Air Fryer French Toast
Air fryer French toast cooks in about 8 minutes per batch, with crisp, golden edges and a soft custard center, and you do not have to stand over a griddle. The hot air sets the egg quickly, so there is no soggy middle. This recipe makes classic slices and French toast sticks, and it gives times for frozen French toast sticks in the air fryer.
- Temperature
- 350°F180 °C
- Total time
- 44min
- Prep time
- 10min
- Servings
- 4
- Per serving
- 390kcal
Why the air fryer works for French toast
French toast is bread soaked in a custard that needs to set without drying out the bread. On a griddle, one side browns while the other waits, and the center can stay wet if the slice is thick. In the air fryer, hot air hits both sides at once, so the egg sets from the outside in while the surface browns in about 8 minutes.
The thick, sturdy bread matters more here than in a skillet. A dense slice such as brioche or challah soaks up custard without falling apart, and the strong air flow dries the surface just enough to crisp it. A light spray of oil replaces the butter in the pan. For plain browned bread without custard, see toast in the air fryer.
How to make French toast in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Mix the custard Whisk the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and salt in a shallow dish until no streaks of egg remain.
- Soak briefly Dip each slice for 10 seconds per side, just long enough to absorb the custard. Let the excess drip back into the dish for a few seconds. Over-soaked bread turns soggy and tears.
- Preheat Preheat the air fryer to 350 °F for . Brush or mist the basket generously with oil, because custard-soaked bread sticks.
- Cook Place 2 slices in the basket in a single layer without overlapping. Mist the tops lightly with oil and air fry for , flipping after , until deep golden brown and the center is set. Cook the remaining slices in batches.
- Serve Rest for , then serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar and berries.
Times and temperatures
| Air Fryer French Toast | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh slices, thick-cutFlip after 4 min | 350 °F (180 °C) | 8 min |
| Fresh French toast sticksShake once | 350 °F (180 °C) | 6–8 min |
| Frozen French toast sticksDo not thaw | 375 °F (190 °C) | 5–6 min |
| Bites, 1-inch cubes | 350 °F (180 °C) | 5–6 min |
| Reheat leftover | 330 °F (170 °C) | 3–4 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Use day-old bread. Slightly dry bread absorbs custard without turning mushy, and it holds up in the airflow.
- Soak briefly. Ten seconds per side is enough. The bread keeps absorbing after you remove it.
- Cook in batches. Slices should lie flat without overlapping. Most baskets hold 2 slices at a time.
Slices, sticks and bites
For slices, cut thick bread into triangles or leave it whole. For French toast sticks, cut each slice into 3 strips before dipping, then cook in a single layer and shake the basket after 3 minutes. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes for bites, which work well with dipping syrup. Frozen French toast sticks are easier: they cook from frozen at 375 °F in about 6 minutes, and the crisp outside is part of the product.
What to serve with French toast
Maple syrup is the classic topping. Add fresh strawberries or blueberries, a spoonful of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. For a full brunch plate, serve with bacon or scrambled eggs. More ideas are in the breakfast category.
Storing and reheating
Cooled French toast keeps for 3 days in the refrigerator, or up to 2 months in the freezer with parchment between slices. Reheat in the air fryer at 330 °F for 3 to 4 minutes, flipping once, or 5 to 6 minutes from frozen. The edges re-crisp better than in a microwave.
Variations
- Cinnamon sugar sticks: Toss cooked sticks in 2 tbsp sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon.
- Stuffed: Spread cream cheese and jam between two slices before dipping.
- Orange zest: Add 1 tsp grated orange zest to the custard.
- Dairy-free: Use unsweetened oat milk in place of whole milk.
If it does not turn out right
- The French toast is soggy in the center
- The bread was soaked too long or sliced too thin. Use thick bread, soak 10 seconds per side and cook an extra minute until the center is no longer wet.
- The slices stick to the basket
- Oil the basket well before every batch and flip with a thin spatula. A perforated parchment liner helps when it is weighed down by the bread.
- The edges are dark but the center is wet
- Lower the heat to 330 °F and cook 2 minutes longer. Stale or day-old bread absorbs custard more evenly.
Questions and answers
How long do you cook French toast in the air fryer?
Fresh slices take about 8 minutes at 350 °F, flipped halfway. French toast sticks take 6 to 8 minutes.
How do you cook frozen French toast sticks in the air fryer?
Cook frozen French toast sticks at 375 °F for 5 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Do not thaw first. Add 1 minute for a crisper finish.
Can you make French toast in the air fryer with regular sandwich bread?
Yes, but it is softer and more delicate. Use slightly stale bread, soak for only 5 seconds per side and cook 6 to 7 minutes.
How do you reheat French toast in the air fryer?
Reheat at 330 °F for 3 to 4 minutes, flipping once, until crisp outside and hot in the center.
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