Can You Make Toast in an Air Fryer Discover How Here

Yes, you can absolutely make toast in an air fryer—it’s quick, efficient, and delivers perfectly golden, crispy results every time. Simply place bread in the basket, set the temperature to 350°F (175°C), and toast for 2–4 minutes, adjusting for your preferred level of crunch. No need to preheat or use a separate toaster!

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can toast bread in an air fryer—quick, easy, and evenly browned.
• Preheat for best results: 3-5 minutes ensures crisp, golden toast every time.
• Use low to medium heat to avoid burning; adjust time for desired crunch.
• Add butter or oil before toasting for richer flavor and better texture.
• Flip halfway through for even browning on both sides of the bread.
• Try bagels or pastries—air fryers handle thicker breads with ease.

The Air Fryer Revolution: Can You Make Toast in It?

When I first got my air fryer, I was obsessed. Crispy fries without the guilt? Yes, please. Chicken wings that taste like they’ve been deep-fried but aren’t? Sign me up. But then I started wondering—what else can this little countertop wonder do? Could it handle something as simple, yet sacred, as toast?

Toast is a staple in most households. Whether it’s a quick breakfast, a snack, or a base for avocado, it’s something we’ve all made in a toaster or toaster oven. But if you’re like me, you might have looked at your air fryer and thought, “Wait… can I just put bread in here and call it a day?” The short answer is yes, you absolutely can. But like most things in life, it’s not quite as simple as just tossing bread in and hitting “start.” Let’s dive into how, why, and what you need to know about making toast in an air fryer—because yes, it’s possible, and yes, it might just change your morning routine.

How Air Fryers Work (And Why They Can Toast)

The Science Behind Air Fryers

Before we get into the toasting part, let’s break down how air fryers actually work. Unlike traditional ovens or toasters, air fryers use rapid air technology. That means they circulate hot air around food at high speed, creating a crispy, golden exterior—just like deep frying, but with little to no oil. This process is called convection, and it’s the same principle behind convection ovens.

Inside the air fryer, a heating element warms the air, and a powerful fan pushes that hot air around the food. Because the air moves so fast, it dehydrates the outer layer of the food, creating that crunchy texture we love. For toast, that’s perfect—because what is toast but dehydrated bread with a golden crust?

Why Air Fryers Can Toast (And Why It’s Not Just a Gimmick)

So, can you make toast in an air fryer? Technically, yes. But is it worth it? That depends. Air fryers are great at browning and crisping, which is exactly what toast needs. The key is even heat distribution. Unlike a regular toaster, which uses radiant heat from heating coils, an air fryer surrounds the bread with hot air from all sides. This means you can get a more even toast, especially if you’re using thicker bread or want a more customized level of browning.

One of my first attempts at air fryer toast was with sourdough. I was skeptical—would it burn? Would it be too soft? But the result? Crispy on the outside, slightly chewy on the inside, and evenly golden. It wasn’t just “toast.” It was better toast.

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

Preparing Your Air Fryer

First things first: prep your air fryer. You don’t need to preheat in most cases, but I recommend it for consistency—especially if you’re making multiple slices. Here’s how:

• Preheat: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it run for 3–5 minutes. This ensures the basket is hot when you add the bread, helping it start toasting immediately.
• Use the basket: Place the bread directly in the air fryer basket. Don’t use a pan or foil (unless you’re making something like garlic toast with butter—more on that later). The hot air needs to circulate freely.
• Don’t overcrowd: Leave space between slices so air can flow. If your basket is small, do one slice at a time.

Toasting Time and Temperature

This is where things get personal. Toast preferences vary—some like it barely golden, others want it almost charred. Here’s a general guide:

• White bread: 3–4 minutes at 350°F (175°C)
• Whole wheat or multigrain: 4–5 minutes (thicker, so needs more time)
• Sourdough or thick-cut: 5–6 minutes
• Gluten-free bread: 3–4 minutes (tends to burn faster, so keep an eye on it)

Pro tip: Flip the bread halfway through for even toasting. I learned this the hard way when my first slice came out one side golden and the other pale. Flipping fixes that.

