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

Yes, you can make perfectly crispy toast in your air fryer—often faster and more evenly than with a traditional toaster. With the right settings (350–375°F for 3–5 minutes), your air fryer delivers golden, crunchy toast without drying it out. Just avoid overcrowding and experiment with time to match your preferred level of crispiness.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can toast bread in an air fryer with crispy, even results.
• Preheat the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to ensure consistent browning.
• Use 350–375°F for golden toast without burning or undercooking.
• Flip halfway through for perfectly even browning on both sides.
• Monitor closely—air fryers vary, and toast can burn quickly.
• Add butter or toppings after toasting to avoid smoke and mess.

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

Let’s be honest—your air fryer has probably taken over your kitchen. What started as a tool for crispy fries and juicy chicken wings has now become your go-to appliance for almost everything. You’ve air-fried salmon, reheated pizza, even baked cookies. But here’s a question that’s been buzzing in kitchens everywhere: Can I make toast in the air fryer?

Yes, you absolutely can. And honestly, it’s one of the most satisfying uses of your air fryer—especially if you’re someone who’s tired of burnt edges from a toaster or the slow, uneven browning from a toaster oven. I remember the first time I tried it. I was skeptical. “How can hot air replace the radiant heat of a toaster?” But after a few test runs with different bread types and settings, I was sold. The result? Crispy, golden toast with a soft interior—no smoke, no hassle, and no need to pull out another appliance. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves efficiency, making toast in the air fryer is not only possible but surprisingly easy. Let’s dive into the how, why, and what to watch out for.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Toast? The Pros and Cons

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of settings and techniques, let’s talk about why you might even consider using your air fryer for toast instead of your trusty toaster or toaster oven. After all, if it ain’t broke, why fix it? But sometimes, “not broke” can still be improved.

The Pros of Air Fryer Toast

First, let’s highlight the wins:

• Even browning: Air fryers circulate hot air 360 degrees around the bread. This means less risk of one side burning while the other stays pale. No more flipping halfway through (though we’ll talk about that later).
• More control: Unlike many basic toasters with just a few shade settings, air fryers let you adjust temperature and time precisely. Want a light golden toast? 320°F for 3 minutes. Craving a deep, crunchy crust? 370°F for 6 minutes. The flexibility is a game-changer.
• Multi-use appliance: If you’re short on counter space (hello, tiny kitchens!), using your air fryer for toast means one less appliance to clutter your counters. Bonus: it’s already out and ready to use for your next snack or meal.
• No toaster crumbs: Toasters are notorious for collecting crumbs at the bottom. Air fryer baskets are easier to clean—just wipe or rinse after use.
• Great for specialty breads: Thick-cut sourdough, bagels, or artisanal loaves often don’t fit in standard toasters. Air fryer baskets? No problem. They’re spacious enough for almost any bread shape.

The Cons (Because We’re Keeping It Real)

Of course, nothing’s perfect. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Slower than a toaster: A toaster can do a slice in 2–3 minutes. An air fryer might take 4–7, depending on your model and desired crispness. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting if you’re in a rush.
• Smaller capacity: Most air fryers fit 2–4 slices max, depending on size. If you’re feeding a family of six, you’ll need multiple batches.
• Learning curve: You can’t just pop in bread and walk away. You’ll need to experiment a bit with time and temperature. But once you nail it, it’s smooth sailing.
• Potential for dry toast: Because air fryers dry out moisture quickly, your toast might come out a bit drier than from a toaster. This can be a pro or con—great for crunch lovers, less ideal if you like a soft center.

So, is it worth it? For most people, yes. The control, versatility, and ease of cleaning often outweigh the slight time trade-off. And once you get the hang of it, making toast in the air fryer feels like unlocking a secret kitchen hack.

How to Make Perfect Air Fryer Toast: Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let’s get into the fun part: the actual process. I’ll walk you through my tried-and-true method, with tips to avoid common mistakes.

Step 1: Choose Your Bread

Not all bread is created equal when it comes to air fryer toast. Here’s what works best:

• White or whole wheat sandwich bread: Classic, easy to fit, and browns evenly. Great for beginners.
• Sourdough: Holds up well to high heat. Gets a beautiful golden crust with a chewy center.
• Bagels: Split them in half and lay them flat. They toast beautifully and stay soft inside.
• Texas toast or thick-cut bread: These need a bit more time but turn out incredibly crispy.
• Avoid: Very thin bread (can burn fast), or bread with a lot of sugar (like challah or brioche—sugar can caramelize too quickly and burn).

