Can You Do Toast in an Air Fryer Find Out Here

Yes, you can absolutely make toast in an air fryer—it’s quick, efficient, and delivers perfectly golden, crispy results every time. With minimal preheating and easy cleanup, air fryer toast outperforms traditional toasters, making it a must-try kitchen hack for busy mornings.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can toast bread in an air fryer—quickly and evenly with crisp results.
• Preheat the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to ensure consistent browning every time.
• Use 350–375°F for ideal toast—adjust time for light or dark preferences.
• Flip halfway through toasting for uniform crispness on both sides.
• Experiment with settings—different breads need slight timing or temp adjustments.
• Add butter or toppings after toasting to avoid smoke and mess in the basket.

Can You Do Toast in an Air Fryer? Let’s Find Out

You’ve just pulled your air fryer out of the box, and you’re ready to conquer the world of crispy, golden-brown toast—only to pause and wonder: can you do toast in an air fryer? After all, it’s a gadget designed to mimic deep frying without oil, so why not use it for your morning bread? I was in your shoes a few years ago. My toaster was acting up, and I was already in love with how my air fryer made chicken wings extra crispy. So, I thought, “Why not toast?” Spoiler: It works—but it’s not always as simple as it sounds.

The truth is, air fryers are incredibly versatile, and yes, they can toast bread. But there’s more to it than just tossing in a slice and pressing a button. The texture, timing, and even the type of bread matter. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned—from the best settings to avoid burnt edges, to how to get that perfect golden crust without drying out the inside. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, this post will help you decide if air fryer toasting is right for you.

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

The Science Behind the Crisp

At its core, an air fryer is a compact convection oven. It uses a heating element and a powerful fan to circulate hot air around food. This rapid airflow creates a crisp, even cook—ideal for foods like fries, chicken tenders, and yes, toast. Unlike traditional toasters that use radiant heat from heating elements on the sides, air fryers surround the food with hot air, which can lead to more consistent results.

Think of it like this: a toaster is like standing in front of a campfire—only the side facing the fire gets warm. An air fryer is more like being inside a windy sauna—hot air hits you from all angles. This means your toast gets heat from above, below, and the sides, which can result in a more even browning.

Why Toast in an Air Fryer?

So why would you want to toast in an air fryer instead of your trusty toaster? Here are a few reasons:

• Versatility: Your air fryer can do more than toast—it can reheat leftovers, bake cookies, and even make garlic bread. One appliance, many uses.
• Even Browning: If you’ve ever had a toaster that burns one side and leaves the other pale, the air fryer’s 360-degree heat can help.
• Space-Saving: In small kitchens, combining appliances is a win. No need for a toaster and an air fryer if one can do both.
• Customization: You can toast bagels, English muffins, or even thick sourdough slices—all in the same basket.

But it’s not perfect. Air fryers don’t have dedicated toast settings (on most models), so you’ll need to experiment with time and temperature. And because the basket is open, you might need to flip your bread for even results—something a toaster does automatically.

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

Choosing the Right Settings

The key to great air fryer toast is finding the sweet spot between crisp and char. Here’s what I’ve found works best:

• Temperature: Start with 350°F (175°C). This is hot enough to brown the bread but not so hot that it burns in seconds.
• Time: Begin with 2–3 minutes for regular sliced bread. For thicker breads (like sourdough or bagels), go 3–5 minutes.
• Flip Midway: For even browning, flip the bread halfway through. This mimics the “two-sided” toasting of a traditional toaster.

Pro tip: Use the manual mode on your air fryer. Pre-programmed “toast” settings are rare, so you’ll need to set the time and temp yourself. If your model has a “bake” or “air fry” setting, use that.

Preparing Your Bread

Not all bread is created equal. Here’s how to prep different types:

• Regular Sliced Bread: Place it directly in the basket. No oil needed—unless you want extra crispiness (a light spray works).
• Thick Breads (Sourdough, Ciabatta, etc.): These need longer time. Start with 4 minutes at 350°F, flip, and add 1–2 more minutes.
• Bagels or English Muffins: Slice them in half first. Toast cut-side up for even results.
• Gluten-Free or Low-Carb Bread: These dry out faster. Reduce time by 1 minute and keep a close eye.

Example: Last weekend, I tried toasting sourdough. I set the air fryer to 350°F for 4 minutes, flipped the slice at 2 minutes, and ended up with a perfectly crisp crust and a soft, chewy center. No burnt edges—unlike my toaster, which always scorches the top.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the right settings, things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix them:

• Burnt Edges: Lower the temperature to 325°F or reduce time by 30 seconds. Some air fryers run hotter than others.
• Soggy Center: This happens if the bread is too thick or the temp is too low. Increase time or temp slightly, and flip more frequently.
• Uneven Browning: Rotate the bread every 30 seconds, or use the basket’s crisper plate (if your model has one) to elevate it.
• Sticking to the Basket: Lightly spray the basket with oil or use parchment paper (make sure it’s air fryer-safe).

Beyond Basic Toast: Creative Air Fryer Ideas

Garlic Bread & Cheesy Toast

Why stop at plain toast? The air fryer is perfect for upgrading your morning (or dinner) with minimal effort. Here’s how I make garlic bread in under 10 minutes:

1. Slice a baguette or Italian loaf into 1-inch pieces.
2. Mix 1/4 cup melted butter, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1 tsp dried parsley.
3. Brush the mixture over each slice.
4. Air fry at 375°F for 3–4 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

For cheesy toast, add shredded mozzarella or cheddar after brushing with garlic butter. Air fry for an extra 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts. Pro tip: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a kick.

Reheating Leftover Toast (Yes, Really!)

