How Long Does French Toast Go in the Air Fryer?

French toast is a classic breakfast favorite, offering a delicious combination of crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. While traditionally made by frying bread in a pan, the air fryer has become a game-changer for those looking to prepare it in a quicker and healthier way. But how long does French toast go in the air fryer? If you’re wondering how to perfect your air fryer French toast, you’re in the right place!

In this article, we will walk you through the entire process—from preparing the ingredients to mastering the cooking time and temperature in the air fryer. You’ll also find helpful tips and tricks, serving suggestions, and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).

What is French Toast?

French toast, also known as egg bread or Arme Ritter, is made by soaking slices of bread in a mixture of eggs, milk, and seasonings, then cooking them until golden brown. It’s one of the most beloved breakfast dishes worldwide, perfect for any time of day, and often topped with syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.

The traditional recipe calls for frying in a pan with butter or oil, but air frying offers a healthier, less greasy alternative. Not only does the air fryer provide a crispy texture without the need for deep frying, but it also reduces cooking time significantly.

You can get creative with this dish by varying the bread types (such as brioche, challah, or even cinnamon raisin) and experimenting with flavorings like vanilla, cinnamon, or even almond extract.

How Long Does French Toast Go in the Air Fryer

Benefits of Making French Toast in an Air Fryer

Using the air fryer to make French toast offers numerous advantages over traditional methods:

Less oil: Traditional French toast is often cooked with butter or oil, making it high in calories. In the air fryer, you can achieve the same crispy texture without the excess fat.
Faster cooking: Air fryers cook food quickly and evenly by circulating hot air, cutting the cooking time in half.
Even browning: The hot air in the fryer ensures that French toast is evenly cooked, with a crispy exterior and soft interior.
Healthier option: By using less oil and fat, air fryer French toast is a healthier option, especially if you’re looking to manage calorie intake.

How to Prepare French Toast for the Air Fryer

Making French toast for the air fryer is simple, and the ingredients are the same as for traditional methods. However, there are a few steps that ensure the best results.

Prepare the Batter:
- Ingredients:
  - 2 eggs
  - 1 cup milk (you can use almond milk for a dairy-free version)
  - 1 tsp vanilla extract
  - 1 tsp cinnamon
  - 2 tbsp melted butter
- Whisk these ingredients together in a medium bowl until well combined. You can adjust the seasonings based on personal preference, such as adding nutmeg or a splash of maple syrup.
Choose the Right Bread:
- The bread you choose is crucial to the texture of your French toast. For the best results:
  - Use thick slices of bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast.
  - Slightly stale bread works best because it soaks up the batter without falling apart.
  - You can also use gluten-free bread if necessary.
Dip the Bread:
- Dip each slice of bread into the batter, making sure both sides are coated. Don’t soak them for too long—just a quick dip to avoid sogginess.
Arrange in the Air Fryer:
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or lightly coat it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the bread slices in the basket in a single layer. If you’re making multiple servings, you may need to cook them in batches.

Air Fryer Settings

Now that you’ve prepared your French toast, it’s time to get cooking!

Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheating is essential to ensure the French toast cooks evenly. Set the air fryer to 370°F (190°C) and allow it to heat up for a few minutes before adding the bread slices.
Set the Cooking Time:
- For the perfect French toast, cook each side as follows:
  - First side: 4–6 minutes.
  - Flip: 2–3 additional minutes until golden brown.
- Depending on the thickness of the bread and the air fryer model, you might need to adjust the cooking time. Keep an eye on the toast to prevent overcooking or burning.

Air fryers can vary slightly in their heat distribution, so make sure to check your air fryer’s manual for recommended settings, especially for thicker slices of bread.

How Long Does French Toast Take in the Air Fryer?

On average, it takes 6 to 9 minutes to cook French toast in the air fryer. The cooking time might vary slightly based on several factors:

Bread thickness: Thicker slices will take longer to cook than thinner ones.
Air fryer model: Some air fryers cook faster than others. Always check the toast a minute or two before the timer goes off to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
Desired crispness: If you prefer a crispier texture, you can add an extra minute to the cooking time.

After flipping the toast halfway through, the other side will take about 2 to 3 minutes to achieve the perfect golden brown. It’s crucial to ensure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded so that the hot air can circulate properly around the bread slices.

