Air Fryer French Toast (Easy & Ready in Minutes!)

Air Fryer French Toast is a quick and easy breakfast that cooks in minutes and comes out perfectly golden every time. With simple ingredients and no stovetop required, this method creates crisp edges, a soft center, and consistent results!

If breakfast always feels a little rushed in your house, or you’re just not in the mood to stand over a skillet flipping slices, air fryer French toast is about to become your new morning hero.

Since I’m all about the easy breakfast recipes, I tested this french toast in the air fryer four times to make sure I got it just right. 

It’s quick, hands-off, and turns out perfectly golden every single time, which makes it perfect for busy weekdays and slow, cozy weekends.

French toast in air fryer is the best of both worlds: crisp edges, a soft center, and that warm cinnamon-vanilla flavor everyone loves. 

You don’t need any fancy ingredients, long soak times, or extra dishes. Just dip, air fry, and enjoy…breakfast is ready in minutes!

In this ultimate french toast air fryer guide, we’ll go beyond the basic recipe and cover everything from the best bread to use (yes, it matters!) to custard variations, troubleshooting tips, air fryer model differences, and how to prep it ahead for easy mornings. 

Whether you’re feeding kids before school or treating yourself to brunch, this air fryer French toast recipe has you covered!

Looking for more french toast favorites? These baked cinnamon sugar french toast sticks and brioche french toast are my personal favorites!

Ingredient Notes:

• Bread: day-old or slightly dry bread absorbs custard better and gives you that perfect crisp-on-the-outside, soft-in-the-middle texture. You also want thicker slices so that it doesn’t fall apart in the egg mixture.
• Milk: 2%, whole milk, or half-and-half makes the custard richer, but any milk works.
• Sweetness: Some brown sugar and cinnamon amplifies the flavors.
• Eggs and vanilla: to create that flavorful custard batter.

Bread Showdown: Which Bread Works Best?

Different breads give different textures and the air fryer makes those differences even more noticeable. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best one based on your tastes (or just what you have in your kitchen).

• Best Overall: Brioche: soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, brioche soaks up the custard perfectly without falling apart. 
• Runner-Up: Challah: a little sturdier than brioche with great flavor. Challah keeps its structure well and turns extra fluffy in the center.
• Best Budget-Friendly Option: Texas Toast or Thick Sandwich Bread: easy to find works well in this air fryer breakfast recipe. The thicker slices are similar to brioche-style French toast without the price tag. 
• Best for Crisp, Chewy Edges: Sourdough: it’s sturdiness and tangy flavor make it a fun twist on classic French toast. 

Quick Tip:

• If you want something decadent for brunch, reach for brioche or challah.
• If you’re rushing out the door? Sandwich bread works beautifully and cooks evenly every time.

Custard Variations:

One of the best things about French toast is how customizable it is. A few simple swaps can make it richer, lighter, or dairy-free. Here are several variations so you can make it exactly the way you like.

• Classic Custard: simple, warm, and flavored with cinnamon and vanilla:
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Vanilla
  • Cinnamon

Why it works: Balanced richness and moisture without being too heavy.

• Extra-Rich Custard: for a brunch-worthy upgrade:
  • Eggs
  • Half-and-half or heavy cream
  • Melted butter (optional)
  • Vanilla and cinnamon

Why it works: Cream gives you a denser, custard-like center, and butter adds flavor and browning.

• Dairy-Free Custard: light, flavorful, and perfect for those avoiding dairy:
  • Eggs
  • Oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk
  • Cinnamon and vanilla

Why it works: A tablespoon of oil helps recreate the creaminess you lose without dairy.

How to Make French Toast in the Air Fryer:

This method keeps things simple, with minimal dishes, no stovetop babysitting, and consistent results every time. Be sure to check out the recipe card towards the bottom of the page for full list of ingredients and instructions.

• Make the custard: whisk the eggs, milk, sugsr, cinnamon, and vanilla in a shallow bowl or baking dish until smooth.
• Dip the bread: coat each slice on both sides in the custard, then lift and let the excess drip off.
  Tip: Too much custard leads to soggy centers, especially with softer breads.
• Prep your air fryer: lightly spray the basket with oil or use a parchment paper liner for easy cleanup.
• Arrange the slices: place the bread in a single layer with space between each piece, as overcrowding won’t let the air circulate properly, resulting in soggy french toast.
• Air fry: cook until the slices are golden brown and crisp on the outside, flipping halfway through cooking.
• Serve warm: top with maple syrup, powdered sugar, berries, or anything you love.

Air Fryer Settings Guide:

Not all air fryers cook the same and that’s usually why people struggle with soggy, burnt, or uneven French toast. Here’s how to adjust based on the style of air fryer you’re using.

Basket-Style Air Fryers (Most Common):

These typically cook the fastest thanks to strong air circulation.

• Check your toast at the 3-4 minute mark.
• If the edges brown too quickly, reduce the temperature by 5–10 degrees.
• Leave space between slices to keep the underside from steaming.

