Air Fryer French Toast Bites Recipe
If you’re looking for a breakfast treat that’s both playful and completely irresistible, Air Fryer French Toast Bites will steal your heart! These crispy, golden cubes of brioche are soaked in a sweet, custardy mixture, then air fried to perfection — making every bite a delightful mix of crunch and softness. Whether you’re serving them on a lazy weekend or whipping up a quick weekday morning surprise, this dish is equal parts easy and impressive. Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to breakfast favorite: Air Fryer French Toast Bites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I adore about these Air Fryer French Toast Bites is how a handful of kitchen staples can transform into something so special. Each ingredient plays a starring role, bringing warmth, flavor, and the perfect texture to every morsel. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a quick tip for each:
- Brioche or Texas Toast: Thick-cut, slightly stale bread is key for soaking up the custard without getting soggy.
- Eggs: The base of the custard, giving your bites rich flavor and structure.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and helps the custard soak into the bread evenly.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the mix just enough for breakfast bliss without overdoing it.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings depth and a warm, comforting aroma to your bites.
- Ground Cinnamon: Classic French toast spice, giving each bite cozy, familiar flavor.
- Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Cooking Spray or Oil: A quick spritz ensures the bites get golden and crispy without sticking.
- Optional Toppings: Powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh berries take this breakfast over the top!
How to Make Air Fryer French Toast Bites
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes. A hot air fryer is the secret to achieving that perfectly crisp exterior. Don’t skip this step — it makes all the difference!
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until everything is beautifully combined and the sugar has dissolved. This luscious mixture is what will transform plain bread cubes into tender, flavorful bites.
Step 3: Soak the Bread Cubes
Add your cubed brioche or Texas toast to the custard bowl. Gently toss the cubes to coat them evenly, then let them sit for 1 to 2 minutes. This brief soak gives your French toast bites their signature soft, custardy centers while keeping the edges ready to crisp up.
Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a bit of oil. This step keeps the bites from sticking and helps them get that irresistible golden color. Trust me, it’s worth the extra second!
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Arrange the soaked bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding — you may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the bites are golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.
Step 6: Serve Them Warm
Transfer your Air Fryer French Toast Bites to a plate and serve immediately. They’re at their best when warm and ready to soak up any toppings you desire.
How to Serve Air Fryer French Toast Bites
Garnishes
The right garnish can take these bites from delicious to unforgettable. A dusting of powdered sugar makes them look like they came straight from a bakery, while a drizzle of maple syrup adds sticky-sweet decadence. Fresh berries add a pop of color and a refreshing tartness that’s just perfect alongside the warm, sweet bites.
Side Dishes
Air Fryer French Toast Bites are fabulous on their own, but they also shine as the star of a breakfast spread. Pair them with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or a bowl of yogurt and fruit for a complete meal. If you’re hosting brunch, try serving them alongside a platter of fresh fruit or a smoothie for a colorful, inviting table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, skewer the bites on sticks and serve with little cups of syrup or chocolate sauce for dipping — perfect for kids or brunch parties! You can also layer them in a parfait glass with whipped cream and berries for a playful take on breakfast dessert. However you serve them, Air Fryer French Toast Bites are guaranteed to be a conversation starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Air Fryer French Toast Bites left (which is rare in my house!), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making them a quick grab-and-go breakfast or snack.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooled French toast bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for about a month — just be sure to label with the date!
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat Air Fryer French Toast Bites in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. You can also use a toaster oven or conventional oven, but avoid the microwave if you want to keep that lovely crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast
Absolutely! While brioche or Texas toast give the richest results, any sturdy, thick-cut bread (like challah or even sourdough) will work beautifully. Just steer clear of thin, pre-sliced sandwich bread, which tends to become mushy.
Can I make Air Fryer French Toast Bites dairy-free?
Yes! Just swap the milk for your favorite non-dairy option, such as almond, oat, or soy milk. The results are just as delicious, and all other ingredients remain the same.
How do I keep the bites from sticking to the basket?
Greasing the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray or oil is key. If you’re still having trouble, you can use parchment paper liners made for air fryers — just be sure to leave space around the edges for airflow.
Can I double the recipe?
Of course! Just work in batches so you don’t overcrowd the basket. Overcrowding can lead to soggy bites, and we want each piece to be golden and crisp.
Are Air Fryer French Toast Bites suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. You can prep the bread cubes and custard the night before, then quickly soak and air fry in the morning. They also reheat beautifully, making them a perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy weeks.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to give these Air Fryer French Toast Bites a try! They’re simple, quick, and bursting with flavor — the kind of breakfast that brings a smile to your face, whether you’re enjoying them solo or sharing with loved ones. Go ahead and add them to your breakfast rotation; I promise they’ll become a new favorite in no time!
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Air Fryer French Toast Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these quick and easy Air Fryer French Toast Bites, perfect for a delicious breakfast or snack. Made with thick-cut brioche or Texas toast cubes soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, then air fried to golden perfection. Enjoy them warm with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries for a kid-friendly treat that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Ingredients
French Toast Bites
- 4 slices thick-cut brioche or Texas toast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Soak the Bread Cubes: Add the 1-inch bread cubes to the egg mixture and gently toss to coat evenly. Allow the cubes to soak for 1 to 2 minutes so they absorb the flavors.
- Grease the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a bit of oil to prevent sticking and promote crispiness.
- Arrange and Cook: Place the soaked bread cubes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding by working in batches if necessary.
- Air Fry: Cook the bread cubes at 375°F for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly and become crisp on the outside.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once golden and crispy, remove the French toast bites from the air fryer. Serve warm with optional toppings such as powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh berries for added flavor.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for the best texture and to prevent sogginess.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to cook the bites evenly and achieve optimal crispness.
- For an extra crunchy finish, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on the bread cubes before air frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 batch (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
