Want to make the perfect French toast without heating up your kitchen? This incredible air fryer French toast recipe delivers golden-brown, custardy slices in just 11 minutes. Each heavenly piece packs the ideal balance of sweetness and warmth, with only 323 calories per serving. The air fryer creates that irresistible crispy exterior while keeping the inside perfectly tender – just like traditional pan-fried versions, but healthier and easier. It’s a game-changing breakfast that’ll become your new weekend favorite.
Ingredients for Air Fryer French Toast
- French Bread: 1 loaf, cut into 6-8 slices (preferably day-old for better absorption)
- Eggs: 4 large, provides structure and richness
- Milk: 1 cup, creates the perfect custard base
- Brown Sugar: ½ cup, adds caramelized sweetness
- Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons, brings warm spice flavor
- Vanilla: 2 teaspoons, enhances overall taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat air fryer to 375°F/190°C for 3 minutes until ready
- Mix Custard: Combine eggs, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a large bowl and whisk thoroughly
- Soak Bread: Dip each bread slice in the mixture, ensuring 20 seconds per side for optimal absorption
- Prepare Air Fryer: Line the basket with parchment paper and arrange soaked slices without overcrowding
- First Cook: Air fry at 375°F/190°C for 8 minutes until golden brown
- Flip and Finish: Turn slices over and cook for additional 3 minutes until perfectly crispy
- Serve: Top with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or maple syrup while still warm
Cooking Techniques
Getting that perfect golden-brown French toast in your air fryer is super easy! The magic happens when you soak each slice for at least 20 seconds – this helps the bread really drink up that sweet, vanilla-cinnamon mixture. Keep your bread slices from touching in the air fryer basket – this lets the hot air flow freely and creates that lovely crispy outside while keeping the inside soft and custardy.
Bread Choices & Substitutions
While French bread is fantastic for this recipe, you can switch things up! Brioche makes extra-rich French toast, while challah adds a lovely flavor. Just remember – slightly stale bread works best because it soaks up more of the egg mixture without falling apart. If your bread is fresh, try leaving it out for a few hours before cooking. For a dairy-free version, swap regular milk with almond or oat milk – it’ll still taste amazing!
Serving Ideas
Make your French toast extra special with fun toppings! Try fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. A drizzle of warm maple syrup is always a winner, and a dollop of whipped cream makes it feel extra fancy. For a cozy fall breakfast, add some warm apple compote and a dash of extra cinnamon. Kids love it when you cut the pieces into fun shapes or serve them “fingers” style for dipping!
Storage Tips
Made too much? No problem! Let your French toast cool completely, then pop it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just warm it up in your air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F. You can also freeze it for up to a month – just place wax paper between the slices so they don’t stick together. Perfect for busy mornings!
Air Fryer French Toast
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Large Bowl
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French Bread sliced into 6 or 8 – best if at least one day old
- 4 Large Eggs
- 1 cup Milk
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 tsp Cinnamon
- 2 tsp Vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375ºF/190ºC for 3 minutes.
- Slice your french bread into 6 or 8 slices.
- In a large bowl (large enough to dip and coat your slice), add your eggs, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Whisk together.
- Place your french bread in the egg mixture. Allow it to soak on each side, and edges for at least 20 seconds.
- Once ready to cook, line your air fryer with parchment paper or liner. Add as many slices as possible of French toast you can fit without overcrowding.
- Cook at 375ºF/190ºC for 8 minutes, flip, and finish the other side for 3 minutes.
- Once done, serve warm! Perfect toppings are fresh fruit, whipped cream, or maple syrup! Enjoy!
