Air Fryer French Toast
This classic breakfast gets a seriously satisfying upgrade when made in the air fryer. The hot circulating air crisps the outside of each slice to a gorgeous golden brown while keeping the center soft, custardy, and perfectly cooked through.
Equipment
- Air fryer - basket-style or tray-style, at least 4 quarts
- Shallow dish - or pie plate for dipping the bread
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk - or fork
- Tongs - or silicone spatula for flipping and removing
- Measuring spoons
- Perforated air fryer parchment paper - or cooking spray
- Cooling rack - optional, for resting cooked toast
Ingredients
- 4 slices brioche bread - thick-cut, about 1 inch / 2.5 cm thick, preferably day-old
- 2 eggs - large
- 3 tablespoons whole milk - 45 ml
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 5 ml
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 12 g
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 g
- salt - a pinch
- cooking spray - or a light brush of neutral oil for the basket
For Serving
- maple syrup
- powdered sugar
- butter
- fresh berries - strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries
- sliced bananas
- whipped cream
- caramel sauce - optional
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl until combined and smooth. Transfer to a shallow dish wide enough for bread slices.
- Line air fryer basket with perforated parchment and lightly spray with cooking spray or brush with oil.
- Dip each slice of bread into the custard for 20-30 seconds per side. Let excess drip off.
- Place soaked bread in a single layer in the basket, ensuring slices do not touch. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 4 minutes.
- Flip each slice carefully and air fry for another 3-4 minutes until both sides are golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or butter.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bread that is at least 3/4 to 1 inch thick to prevent sogginess.
- Day-old or slightly stale bread is ideal as it absorbs the custard more evenly without falling apart.
- Don't oversoak the bread—20-30 seconds per side is all you need for the perfect texture.
- Always preheat your air fryer to ensure a crispy exterior from the start.
- Grease the basket or parchment liner well to prevent sticking, even with non-stick surfaces.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket—leave space between slices for proper air circulation.
- Substitute brioche with challah, Texas Toast, thick-cut white bread, or sourdough for variety.
- For dairy-free version, use unsweetened oat milk or almond milk as a substitute for whole milk.
- Refrigerate leftover cooked French toast for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
- Freeze cooked slices for up to 2 months—reheat directly from frozen at 350°F for 5-6 minutes.