Can an Air Fryer Replace a Toaster The Ultimate Breakfast Showdown

An air fryer can replace a toaster for most breakfast tasks, offering greater versatility with faster, crispier results on bread, bagels, and even frozen waffles. While it lacks the dedicated simplicity of a toaster, its multi-functionality—toasting, reheating, and cooking full meals—makes it a superior kitchen upgrade for space-conscious or gadget-loving households.

Key Takeaways

• Air fryers toast faster than conventional ovens but slower than dedicated toasters.
• Even browning is harder with air fryers due to uneven rack placement.
• Multitasking wins—air fryers handle toast, fries, and reheating in one device.
• Small batches only—air fryers lack capacity for large toasting needs.
• Energy efficiency favors toasters for single-use, quick breakfast tasks.
• Crunchy texture differs—toasters deliver crispier results for classic toast lovers.
• Space savers rejoice—air fryers replace multiple appliances if counter space is limited.

Can an Air Fryer Replace a Toaster? The Ultimate Breakfast Showdown

Let’s be real: mornings are hectic. Between hitting snooze a few too many times, getting the kids ready, and trying to remember where you left your keys, the last thing you want is a complicated breakfast routine. For years, the trusty toaster has been a kitchen staple—simple, fast, and reliable. Pop in your bread, press the lever, and in minutes, you’ve got golden-brown toast ready for butter and jam. But then came the air fryer, promising to crisp, roast, bake, and even reheat with minimal oil and maximum convenience. Suddenly, we’re asking: Can an air fryer replace a toaster?

You’ve probably seen the hype. Air fryers are everywhere—on cooking blogs, in YouTube videos, and even in your neighbor’s kitchen window. They promise crispy fries, juicy chicken, and even desserts with less oil and more flavor. But can they really handle the simple, everyday task of toasting bread? Is it time to retire your toaster and embrace the all-in-one air fryer life? Or is the humble toaster still the king of breakfast? Let’s dive into this kitchen showdown and find out once and for all.

What Each Appliance Does Best (And What They Struggle With)

Toaster: The Speed Demon of the Morning Routine

The toaster is built for one thing: toasting bread—and it does it fast. Whether you’re using a two-slot or four-slot model, most toasters can deliver perfectly browned toast in under two minutes. The heating elements are positioned close to the bread, creating that classic crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft. Plus, toasters come with handy settings like “bagel,” “defrost,” and “reheat,” which are tailored to specific needs.

• Speed: 1–2 minutes per toast
• Ease of use: Just drop in, press down, wait
• Consistency: Uniform browning across multiple slices
• Footprint: Compact, fits neatly on countertops

But let’s be honest—toasters have their limits. They can’t cook anything beyond bread, bagels, or waffles (unless you’re into risky toast-based experiments). And if you’ve ever forgotten a slice, you know the smell of burnt toast all too well. Also, cleaning a toaster? It’s not fun. Crumbs collect in the bottom, and if you’re not careful, you’re left with a smoky mess.

Air Fryer: The Multitasking Marvel

The air fryer, on the other hand, is like a mini convection oven. It uses rapid hot air circulation to cook food evenly, giving it that crispy texture without needing much oil. It’s designed to handle a wide range of tasks: frying, roasting, baking, reheating, and yes—toasting.

• Versatility: Can cook meats, veggies, frozen foods, and even bake small desserts
• Capacity: Most hold 3–6 quarts, so you can toast 2–4 slices at once
• Control: Adjustable temperature and timer for precision
• Cleanup: Most have dishwasher-safe baskets

But here’s the catch: air fryers are slower for simple toasting. While a toaster might take 90 seconds, an air fryer could take 4–6 minutes, depending on the model and desired crispiness. And if you’re not careful, you can end up with uneven toasting or dried-out bread.

Toasting Performance: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Texture and Crispiness

When it comes to toasting performance, the toaster still has an edge. The direct heat from the heating elements creates a more uniform, crisp crust while preserving the soft interior of the bread. Think of the satisfying crunch you get from a well-toasted sourdough—that’s a toaster’s specialty.

The air fryer, however, relies on circulating air, which means the heat isn’t as direct. This can lead to slightly less crisp toast, especially on the sides. But if you like your toast with a more “oven-baked” texture—slightly drier and evenly browned—the air fryer might actually be a better fit. I’ve found that using the basket with a raised rack helps improve airflow and gives a more even result.

Pro tip: Lightly spray or brush the bread with oil before air frying for a crispier crust—just like deep frying, but with 80% less oil!

