Can I Toast Bread in the Air Fryer A Quick Guide

Yes, you can toast bread in the air fryer—quickly and evenly. It delivers crispy, golden-brown toast in 3–5 minutes, with no need to preheat or use a separate toaster, making it a convenient, multitasking kitchen hack.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can toast bread in an air fryer quickly and evenly.
• Use 350°F (175°C) for golden, crispy toast in 3-5 minutes.
• No preheating needed—start toasting immediately for faster results.
• Flip halfway through for even browning on both sides.
• Add butter or oil after toasting to avoid smoke and burning.
• Adjust time for texture: less for soft, more for crunchy toast.
• Clean the basket after to prevent bread crumbs from burning next use.

Can I Toast Bread in the Air Fryer? A Quick Guide

Let’s be honest—mornings are hectic. Between hitting snooze one too many times, packing lunches, and trying to get out the door without spilling coffee on your shirt, the last thing you want is to wait for your toaster to slowly brown a single slice of bread. That’s when the idea hits: Can I toast bread in the air fryer? It’s a question I asked myself one chaotic morning when my toaster died mid-cycle (RIP, old friend), and I was desperate for a golden, crispy slice of toast to go with my avocado.

Turns out, the air fryer isn’t just for fries and chicken wings—it can be a surprisingly effective toaster alternative. I’ve spent the past few months experimenting with different bread types, settings, and techniques to find the sweet spot. Some attempts were a little too crispy (okay, charred), while others were perfect. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about toasting bread in the air fryer—from how it works, to the best settings, to common mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re toaster-less, looking to save counter space, or just curious about kitchen hacks, this is your go-to resource.

How Does Toasting Bread in an Air Fryer Work?

The Science Behind Air Fryer Toasting

At first glance, an air fryer and a toaster might seem like very different appliances—but they’re more similar than you think. Both rely on dry heat to remove moisture from bread and create that satisfying crispiness we love in toast. The key difference? A toaster uses radiant heat from heating elements on both sides of the bread, while an air fryer uses a fan to circulate hot air around the food in a basket.

This forced convection means the air fryer can toast bread more evenly—especially if you’re doing multiple slices or odd-shaped pieces (looking at you, bagels and English muffins). The hot air wraps around the bread, browning it from all angles. It’s like a mini convection oven, but faster and more compact.

Why This Method Is Different from a Toaster

One thing I quickly noticed: air fryer toast doesn’t have the same “crust” as toaster toast. That’s because the air fryer doesn’t press the bread between two heating elements. Instead, it gently browns the surface. This can be a pro or a con, depending on your preference.

• Pro: Less risk of burning—great for light to medium toast lovers.
• Pro: More control over browning, especially for delicate breads like sourdough or whole grain.
• Con: The edges might curl slightly due to the air flow, especially with thinner slices.
• Con: You may need to flip the bread halfway for even browning (though not always).

Another benefit? You can toast more than one slice at a time, depending on your air fryer size. No more waiting for round two!

What Types of Bread Work Best?

White, Whole Wheat, and Sourdough: The Usual Suspects

Good news: most breads toast beautifully in the air fryer. I’ve tested everything from basic white sandwich bread to artisanal sourdough, and the results are consistently satisfying.

• White bread: Toasts quickly—usually 3–4 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Great for a light golden finish.
• Whole wheat bread: Slightly denser, so it benefits from an extra minute or a flip halfway. Tends to brown evenly and holds up well.
• Sourdough: A personal favorite. The crust crisps up nicely, and the inside stays soft. I recommend 4–5 minutes at 360°F (180°C), flipped once.

One tip: If your bread is on the stale side, the air fryer can actually revive it! Just toast it for an extra 30–60 seconds to crisp up the surface and bring back some freshness.

Beyond Regular Loaves: Bagels, English Muffins, and More

Here’s where the air fryer really shines. Unlike toasters with fixed slots, air fryers can handle irregular shapes and sizes.

