I’ve tested this recipe with challah, brioche, white bread, sandwich bread, French bread, sourdough, and even whole wheat bread. While they aren’t always as fluffy, they all work well.
2.Choose the Right Milk:
Whole milk works best, but 2% milk or non-dairy milk (almond or oat milk) can also be used. I don’t recommend skim milk because this recipe doesn’t use butter, and you need some fat. Using half-and-half can result in an even richer French toast.
Ⅵ. Frequently Asked Questions
How to store French toast?
Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the air fryer for a few minutes until warm and crispy. You can also reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven.
What can I serve with air fryer French toast?
French toast pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings and sides. Classic choices include maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, powdered sugar, and even a sprinkle of nuts for added crunch. For a more indulgent option, consider adding a dollop of Nutella or a drizzle of caramel sauce. A side of crispy bacon or sausage also complements the sweetness of the French toast beautifully.
Ⅶ. Conclusion
This best air fryer French toast recipe brings the beloved breakfast classic into the modern kitchen with ease and efficiency. The air fryer ensures a perfect cook every time, giving you crispy, golden brown French toast with a tender, custardy interior. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can quickly prepare a delicious breakfast that will delight everyone at the table.
