A cozy, golden breakfast classic made faster and lighter in your air fryer.
If French toast is your comfort breakfast, but standing at the stove splattering butter first thing in the morning is not your idea of fun, this air fryer French toast is going to feel like a little miracle. You whisk a quick custard, soak a few slices of bread, and let the air fryer do all the work while you sip your coffee. The result is everything you love about classic French toast, just a bit lighter and wonderfully hands off.
This recipe keeps the edges perfectly crisp while the center stays soft and custardy, exactly how good French toast should be. Using the air fryer means you need very little butter or oil, and you can cook multiple slices at once without babysitting a pan. It is ideal for busy weekdays, lazy weekends, or whenever you want a cafe style breakfast without leaving the house.
French toast has roots in older European ways of using up stale bread, and this version keeps that thrifty spirit alive. It is perfect for using up the last half loaf sitting on your counter and turning it into something special. No fancy ingredients, no overnight soaking, and no special skills required. Just a bowl, a whisk, and an air fryer.
You will love this air fryer French toast recipe because:
- It cooks in about 8 to 10 minutes, with no flipping over a hot skillet.
- You can make it with regular sandwich bread, brioche, or even gluten free bread.
- It uses simple pantry ingredients you probably already have.
- It is easy to scale up for a crowd or down for a solo breakfast.
- It tastes indulgent while feeling a little lighter than the classic pan fried version.
Ingredients
Serves: 3 to 4 (8 slices)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8 to 10 minutes
Total time: about 20 minutes
For the French Toast
- 8 slices day old bread, preferably thick cut (brioche, challah, Texas toast, or sturdy sandwich bread)
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk, dairy or unsweetened non dairy
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream or half and half (optional, for extra richness)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (about 25 g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- 1 to 2 tbsp melted butter or neutral oil, for brushing the basket
For Serving (Optional but Recommended)
- Maple syrup, honey, or agave
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh berries or sliced banana
- Whipped cream or yogurt
- Extra cinnamon
💡 Shopping tip: Choose a slightly dry, sturdy bread so it soaks up the custard without falling apart. If your bread is very soft, slice it thicker or let it sit out uncovered for 30 to 60 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Lightly brush or spray the basket with melted butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Make the custard
- In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream (if using), sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- The mixture should look like a slightly thick, speckled custard.
- Soak the bread
- Place 1 or 2 slices of bread in the custard.
- Let each side soak for about 15 to 25 seconds, depending on how thick and dry the bread is, until it is evenly moistened but not falling apart.
- Arrange in the air fryer
- Lay the soaked bread slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each slice so the air can circulate.
- Work in batches if needed.
- Air fry the French toast
- Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bread is puffed, golden brown, and slightly crisp at the edges.
- Thicker slices may need up to 9 or 10 minutes; thinner slices may be ready sooner.
- Serve warm
- Transfer the cooked French toast to a plate and cover lightly with foil while you cook the remaining slices.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, fruit, powdered sugar, and any toppings you love.
Variations & Substitutions
- Use gluten free bread for a gluten free version, making sure it is a sturdy, thicker sliced style.
- Swap the milk for oat, almond, or soy milk and the butter for oil to keep it dairy free.
- Add 1 to 2 tbsp of orange juice or zest to the custard for a citrus twist.
- Stir 1 tbsp cocoa powder into the custard for a subtle chocolate French toast.
- Reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute if you prefer a less sweet or lower sugar option.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Make-ahead:
- You can whisk the custard up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge.
- Give it a good whisk before dipping the bread.
- Storage:
- Store cooked French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Cool completely before closing the container to avoid sogginess.
- Freezing:
- Arrange cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer to a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months, separating layers with parchment if needed.
- Reheat:
- Reheat slices in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 3 to 5 minutes until warmed through and crisped up again.
- You can also reheat in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 8 minutes.
Nutritional Info (Estimated, per serving)
Based on 4 servings, without toppings:
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: ~11 g
- Carbs: ~32 g
- Fat: ~11 g
💡 Note: Estimates vary by brands and portions.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with warm maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar for a classic diner style plate.
- Add fresh berries, sliced bananas, or caramelized apples for extra color and flavor.
- Serve with scrambled eggs or breakfast sausage for a more filling brunch.
- Pair with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for extra protein.
- Sprinkle with toasted nuts, such as pecans or almonds, for crunch.
- Finish with a light drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for dessert style French toast.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use regular sandwich bread?
Yes. Regular sandwich bread works well if it is a bit dry and not too thin. If it is very soft, let it sit out for a while or toast lightly before dipping.
Do I have to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps the French toast start cooking right away and gives a better golden crust. If your air fryer heats quickly, you can shorten the preheat, but a few minutes does help.
Can I make this recipe without dairy?
Absolutely. Use a non dairy milk and skip the cream or replace it with a richer plant milk. Brush the basket with oil instead of butter.
Is it okay to skip the sugar in the custard?
Yes. The sugar adds a gentle sweetness and helps with browning, but you can reduce or omit it, especially if you plan to add plenty of syrup or sweet toppings.
Why is my French toast soggy in the middle?
Your slices may be too thick, soaked too long, or not cooked quite long enough. Try reducing the soak time, cooking a little longer, or lowering the temperature slightly so the inside cooks before the outside over browns.
Can I bake this instead of using an air fryer?
Yes. Bake the soaked slices on a lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and set in the center.
The Easy French Toast
Air fryer French toast is one of those recipes that quietly slips into your regular rotation because it is so easy and flexible. You can dress it up with berries and whipped cream for a special brunch or keep it simple for a weekday morning before work or school. It is a smart way to use up extra bread, and it turns simple, familiar ingredients into something that feels like a treat.
If you try this recipe, I would love to hear how it turned out and what kind of bread you used. Share your tweaks, your favorite toppings, and any clever variations in the comments so other home cooks can be inspired too. And if this air fryer French toast made your morning a little easier, feel free to send the recipe to a friend who could use a cozy breakfast shortcut. Happy cooking, and enjoy every last syrupy bite.