• Bagels: Slice them in half and lay them cut-side up. Toast for 3–4 minutes at 350°F. The cut side gets beautifully golden, and the outer crust stays chewy.
• English muffins: Same as bagels—cut side up, 3–4 minutes. You’ll get that classic nook-and-cranny crispness.
• Gluten-free bread: These can be tricky in a toaster (they burn fast), but the air fryer gives you better control. I recommend 325°F (160°C) for 4–5 minutes, no flip needed.
• Texas toast or thick-cut bread: These take a bit longer—5–6 minutes at 350°F. Flip halfway for even browning.

One caveat: Avoid breads with large seeds, dried fruit, or thick crusts (like some artisan loaves) unless you’re okay with potential mess. The fan can blow loose toppings around the basket.

Step-by-Step: How to Toast Bread in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Prep Your Air Fryer and Bread

Start by preheating your air fryer. This is key—just like with a toaster, starting with a hot appliance gives you more consistent results. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and let it run for 2–3 minutes.

While it heats, prep your bread. Remove it from the packaging and let it sit out for a minute if it’s cold from the fridge. Cold bread can take longer to toast and may steam instead of crisp. If you’re toasting multiple slices, make sure they fit without overlapping. Overcrowding = uneven toasting.

Step 2: Choose the Right Time and Temperature

Here’s a general guideline based on bread type:

Bread Type	Temperature	Time	Flip Needed?
White sandwich bread	350°F (175°C)	3–4 minutes	Optional
Whole wheat	350°F (175°C)	4–5 minutes	Yes, halfway
Sourdough	360°F (180°C)	4–5 minutes	Yes, halfway
Bagels / English muffins	350°F (175°C)	3–4 minutes	No (cut side up)
Gluten-free	325°F (160°C)	4–5 minutes	No
Texas toast / thick-cut	350°F (175°C)	5–6 minutes	Yes, halfway

Note: These times are for standard 5–7 inch air fryers. Larger models may need slightly less time due to better airflow.

Step 3: Toast and Monitor

Place the bread in the basket. For even browning, lay it flat and avoid stacking. Close the basket and set the timer based on your bread type.

Here’s the golden rule: check early and often. I can’t tell you how many times I got distracted and came back to charcoal. After about 2 minutes, peek in. If the top is browning too fast, lower the temp by 25°F or flip the bread. If it’s not browning enough, leave it a bit longer.

If you’re flipping, use tongs or a spatula—don’t use your fingers! The basket gets hot.

Step 4: Remove and Serve

Once your bread reaches your desired toastiness, remove it carefully. Let it cool for 30 seconds—this helps the crust set and prevents steam from making it soggy.

Now, the best part: butter it, add jam, avocado, or your favorite toppings. I love making air fryer toast with a fried egg and hot sauce for breakfast. It’s crispy, satisfying, and ready in under 5 minutes.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Burning the Toast (It Happens!)

I’ll admit it—my first attempt ended with a slice that looked like a hockey puck. The air fryer is fast, and it doesn’t take much to go from golden to black.

How to avoid it:

• Start with a lower temperature (325°F) for your first try, then increase as you get comfortable.
• Set a timer, but check at the halfway point.
• If your air fryer runs hot (many do), reduce time by 30–60 seconds.
• Use the “shake” function if your model has one—it helps redistribute heat.

Uneven Toasting (One Side Dark, One Side Pale)

This is a common issue, especially with older or smaller air fryers. The fan might not circulate air evenly, or the bread might be blocking airflow.

Fix it by:

• Flipping the bread halfway through (for loaves, not cut-side-up bagels).
• Leaving space between slices—don’t pack them in.
• Using the middle rack position if your air fryer has multiple levels.
• Shaking the basket gently at the halfway point (if safe).

Using Wet or Stale Bread

Wet bread (like from the fridge) steams instead of toasts. It gets rubbery, not crispy. Always let cold bread sit at room temp for 1–2 minutes before toasting.

