Have you ever wondered if you can make toast in an air fryer? Well, the good news is that you absolutely can! Air fryer toast is a game-changer for breakfast lovers everywhere. Not only is it super easy to make, but it also comes out perfectly crispy on the outside while staying soft on the inside. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making toast in your air fryer, from basic recipes to creative variations that will take your breakfast to the next level.
What Is Air Fryer Toast?
Air fryer toast is simply bread that has been toasted in an air fryer instead of a traditional toaster. The air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook food quickly and evenly, which makes it perfect for toasting bread. Unlike regular toasters, air fryers give you more control over how your toast turns out. Additionally, you can make different kinds of toast all at once, which is perfect for families with different preferences. If you’re looking for other versatile meal ideas, check out this Asian Bowl Guide packed with recipes and tips for healthy, customizable meals.
How Air Fryer Toast Differs From Regular Toast
When you make air fryer toast, you’ll notice some differences right away. First of all, the toast tends to be more evenly browned on both sides. Furthermore, the texture can be slightly different – often crispier on the outside while remaining soft inside. Most importantly, you can add toppings before toasting, which you can’t do with a regular toaster.
Benefits of Making Toast in an Air Fryer
There are several reasons why air fryer toast is becoming so popular. For starters, it’s incredibly convenient, especially if you already have your air fryer out for other breakfast items. Moreover, you can make multiple pieces at once, depending on the size of your air fryer basket. Best of all, you can experiment with different thicknesses and toppings that wouldn’t be possible in a standard toaster.
Basic Air Fryer Toast Recipe
Making basic toast in your air fryer is super simple. Here’s what you need to know to get started with air fryer toast.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Toast
- Sliced bread (white, wheat, sourdough, or your favorite type)
- Butter or oil spray (optional)
- Salt (if desired)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for about 2 minutes.
- Place bread slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check for your desired level of toastiness.
- Remove and enjoy with your favorite toppings!
Delicious Air Fryer Toast Variations
One of the best things about air fryer toast is how versatile it can be. Let’s look at some tasty variations you can try.
Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Toast
This sweet treat is perfect for kids and adults alike! Simply spread butter on your bread before air frying, then sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar right after toasting. As a result, you’ll have a quick and easy breakfast that tastes like a cinnamon roll.
Cheesy Garlic Air Fryer Toast
For a savory option, try making cheesy garlic toast in your air fryer. Spread some butter mixed with garlic powder on your bread, then add a sprinkle of cheese before air frying. Consequently, you’ll have a delicious side dish for soups, pasta, or even alongside these Anne Burrell Meatballs for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Avocado Air Fryer Toast
Avocado toast fans will love this variation. Toast your bread in the air fryer first, then top with mashed avocado, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkle of salt. Subsequently, you can add extras like red pepper flakes or a poached egg for extra flavor.
French Toast in the Air Fryer
Yes, you can even make French toast in your air fryer! Dip bread in an egg and milk mixture with a touch of vanilla and cinnamon. Then place it in your air fryer for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through. In addition, you can top it with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Toast Every Time
Want to make sure your air fryer toast turns out perfectly? Here are some helpful tips.
Finding the Right Temperature
Most air fryers work best for toast at around 350°F to 400°F. However, every air fryer is different, so you might need to experiment a bit to find the perfect setting for yours. Initially, start at 350°F and adjust up or down based on your results.
Timing Your Toast Perfectly
The timing for air fryer toast depends on several factors: the thickness of your bread, how crispy you like it, and your specific air fryer model. Generally speaking, 3-4 minutes works for standard sliced bread. Nevertheless, thicker bread like Texas toast may need 5-6 minutes.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
One common mistake is overcrowding the air fryer basket. Make sure to arrange bread slices in a single layer without overlapping. Otherwise, your toast won’t brown evenly. Also, remember to flip your toast halfway through cooking for the best results.
Air Fryer Toast for Special Diets
Air fryer toast can be adapted for various dietary needs, making it an inclusive breakfast option.
