Are you tired of burnt edges and soggy centers when you try to toast bread? Do you dream of perfectly golden, crispy slices every time, but your old toaster just isn’t cutting it? Well, you’re in luck! Air fryers aren’t just for crispy fries and chicken wings anymore; many models can transform your breakfast routine by making the best air fryer for toasting bread.
A good air fryer can deliver incredible results for toast, often surpassing traditional toasters with its even heat distribution and ability to handle various bread types. Whether you’re making a quick piece of toast for breakfast, crisping up some Texas toast for garlic bread, or preparing delicious bagels, the right air fryer can be a game-changer. We’ve scoured the market to find the top contenders that excel at giving you that perfect crunch.
Let’s dive into our picks for the best air fryer for toasting bread!
1. Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
This multi-talented appliance from Emeril Lagasse isn’t just an air fryer; it’s a full-fledged toaster oven designed with precision in mind. What truly makes it stand out for toast lovers is its dedicated “PERFECTLY DONE TOAST” feature, which takes the guesswork out of browning your bread. With indicator lights and an automatic shut-off, you can say goodbye to burnt toast nightmares and hello to consistently golden-brown perfection. Plus, its elegant French doors add a touch of sophistication to any kitchen.
Key Features:
– A versatile Air Fryer and Multi-Cooker Combo
– Dedicated “Perfectly Done Toast” function with auto-shutoff
– 25 cooking pre-sets for various meal types
– Dual-Speed Fan for superior crisping
– Extra-large 26-quart capacity suitable for 4-6 people
– Stainless steel exterior and elegant French doors
Pros:
– Excellent, dedicated toast function for consistent results
– Very large capacity ideal for families or entertaining
– Highly versatile with numerous cooking presets
– Stylish design with convenient French doors
– Interior light for monitoring food without opening doors
Cons:
– Large footprint requires significant counter space
– Might be overkill if you only need basic air frying and toast functions
User Impressions:
Users rave about the Emeril Lagasse’s ability to handle large meals and its precise toast function. Many appreciate the convenience of having multiple appliances in one, especially the reliable toast settings that consistently produce perfect results, making it a strong contender for the best air fryer for toasting bread in its class.
2. COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Fast TurboBlaze
The COSORI Air Fryer takes the “air” in air fryer seriously, with its innovative TurboBlaze Technology featuring a powerful 3600 rpm fan. While it’s not a toaster oven, its superior airflow and precise temperature control (down to 90°F) translate directly into excellent browning and crisping for anything you put inside – including your bread. This 9-in-1 powerhouse is designed for speed and texture perfection, ensuring your toast comes out beautifully even and crisp, without needing a separate preheat for quick jobs.
Key Features:
– TurboBlaze Technology for fast cooking and crispy results
– Advanced airflow and precise temperature control (90°–450°F)
– Unique 5-fan speed system for professional versatility
– 6-quart square basket for generous family meals
– Operates at less than 53 dB for a quieter kitchen
– Up to 95% less oil for healthier frying
– Dishwasher-safe nonstick basket and accessories
Pros:
– Delivers exceptionally crispy and evenly cooked food
– Very quiet operation, a major plus for open kitchens
– Large capacity in a relatively compact footprint
– Fast cooking times due to TurboBlaze technology
– Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
Cons:
– Not a dedicated toaster oven, so no specific “toast” preset
– Might require a separate rack or creative stacking for multiple toast slices
User Impressions:
Customers love the COSORI’s impressive speed and how consistently crispy it makes food, from fries to surprisingly great toast. Its quiet operation is frequently highlighted as a significant benefit, making it a pleasant addition to busy kitchens. It certainly holds its own in the realm of air fryers that can toast well.
3. Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro is a compact yet mighty contender designed for straightforward air frying, roasting, reheating, and dehydrating. Its “Air Crisp Technology” means superheated air surrounds your food at 400°F, promising hot, crispy results with little to no oil. For toast, this translates to quick and even browning, ensuring that golden crunch you crave. It’s particularly great for quick, single-layer toasting or crisping up frozen items to perfection in minutes.
Key Features:
– Air Crisp Technology for rapid, crispy results
– 5-quart nonstick basket fits up to 4 lbs of French fries
– 4-in-1 functionality: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate
– Up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods
– Excellent for cooking frozen foods to a crispy finish
– Space-saving design
– Nonstick basket and crisper plate are easy to clean
Pros:
– Extremely effective at producing crispy textures
– Compact design saves counter space
– Fast cooking, ideal for quick meals and snacks
– Easy to clean components
– Great for achieving a consistent crisp on bread
Cons:
– Smaller capacity might be limiting for large batches of toast
– No dedicated “toast” setting or internal light
User Impressions:
Reviewers praise the Ninja Air Fryer Pro for its efficiency and ability to make foods incredibly crispy without much oil. Many note its speed and how easy it is to use and clean, making it a go-to for daily meals and quick snacks like toast. It’s a reliable choice if you’re seeking a straightforward yet effective option for the best air fryer for toasting bread.
4. Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill, 1800W 8-in-1
When it comes to versatile kitchen workhorses, the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill truly shines. This unit combines a powerful air fryer with a traditional toaster oven, specifically designed to toast up to 6 slices of bread at once. It even includes a toast shade selector, allowing you to customize your browning level from light to dark. Cuisinart’s “AirAdvantage technology” ensures optimized hot airflow for fast, crispy results, while the included grill/griddle adds even more cooking possibilities.
