What's the best bread for air fryer French toast?

Thicker slices work best in the air fryer – brioche, Texas toast, and challah are my top picks because they're sturdy enough to hold up to soaking and have a rich flavor. If using regular sandwich bread, reduce the soaking time to prevent it from falling apart.

Why is my French toast soggy in the middle?

This usually happens when the air fryer temperature is too high (causing the outside to cook before the inside) or when the bread is too fresh and absorbs too much custard. Try slightly reducing your temperature to 375°F and cooking a minute longer, or toasting your bread lightly before soaking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite non-dairy milk (almond, oat, or coconut milk all work well). The results might be slightly less rich but still delicious. For extra richness, choose a full-fat version of your preferred milk alternative.

How do I prevent my French toast from sticking to the air fryer?

Two important steps: first, make sure to thoroughly spray your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray before each batch. Second, let excess custard drip off the bread before placing it in the basket – too much wet mixture increases sticking chances.

Air Fryer French Toast Recipe

Name: Air Fryer French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups milk; 4 large eggs; 1/8 cup brown sugar; 1/8 cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 8 bread slices

This delightfully crispy Air Fryer French Toast transforms an ordinary breakfast into something extraordinary – without the hassle or cleanup of traditional pan-frying! Golden brown on the outside, soft and custard-like on the inside, it’s the perfect balance of convenience and indulgence. The air fryer creates that perfect caramelized exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful – a game-changer for busy mornings when you want something special without spending forever in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick: From start to finish, you’ll have amazing French toast in about 25 minutes – most of which is hands-off cooking time!
Crispy Perfection: The air fryer creates that perfect crispy exterior without excessive oil or butter that you’d use in a traditional pan.
Less Mess: No more splattered stovetop! The air fryer contains all the cooking in one easy-to-clean basket.
Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike go crazy for this breakfast treat, and you can easily customize toppings for everyone’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bread: Use slightly stale bread for best results – it soaks up the custard mixture without falling apart. Texas toast, brioche, or challah work wonderfully, but even regular sandwich bread does the trick in a pinch!
Milk: Provides the base for your custard mixture. Whole milk creates a richer flavor, but any milk (including non-dairy alternatives) works fine.
Eggs: These give structure to the custard and help create that classic French toast texture. Fresh eggs blend better in the mixture.
Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness and helps create that beautiful golden exterior. The molasses notes complement the cinnamon perfectly.
Flour: A small amount helps thicken the custard mixture, preventing it from being too runny and creating a more substantial coating.
Cinnamon: The signature spice for French toast! It adds warmth and that classic aroma we all love.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors and adds depth. Pure vanilla extract gives the best flavor.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and brings all the flavors together.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Berry Stuffed French Toast

Spread cream cheese between two slices of bread, add sliced strawberries or blueberries, then dip and air fry as directed. Cook for an extra minute to ensure the center warms through.

Nutty Chocolate Version

Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to your custard mixture and sprinkle chopped nuts over the bread right before air frying for a decadent twist.

Savory Option

Skip the sugar and vanilla, add herbs like thyme or rosemary to your egg mixture, and serve with avocado and a fried egg on top for a savory breakfast.

Pumpkin Spice Upgrade

Replace ¼ cup of milk with pumpkin puree and add pumpkin pie spice blend for a seasonal favorite any time of year.

How to Make Air Fryer French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

Whisk milk and eggs together in a large mixing bowl until well combined. Add brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Whisk until smooth with no lumps. The mixture should be thin enough to soak into the bread but thick enough to coat it nicely.

Step 2: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for 5 minutes. This crucial step ensures your French toast starts cooking immediately when placed in the basket, resulting in a better texture.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

While the air fryer preheats, soak your bread slices in the mixture until they’re fully saturated but not falling apart. Use a shallow dish wide enough for your bread to make this easier.

Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Spray the basket or tray thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and helps with browning.

Step 5: Cook the French Toast

Lift each piece of bread from the mixture, allowing excess to drip off for a few seconds. Place slices in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd (cook in batches if needed). Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip each slice and cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Transfer to plates and serve hot with your favorite toppings for the best experience!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Rush the Soak: Let the bread absorb the custard mixture for at least 30 seconds per side – but don’t soak so long that it falls apart.
Work in Batches: For the crispiest results, don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket. Leave some space between slices.
Watch Closely Near the End: Air fryers can go from perfectly golden to over-browned quickly, especially in the last minute of cooking.
Use Slightly Stale Bread: Day-old bread absorbs the custard mixture better without falling apart. If your bread is fresh, toast it lightly first.
Flip Gently: Use silicone-tipped tongs to flip the French toast to avoid scratching your air fryer basket and to prevent the custard coating from coming off.

How to Serve

Sweet Toppings:

Drizzle with pure maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, or top with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a classic finish. Sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey make for a naturally sweet option.

Rich Additions:

Try a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert-style French toast, or add a pat of butter that melts beautifully into the warm bread. A sprinkle of chopped nuts adds great texture contrast.

Complete the Meal:

Balance the sweetness with savory sides like crispy bacon or breakfast sausage. A side of scrambled eggs adds protein to make it a more substantial breakfast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Label with the date and freeze for up to 1 month for best quality.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat frozen or refrigerated slices directly in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. You can also use a toaster or toaster oven. Avoid microwaving if possible as it makes the French toast soggy.

FAQs

What’s the best bread for air fryer French toast?

Thicker slices work best in the air fryer – brioche, Texas toast, and challah are my top picks because they’re sturdy enough to hold up to soaking and have a rich flavor. If using regular sandwich bread, reduce the soaking time to prevent it from falling apart.
Why is my French toast soggy in the middle?

This usually happens when the air fryer temperature is too high (causing the outside to cook before the inside) or when the bread is too fresh and absorbs too much custard. Try slightly reducing your temperature to 375°F and cooking a minute longer, or toasting your bread lightly before soaking.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite non-dairy milk (almond, oat, or coconut milk all work well). The results might be slightly less rich but still delicious. For extra richness, choose a full-fat version of your preferred milk alternative.
How do I prevent my French toast from sticking to the air fryer?

Two important steps: first, make sure to thoroughly spray your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray before each batch. Second, let excess custard drip off the bread before placing it in the basket – too much wet mixture increases sticking chances.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer French Toast revolutionizes breakfast by taking a beloved classic and making it even better – crispier, easier, and less messy! I was honestly skeptical at first, but now I rarely make French toast any other way. The convenience factor alone makes it worth trying, but it’s the consistently perfect results that will make this your new go-to method. Whether for a quick weekday breakfast or a lazy weekend brunch, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Give it a try – your mornings (and your taste buds) will thank you!