Can I Make French Toast in the Air Fryer A Quick Guide

Yes, you can make French toast in the air fryer—quickly, evenly, and with perfectly crisp edges every time. This method cuts down on oil while delivering a golden, fluffy interior and a satisfying crunch, all in under 10 minutes. No soggy bread or greasy pans—just set it, forget it, and enjoy delicious results.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Make crispy French toast in your air fryer quickly.
• Prep matters: Soak bread evenly for best texture and flavor.
• No oil needed: Air fryers crisp without added fats or butter.
• Perfect timing: Cook at 370°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Batch cooking: Avoid overcrowding; cook in 2 batches if needed.
• Customize easily: Add cinnamon, fruit, or syrups after cooking.

Can I Make French Toast in the Air Fryer? A Quick Guide

Imagine this: It’s a lazy Sunday morning, the smell of coffee is drifting through your kitchen, and you’re craving that classic breakfast favorite—crispy on the outside, soft and custardy on the inside, French toast. But you don’t want to stand over a hot stove, flipping slices and dealing with greasy pans. What if I told you there’s a way to make perfect French toast with less mess, less oil, and even less effort? Enter the air fryer.

When I first heard about air fryer French toast, I was skeptical. I mean, how could something as simple as an air fryer—designed for crispy fries and chicken wings—handle the delicate balance of soaking bread and cooking it evenly without drying it out? But after trying it myself (and burning a few slices along the way), I’ve become a believer. Not only does it work, but it’s also faster, healthier, and surprisingly foolproof. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves a good breakfast hack, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making French toast in the air fryer—from choosing the right bread to troubleshooting common mistakes.

Why the Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer for French Toast

The air fryer has taken kitchens by storm, and for good reason. It uses hot air circulation to crisp food with minimal oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying or pan-frying. But can it really handle something as delicate as French toast? The answer is a resounding yes—with a few key tricks.

How Air Frying Works for French Toast

Unlike a skillet, which heats from the bottom, an air fryer surrounds your food with hot air. This means your French toast gets even browning on all sides—no flipping required if you position it correctly. The high heat quickly sets the custard layer while keeping the inside moist, and the convection action gives it that satisfying golden crust.

For example, I tested a batch with sourdough bread and a classic egg-milk-cinnamon custard. In a skillet, it took about 3 minutes per side and required constant attention. In the air fryer? Just 5 minutes total at 375°F (190°C), with a quick flip halfway through. The result? Crisp edges, a fluffy center, and no greasy residue on my stovetop.

Benefits You’ll Actually Notice

• Less mess: No splattering oil or sticky pans to scrub. Most air fryer baskets are non-stick and easy to clean.
• Faster cleanup: A quick wipe or rinse, and you’re done—perfect for busy mornings.
• Healthier: Uses 70-80% less oil than traditional methods, without sacrificing crispiness.
• Consistent results: Once you nail the timing, you’ll get the same great texture every time.

One of my favorite things? No more “hot spots” like on a stove. My old cast-iron skillet always had one side that burned the toast, but the air fryer cooks evenly. Plus, if you’re cooking for one or two, it’s way more energy-efficient than heating a whole pan or oven.

Choosing the Right Bread and Custard

Not all breads and custards are created equal for air fryer French toast. The right combo makes the difference between a soggy mess and a breakfast masterpiece.

Best Bread Types (and What to Avoid)

Thick-cut, sturdy bread works best because it holds its shape and soaks up the custard without falling apart. Here’s what I’ve found works well:

• Sourdough: Dense and chewy—holds up perfectly. My go-to for a tangy twist.
• Brioche or challah: Rich and buttery, with a soft texture. Soaks up custard like a sponge.
• Bread with a tight crumb: Think French or Italian loaves. They crisp up beautifully.
• Bread to avoid: Thin sandwich slices (they’ll dry out) or very soft, fluffy breads (they’ll disintegrate).

Pro tip: Let bread sit out for 30 minutes or toast it lightly before soaking. This helps it absorb the custard without turning mushy. I once used fresh, soft brioche—big mistake. It fell apart in the custard and turned into a soggy blob in the air fryer. Lesson learned.

Mastering the Custard Mixture

The custard is what gives French toast its signature flavor and texture. A basic mix is:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (plus a pinch of nutmeg if you’re feeling fancy)

But here’s where you can get creative:

• For a richer custard: Use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk. Adds a luxurious texture.
• For a lighter version: Swap milk for almond milk and reduce sugar. Still delicious!
• Flavor boosters: Add orange zest, cardamom, or a splash of bourbon. I love a hint of almond extract for a nutty twist.

One key: Don’t over-soak. Dip each slice for 20-30 seconds per side—just enough to coat, not saturate. Over-soaked bread will cook unevenly and take longer to crisp.

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

Ready to try it? Here’s my foolproof method, tested on everything from sourdough to gluten-free bread.

Prep and Soak (The Key to Success)

1. Slice bread 1-inch thick. Too thin? It’ll dry out. Too thick? It won’t cook through.
2. Whisk the custard. Use a wide, shallow dish (like a pie plate) for easy dipping.
3. Dip and coat. Hold each slice for 20 seconds per side, letting excess custard drip off. If it’s still dry in spots, give it a quick second dip.
4. Preheat the air fryer. Set to 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes. A hot basket = crispier toast.

