Crispy Air Fryer French Toast Recipe for Perfect Breakfast

Crunchy on the outside and pillowy soft inside, air fryer French toast is an easy, delicious breakfast (or dinner) you can serve immediately or freeze for later.

This air fryer French toast recipe uses just a few simple ingredients and works in nearly any air fryer. The method is straightforward and reliable whether your air fryer is the oven style with trays or the basket type.

I find air frying French toast quicker and less messy than stove-top cooking — and the result is consistently crisp on the outside and tender inside. Kids love it, and it’s perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch or a busy weekday when you prepare extras and freeze them.

Which air fryer should I use?

The recipe works with both oven-style air fryers (with removable trays) and basket-style models. Temperatures and timing are the same; only how you arrange and flip the toast differs.

For oven-style units with trays: remove the trays before preheating, place the soaked bread on the trays, then slide them in once the air fryer reaches temperature. You don’t need to flip the slices; simply swap tray positions halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

For basket-style air fryers: preheat with the basket in place, add the soaked bread once the unit is hot, and flip each slice halfway through the cook time. You’ll likely need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Ingredients and substitutions

• Bread – Artisan bread (Italian loaf) is my top choice for thickness and texture. Brioche, challah, or thick-sliced sandwich bread also work well.
• Eggs – The recipe uses eggs to soak the bread. You can use medium or large eggs; larger eggs will provide slightly richer custard.
• Milk – I use almond milk, but use any milk you prefer. For richer custard, substitute half-and-half or cream.
• Vanilla extract – Pure vanilla gives the best flavor, but vanilla essence can be used in a pinch.
• Salt – A pinch of sea salt enhances the flavor; omit if you need to reduce sodium.

Optional toppings

Top the cooked French toast with butter, a dusting of cinnamon or cinnamon-sugar, pure maple syrup, and fresh fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, or cherries. These extras are optional and not included in the nutrition totals.

How to make air fryer French toast

Pre-step

Have your air fryer ready and set out two shallow bowls.

Step one

Gather ingredients: artisan bread, eggs, vanilla, salt, and milk.

Step two

Slice the bread to your preferred thickness. Thicker slices need a little more soaking time to absorb the custard.

Step three

Crack eggs into the shallow bowls (two eggs per bowl for this batch), then add 2 tablespoons of milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and a pinch of salt to each bowl. Whisk or fork-mix until combined.

Step four

Place two pieces of bread in each bowl and let them soak for about two minutes per side, flipping so the custard soaks evenly and the edges are coated. Thicker slices may require slightly longer.

Step five

When the bread has absorbed most of the egg, preheat the air fryer to 370°F (190°C). If your air fryer uses trays, remove them before preheating and be ready to add the soaked bread once preheated. If you have a basket-style unit, preheat with the basket inside.

Step six

Arrange the soaked slices in a single layer on the trays or in the basket. For this recipe, place two slices per tray or cook two slices per basket batch so pieces don’t touch.

Step seven

Cook for 8 minutes at 370°F. At the 4-minute mark, if you’re using trays, swap the top and bottom tray positions (no need to flip the slices). If you’re using a basket, flip each slice halfway through. Finish cooking and repeat for any remaining batches.

Step eight

Remove the French toast and serve two slices per plate. Add a pat of butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and pour maple syrup to taste.

Melty, melty!

Best breads for French toast

Artisan loaves are my favorite because they let you cut thick slices and hold up to soaking without becoming soggy. Brioche and challah add extra richness. Thick-sliced white sandwich bread also works well if you prefer it.

I like to dip a bite in maple syrup and enjoy the contrast of crisp edges and a soft center.

If you end up with unused custard, cook it into scrambled eggs while the French toast cooks — a tasty way to use the extras.

Freezing and reheating

Cool any leftover French toast completely, place slices in a freezer bag, and freeze. Reheat straight from frozen in a toaster or toaster oven until warmed through and crisp.

Other breakfast ideas

• Asparagus and ham quiche
• Oat bran muffins
• Potato pancakes
• Maple nut scones

Enjoy your French toast, and feel free to adapt the recipe to suit your tastes. Bon appétit!