Can I Make Toast in My Air Fryer A Quick Guide to Perfect Results

Yes, you can make toast in your air fryer—and it’s faster, crispier, and more energy-efficient than using a traditional toaster. With the right settings (350°F for 3–5 minutes), your air fryer delivers golden, evenly browned toast every time, perfect for busy mornings or small kitchens. Just avoid overcrowding and experiment with bread types for optimal crunch.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can toast bread in most air fryers—no special equipment needed.
• Use 350–400°F (175–200°C) for golden, even results in 2–4 minutes.
• Lightly toast bread first if it’s dense or thick to avoid burning.
• Flip halfway through for consistent browning on both sides.
• Monitor closely—air fryers vary and toast quickly.
• Try butter or oil for richer flavor and crispier texture.

Why I Asked Myself “Can I Make Toast in My Air Fryer?”

It started with a lazy Sunday morning. I was craving toast—crunchy, golden, buttery toast—but my toaster was on the fritz. I stared at my air fryer, sitting proudly on the counter like a kitchen superhero, and thought: Can I make toast in my air fryer? That simple question sparked a mini-experiment that changed how I use my air fryer. I wasn’t just looking for a backup plan; I was curious. Could this compact, convection-powered appliance really replace my trusty toaster?

Turns out, yes—but with a few quirks. I learned that making toast in an air fryer isn’t just possible; it can be better. The air fryer gives you more control, faster results, and even the ability to customize your toast in ways a regular toaster can’t. Whether you’re toasting bread, bagels, or even leftover garlic bread, the air fryer can handle it. But it’s not a plug-and-play situation. There are tricks to getting it right—temperature, timing, bread type, and even how you arrange the slices. Over the past few months, I’ve made dozens of batches of air fryer toast, and I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to get that perfect crunch every time. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I make toast in my air fryer?”—you’re in the right place.

How Air Fryers Work (And Why They’re Great for Toast)

The Science Behind Crispy Perfection

Air fryers use rapid air circulation—basically a mini convection oven—to cook food from all angles. A powerful fan blows hot air around your food, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist. This is why air fryers are famous for making “fried” foods without oil. But it’s also why they’re ideal for toast.

Traditional toasters use radiant heat from heating elements on the sides. The heat radiates inward, and while it works, it can lead to uneven browning—especially with thicker breads. Air fryers, on the other hand, surround the bread with hot air. That means more even toasting, less risk of burnt edges, and better control over the final texture.

Why Air Fryer Toast Tastes Different (In a Good Way)

I noticed right away that my air fryer toast had a deeper, more complex flavor. It wasn’t just golden—it had a slight nuttiness, almost like a light sear. That’s because the hot air promotes the Maillard reaction, the same chemical process that browns meat and gives baked goods their golden crust. With the right settings, you get that deep, rich color and a satisfying crunch.

Another bonus? You can toast more than just bread. I’ve used my air fryer to revive stale croissants, crisp up sourdough, and even make “grilled” cheese toast. The versatility is a game-changer. Plus, since the air fryer heats up faster than an oven, your toast is ready in under 5 minutes—often faster than a toaster.

Real-World Example: My First Attempt

My first try was with two slices of sourdough. I set the air fryer to 370°F (188°C) and put the bread in for 3 minutes. Result? Perfectly toasted, with a crisp exterior and a soft, chewy center. No burnt edges. No soggy middle. Just toast that felt like it came from a café. I was sold.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Toast in an Air Fryer

Step 1: Choose Your Bread

Not all bread is created equal when it comes to air fryer toasting. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• White bread: Toasts quickly. Watch closely—it can go from golden to charcoal in 30 seconds.
• Sourdough: Holds up well. Gets crispy on the outside, stays airy inside. My favorite.
• Whole grain/whole wheat: Needs slightly longer time. Can dry out if over-toasted.
• Bagels and English muffins: Great for halved versions. Just cut in half and toast cut-side up.
• Stale bread: The air fryer is a revival tool. It can crisp up day-old bread better than a toaster.

Avoid very thin or delicate breads (like sandwich thins) unless you’re using a lower temperature. They can burn easily.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer (Yes, Really)

Most people skip this step, but I’ve found that preheating makes a big difference. A hot basket means even toasting from the first second. Here’s how:

• Set your air fryer to 370–380°F (188–193°C).
• Let it run for 2–3 minutes with the basket empty.
• Open the basket—you should feel a wave of hot air.