Stale bread? Don’t toss it! The air fryer can rescue it. Just toast for an extra 30–60 seconds at 350°F. It’ll crisp up beautifully—perfect for French toast or garlic bread later.

Forgetting to Clean the Basket

Crumb buildup can affect performance and even cause smoking. After a few uses, wipe the basket with a damp cloth or run it through the dishwasher (if safe). A clean basket = better airflow = better toast.

Benefits and Drawbacks: Is It Worth It?

The Pros: Why You Might Love Air Fryer Toasting

After months of testing, here’s what I love about using my air fryer for toast:

• Speed: Preheated air fryer + 3–5 minutes = faster than waiting for a toaster to heat up.
• Versatility: Toast, reheat, or even make garlic bread—all in one appliance.
• Space-saving: If you’re tight on counter space, using one appliance for multiple tasks is a win.
• Even browning: Especially for thick or irregular breads, the air fryer delivers more consistent results.
• No toaster crumbs: The basket catches most crumbs, making cleanup easier.

I also love that I can toast while cooking other things. Need toast with your air fryer eggs? No problem. The air fryer handles both at once.

The Cons: When You Might Still Want a Toaster

It’s not all perfect. Here are the downsides:

• Learning curve: You’ll need to experiment with time and temp to get it right.
• No automatic pop-up: You have to monitor it—no walking away.
• Smaller capacity: Most air fryers hold 4–6 slices max, while toasters often do 2–4 at once (but faster).
• Energy use: Preheating and running the fan uses more energy than a toaster (though it’s still less than an oven).
• Texture difference: If you love the pressed, crunchy crust of toaster toast, the air fryer won’t fully replicate it.

For some, these trade-offs are worth it. For others, a toaster is still the simpler, more reliable option. It depends on your needs.

Final Thoughts: Should You Toast Bread in the Air Fryer?

So, can you toast bread in the air fryer? Absolutely. And in many cases, you should. It’s fast, flexible, and surprisingly effective. I now use my air fryer for toast at least 3–4 times a week, especially when I’m cooking multiple breakfast items or dealing with odd-shaped breads.

But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you toast bread multiple times a day, every day, a dedicated toaster might still be the better choice for convenience. However, if you’re looking to save space, love experimenting with your appliances, or just want a backup method, the air fryer is a fantastic tool.

My advice? Give it a try. Start with a simple slice of white bread at 350°F for 3 minutes. Check it early. Adjust as needed. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder why you ever relied on a toaster alone.

And hey—if you burn your first slice? Don’t worry. We’ve all been there. Just scrape off the black bits, try again, and enjoy that perfectly golden toast on the second try. Happy toasting!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I toast bread in the air fryer?

Yes, you can toast bread in the air fryer! It’s a quick and efficient method that delivers evenly golden results with minimal effort. Just place the bread in the basket and toast at 350°F (175°C) for 2–4 minutes.

How do I toast bread in the air fryer without burning it?

To prevent burning, keep an eye on the bread and start checking after 2 minutes. Adjust the time based on your air fryer’s heat intensity and desired crispness—lighter toasts need less time.

Is toasting bread in the air fryer healthier than a toaster?

Toasting bread in the air fryer doesn’t add extra fat, making it just as healthy as a toaster. The air fryer’s rapid air circulation ensures even toasting without oil, preserving the bread’s nutritional profile.

Can I toast multiple slices of bread at once in the air fryer?

Yes, but avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even toasting. Arrange slices in a single layer, leaving space between them for proper air circulation—you may need to toast in batches.

What’s the best temperature to toast bread in the air fryer?

The ideal temperature is 350°F (175°C). This setting browns the bread quickly without drying it out. For thicker slices or bagels, extend the time slightly instead of increasing the heat.

Can I use the air fryer to toast frozen bread?

Absolutely! Add 1–2 extra minutes to the toasting time for frozen bread. The air fryer’s convection heat thaws and crisps the bread evenly, making it a convenient option for quick breakfasts.