Got day-old toast that’s gone soggy? The air fryer can revive it. Place the slices in the basket and air fry at 350°F for 1–2 minutes. They’ll crisp up without drying out. This works great for leftover garlic bread, too.

Sweet Toast Ideas

Breakfast isn’t just about savory flavors. Try these sweet twists:

• Cinnamon Sugar Toast: Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and air fry at 350°F for 2–3 minutes.
• Banana Toast: Top toast with sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey. Air fry for 1–2 minutes to warm the bananas.
• Peanut Butter & Jelly Reheat: Got a cold PB&J? Air fry it at 325°F for 2 minutes to warm the jelly without burning the bread.

My favorite? Cinnamon sugar toast with a dollop of Greek yogurt. It’s like a healthy version of French toast, ready in 5 minutes.

Pros and Cons: Air Fryer vs. Toaster

Why the Air Fryer Wins

Let’s be honest: the air fryer has some serious advantages over a toaster:

• Even Browning: No more half-burnt, half-pale slices.
• Customization: You control the texture—light, medium, or dark—with just a few tweaks.
• Multi-Functionality: It’s not just a toaster. You can make eggs, reheat pizza, or even bake cookies.
• Space Efficiency: In a small kitchen, one appliance is better than two.

Example: When my toaster broke, I used my air fryer for toast for two weeks. Not only did it work, but I also started making garlic bread and reheating pastries. Suddenly, my kitchen felt more efficient.

Where the Toaster Still Shines

But the air fryer isn’t perfect. Here’s where a toaster might still be better:

• Speed: A toaster takes 1–2 minutes. An air fryer usually takes 2–5 minutes, depending on the bread.
• Ease of Use: With a toaster, you just pop in the bread and press down. No flipping or monitoring required.
• Consistency: High-end toasters have sensors that adjust for bread thickness. Air fryers don’t—yet.
• Cleanup: Toaster crumbs fall into a tray. Air fryer baskets need to be washed after every use (though they’re usually dishwasher-safe).

Data Table: Air Fryer vs. Toaster Comparison

Feature	Air Fryer	Toaster
Browning Control	High (manual time/temp)	Medium (pre-set levels)
Speed	2–5 minutes	1–2 minutes
Versatility	Excellent (toast, bake, reheat, etc.)	Limited (toast only)
Cleanup	Basket must be washed	Crumb tray easy to remove
Space	Compact (but larger than toaster)	Very compact
Best For	Experimenters, small kitchens	Quick, consistent toast

Tips for Getting the Best Results

Know Your Air Fryer’s Quirks

Every air fryer is different. Some run hot, others run cool. Here’s how to adapt:

• Test with One Slice: Don’t toast a full batch until you’ve nailed the settings. Start with 2 minutes at 350°F, then adjust.
• Check the Manual: Some models have “toast” presets or recommend specific basket positions (e.g., “middle rack”).
• Preheat (Optional): Preheating for 2–3 minutes can help, but it’s not always necessary.

Example: My first air fryer ran hot. I burned three slices before realizing I needed to reduce the temp to 325°F. Once I adjusted, it worked like a charm.

Bread Matters—Choose Wisely

Not all bread toasts the same. Here’s what to consider:

• Fresh vs. Stale: Fresh bread toasts faster. Stale bread needs lower heat and longer time to avoid burning.
• Thickness: Thick bread (like sourdough) needs more time. Thin bread (like sandwich slices) can burn in seconds.
• Moisture Content: Whole grain breads have more moisture, so they toast slower than white bread.

Cleaning and Maintenance

To keep your air fryer in top shape:

• Wipe the Basket: After toasting, wipe it with a damp cloth. Avoid abrasive scrubbers.
• Remove Crumbs: Shake the basket or use a soft brush to remove loose crumbs.
• Deep Clean Monthly: Soak the basket in soapy water if it’s greasy (e.g., after making garlic bread).

Pro tip: Line the basket with air fryer-safe parchment paper to reduce mess. Just make sure the paper doesn’t block airflow.

Final Thoughts: Should You Toast in an Air Fryer?

So, can you do toast in an air fryer? Absolutely. But is it always the best choice? That depends on your needs.

If you value versatility, customization, and even browning, the air fryer is a fantastic tool. It’s perfect for small kitchens, busy mornings, or anyone who loves experimenting with flavors (hello, garlic bread and cinnamon toast). The ability to control time and temperature means you can achieve your ideal toast texture—crispy outside, soft inside—without relying on pre-set buttons.

However, if you prioritize speed, simplicity, and consistency, a toaster might still be your go-to. There’s nothing wrong with using both appliances: the toaster for quick weekday breakfasts, the air fryer for weekend experiments.

The bottom line? The air fryer isn’t just a trendy gadget—it’s a kitchen workhorse. And while it might not replace your toaster entirely, it’s definitely worth adding toast to its list of skills. So go ahead, toss a slice in the basket, and see what happens. You might just discover a new favorite way to start your day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you do toast in an air fryer?

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

How do you make toast in an air fryer?

Place your bread slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, then cook at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning. Adjust time based on your preferred crispness.

Is air fryer toast better than regular toaster toast?

Air fryer toast offers more even browning and versatility, as you can add toppings like cheese or avocado before cooking. However, it may take slightly longer than a dedicated toaster.

What type of bread works best for air fryer toast?

Thicker slices like sourdough, whole grain, or Texas toast work well in the air fryer. Avoid very thin bread, as it may burn easily at high temperatures.

Can you do toast in an air fryer with toppings like cheese?

Yes! Add toppings like shredded cheese, butter, or cinnamon sugar during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking to avoid burning. The air fryer’s circulation melts cheese perfectly.

Does making toast in an air fryer save energy?

Yes, air fryers typically use less energy than ovens or toasters, especially for small batches. Their compact size and rapid heating make them an efficient choice for quick meals.