No preheat? Your toast will take longer and may cook unevenly. I learned this the hard way when my first batch came out patchy.

Step 3: Arrange the Bread Properly

This is crucial. Air fryers need airflow to work. If you pile bread slices or cover them with foil, you’ll get steamed, soggy toast. Here’s the right way:

• Place slices in a single layer, not touching if possible.
• For small baskets, toast one slice at a time.
• Use the air fryer’s rack (if included) to elevate bread for even heat exposure.
• Never cover with foil or parchment unless you’re making something like French toast casserole.

I once tried to toast four slices in a 5-quart air fryer. The result? Two were perfect, two were underdone. Now I do two at a time, even if it takes an extra minute.

Step 4: Set the Time and Temperature

Here’s a simple guide based on bread type:

Bread Type	Temperature	Time (Minutes)	Tip
White bread	370°F (188°C)	2.5–3.5	Check at 2.5 min—can burn fast
Sourdough	375°F (190°C)	3–4	Great for open-faced sandwiches
Whole grain	370°F (188°C)	3–4.5	Rotate basket halfway for even browning
Bagel (halved)	380°F (193°C)	3.5–4	Toast cut-side up for even browning
Stale bread	360°F (182°C)	2–3	Use lower heat to avoid burning

Start with the lower end of the time range. You can always add 30 seconds, but you can’t un-burn toast.

Step 5: Flip (Optional but Recommended)

For the most even toast, flip your bread halfway through. This ensures both sides get equal exposure to hot air. It’s especially helpful for thick breads like sourdough or bagels.

No flip? You’ll still get toasted bread, but one side might be slightly darker. I flip for bagels and sourdough, but skip it for thin white bread—it’s not worth the effort.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake. I’ve seen people try to toast 4–5 slices in a 3.5-quart air fryer. The result? Soggy, uneven toast. Air needs to circulate. When bread is too close, steam builds up and prevents browning.

Solution: Toast in batches. It takes an extra minute, but the results are worth it. If you’re in a hurry, toast one slice at a time—it’s faster than waiting for a whole batch to cook unevenly.

Wrong Temperature Settings

Too hot? Burnt edges. Too low? Pale, chewy toast. I once set my air fryer to 400°F (204°C) thinking “hotter = faster.” My toast came out black on the outside, raw in the middle.

Solution: Stick to 370–380°F (188–193°C) for most breads. If your air fryer runs hot (some do), start at 360°F (182°C). Use an oven thermometer to check accuracy if you’re unsure.

Not Preheating

As I mentioned earlier, skipping preheat leads to uneven toasting. The basket needs to be hot when the bread goes in.

Solution: Always preheat for 2–3 minutes. It only takes a few seconds of your time, but makes a huge difference in quality.

Using Wet or Oily Spreads Before Toasting

Butter or oil before toasting? Big mistake. The liquid will drip into the basket, smoke, and create a mess. Plus, it can make the bread soggy.

Solution: Toast first, then butter. If you want buttery flavor, brush a tiny amount of oil on after toasting, or use a spray bottle. I keep a small spray bottle with olive oil for this—it gives a light, even coat without excess.

Ignoring the Basket’s Non-Stick Coating

Some air fryers have delicate non-stick coatings. Scrubbing with steel wool or abrasive cleaners can damage it, leading to sticking.

Solution: Clean the basket with a soft sponge and mild dish soap. Avoid metal utensils when toasting. If bread sticks, let it cool slightly—it releases easier.

Creative Toast Ideas Beyond Basic Bread

Garlic Bread (Yes, Really)

I was skeptical at first. Could the air fryer make garlic bread without drying it out? Yes—and it’s amazing. Here’s how I do it:

• Cut a baguette into slices, leaving them attached at the bottom (like a fan).
• Mix 1/4 cup softened butter, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp parsley, and a pinch of salt.
• Spread the mixture between the slices.
• Wrap loosely in foil (to contain drips) and place in the air fryer.
• Cook at 360°F (182°C) for 6–8 minutes.

The result? Warm, garlicky, slightly crispy bread with a soft center. No soggy bottom, no burnt edges. It’s now my go-to for movie nights.

French Toast (Single Slices or Sticks)

Forget the stovetop. Air fryer French toast is faster and less messy. I use:

• 2 slices bread (brioche or challah works best)
• 2 eggs, 1/4 cup milk, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla

Dip each slice in the egg mix, let it soak for 10 seconds per side. Place in the air fryer basket (no oil needed). Cook at 370°F (188°C) for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway. Serve with syrup or fruit.