Customizing Your Toast

One of the best things about using an air fryer for toast? You can customize it while toasting. Here are a few ideas:

• Butter it before: Lightly brush the bread with butter or olive oil before toasting. It adds flavor and helps with browning.
• Add toppings early: For garlic toast, spread butter and garlic powder on the bread, then toast. The heat melts the butter and toasts the garlic.
• Cheese toast: Place a slice of cheese on the bread after the first 2 minutes, then finish toasting. The air fryer melts the cheese perfectly without burning it.

I once made “everything bagel” toast by sprinkling everything bagel seasoning on buttered bread before air frying. The result? A flavor bomb that was crispy, savory, and way better than anything from a toaster.

Pros and Cons of Air Fryer Toast

The Good: Why You Should Try It

Let’s be honest—air fryer toast isn’t just a novelty. It has real advantages:

• Even browning: The circulating air means no hot spots. No more one side burnt, the other underdone.
• Customization: You can toast bread with butter, cheese, or toppings already on it. Try that in a regular toaster.
• Versatility: You can use the same appliance for toast, reheating leftovers, and cooking full meals. Less clutter on your counter.
• Better texture: Air fryer toast is crispier and less dry than toaster toast. It retains a bit of chewiness in the center.
• No preheating (usually): Most air fryers heat up fast, so you can toast in under 5 minutes.

My husband, who was initially skeptical, now uses the air fryer for toast every morning. He says it’s “faster and better” than our old toaster oven.

The Not-So-Good: What to Watch Out For

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and golden crust. Here are some downsides:

• Size limitations: Most air fryers are small. If you’re making toast for a family of four, it’ll take multiple batches.
• Learning curve: Every air fryer is different. You’ll need to experiment with time and temperature.
• Risk of burning: Air fryers heat fast. If you walk away, your toast might go from golden to charcoal in seconds.
• Cleaning: Bread crumbs can get stuck in the basket. A quick wipe with a damp cloth usually fixes it, but it’s more work than a toaster’s crumb tray.
• No bagel setting: Unlike toasters, air fryers don’t have a “bagel” mode. You’ll need to toast both sides or cut the bagel in half and lay it flat.

One time, I got distracted by a phone call and left my sourdough in for an extra minute. It came out looking like a hockey puck. Lesson learned: set a timer!

Beyond Plain Toast: Creative Air Fryer Toast Recipes

Breakfast Toast Ideas

Toast is just the beginning. Here are some breakfast recipes you can make in your air fryer:

• Avocado toast: Toast the bread first, then top with mashed avocado, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. No need to toast the avocado—just the bread.
• Egg toast: Crack an egg into a small ramekin, place it on the toast, and air fry at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. You’ll get a runny yolk with crispy edges.
• French toast sticks

Lunch and Snack Toast

Toast isn’t just for breakfast. Try these:

• Grilled cheese: Butter the bread, add cheese, and air fry at 350°F for 4–5 minutes. Flip halfway for even melting.
• Bruschetta: Top toasted bread with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and balsamic glaze. Toast the bread first, then add the toppings.
• Open-faced tuna melt: Spread tuna salad on bread, add cheese, and air fry until the cheese melts.

Dessert Toast

Yes, even dessert! Here are two sweet ideas:

• Cinnamon sugar toast: Brush bread with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, and air fry for 2–3 minutes.
• Peanut butter and banana toast: Spread peanut butter on bread, add banana slices, and air fry for 3 minutes. Add a drizzle of honey if you like.

I made the cinnamon sugar toast for my niece last weekend. She called it “the best toast ever” and asked for seconds. That’s when I knew the air fryer had officially won her over.