Speed and Convenience

Speed is where the toaster shines. If you’re making toast for two and want it ready in under two minutes, the toaster wins every time. Air fryers, even the fastest models, take at least 4 minutes to preheat and toast. That’s a big difference when you’re racing against the clock.

But here’s a real-world example: I tried making avocado toast for my family of four. With the toaster, I could toast two slices at a time, and in under 4 minutes, everyone had warm toast. With the air fryer, I had to toast in batches (only two slices fit comfortably), and each batch took 5 minutes. That’s 10 minutes total—more than double the time.

So if you’re making toast for one or two people and don’t mind waiting, the air fryer works. But for speed and efficiency? The toaster is still king.

Evenness and Consistency

Consistency matters, especially when you’re making multiple slices. Toasters are designed to toast both sides at once (or one side, in the case of bagel mode), so every slice comes out looking the same. Air fryers, though, require flipping halfway through for even browning. If you forget? You’ll end up with one side golden and the other pale.

I learned this the hard way. I set the air fryer to toast four slices of whole wheat bread, got distracted by a phone call, and came back to uneven results. The top slices were perfect, but the bottom ones were underdone. Lesson learned: always flip halfway—or use a model with a rotating basket.

Beyond Toast: What Else Can Each Appliance Handle?

Toaster: Limited but Reliable

The toaster is a specialist. It’s great for:

• Regular bread
• Bagels (use the bagel setting to toast the cut side)
• Frozen waffles and pancakes
• English muffins

But that’s about it. You can’t cook scrambled eggs, reheat pizza, or bake cookies in a toaster. It’s a one-trick pony—but it’s a really good one.

Air Fryer: The Kitchen Workhorse

The air fryer is the Swiss Army knife of small appliances. Here’s what it can do beyond toast:

• Reheat leftovers: Pizza, fried chicken, even mozzarella sticks come out crispy—no soggy microwave texture.
• Cook breakfast foods: Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, and even French toast can be made in an air fryer.
• Roast veggies: Broccoli, carrots, and Brussels sprouts come out tender on the inside, crispy on the outside.
• Bake small treats: Muffins, cookies, and even mini quiches are possible with the right basket or liner.
• Defrost and crisp: Frozen chicken tenders or fish sticks go from freezer to plate in 15 minutes.

One morning, I used my air fryer to make everything—bacon, scrambled eggs, and toast (yes, I tried it again). Total time: 20 minutes. Cleanup? One basket, one liner, and a quick wipe. That’s the kind of multitasking that makes the air fryer worth its countertop real estate.

Tip: Use parchment paper liners or silicone baskets to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Space, Cost, and Kitchen Real Estate: The Practical Side

Counter Space and Storage

Let’s talk about space. If you live in a small apartment or have a compact kitchen, every inch counts. A standard two-slot toaster is about 10–12 inches wide and 8–10 inches deep. It’s lightweight, easy to store, and doesn’t take up much room.

An air fryer, on the other hand, is bulkier. Most models are 12–15 inches wide, 10–12 inches deep, and 12–14 inches tall. That’s a lot of counter space. And if you have a smaller kitchen, you might find yourself constantly moving it to make room for other appliances.

I once had to store my air fryer in a cabinet under the sink—only to realize it didn’t fit with the trash can. It ended up on the dining table, which wasn’t ideal. If you’re tight on space, consider a compact air fryer (3–4 quarts) or one with a vertical design to save space.

Upfront Cost and Long-Term Value

Toasters are cheap. You can find a reliable one for $20–$40. Even high-end models with extra features rarely go above $80. Air fryers, however, start around $50 and can go up to $200+ for premium models with digital controls, multiple cooking modes, and larger capacities.

But here’s the thing: the air fryer is an investment. If you use it regularly for cooking, reheating, and even baking, it can replace your toaster, microwave, and even your oven for small tasks. Over time, that versatility can save you money and countertop clutter.

Think of it like this: if you only toast bread 3–4 times a week, a toaster is the smarter choice. But if you cook, reheat, and experiment with food daily, the air fryer pays for itself in convenience and utility.

Energy Use and Efficiency

Toasters are energy-efficient. They use high heat for a short time, so they don’t draw much power. Air fryers, while efficient for cooking, take longer to preheat and cook, which means they use more energy per session.

However, because air fryers cook faster than conventional ovens, they’re still more efficient for larger meals. For a single slice of toast? The toaster wins on energy savings.

When to Choose Which: A Practical Guide for Real Life

Choose a Toaster If…

• You make toast daily and want it fast.
• You have a small kitchen or limited counter space.
• You only toast bread, bagels, or waffles—and nothing else.
• You’re on a tight budget and don’t want to invest in a new appliance.
• You value simplicity and consistency over versatility.