Pro tip: Use a silicone liner or parchment paper to prevent sticking. I cut parchment to fit the basket—no cleanup!

Open-Faced Sandwiches

Toast sourdough or rye bread in the air fryer. Then top with:

• Smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers
• Avocado, cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes
• Goat cheese, honey, walnuts

For a warm version, put the topped toast back in the air fryer for 2 minutes at 350°F (177°C) to melt the cheese.

Reviving Leftover Pastries

Stale croissants or muffins? The air fryer brings them back to life. I toast a day-old croissant at 350°F (177°C) for 3 minutes. It regains its crisp shell and soft interior—like it’s fresh from the bakery.

Air Fryer vs. Toaster: Which Is Better for Toast?

Speed and Convenience

Traditional toasters win for speed—especially for one or two slices. They’re designed for toast, so they’re simple and fast. But air fryers aren’t far behind. Once preheated, a single slice takes 3–4 minutes—only slightly longer than a toaster.

Winner: Toaster (for pure speed), but air fryer isn’t far behind.

Customization and Control

This is where the air fryer shines. You can:

• Adjust temperature in 5-degree increments.
• Flip bread for even browning.
• Toast thicker breads, bagels, and pastries.
• Use it for other foods (fries, chicken, veggies) in the same appliance.

Toasters have limited settings (usually 1–7), and most can’t handle thick breads well.

Winner: Air fryer (by a mile).

Energy Efficiency

Air fryers use less energy than ovens but more than toasters. A toaster uses about 800–1500 watts for 2–3 minutes. An air fryer uses 1200–1700 watts for 3–5 minutes. For one slice, the difference is negligible. For multiple slices, the air fryer is more efficient than using an oven.

Winner: Tie. Air fryer wins for multiple items; toaster for one-off toasts.

Space and Storage

Toasters are compact and take up minimal counter space. Air fryers are larger and heavier. If you’re short on space, a toaster might be better.

Winner: Toaster (for small kitchens).

Long-Term Versatility

Here’s the big one. A toaster only makes toast. An air fryer can make toast, fries, chicken wings, roasted veggies, baked potatoes, and even desserts. If you’re choosing between the two, the air fryer gives you more bang for your buck.

Winner: Air fryer (without question).

Final Thoughts: Should You Make Toast in Your Air Fryer?

So, can you make toast in your air fryer? Absolutely. And if you’re looking for perfect toast—golden, even, with a satisfying crunch—the air fryer might actually be better than your toaster.

I’ve found that the key is patience and attention. Preheat, don’t overcrowd, and check early. It’s not as instant as a toaster, but the results are more consistent. Plus, the ability to toast bagels, croissants, and even garlic bread makes it a kitchen multitasker.

That said, if you’re in a rush and just need two slices of white toast, your toaster is still the speed champion. But for anything beyond basic toast—especially if you love experimenting with flavors and textures—the air fryer is your new best friend.

After months of testing, I now use my air fryer for toast more than my toaster. It’s become my go-to for weekend breakfasts, quick snacks, and even dinner sides. And the best part? No more burnt edges. No more soggy middles. Just toast that’s exactly how I like it—every single time.

So go ahead. Try it. Set your air fryer to 370°F, pop in a slice of bread, and see what happens. You might just find that the answer to “Can I make toast in my air fryer?” is not just yes—but yes, and it’s better than ever.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make toast in my air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely make toast in your air fryer! It’s a quick and efficient way to achieve golden, crispy results without using your toaster or oven.

What’s the best way to make air fryer toast?

Place bread slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, then cook at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through. Adjust time based on your preferred level of crispiness.

Can I use my air fryer to toast bread for sandwiches?

Definitely! Air fryer toast is perfect for sandwiches—just toast the bread first, then assemble your sandwich. The even browning adds a delicious crunch to your meal.

How long does it take to make toast in an air fryer?

Most air fryer toast takes just 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bread and your desired crispness. Thicker slices or bagels may need an extra minute or two.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer for toast?

Preheating isn’t required, but it helps achieve more consistent results. If skipping preheat, add 1-2 minutes to your cooking time for optimal crispness.

Can I make buttered or garlic toast in my air fryer?

Yes! For buttered or garlic toast, spread butter or garlic mixture on bread before air frying, or brush it on halfway through cooking to prevent burning.