Step 2: Prep the Air Fryer Basket

This step is crucial. You don’t need oil for plain toast, but a light spray of cooking oil (like avocado or canola) can help with even browning—especially on drier breads. Just a quick spritz on both sides of the bread. If you’re making garlic toast or buttered toast, now’s the time to add a thin layer of butter or garlic butter.

Arrange the bread in a single layer. Don’t stack or overlap. Air circulation is key. If your basket is small, toast in batches. Overcrowding = uneven results.

Step 3: Set Temperature and Time

Here’s the sweet spot I’ve found through testing:

• 350°F (177°C) is the ideal starting point. It’s hot enough to crisp without burning.
• 3–5 minutes for standard bread. Flip halfway for even browning (more on this below).
• 5–7 minutes for thick-cut bread or bagels.
• 2–3 minutes for delicate or pre-toasted bread (like for crostini).

Pro tip: Set a timer, but keep an eye on the toast. Air fryers vary by model, and your kitchen’s humidity, bread moisture, and even altitude can affect cooking time.

Step 4: Flip for Even Browning (Optional but Recommended)

Most air fryers have better airflow from the top, so the bottom of the bread can stay pale. Flipping halfway ensures both sides get golden. Use tongs or a fork—be careful, it’s hot!

For bagels or open-faced sandwiches, you can toast one side, add toppings, then toast again. This is perfect for avocado toast or mini pizzas.

Step 5: Check and Adjust

After the timer goes off, open the basket. If the toast is too light, add 30 seconds to a minute. Too dark? Lower the temp or reduce time next time. Remember: you can always cook more, but you can’t uncook.

Let the toast cool for 30 seconds before eating. It’ll crisp up slightly as it cools, and you won’t burn your mouth (a lesson I learned the hard way).

Tips and Tricks for Flawless Air Fryer Toast

Now that you’ve got the basics, let’s level up with some insider tips that’ll make your toast game unbeatable.

Use the Right Temperature for the Right Bread

Different breads need different heat levels:

• Delicate breads (like brioche or challah): 320–330°F to avoid burning the sugar content.
• Whole grain or dense breads: 350–360°F to penetrate the thickness.
• Frozen bread: No need to thaw. Just add 1–2 minutes to the cook time.

Don’t Skip the Flip

I know it’s tempting to skip flipping to save time. But trust me, it makes a huge difference. The flip ensures even color and texture. If you’re making multiple slices, flip them all at once—no need to open and close the basket repeatedly.

Season or Flavor While You Toast

Air fryers are perfect for flavored toast. Try these quick ideas:

• Garlic butter toast: Spread garlic butter on bread before toasting. Add a sprinkle of parsley after.
• Cinnamon sugar toast: Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, then toast. Sweet and crispy.
• Cheesy toast: Add shredded cheese on top after one side is toasted. Close the basket and cook 1 more minute until melted.

Reheat Leftover Toast Like a Pro

Got day-old toast? Don’t toss it. Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for 2–3 minutes. It’ll crisp up without drying out, almost like fresh.

Clean as You Go

Wipe the basket with a damp cloth after each use. If there’s stuck-on crumbs, soak it in warm soapy water for 10 minutes. Avoid steel wool—it can scratch the non-stick coating.

Experiment with Toppings

Once your base toast is done, the air fryer is your canvas. Try:

• Avocado + red pepper flakes + sea salt
• Peanut butter + banana + honey
• Tomato + mozzarella + basil (like a mini caprese)
• Smoked salmon + cream cheese + dill

Add toppings after toasting, or for melty toppings, toast the bread first, add toppings, then air fry for 1–2 minutes more.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even the best of us make mistakes. Here are the top pitfalls—and how to dodge them.

Burnt Toast

Cause: Too high a temperature or too long a cook time.
Fix: Start low and slow. 350°F is your friend. Set a timer and check early. If you see dark spots, pull it out.

Pale or Soggy Toast

Cause: Not enough heat, overcrowding, or flipping too early.
Fix: Increase temp slightly. Make sure bread is in a single layer. Flip only after 2–3 minutes, when the first side has started to brown.