For example, my mom still uses her 10-year-old toaster every morning. It’s reliable, quick, and she’s never had a problem with it. If that’s you, stick with what works.

Choose an Air Fryer If…

• You want a multitasking appliance that can handle breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• You reheat leftovers often and hate soggy microwave results.
• You cook for 1–4 people and want crispy, healthy food with less oil.
• You’re okay with a slightly longer toasting time for more versatility.
• You have the counter space and budget for a larger appliance.

My friend Sarah switched to an air fryer and hasn’t used her toaster in months. She toasts bread, cooks bacon, reheats pizza, and even bakes brownies—all in one device. For her, it’s the ultimate kitchen upgrade.

The Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds?

You don’t have to choose. Many people keep both appliances. Use the toaster for quick, daily toast and the air fryer for cooking, reheating, and special breakfasts. It’s not the most space-efficient option, but it gives you the best of both worlds.

I do this in my own kitchen. My toaster handles weekday toast, while my air fryer is reserved for weekend brunches, meal prep, and experimenting with new recipes. It’s a balance between speed and versatility.

Performance Comparison Table

Feature	Toaster	Air Fryer
Toasting Time (per slice)	1–2 minutes	4–6 minutes
Even Browning	Excellent (no flipping needed)	Good (requires flipping)
Capacity	2–4 slices	2–4 slices (depends on model)
Versatility	Only bread-based items	Cooking, reheating, baking, roasting
Cleanup	Crumb tray, manual wipe	Dishwasher-safe basket (most models)
Space Required	Small (10″ x 8″)	Large (12″ x 12″ x 14″)
Cost (Average)	$20–$80	$50–$200+
Energy Efficiency (for toast)	High	Medium

Final Verdict: Can an Air Fryer Replace a Toaster?

So, can an air fryer replace a toaster? The short answer: it depends. If you’re asking purely about toasting performance, the toaster still wins. It’s faster, more consistent, and easier to use for this specific task. But if you’re looking at the bigger picture—kitchen efficiency, versatility, and long-term utility—the air fryer is a serious contender.

Think of it this way: the toaster is like your favorite pair of sneakers—simple, reliable, and perfect for everyday use. The air fryer is like a Swiss Army knife—versatile, powerful, and ready for anything. One is great for a specific job. The other can do many jobs—just not always as quickly.

For most people, the best solution isn’t choosing one over the other—it’s using them for what they do best. Keep the toaster for quick, daily toast. Use the air fryer for cooking, reheating, and when you want to experiment with breakfast beyond bread. Or, if you’re short on space or want to simplify, go all-in on the air fryer and accept that toast might take a few extra minutes.

At the end of the day, the “best” appliance is the one that fits your lifestyle, kitchen space, and cooking habits. Whether you’re team toaster, team air fryer, or a proud hybrid user, the goal is the same: delicious, stress-free breakfasts that start your day right. So go ahead—pop in that toast, press start, and enjoy your morning, one crispy bite at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an air fryer replace a toaster for everyday breakfast needs?

Yes, an air fryer can replace a toaster for many breakfast tasks like toasting bread, bagels, and even reheating pastries. Its larger capacity and versatility also let you cook eggs, bacon, or hash browns simultaneously, making it a multi-functional upgrade for quick meals.

What are the key differences between an air fryer and a toaster?

While toasters excel at fast, even toasting with dedicated slots, air fryers use convection heating for browning and crisping a wider variety of foods. The air fryer vs toaster debate often comes down to whether you value speed (toaster) or versatility (air fryer).

Is an air fryer better than a toaster for toasting bread?

Air fryers toast bread slightly slower but offer more control over browning and can handle thicker slices or artisanal bread better. However, if you only toast 1-2 slices daily, a toaster remains the quicker, more energy-efficient choice.

Can you toast small items like English muffins in an air fryer?

Yes, but use a lower temperature (320°F/160°C) and shorter time to avoid burning. The air fryer’s convection heat works well for muffins, but you may need to flip them halfway for even results compared to a dedicated toaster.

Does an air fryer save counter space compared to a toaster?

While air fryers are larger, they eliminate the need for multiple appliances (toaster, oven, etc.) if you use them for diverse tasks. For small kitchens, consolidating tools with an air fryer can free up space long-term.

What are the downsides of using an air fryer instead of a toaster?

Air fryers take longer to toast (2-4 mins vs. 1-2 mins) and consume more energy. The learning curve for timing and batch size can also be frustrating if you’re used to a toaster’s simplicity.