Best for: evenly crisp edges and quick cook time.

Oven-Style / Tray Air Fryers:

These tend to cook a bit slower and sometimes less evenly.

• Place the tray in the middle rack to avoid over-browning.
• Add 1-2 extra minutes of cooking time.
• Rotate the tray halfway through if your model has hot spots.

Best for: cooking multiple slices at once.

Dual-Basket Air Fryers:

These are great for big families or cooking different French toast variations.

• Cook at the standard 370–375°F.
• Use the “match cook” feature so both baskets finish at the same time.
• Swap baskets halfway if your machine has uneven airflow.

Troubleshooting Guide:

If your air fryer French toast didn’t come out perfectly the first time, don’t worry…small tweaks can make a big difference! Here’s how to fix the most common issues.

Problem: The French toast is soggy inside.

• Reduce soaking time: dip quickly and lift.
• Use sturdier bread like brioche, challah, or sourdough.
• Increase temp to 380°F for the last 1-2 minutes.
• Avoid stacking or overlapping slices in the basket.

Problem: It’s dry or too crisp.

• Shorten the cook time by 1-2 minutes.
• Use whole milk or half-and-half for a richer custard.
• Choose softer bread like brioche.

Problem: The slices are sticking to the basket.

• Spray the basket lightly with oil.
• Use air fryer parchment paper liners.
• Don’t add the bread until the basket is preheated and lightly warm.

Problem: Uneven browning.

• Flip halfway or rotate the basket/tray.
• Cook fewer slices at once for better airflow.

Toppings & Serving Ideas:

Once your French toast comes out golden and crisp from the air fryer, the fun begins! You can keep it classic or add as many toppings as you like. 

Classic Toppings:

• Maple syrup
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh berries
• Butter
• Cinnamon sugar

Fruit:

• Sliced bananas
• Blueberry compote
• Apple cinnamon sauté
• Roasted strawberries
• Mixed berry sauce

Sweet and Fun Ideas (Kid-Approved!):

• Chocolate chips
• Nutella or chocolate-hazelnut spread
• Peanut butter drizzle
• Honey or caramel sauce
• Whipped cream

Gourmet Brunch Toppings:

Perfect for when you want French toast to feel special:

• Mascarpone or whipped ricotta
• Lemon zest and berries
• Toasted pecans or walnuts
• Vanilla yogurt and granola

Savory French Toast Options:

• Crispy bacon
• Avocado slices
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Grated parmesan
• Hot honey

Serving Ideas:

• Serve as part of a breakfast board with fruit, yogurt, and toppings.
• Pair with iced coffee or lattes.
• Cut into sticks for kids or meal prep.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips:

If you love easy breakfasts or want to prep a batch for busy mornings, the best air fryer French toast is perfect for meal prep. It reheats beautifully and keeps its texture better than stovetop French toast.

How to Store:

Store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Let them cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.

How to Reheat:

• Air fry at 350°F for 2–3 minutes.
• Or warm in a toaster oven for a few minutes.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the texture.

How to Freeze French Toast:

Freezing is a great option for quick grab-and-go breakfasts.

1. Arrange cooked slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.
2. Freeze until solid (about 1–2 hours).
3. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
4. Store for up to 2 months.

Tip: Freeze the slices individually (not stacked) so they don’t stick together.

How to Reheat French Toast from Frozen:

No thawing needed:

• Air fry at 350°F for 4–6 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Flip halfway for the best texture.

Meal Prep French Toast Sticks:

If you want a kid-friendly option (or just love dunkable pieces):

• Slice your bread into thick sticks before dipping in the egg mixture.
• Air fry as directed, but reduce cooking time by about 1 minute per side.
• Freeze just like full slices.

These reheat especially well and are great for school mornings.

Variations:

Here are fun ways to switch things up based on season, cravings, or what you have in your pantry:

• Cinnamon Sugar French Toast: sprinkle cinnamon sugar on the slices before air frying for a caramelized crust.
• Berry French Toast: add fresh or frozen berries on top right after cooking, or mix a few into the egg mixture for bursts of flavor.
• Chocolate Chip French Toast: add mini chocolate chips after dipping the bread. They’ll melt slightly in the air fryer.
• Protein French Toast: mix a scoop of vanilla protein powder into the custard. (Add a splash of milk if it gets too thick.)
• French Toast Sticks: cut bread into thick strips before dipping. They cook faster and are great for kids or dipping in syrup.

Can I make French toast in the air fryer without milk?

Yes! You can use any dairy-free alternative like oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk.

Why is my French toast soggy in the middle?

It’s usually from soaking the bread too long or using bread that’s too soft. Try dipping more quickly, switching to brioche or challah, or cooking for an extra minute or two.

More French Toast Recipes to Try:

• French Toast Roll-Ups
• Peppermint French Toast
• Cinnamon French Toast Cups
• Pumpkin Spice French Toast
• Red Velvet French Toast