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Air Fryer Not-so-Frenchie Toast - A Fast, Cozy Breakfast Upgrade

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Bread: 6 slices, ideally slightly stale. Brioche, challah, or thick-cut sandwich bread work best.
  • Eggs: 3 large.
  • Milk or half-and-half: 1/2 cup. Dairy-free options like almond or oat milk also work.
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon.
  • Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon.
  • Salt: Pinch, to balance sweetness.
  • Sugar or maple syrup: 1–2 tablespoons (optional, for a lightly sweet custard).
  • Butter or cooking spray: For the basket and a light brush on top.
  • Toppings: Maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, yogurt, nut butter, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Method
 

  1. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat for 3 minutes. A warm basket helps the bread crisp.
  2. Make the custard: In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and sugar or maple if using. Whisk until smooth.
  3. Prep the bread: If your bread is very soft, let slices air out for 10 minutes. Slightly stale bread absorbs custard without getting soggy.
  4. Dip the slices: Submerge each slice for 5–8 seconds per side. Let excess drip back into the bowl. You’re aiming for damp, not saturated.
  5. Grease the basket: Lightly spray or brush with butter. Arrange slices in a single layer with space around each piece.
  6. Air fry, round one: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 4 minutes. Don’t open the basket early—heat is key for crisp edges.
  7. Flip and finish: Carefully flip, brush with a tiny bit of melted butter if desired, and cook 3–4 more minutes. They’re done when golden and slightly puffed.
  8. Warm batch, happy batch: If cooking in batches, keep finished slices on a rack in a 200°F (95°C) oven so they stay crisp.
  9. Serve: Top with maple syrup and berries, dust with powdered sugar, or go savory with a drizzle of hot honey and a side of bacon.