Can You Make French Toast in the Air Fryer A Crispy Delight

Yes, you can make French toast in the air fryer—and it’s a game-changer for crispy, golden perfection without the mess of a stovetop. The air fryer delivers evenly cooked, crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside French toast in under 10 minutes, using less oil and minimal cleanup. It’s the ultimate quick, delicious breakfast hack for busy mornings.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can! Air fryer French toast is crispy outside, tender inside.
• Preheat for best results: Ensures even browning and perfect texture.
• Use minimal oil: A light spray prevents sticking without greasiness.
• Adjust time for thickness: Thicker slices need 1–2 extra minutes.
• Flip halfway: Guarantees golden, crispy perfection on both sides.
• Customize flavors: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla to the egg mix.

The Magic of French Toast in an Air Fryer

Let’s be honest—French toast is one of those breakfast staples that feels like a hug on a plate. The golden-brown crust, the soft, custardy center, and that sweet maple syrup drizzle… it’s hard to beat. But what if I told you there’s a way to make it faster, crispier, and with less mess? Enter the air fryer, the kitchen gadget that’s been quietly revolutionizing how we cook everything from fries to chicken wings. So, can you make French toast in the air fryer? Spoiler: Yes, and it’s absolutely delicious.

I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. French toast is a dish that’s traditionally made on the stovetop or in the oven. How could an air fryer possibly replicate that perfect balance of crisp exterior and tender interior? But after a few experiments (and a lot of happy taste-testers), I’m convinced. The air fryer delivers French toast with a texture that’s even crispier than the stovetop method, and it’s way less messy. Plus, it’s perfect for busy mornings when you don’t want to babysit a frying pan. In this post, we’ll dive into why the air fryer works so well for French toast, how to make it, and some pro tips to take your breakfast game to the next level.

Why the Air Fryer Is Perfect for French Toast

If you’ve ever made French toast on the stove, you know the drill: a greasy pan, constant flipping, and the risk of burning one side while the other is still soggy. The air fryer solves these problems with its convection heating system, which circulates hot air around the food for even cooking. But there’s more to it than just convenience.

Even Crisping Without the Oil

One of the biggest challenges with stovetop French toast is getting that golden-brown crust without drowning the bread in oil. The air fryer uses hot air to crisp the outside of the bread while keeping the inside soft. This means you can achieve that perfect texture with just a light spray of oil (or even none at all if you’re using a non-stick air fryer basket).

For example, I tried making French toast with just a spritz of cooking spray—no butter, no oil—and the result was still crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. If you’re watching your fat intake, this is a game-changer.

Less Mess, More Efficiency

Let’s talk about cleanup. On the stove, French toast leaves behind a greasy pan and spatula. In the oven, you might need a baking sheet and parchment paper. But with the air fryer, you just wipe down the basket (or toss it in the dishwasher if it’s dishwasher-safe). Plus, the air fryer cooks French toast in batches, so you can make multiple pieces at once without crowding the pan. No more waiting for one piece to finish before starting the next!

Perfect for Busy Mornings

Here’s a real-life scenario: It’s 7 a.m., you’re rushing to get ready for work, and you want a satisfying breakfast that doesn’t involve cold cereal. The air fryer is your new best friend. Prep the French toast the night before (more on that later), pop it in the air fryer, and in less than 10 minutes, you’ve got a hot, crispy breakfast ready to go. No standing over a hot stove, no flipping, just set it and forget it.

How to Make French Toast in the Air Fryer: Step-by-Step

Ready to try it yourself? Making French toast in the air fryer is surprisingly simple, but there are a few key steps to ensure it turns out perfectly every time. Let’s break it down.

Choosing the Right Bread

Not all bread is created equal when it comes to French toast. You want something thick and sturdy enough to hold up to the custard mixture without falling apart. My go-to is brioche—it’s rich, buttery, and holds its shape beautifully. But if you’re on a budget, Texas toast or even thick-cut sandwich bread works well too.

Avoid overly soft bread like sandwich loaf or baguettes, as they’ll soak up too much custard and become mushy. If you’re using day-old bread, even better! It’s drier, so it absorbs the custard more evenly without turning soggy.

Prepping the Custard Mixture

The custard is what makes French toast so decadent. Here’s my simple, no-fail recipe:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk (or a mix of milk and cream for extra richness)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, but I like a little sweetness)

Whisk everything together in a shallow bowl until smooth. Pro tip: If you’re making a large batch, double or triple the ingredients, but make sure the bowl is deep enough to submerge the bread slices completely.

Soaking the Bread

This is where many people go wrong. You don’t want to dunk the bread in the custard and pull it out immediately—it’ll be soggy on the outside and dry on the inside. Instead, lay each slice flat in the custard and let it soak for 20-30 seconds per side. For thicker bread, go up to 45 seconds per side.

If you’re prepping ahead of time (see next section), you can soak the bread and place it on a parchment-lined tray in the fridge overnight. This saves time in the morning and lets the custard fully absorb into the bread.

Air Fryer Settings and Timing

Here’s where the magic happens. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil (or use parchment paper with holes for airflow). Place the soaked bread slices in a single layer, leaving space between them for air circulation.

• Cook for 4 minutes, then flip.
• Cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Timing may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your bread. If you’re unsure, start with 3 minutes per side and adjust as needed. Remember: It’s better to undercook and add time than to burn the toast!

Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer French Toast

Now that you know the basics, let’s level up your French toast game with these expert tips. These are the little tricks I’ve picked up after making (and eating) way too many batches of French toast.

