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Air Fryer Crumbed French Toast With Stewed Plums and Rooibos Syrup – Crispy, Cozy, and Easy

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Bread: 8 slices of thick-cut brioche, challah, or sturdy sourdough (about 1-inch thick)
  • Egg mixture: 4 large eggs, 3/4 cup whole milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg, pinch of salt
  • Crumb coating: 1 1/2 cups fine breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes/panko, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, zest of 1 orange (optional)
  • For the stewed plums: 5–6 ripe plums, pitted and sliced; 2 tablespoons sugar or honey; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; pinch of salt
  • Rooibos syrup: 2 rooibos tea bags (or 2 tablespoons loose rooibos), 1 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar or honey, 1 strip orange peel (optional)
  • For cooking: Neutral oil spray or melted butter for the air fryer basket
  • To serve: Butter (optional), plain yogurt or crème fraîche (optional), extra orange zest, chopped nuts (like almonds or pistachios)

Method
 

  1. Prep the rooibos syrup: In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup water to a gentle simmer. Add rooibos and orange peel. Steep off heat for 5–7 minutes. Strain, return liquid to the pan, stir in sugar or honey, and simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside to cool.
  2. Stew the plums: Add sliced plums, sugar or honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to a skillet. Cook over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruit softens and releases juices but still holds shape. Remove from heat.
  3. Make the egg mixture: Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a shallow dish until smooth.
  4. Mix the crumb coating: Combine breadcrumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest in another shallow dish.
  5. Preheat the air fryer: Heat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil or spray the basket to prevent sticking.
  6. Dip and coat: Quickly dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, turning to coat. Let excess drip off, then press both sides into the crumb mixture so it adheres evenly.
  7. Air fry in batches: Arrange coated slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly mist the tops with oil spray. Cook for 6–8 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook another 4–6 minutes until deep golden and crisp.
  8. Keep warm: Transfer finished slices to a low oven (200°F/95°C) while you cook remaining pieces.
  9. Serve: Plate the French toast with a spoonful of stewed plums, drizzle generously with rooibos syrup, and add a dollop of yogurt or crème fraîche if you like. Finish with orange zest or chopped nuts.