French Toast Bites in an Air Fryer: A Quick and Tasty Breakfast Treat
If you’re craving a warm, crispy, and fluffy breakfast without spending too much time in the kitchen, French Toast Bites in an Air Fryer are your answer. These bite-sized pieces of French toast cook up to perfection with the air fryer, giving you the crispiness on the outside and softness on the inside you love in a traditional French toast. They’re ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even a fun snack. Plus, you can easily customize them with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.
For more air fryer breakfast ideas, check out our Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes and Quick Breakfast Recipes.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bread (preferably thick-cut, like brioche or Texas toast)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk (or dairy-free milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional for sweetness)
- Pinch of salt
- Cooking spray or a small amount of butter for greasing
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bread
Cut each slice of bread into 4 to 6 bite-sized pieces. You can also use stale bread for a slightly firmer texture. - Make the Egg Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar (if using), and salt. Ensure the mixture is well combined. - Dip the Bread
Dip each piece of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring it is well-coated but not too soggy. Let any excess mixture drip off. - Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. - Air Fry the French Toast Bites
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or butter. Place the coated bread pieces in the basket in a single layer. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. - Serve and Enjoy
Once the French toast bites are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Serve immediately with syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or whipped cream for a delightful treat.
Advanced Techniques
To make your French Toast Bites in an Air Fryer even more delicious, try these advanced techniques:
Use Different Types of Bread
For variety, try using different types of bread like cinnamon raisin, challah, or even croissants. Each type of bread will add its own unique flavor and texture to the French toast bites.
Add Toppings Before Cooking
For extra flavor, sprinkle the French toast bites with cinnamon and sugar before placing them in the air fryer. This will create a sweet, caramelized crust on the outside of the bites.
Dip in Flavored Syrup or Honey
Before serving, drizzle the French toast bites with flavored syrups like maple cinnamon or berry syrup. You can also drizzle them with honey or add a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
Make Them Savory
If you prefer savory flavors, you can skip the sugar and cinnamon and add a pinch of salt and some herbs to the egg mixture. After cooking, top them with cheese or even avocado for a unique savory twist on French toast bites.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
If you have leftovers or want to meal prep, here’s how to store and maintain your French Toast Bites in an Air Fryer:
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover French toast bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Be sure to let them cool completely before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Reheating Leftovers
To reheat leftover French toast bites, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. This will help restore the crispiness while warming them through.
Freezing for Later
If you want to freeze French toast bites for future breakfasts, let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Cleaning Your Air Fryer
After making French toast bites, it’s important to clean your air fryer. Wipe down the basket and tray with a damp cloth and wash them with warm soapy water as needed. This will help prevent any lingering food residue and ensure your air fryer continues to work efficiently.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
French Toast Bites in an Air Fryer can be customized to fit various dietary needs:
Vegan Version
To make these bites vegan, substitute the eggs with a flax egg or a plant-based egg replacement. Use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, and skip the butter in favor of a plant-based butter or cooking spray.
Dairy-Free
To make this recipe dairy-free, use a dairy-free milk option and ensure your bread is free from dairy. You can also use non-dairy butter for greasing the air fryer basket.
Gluten-Free
If you need a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free bread. Be sure to check that the bread you use is fresh, as gluten-free bread can sometimes be drier than traditional bread.
Low-Sugar Version
If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can skip the sugar in the egg mixture or replace it with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
FAQs About The Recipe
1. Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?
Yes! While thicker bread like brioche or Texas toast works best for French toast, you can experiment with other types of bread like sourdough, challah, or gluten-free bread.
2. How do I make sure the French toast bites don’t become soggy?
To avoid soggy bites, make sure not to oversoak the bread in the egg mixture. A quick dip is enough to coat the bread without making it too wet.
3. Can I add toppings to the French toast bites before cooking?
Yes! You can sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of the bites before cooking them for a caramelized crust or even drizzle syrup before air frying for added flavor.
4. Can I double the recipe to make more bites?
Yes! If you want to make a larger batch, you can cook more French toast bites in batches. Just ensure that the bites aren’t overcrowded in the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking.
5. Can I freeze the French toast bites before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the bites before cooking. Simply dip the bread in the egg mixture, then freeze the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, just air fry them straight from the freezer.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
French Toast Bites in an Air Fryer are a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy the comfort of French toast without the hassle of flipping and frying in a pan. With the air fryer, you can achieve that perfect crispy exterior and soft interior in just a few minutes. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone.
Enjoy these French toast bites with your favorite toppings and feel free to experiment with flavors to make them your own. They’re a quick and easy way to bring a little sweetness to your morning!