Make breakfast in an air fryer with this recipe for air fryer French toast. Thick slices of bread are coated in eggs and milk and perfectly fried for a traditional breakfast favorite that is crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy inside. Make an easy breakfast or serve breakfast for dinner!
French toast is a classic breakfast which is delicious and easy to make and making it in an air fryer is quick and easy. Or slice the bread into strips and make air fryer French toast sticks, which is sure to be a kid pleasing meal!
Why Make French Toast in an Air Fryer?
French toast isn’t difficult to make on the stove, so you might be wondering why use an air fryer? Well the high heat of the air fryer does a better job of crisping the bread which makes the texture of air fryer French toast amazing!
French toast cooked on the stove just doesn’t get as crispy, which is why the air fryer is my new favorite way to make it. The difference in texture is especially noticeable on big, thick slices of bread, like the day old French bread I use in this recipe.
The air fryer also lets you make the French toast with just a little bit of added oil, which makes it a little better you. But I consider this a minor advantage because French toast isn’t exactly healthy, especially when you drench it in maple syrup! But it sure is yummy!
Looking for more air fryer breakfast favorites? Try air fryer bacon or air fryer breakfast potatoes!
What Kind of Bread Should Be Used for French Toast?
Slightly stale bread works best for French toast. Dryer bread will absorb more of the of the egg and milk mixture and coat the bread better. I usually use day old French bread or Italian bread.
You can also use a sweeter bread, like brioche or raisin bread. And you can make French toast with sandwich bread too, although the slices are thinner than I prefer.
How to Make Air Fryer French Toast
1. Slice the Bread
I like nice thick slices of bread for air Fryer French toast. Cut the loaf of bread into slices about 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick.
2. Make the Batter
French toast batter is just made from eggs and milk, combined and whisked for dipping the bread in. I also add some cinnamon and vanilla so the French toast is extra yummy.
Whisk all the batter ingredients together in a shallow container to make it easy to dip the slices of bread.
3. Prepare the Air Fryer
Set the air fryer at 370 degrees F and preheat it for 3 minutes. Then put a sheet of parchment paper in the bottom of the basket and brush or spray it with a little oil.
Don’t add the parchment paper until you have preheated or it will fly around the air fryer! And don’t use commercial spray oils in your air fryer because they can damage the finish, put oil in a spray bottle.
If you don’t have parchment paper you can just oil the basket, but parchment paper works better.
4. Dip the Bread
Dip the bread slices in the batter and let each side soak for 10 seconds. Then take the slice out and let it drip back into the batter. You can roll the slices on their sides so the crusts get coated too.
Put the prepared slices in the air fryer basket. Don’t crowd the slices, make sure they don’t touch and that there is room for the air to circulate.
The number of slices that will fit in your air fryer will depend on the size of the basket and the shape of the bread. You probably will have to cook the French toast in batches.
5. Air Fry
Air fry the bread for 8 minutes at 370 degrees F. Then flip the slices over and air fry for another 5 minutes. Take the French toast out and make another batch!
The time may vary depending on the brand of air fryer you own, so the first time you make this check it a few minutes before it is done. It is done when the tops are brown and crispy.
How to Serve
When I was a kid I loved to sprinkle cinnamon sugar on my French toast. Other traditional toppings are powdered sugar and maple syrup. And adding some fresh fruit like strawberries and blueberries is a great way to add flavor.
How to Store
This French toast freezes extremely well if there are leftovers! For best results air fry the extra slices and then freeze them flat on a tray. Once they are frozen put them in freezer bags until ready to use.
Variations and Tips
- Cut the bread into strips and make French toast sticks. These are a little more of a pain to flip since there are more of them, but kids love to dip them in syrup.
- If you like your French toast eggier then add an extra egg to the batter or add two egg yolks to make it creamier.
- Around the holidays switch things up and replace the milk with eggnog for Eggnog French Toast.
FAQ
The air fryer is great for reheating French toast! Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F for 2 minutes. Then put leftover French toast or French toast sticks in it and cook for 2-3 minutes, flip them and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
You can put the cooked slices on a baking tray in a 250 degree F oven to keep warm while you make more batches. Or just serve it right away and serve everyone a few slices at a time.
Find More Breakfast Favorites
Air Fryer French Toast
Thick slices of bread are coated in eggs and milk and perfectly fried for a traditional breakfast favorite that is crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy inside.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf day old French or other crusty bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Slice the loaf of French bread into thick slices, about 1 1/2 - 2 inches.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, cinnamon and vanilla in a large, shallow container until they are well combined.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F for 3 minutes.
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and spray or brush with a little cooking oil.
- Dip the French bread slices into the batter and let soak on each side for 10-20 seconds. Roll the slices on their sides so the crusts get coated too.
- Place the French toast slices in the prepared air fryer basket. They should not be touching. You may need to work in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook at 375 degrees F for 8 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Serve immediately topped with powdered sugar, fresh berries, maple syrup or cinnamon sugar.
Notes
If cooking in batches you can keep the slices warm in a 250 degree oven.
For "eggier" French toast add an extra egg or two egg yolks to the batter.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 417Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 129mgSodium: 695mgCarbohydrates: 66gFiber: 4gSugar: 7gProtein: 17g
Nutrition facts are estimates and don't include toppings.