Key Features:
– Premium 1800-watt Air Fryer Toaster Oven
– 8-in-1 functions: Air Fry, Toast, Convection Bake, Bake, Convection Broil, Broil, Grill, Warm
– Spacious capacity: toasts 6 slices of bread, bakes a 12” pizza
– Adjustable temperature dial and 60-minute timer/auto-shutoff
– Toast shade selector for customized browning
– AirAdvantage technology for fast and crispy food
– Includes oven rack, baking pan, air fry basket, and ceramic non-stick reversible grill/griddle
Pros:
– Dedicated toast functions with shade selector for perfect bread
– Large capacity for multiple slices of toast or large meals
– Highly versatile with 8 cooking functions, including a grill
– Excellent airflow for crispy air-fried results
– Easy to clean stainless steel interior
Cons:
– Substantial countertop footprint
– Might take longer to preheat than a smaller, dedicated air fryer
User Impressions:
Customers frequently highlight this Cuisinart model as a fantastic all-in-one appliance. They love its ability to toast multiple slices of bread evenly and quickly, appreciating the shade selector for personalized results. Its versatility and robust build quality make it a favorite for many, solidifying its position as a top contender for the best air fryer for toasting bread when combined with full toaster oven functionality.
5. Ninja Foodi 10QT 6-in-1 DualZone Smart XL Air Fryer
If you need to cook a lot of food, fast, and with precision, the Ninja Foodi DualZone Smart XL Air Fryer is your champion. While not a toaster oven, its massive 10-quart capacity split across two independent 5-quart zones means you can air fry, roast, or bake two different things at once – like a batch of crispy toast in one basket while you prepare eggs in another. The Smart Cook System with an integrated thermometer ensures perfect doneness, and IQ Boost distributes power for rapid, even cooking. For high-volume toast production, this one is a beast.
Key Features:
– DualZone Technology: Cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time
– Smart Cook System with integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer
– Smart Finish and Match Cook features for synced cooking
– IQ Boost for optimal power distribution and faster cooking
– 6 versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
– XL 10-quart capacity with 2 independent 5-quart zones
– Faster cooking, up to 30% quicker than traditional ovens
– Nonstick cooking baskets and dishwasher-safe crisper plates for easy cleaning
Pros:
– Unmatched capacity for cooking large quantities
– DualZone technology allows for incredible cooking flexibility
– Smart Thermometer ensures precise results
– Exceptionally fast cooking times
– Easy to clean and maintain
Cons:
– Very large footprint, demanding significant counter space
– Higher price point than single-basket models
– No specific “toast” preset, relies on general air fry/bake functions
User Impressions:
Users are consistently impressed by the Ninja Foodi DualZone’s ability to handle large meals and its sheer speed. Many praise the convenience of cooking two different items simultaneously, which translates well for making large batches of toast or different types of bread. It’s a favorite for busy families who value efficiency and capacity, making it a solid if unconventional choice for the best air fryer for toasting bread in high volume.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can you really toast bread in an air fryer?
A1: Absolutely! Air fryers use circulating hot air, much like a convection oven, which is excellent for browning and crisping bread. Many users find that air-fried toast is incredibly even and crispy, often surpassing the results of a traditional pop-up toaster.
Q2: What’s the best way to toast bread in an air fryer?
A2: For the best results, place your bread in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on a rack. Avoid overlapping slices to ensure even browning. Many people find around 350-380°F (175-195°C) for 3-5 minutes works well, flipping halfway through. Keep a close eye on it, as air fryers can toast quickly!
Q3: Air fryer vs. traditional toaster for bread: Which is better?
A3: It depends on your needs!
* Traditional Toaster: Faster for 1-2 slices, takes up less counter space (usually), very simple operation.
* Air Fryer: More versatile (can also cook meals), often produces more evenly browned and crispy toast, great for thicker breads or bagels, good for larger batches (especially air fryer toaster ovens). If you value versatility and superior crispness, an air fryer can be better.
Q4: Can I make grilled cheese or bagels in an air fryer?
A4: Yes! Air fryers are fantastic for both. For grilled cheese, assemble your sandwich and air fry at around 350°F for 4-6 minutes per side until golden and melted. For bagels, slice them and air fry cut-side up for a few minutes until toasted to your liking.
Q5: What temperature and time are ideal for air fryer toast?
A5: A good starting point is 350-380°F (175-195°C) for 3-5 minutes. However, exact times and temperatures can vary depending on your specific air fryer model, the thickness of your bread, and your desired level of crispness. Always preheat your air fryer if recommended by the manufacturer, and check on your toast regularly.
Q6: Do I need a special rack for toasting bread in an air fryer?
A6: For most basket-style air fryers, you can place the bread directly in the basket. However, if you want to toast multiple slices without overlapping or ensure maximum airflow, a small trivet or a dedicated air fryer toast rack can be helpful. Air fryer toaster oven models often come with a rack already suitable for toast.
Q7: Why is my toast not evenly browned in my air fryer?
A7: Uneven browning can be due to:
* Overcrowding: Ensure bread is in a single layer.
* No flipping: Flip your toast halfway through for more even browning.
* Hot spots: Some air fryers have slight hot spots. Rotating the toast can help.
* Temperature/Time: Experiment with slightly lower temperatures for longer durations to achieve a more uniform color.