Dry or Hard Toast

Cause: Air fryers remove moisture quickly. Overcooking makes it worse.
Fix: Reduce time by 30 seconds. For softer toast, brush with butter before toasting. Or try “reverse toasting”: toast lightly, then add a moist topping (like tomato or avocado) to balance texture.

Uneven Browning

Cause: Poor air circulation or not flipping.
Fix: Flip halfway. Don’t overload the basket. If your model has a rotating basket (like some Ninja models), use it. Otherwise, manual flipping is your best bet.

Smoke or Burning Smell

Cause: Crumbs or grease in the bottom of the air fryer.
Fix: Clean the basket and drawer regularly. Wipe after each use. If smoke happens, turn off immediately, unplug, and let cool. Clean thoroughly before next use.

Forgetting the Timer

Cause: Distractions happen.
Fix: Set a timer on your phone or use your air fryer’s built-in timer (if it has one). Better safe than sorry.

Air Fryer Toast Settings: A Quick Reference Table

To help you get started, here’s a handy guide for different bread types and desired results. Remember, these are starting points—adjust based on your air fryer and taste.

Bread Type	Temperature	Time (Minutes)	Flip?	Notes
White sandwich bread	350°F (177°C)	3–4	Yes	Great for beginners. Flip after 2 minutes.
Whole wheat bread	350°F (177°C)	4–5	Yes	Denser—needs a bit more time.
Sourdough	360°F (182°C)	5–6	Yes	Thick crust lovers, this is your jam.
Bagels (halved)	350°F (177°C)	5–7	Yes	Toast cut side down first for even browning.
Texas toast	350°F (177°C)	6–7	Yes	Thick—don’t rush it. Watch for browning.
Frozen bread	340°F (171°C)	5–6	Yes	No need to thaw. Add 1–2 minutes if needed.
Delicate bread (brioche)	320°F (160°C)	3–4	Yes	Low temp to avoid burning sugar content.

Use this table as a starting point. Once you’ve tried a few batches, you’ll develop your own “sweet spot” for each bread type.

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

So, back to the original question: Can I make toast in the air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes—and it’s often better than traditional methods in many ways. The control, versatility, and even browning make it a standout option, especially for those who value precision and multi-tasking in the kitchen.

Is it faster than a toaster? Not always. But is it more fun, more flexible, and more satisfying? Absolutely. You’re not just toasting bread—you’re unlocking a new way to use one of your most powerful kitchen tools. Whether you’re making a quick breakfast, a snack, or a gourmet open-faced sandwich, the air fryer delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

And the best part? It’s not just about toast. Once you master the technique, you’ll find yourself using your air fryer for garlic bread, croutons, bruschetta, and even mini grilled cheese. The possibilities are endless.

So go ahead—give it a try. Start with a simple white bread slice at 350°F for 3 minutes, flip, and toast for another 1–2. Top it with your favorite spread. Take a bite. That crisp, golden, evenly browned slice? That’s the magic of air fryer toast.

You might just find yourself retiring your old toaster for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make toast in the air fryer?

Yes, you can make toast in the air fryer! It’s a quick and efficient way to achieve crispy, golden-brown results with less energy than a traditional toaster or oven.

How do I make toast in an air fryer for the best results?

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C), place bread slices in a single layer, and cook for 3–5 minutes, flipping halfway. Adjust time based on your preferred crispness and air fryer model.

What type of bread works best for air fryer toast?

Thicker bread like sourdough, Texas toast, or artisanal loaves hold up well in the air fryer. Avoid very thin slices, as they may burn quickly due to the intense circulating heat.

Can I make buttered toast or add toppings in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Add butter, cinnamon sugar, or cheese before cooking, or toast first and add toppings after. For melty toppings like cheese, return the bread to the air fryer for 1–2 extra minutes.

Is air fryer toast healthier than regular toast?

Air fryer toast uses little to no added oil, making it a slightly healthier option. The rapid cooking also preserves nutrients better than prolonged oven toasting, especially when using whole-grain bread.

Can I toast multiple slices at once in my air fryer?

Yes, but avoid overcrowding—leave space between slices for proper air circulation. Cook in batches if needed, as stacking or overlapping can lead to unevenly toasted bread.