French toast in the air fryer is a beloved breakfast classic that has enjoyed great popularity all over the world. Traditionally it’s made in a frying pan, but now you can make this delicious dish easily and quickly in an air fryer. This recipe will explore why it’s a good idea to make French toast in an air fryer, what French toast actually is, the history behind this popular dish, and suggestions for delicious toppings that can take your French toast to new heights.

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Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Table of Contents:
Why make French toast in the air fryer?
An air fryer is a fantastic kitchen appliance that uses hot air to cook food, resulting in a crispy texture without using large amounts of oil. There are several good reasons to make French toast in an air fryer:
- Healthier choice:The air fryer requires minimal or no oil, which makes your French toast less greasy than the traditional version, which is often fried in butter or oil.
- Even cooking:The air fryer cooks the food evenly, which means your French toast turns golden and crispy on all sides without any risk of burning.
- Time-saving:The air fryer heats up quickly and cooks the food faster than a regular oven or frying pan. This means you can enjoy your breakfast without having to wait long.
- Easy to clean:The air fryer basket is easy to clean, since large amounts of fat aren’t used. This saves time and hassle after cooking.
What is French toast for breakfast?
French toast is a simple but incredibly delicious breakfast dish made from slices of bread dipped in a mixture of eggs, milk and spices, then fried until golden and crispy. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted with different types of bread and spices to suit individual taste preferences.
I recommend this fresh elderflower lemonade with our French toast in the air fryer
For a classic French toast in the air fryer, I love serving something light and refreshing on the side – and elderflower never disappoints here. It has a natural floral sweetness with a hint of acidity that plays perfectly against the warm, caramelised vanilla flavour of the bread. I can warmly recommend Elderflower Lemonade by Tuxen Brewing Co. – it lifts the whole brunch to a new level and gives that cosy, Scandinavian summer feeling, whether you’re serving it to kids or adults.
The classic recipe often includes vanilla and cinnamon, which gives a lovely aromatic flavour. French toast can be served with a range of different toppings, from sweet to savoury, which makes it a favourite among both children and adults.
Who invented it and where does it come from?
Although the name “French toast” suggests a French origin, the dish is known under different names and variations around the world. The earliest written recipes for something resembling French toast can be traced back to ancient Rome. The Romans dipped bread in a mixture of milk and eggs, then fried it – a method very similar to the one we use today.
In France, the dish is called “pain perdu,” which means “lost bread.” This name refers to the original use of old or day-old bread, which was reused and transformed into something delicious. This practice spread to different cultures, and in medieval England the dish became known as “poor knights’ pudding.”
Despite its history and worldwide popularity, it’s unclear when and why the name “French toast” came about in English-speaking countries. Some theories suggest it originates from a man named Joseph French, who promoted the dish in the USA during the 1700s. Regardless of its exact origin, French toast has become a staple on breakfast tables in many homes around the world.
What toppings can you use on French toast?
Toppings are what can really transform your French toast from good to fantastic. Here are some popular suggestions for what you can use:
- Classic toppings:
- Luxurious toppings:
- Healthy toppings:
- Savoury toppings:
The possibilities are almost endless, and you can experiment with different combinations to find your favourite.
Serve French toast in the air fryer with a side of fresh fruit salad and a glass of mimosa for an extra festive and colourful weekend brunch.
Tips and tricks from the author: Morten Jensen
Conclusion on French toast in the air fryer
Making French toast in an air fryer is an excellent way to enjoy this classic breakfast dish in a healthier, easier and quicker way. The air fryer ensures even, crispy cooking without using large amounts of oil, making it an ideal method for anyone who wants a light and delicious start to the day.
Whether you prefer your French toast with traditional toppings like syrup and fruit, or want to experiment with more unique and luxurious toppings, the air fryer lets you customise your breakfast exactly the way you want it. So next time you’re craving French toast, try making it in your air fryer – you won’t be disappointed!
Recipe

French toast in the Air Fryer
Cooking Guide
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Airfryer size
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Shopping list
Ingredients
- 4 slices bread (day-old)
- 2 pcs eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 120 ml milk (approx. ½ cup)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp butter
How to make it
Preparation:
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C.(Use the preheat setting, or let it run for a few minutes before cooking)
Mixing:
- In a bowl, whisk together 2 pcs eggs, 120 ml milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp cinnamon and 1 tbsp sugar until well combined.
Dip the bread:
- Dip each of the 4 slices bread in the egg mixture, so both sides are well coated.
Placement:
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with 1 tbsp butter or cooking spray. Place the soaked bread slices in the basket in a single layer.Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do this in batches.
Cooking:
- Cook the bread in the air fryer at 180°C for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.Start online kitchen timer
Serving:
- Serve your French toast warm with your favourite toppings such as fruit, syrup, icing sugar or yoghurt.
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Nutrition per serving (Guideline)
Important about shelf life and nutrition
Nutrition per serving (guideline): Calculations are based on data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Shelf life (guideline): Shelf life data is provided, as far as possible, by public institutions, including national food authorities. Our information is therefore only indicative, and it is your responsibility to obtain and calculate accurate information about shelf life and nutrition for all recipes on airfryerkogebogen.dk
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