Cooking Time and Temperature Guide

Timing depends on your air fryer model and bread thickness. Here’s what I use as a baseline:

Bread Type	Temperature	Cook Time	Notes
Sourdough, brioche, challah	375°F (190°C)	4-5 minutes	Flip halfway through
Whole grain, gluten-free	350°F (175°C)	5-6 minutes	Lower heat to prevent drying
Stale or toasted bread	360°F (182°C)	3-4 minutes	Soak longer (30-40 sec/side)

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave space between slices for air circulation. Cook in batches if needed.
• Spray or brush with oil. A light coating of cooking spray or melted butter on both sides adds crispness (but skip if you’re watching calories).
• Flip halfway through. Use silicone tongs or a spatula to avoid breaking delicate slices.
• Check for doneness. The edges should be golden, and the center should feel firm but springy. If it’s still soggy, add 1-2 more minutes.

One time, I forgot to flip my toast and ended up with one side crispy and the other pale. Now I set a timer—game-changer!

Troubleshooting Common Mistakes

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix (or avoid) the most common air fryer French toast pitfalls.

Soggy or Undercooked Toast

• Cause: Over-soaked bread, low temperature, or overcrowding.
• Fix: Soak bread for less time, increase temp to 375°F, and leave space between slices. If it’s still soggy, cook 1-2 more minutes.

I once soaked my bread for a full minute per side—disaster. Now I stick to 20 seconds and it’s perfect.

Burnt or Overcooked Edges

• Cause: High temperature or cooking too long.
• Fix: Lower temp to 350°F for delicate breads (like brioche) and check at 3 minutes. Use the “toast” function if your air fryer has one.

Dry or Rubbery Texture

• Cause: Too much air circulation (some models are more powerful than others) or thin bread.
• Fix: Use thicker bread (1-inch minimum), reduce cook time by 1 minute, or brush with butter before serving for moisture.

Sticking to the Basket

• Cause: Not enough oil or a non-stick coating that’s worn out.
• Fix: Spray the basket with oil or use parchment paper with holes poked for airflow. I line mine with a reusable silicone mat—works like a charm.

Bonus tip: If your air fryer has a “shake” reminder, ignore it for French toast. Flipping once is enough!

Creative Variations and Toppings

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to get creative. The air fryer is perfect for customizing French toast to your taste (or what’s in your fridge).

Flavor Twists to Try

• Cinnamon roll French toast: Use cinnamon-swirl bread and add a cream cheese drizzle.
• Chocolate chip: Mix mini chocolate chips into the custard or press them into the bread before soaking.
• Stuffed French toast: Layer cream cheese and jam between two slices before soaking. Cook 1-2 minutes longer.
• Gluten-free/dairy-free: Use GF bread and plant-based milk. Works great—I’ve made it for friends with dietary restrictions.

Toppings That Elevate the Experience

Forget just syrup. Try these combos:

• Classic: Maple syrup + powdered sugar + a pat of butter.
• Fruity: Fresh berries + whipped cream + a squeeze of lemon.
• Nutty: Almond butter drizzle + sliced bananas + a sprinkle of chia seeds.
• Decadent: Melted Nutella + strawberries + crushed pistachios.

One of my favorite combos? Sourdough French toast with sautéed apples, cinnamon, and a dollop of Greek yogurt. It’s like fall in a bite!

Final Thoughts: Is Air Fryer French Toast Worth It?

So, can you make French toast in the air fryer? Absolutely—and once you try it, you might never go back to the stove. It’s faster, cleaner, and delivers consistently delicious results. The key is choosing the right bread, mastering the soak, and tweaking the time to fit your air fryer model.

That said, it’s not *perfect*. Some breads (like very thin sandwich slices) still work better in a skillet, and if you’re cooking for a crowd, you’ll need to batch-cook. But for most home cooks, the air fryer is a total game-changer. It’s given me back weekend mornings—less time at the stove, more time enjoying breakfast with my family.

My advice? Start with a simple batch using sourdough or brioche, follow the steps in this guide, and don’t stress if the first try isn’t perfect. French toast is forgiving, and even “failed” batches are still tasty. Before you know it, you’ll be experimenting with flavors, toppings, and maybe even making it a weekly tradition. Happy air frying!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make French toast in the air fryer?

Yes, you can make French toast in the air fryer! It’s a quick and easy way to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and custardy. Just preheat the air fryer, dip your bread in the egg mixture, and cook for 5–7 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

What type of bread works best for air fryer French toast?

Thicker bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast works best for air fryer French toast because they hold up well to the custard soak. Avoid overly thin or stale bread, as it may fall apart or dry out during cooking.

Do I need to adjust cooking time for air fryer French toast?

Cooking time for air fryer French toast typically takes 5–7 minutes per batch, depending on your air fryer model and bread thickness. Flip halfway through for even browning. Always check for a golden crust and a cooked-through center.

How do I prevent my French toast from sticking in the air fryer?

Lightly spray the air fryer basket or tray with oil or use parchment paper with holes for airflow. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier while still allowing crispiness.

Can I make air fryer French toast ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can reheat leftover French toast in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore crispiness. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Can I make French toast in the air fryer without eggs?

Yes, you can make egg-free air fryer French toast using plant-based substitutes like almond milk mixed with cornstarch or silken tofu. The texture may be slightly softer, but it’s a great vegan-friendly alternative.