Air Fryer French Toast Recipe

Imagine diving into a stack of crisp, golden French toast that’s ready in record time, with almost no mess and all the cozy flavors you crave. That’s exactly what you get with Air Fryer French Toast! It’s the breakfast hero for busy mornings, bringing together tender brioche, a perfectly spiced custard soak, and a crunchy finish — all achieved right in your air fryer. If you love breakfast with minimal effort and maximum flavor, this is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Air Fryer French Toast is in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something special, whether that’s richness, sweetness, or that classic aromatic spice that makes every bite irresistible. Here’s what you need to gather:

• Cooking spray: Ensures your French toast releases easily and gets that beautiful golden edge without sticking.
• 3 large eggs: Creates the velvety custard base that soaks into each slice for richness and structure.
• ½ cup milk: Adds creaminess and helps the eggs blend seamlessly for a perfect soaking mixture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a hint of sweetness that elevates the whole dish.
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon: The classic French toast flavor booster—don’t skip it for that fragrant, cozy touch!
• Pinch salt: Just a pinch makes all the other flavors pop and balances the sweetness.
• 8 slices brioche bread: Soft and buttery, brioche soaks up the custard while holding its shape for the loveliest texture.

How to Make Air Fryer French Toast

Step 1: Prep Your Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F. If yours tends to stick, line the basket with parchment paper and give it a quick spritz of cooking spray. This step sets the stage for easy clean-up and helps the French toast develop that irresistible, crispy crust.

Step 2: Whip Up the Custard

Crack the eggs into a large, shallow bowl, then pour in the milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until everything is smoothly combined and the cinnamon is well-dispersed. The aroma at this point is enough to make you hungry already!

Step 3: Dip the Brioche

Working with one slice at a time, dip each piece of brioche bread into the custard. Flip so both sides are evenly coated, but try not to soak it so long that it becomes soggy. Place each piece in the air fryer basket as you go, arranging in a single layer.

Step 4: Air Fry Until Golden

Cook the French toast for 5 to 6 minutes. By the time the timer dings, you’ll see golden, puffy perfection. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to work in batches — it’s worth it for that beautifully even finish.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the French toast from the air fryer while it’s hot and fragrant. Serve the slices right away, topped with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or whatever your heart desires. Air Fryer French Toast is best enjoyed immediately for that epic contrast between crispy edges and tender center!

How to Serve Air Fryer French Toast

Garnishes

For a brunch-worthy presentation, shower your Air Fryer French Toast with powdered sugar, drizzle on warm maple syrup, or add a scoop of whipped cream. Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or toasted nuts make vibrant finishing touches, adding pops of color and an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair your Air Fryer French Toast with smoked bacon, breakfast sausage, or a bright side of fruit salad. The richness of French toast contrasts beautifully with something tart or savory, rounding out your morning meal and keeping things balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to have some fun? Cut the brioche into sticks before dipping for French toast “fries” that are perfect for dunking in syrup. If you’re hosting, stack slices and tuck fruit between them for a stunning brunch centerpiece. The flexibility of Air Fryer French Toast means you can make it your own every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Air Fryer French Toast, let the pieces cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to three days, making breakfast a breeze during the busy week.

Freezing

Air Fryer French Toast freezes beautifully! Lay cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then stack in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be ready and waiting for those mornings when only a homemade treat will do.

Reheating

To bring that crispy texture back, pop refrigerated or frozen slices right back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F. No need to thaw first — just heat until warmed through and golden. The edges will crisp up again as if they were just made!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for Air Fryer French Toast?

Absolutely! While brioche offers a buttery, tender bite, challah, Texas toast, or even thick white sandwich bread will soak up the custard nicely. Just choose a sturdy bread so it won’t fall apart during dipping.

Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating ensures every slice of Air Fryer French Toast cooks evenly and develops a gorgeous crust. It’s a small but important step you don’t want to skip for best results.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite plant-based milk (like almond, oat, or soy) for the regular milk. Just check the bread you choose as well, as some brioche can contain dairy products.

How do I prevent the French toast from sticking?

Lining the basket with parchment paper and giving a light spray of cooking oil makes a big difference. Also, make sure to avoid overcrowding — this helps each slice cook up evenly and releases easily.

Is there a way to make this French toast extra crispy?

For even more crunch, try a quick spritz of cooking spray right on the coated bread before air frying. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle with a little turbinado sugar for a subtle caramelized finish.

Final Thoughts

Breakfast just hit a whole new level of fun and flavor with Air Fryer French Toast. It’s fast, family-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Go ahead and give this recipe a try — your mornings are about to get a whole lot more delicious!

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