Gluten-Free Air Fryer Toast
If you follow a gluten-free diet, you’ll be happy to know that gluten-free bread works perfectly in the air fryer. In fact, many people find that gluten-free bread toasts better in an air fryer than in a regular toaster because the circulating air helps it crisp up without becoming too dry.
Keto-Friendly Air Fryer Toast Options
For those on a keto diet, you can use low-carb bread alternatives in your air fryer. For example, cloud bread or almond flour bread can be toasted in the air fryer for a keto-friendly breakfast. Additionally, you can top your toast with high-fat options like avocado or cream cheese or serve it alongside juicy Air Fryer Italian Sausage for a protein-packed meal.
Vegan Air Fryer Toast Ideas
Vegan toast options are endless with an air fryer. Use your favorite vegan bread, then top with plant-based spreads like hummus, nut butters, or avocado. Meanwhile, you can add extra flavor with nutritional yeast, herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Air Fryer Toast for Kids
Kids love air fryer toast because it’s fun and customizable. Here are some kid-friendly ideas.
Fun Shapes and Designs
Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes before toasting the bread, or cut the finished toast into shapes kids will love. As a result, breakfast becomes more exciting and appealing to picky eaters.
Kid-Friendly Toppings
Let kids customize their own toast with toppings like sliced bananas, a sprinkle of chocolate chips, or their favorite jam. Consequently, they’ll be more likely to eat and enjoy their breakfast. You can even set up a DIY toast bar with various toppings for a fun weekend breakfast activity—or pair it with easy favorites like Costco Frozen Pizza for a simple family-friendly brunch.
Healthy Toast Options That Kids Will Actually Eat
Sneak in some healthy ingredients by topping air fryer toast with mashed berries mixed with a little maple syrup, or thinly sliced apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Therefore, kids get nutrients without even realizing they’re eating something healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Toast
Why are people getting rid of air fryers?
Some people are getting rid of air fryers because of limited counter space, concerns about plastic components, or because they find they don’t use them as often as expected. However, many households keep their air fryers because of their versatility and convenience, especially for quick meals like air fryer toast. If you use your air fryer regularly for various foods, it’s definitely worth keeping.
Can you use an air fryer oven as a toaster?
Yes, absolutely! An air fryer oven works wonderfully as a toaster. In fact, many people prefer using their air fryer oven for toast because it allows them to see the bread while it’s toasting and gives them more control over the browning level. Plus, you can usually toast multiple slices at once, making it efficient for family breakfasts.
How long to toast bread in the oven at 400 degrees?
When toasting bread in a conventional oven at 400 degrees, it typically takes about 4-5 minutes. However, in an air fryer at 400 degrees, the toast will be ready much faster usually in about 3 minutes. This is because the air circulation in an air fryer cooks food more quickly and efficiently than a standard oven.
Can you do toast in an air fryer?
Yes, you definitely can make toast in an air fryer! Not only is it possible, but many people find that air fryer toast turns out even better than toast made in a traditional toaster. The air fryer creates evenly browned toast with a nice crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft. It’s also great for making toast with toppings that would be messy in a regular toaster.
Air Fryer Toast
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Tongs
Ingredients
Basic Toast Ingredients
- 2 slices bread white, wheat, sourdough, or your favorite type
- 1 tsp butter or oil spray optional, for extra crispness
- salt optional, to taste
Optional Flavor Variations
- 1 tbsp cinnamon sugar for sweet toast variation
- 2 tbsp shredded cheese for cheesy garlic toast
- 1 avocado for topping after toasting
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 2 minutes.
- Place the bread slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly brush with butter or oil spray if desired.
- Air fry for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning. Adjust timing based on your desired toastiness or bread thickness.
- Remove the toast and serve with your favorite toppings like butter, jam, or mashed avocado.
- Optional: For cinnamon sugar toast, sprinkle the mixture right after air frying. For cheesy garlic toast, add cheese before air frying.