Air Fryer French Toast
Why this recipe works
- Crisp edges, soft centre: The air fryer browns the outside of the custard-soaked brioche while keeping the middle tender.
- Ready quickly: A short soak and fast air-frying time make this practical for breakfast without a long cook.
- Simple custard: Egg, milk, cinnamon and vanilla give the bread richness, sweetness and aroma without a complicated mixture.
Get the most out of this recipe
Ingredient notes
- Use thick-cut bread: Brioche works well because it is soft and buttery but sturdy enough to absorb the custard without collapsing.
- Whole milk gives body: Whole milk helps create a rounded custard texture; buttermilk can be used for a slightly tangier, softer result.
- Let very soft brioche stand briefly: If the bread is extremely fresh, a short time uncovered helps it firm up so the slices hold their shape during soaking.
Common mistakes
- Over-soaking the bread: Leaving brioche in the custard too long can make it heavy rather than tender. Coat it well, then let the excess drip off.
- Crowding the basket: Stacking or overlapping the slices traps steam and limits browning. Cook in batches if needed.
- Not checking near the end: Air fryers vary, so check towards the end of the cooking time and remove the slices once the edges are golden.
Make-ahead tips
- Reheat until crisp again: Cool cooked slices before storing, then reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (355°F) for 3 to 5 minutes until hot.
- Freeze cooked slices: Freeze the cooked French toast with baking paper between layers, then reheat from frozen at 180°C (355°F) for 6 to 8 minutes.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Whisk the eggs, whole milk, ground cinnamon and vanilla extract in a shallow bowl until well combined.
- Dip each slice of brioche bread into the custard, turning to coat and letting the excess drip off. Leave each slice in the mixture for 10 to 15 seconds so it soaks in without falling apart.
- Arrange the soaked brioche in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook in batches if needed. Air-fry for 7 to 9 minutes, turning halfway, until golden with crisp edges and a tender centre.
- Slice the strawberries. Serve the French toast hot with maple syrup, strawberries and blueberries.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Thick slices work best; if your brioche is very fresh and soft, let the slices sit out for 10 minutes before soaking so they hold their shape.
- For even browning, avoid stacking the slices and turn them halfway through.
Substitutions
- Replace Brioche bread with Sourdough bread for a less sweet, sturdier French toast.
- Replace Whole milk with Buttermilk for a slight tang and a softer crumb.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Cool the cooked French toast, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (355°F) for 3 to 5 minutes until hot; freeze the cooked slices with baking paper between layers and reheat from frozen at 180°C (355°F) for 6 to 8 minutes.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 2 servings
- Total time: 20min (16min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
-
Allergens:
Eggs Gluten Milk Wheat
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