Tips for Perfect Toast

To ensure your air fryer French toast turns out crispy and delicious every time, here are a few tips:

Avoid overcrowding: Space the slices out in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches.
Don’t soak the bread too long: A quick dip in the batter is enough. Too much liquid can result in soggy French toast.
Use parchment paper or spray: Prevent sticking by lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper or using non-stick cooking spray.
Flip halfway: Be sure to flip the bread slices halfway through cooking to achieve a golden brown on both sides.
Customize the batter: Feel free to experiment with different types of milk (almond, coconut, or oat) and flavorings (cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla).

Serving Suggestions

Once your French toast is perfectly cooked, it’s time to serve! Here are some topping ideas to make your breakfast extra special:

Classic toppings: Powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a pat of butter.
Fruit toppings: Fresh strawberries, bananas, blueberries, or even a fruit compote.
Whipped cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Savory twist: Try adding a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a savory French toast experience.

The versatility of French toast allows you to serve it in countless ways, so feel free to get creative!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making French Toast in the Air Fryer

Making French toast in the air fryer is fairly simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can prevent you from getting the perfect result:

Overcrowding the air fryer basket: Make sure there’s enough space between the slices to allow the hot air to circulate.
Too much batter: Dipping the bread too long in the batter can make it soggy. A quick dip is all you need.
Not flipping: Skipping the flip can result in uneven cooking. Always flip your toast halfway through.
Incorrect cooking time: If the toast is undercooked, leave it in for another minute or two. If it’s overcooked, lower the temperature for the next batch.

FAQs about Air Fryer French Toast

How Long Should French Toast Go in the Air Fryer?

French toast typically takes 6 to 9 minutes in the air fryer to cook properly. The general rule is to cook the French toast for about 4 to 6 minutes on one side, then flip it and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes on the other side. However, cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your bread slices and the air fryer model you are using. Thicker bread slices may require a slightly longer cooking time, while thinner slices could cook more quickly. Always check your French toast halfway through the process to ensure it reaches your preferred level of crispiness without overcooking.

Can You Make French Toast Without Eggs in the Air Fryer?

Yes, it’s entirely possible to make eggless French toast in the air fryer by substituting eggs with plant-based ingredients. Some popular egg substitutes include mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). These substitutes work well to provide a similar texture and binding effect as eggs, allowing you to enjoy a delicious egg-free version of French toast. This is also a great option for those with dietary restrictions or allergies.

Why Is My French Toast Soggy in the Air Fryer?

If your French toast is turning out soggy in the air fryer, there are a few potential reasons for this. Too much batter on the bread, or soaking it for too long, can result in excess moisture that prevents it from crisping up properly. Make sure to dip the bread only briefly in the batter—just enough to coat it without allowing it to become overly saturated. Another common issue is overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can prevent proper air circulation and lead to uneven cooking. Always ensure there is enough space between the slices to allow the hot air to circulate freely around them.

Can I Use Frozen Bread for Air Fryer French Toast?

Yes, you can definitely use frozen bread to make French toast in the air fryer. Simply place the frozen slices in the air fryer for a few minutes to toast them lightly before dipping them into the batter. The pre-toasting step helps to prevent the bread from becoming too soggy once it’s soaked in the batter. After that, proceed with the usual steps of dipping and air frying to achieve a perfect batch of French toast.

Can I Make French Toast for a Crowd in the Air Fryer?

Yes, the air fryer is a great tool for making French toast for a crowd, but it requires some planning. You can cook the French toast in batches to ensure even cooking and avoid overcrowding. When preparing for a larger group, make sure the slices are arranged in a single layer with enough space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation. Cooking in batches will help each slice achieve that perfect crispy exterior and soft interior. You can keep the cooked French toast warm by placing it in an oven set to low heat (around 200°F) until you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Making French toast in the air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthier way to enjoy this beloved breakfast dish without compromising on flavor or texture. Traditional French toast often involves frying bread in oil or butter, which adds extra calories and fat. However, with the air fryer, you can achieve that same golden-brown, crispy exterior while using minimal or no oil, making it a lighter option for those who are watching their calorie intake.

By following the right steps—such as using the right bread, dipping it in the perfect batter, and adjusting the cooking time—you can achieve French toast that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, every time. The air fryer offers consistency and convenience, cooking each batch faster than the traditional pan-frying method, so you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your breakfast.

You can also get creative with your French toast. Experiment with different bread types like brioche, challah, or even gluten-free bread. Add unique flavors to your batter, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla. Top your creation with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or maple syrup for a delicious twist on this timeless dish.

Happy cooking, and don’t forget to make it your own!

French Toast in Air Fryer