Comparing Air Fryer Toast to Other Methods

Let’s put air fryer toast to the test against other common toasting methods. Here’s a quick comparison:

Method	Time	Browning	Texture	Customization	Cleanup
Air fryer	3–6 minutes	Even, golden	Crispy outside, chewy inside	High (toppings, butter, etc.)	Moderate (crumbs in basket)
Toaster	2–4 minutes	Variable (hot spots)	Dry, uniform	Low (no toppings during toast)	Easy (crumb tray)
Toaster oven	5–8 minutes	Even	Crispy outside, dry inside	Moderate	Moderate (larger crumb tray)
Oven broiler	2–4 minutes	Uneven (risk of burning)	Charred outside, soft inside	High	Hard (grease splatter)

As you can see, the air fryer wins in browning and customization, but it’s not the fastest or easiest to clean. It’s a trade-off, but for me, the better toast is worth it.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Toast Every Time

General Best Practices

• Use fresh bread: Stale bread toasts faster but can burn easily. Fresh bread gives better results.
• Don’t skip the timer: Set a timer for the first few attempts. You can adjust later.
• Experiment with thickness: Thicker bread needs more time. Adjust accordingly.
• Clean the basket regularly: Crumbs can smoke or burn, affecting taste.
• Use parchment paper (optional): If you’re worried about sticking or crumbs, use a small air fryer parchment liner. Just don’t block the air vents.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Burnt toast: Lower the temperature or reduce time. Try 325°F instead of 350°F.
• Soggy toast: Make sure the air fryer is preheated and the bread isn’t overcrowded.
• Uneven toasting: Flip the bread halfway through. Also, rotate the basket if your air fryer has uneven heating.
• Smoke or smell: Clean the basket. Burnt crumbs or oil residue can cause this.

I once tried toasting a frozen bagel in the air fryer. It came out soggy in the middle and burnt on the outside. The fix? Thaw the bagel first, then toast. Lesson learned: not all breads are created equal for air frying.

Final Thoughts: Is Air Fryer Toast Worth It?

So, can you make toast in an air fryer? Absolutely. Is it better than your toaster? That depends on what you value. If you want speed, simplicity, and a crumb tray, stick with your toaster. But if you love customization, even browning, and the idea of using one appliance for multiple tasks, the air fryer is a game-changer.

I’ve made everything from simple buttered toast to elaborate open-faced sandwiches in my air fryer. It’s become my go-to for quick breakfasts, snacks, and even light lunches. Yes, it takes a little more attention than a toaster, but the results are worth it. The toast is crispier, more flavorful, and infinitely more versatile.

And here’s the best part: once you master the basics, you can start experimenting. Add cheese, herbs, spices, or even sweet toppings. The air fryer isn’t just a toaster—it’s a tool for creativity. So go ahead, give it a try. Your morning toast might never be the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make toast in an air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely make toast in an air fryer! The hot circulating air crisps bread evenly, delivering golden-brown results similar to a traditional toaster.

How do you make toast in an air fryer?

Simply place bread slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, set the temperature to 360°F (182°C), and cook for 2–4 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning. No preheating is required for most models.

Is air fryer toast better than regular toaster toast?

Air fryer toast offers more even browning and can accommodate thicker slices or artisanal breads better than standard toasters. It’s also a great option if you don’t own a toaster.

Can you use the air fryer to toast bread for avocado toast or sandwiches?

Definitely! Air fryer toast is perfect for avocado toast, grilled cheese, or breakfast sandwiches. Just add your toppings after toasting, or layer ingredients and air fry for a quick hot sandwich.

What temperature and time should you use to toast bread in an air fryer?

For best results, toast bread at 350–375°F (175–190°C) for 2–4 minutes. Thinner slices need less time, while thicker breads may require an extra minute or a flip.

Can you toast multiple slices of bread in an air fryer at once?

Yes, but avoid overcrowding. Arrange slices in a single layer with space between them to ensure proper air circulation and even toasting. Cook in batches if needed.