Prep Ahead for Stress-Free Mornings

One of the biggest advantages of air fryer French toast is that you can prep it ahead of time. Here’s how:

• Soak the bread slices in the custard mixture and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray.
• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
• In the morning, pop them in the preheated air fryer—no need to thaw or adjust timing.

This is a lifesaver for busy families or anyone who wants a hot breakfast without the morning rush. Plus, the overnight soak gives the bread time to absorb more custard, making it even more flavorful.

Add Flavor Variations

Want to mix things up? The air fryer is the perfect canvas for creative French toast flavors. Here are a few ideas:

• Spiced: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the custard.
• Fruity: Top with fresh berries or a dollop of fruit compote.
• Decadent: Mix in a tablespoon of cocoa powder for chocolate French toast.
• Boozy: Add 1 tsp of rum or bourbon to the custard for a grown-up twist.

Pro tip: If you’re adding toppings like nuts or chocolate chips, press them gently into the custard-soaked bread before air frying. This ensures they stick and don’t fall off during cooking.

Use Parchment Paper for Easy Cleanup

If you hate scrubbing the air fryer basket, try lining it with parchment paper. Look for perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers, or cut your own with small holes to allow airflow. This not only makes cleanup a breeze but also prevents sticking—especially helpful if you’re using delicate bread or adding toppings.

Experiment with Thinner or Thicker Slices

Not all French toast needs to be thick-cut. For a lighter option, try using thinner bread slices (like challah or sourdough) and reduce the soaking time to 15 seconds per side. Or, if you’re feeling indulgent, go for thick-cut bread and soak it longer. The air fryer handles both beautifully, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here are the most common mistakes people make when making French toast in the air fryer—and how to fix them.

Soggy or Undercooked Toast

If your French toast comes out soggy in the middle, it’s likely because the custard wasn’t fully absorbed or the bread wasn’t cooked long enough. Here’s what to do:

• Soak longer: Give the bread an extra 10-15 seconds per side in the custard.
• Preheat the air fryer: A cold air fryer won’t crisp the bread properly.
• Don’t overcrowd: Leave space between slices for air circulation.

Burnt or Overcooked Toast

On the flip side, if your French toast is burnt, it’s probably due to high heat or too much cooking time. Try these fixes:

• Lower the temperature: Reduce to 350°F (175°C) and cook for longer.
• Flip halfway: This ensures even browning.
• Use a timer: Set it for the minimum time and check frequently.

Sticking to the Basket

Nothing ruins a batch of French toast like it sticking to the air fryer basket. To prevent this:

• Spray with oil: Even a light coating helps.
• Use parchment paper: See the tip above.
• Don’t move too soon: Let the toast crisp for at least 2 minutes before flipping.

Comparing Air Fryer French Toast to Other Methods

How does air fryer French toast stack up against the traditional stovetop or oven methods? Let’s break it down.

Stovetop French Toast

The classic method. Pros: You can cook multiple slices at once (if you have a big pan), and you can control the browning with the heat. Cons: It’s messy, requires constant attention, and can be inconsistent—some pieces might burn while others are undercooked.

Air fryer wins here for ease and consistency. No flipping every minute, no greasy pan, and no risk of uneven cooking.

Oven-Baked French Toast

Great for large batches, but it takes longer (usually 20-30 minutes at 350°F) and often requires a baking sheet and parchment paper. The texture can be more uniform, but it’s not as crispy as air fryer or stovetop.

The air fryer is faster and crispier, making it the better choice for most people. Plus, it uses less energy than a full oven.

Data Table: Air Fryer vs. Other Methods

Method	Time	Crispiness	Cleanup	Best For
Air Fryer	7-8 mins	★★★★★	Easy (wipe or dishwasher)	Quick, crispy, single batches
Stovetop	10-15 mins	★★★★☆	Messy (greasy pan)	Traditionalists, multitasking
Oven	20-30 mins	★★★☆☆	Moderate (baking sheet)	Large batches, casserole-style

Final Thoughts: A Crispy Delight Worth Trying

So, can you make French toast in the air fryer? Absolutely—and it might just become your new favorite way to cook it. The air fryer delivers crispy, golden-brown French toast with less mess, less time, and less fuss than traditional methods. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves a good breakfast, this method is worth adding to your repertoire.

What I love most about air fryer French toast is its versatility. You can keep it classic with maple syrup and powdered sugar, or get creative with toppings and flavors. You can prep it ahead of time for stress-free mornings, or whip it up last-minute when a craving hits. And best of all, it’s foolproof once you get the hang of it.

So go ahead—give it a try. Your taste buds (and your kitchen) will thank you. And who knows? You might just find yourself making French toast more often than you ever did before. After all, when breakfast is this easy and delicious, why wouldn’t you?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make French toast in the air fryer?

Yes, you can make French toast in the air fryer! It’s a quick, mess-free method that yields crispy edges and a soft, custardy center without needing a stovetop.

How do you make air fryer French toast?

Simply dip bread in a mixture of eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon, then place it in the air fryer basket. Cook at 370°F (188°C) for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.

What’s the best bread for air fryer French toast?

Thick-sliced bread like brioche, challah, or sourdough works best. Their sturdy texture holds up to the custard soak and air fryer’s heat without falling apart.

Do you need to preheat the air fryer for French toast?

Preheating isn’t required, but doing so (3-5 minutes at 370°F) ensures even cooking and extra crispiness. Lightly grease the basket to prevent sticking.

Can you make French toast in the air fryer ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prep the custard-soaked bread ahead and refrigerate it. Cook within 24 hours for optimal texture and flavor.

Is air fryer French toast healthier than pan-fried?

Yes! Air fryer French toast uses little to no oil, reducing fat and calories compared to traditional stovetop methods. The air fryer also cooks faster, saving energy.