Air Fryer French Toast Bites: The Ultimate Quick & Easy Breakfast Recipe
Imagine waking up to the aroma of warm, sweet cinnamon-infused French toast, perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Now imagine enjoying that deliciousness in convenient, bite-sized pieces, all with minimal effort and in just minutes! With only a few minutes of prep and a quick 8-minute cook time in your air fryer, you’ll be savoring these delightful Air Fryer French Toast Bites. They are an absolutely fun and irresistible weekend breakfast treat that kids and adults alike will adore, making mornings brighter and tastier.
Forget standing over a hot stovetop flipping slices of bread. Our air fryer method streamlines the process, delivering consistently golden-brown, tender French toast bites every single time. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor and minimum fuss, making it ideal for busy mornings or a relaxed brunch where you want something special without the culinary stress. Get ready to transform ordinary bread into an extraordinary breakfast sensation!
Why This Air Fryer French Toast Bites Recipe Is a Game Changer
French toast has a magical way of making you feel like you’re indulging in dessert for breakfast, and these bite-sized air fryer versions amplify that joy. This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s incredibly efficient, leveraging the power of your air fryer to create a perfectly cooked breakfast in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Here’s why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Speed and Efficiency: Traditional French toast often requires multiple batches on a griddle, taking up precious time. The air fryer allows for a more hands-off approach, cooking these delightful bites quickly and evenly in just 8 minutes. This means less time cooking and more time enjoying your meal with family.
- Perfect Texture Every Time: The circulating hot air in the air fryer creates a beautifully crisp exterior, while keeping the inside wonderfully soft and tender. You get that satisfying slight crunch followed by a warm, custardy interior, which can sometimes be hard to achieve with pan-frying without over-browning.
- Less Oil, Less Mess: Unlike pan-frying, which often requires a generous amount of butter or oil, cooking French toast bites in the air fryer uses minimal to no added oil. A quick spray of non-stick oil is usually all you need, resulting in a lighter breakfast and significantly easier cleanup. No greasy pans to scrub!
- Kid-Friendly Fun: The bite-sized format makes these French toast pieces incredibly appealing to children. They are easy for little hands to pick up and dip, turning breakfast into an interactive and enjoyable experience. Plus, kids can even help with some of the prep, like tossing the bread in the egg mixture or coating them in cinnamon sugar.
- Versatile and Customizable: While the base recipe is fantastic, these bites are a blank canvas for customization. You can easily switch up the bread, add different spices to the egg batter, or experiment with various toppings to suit everyone’s preferences.
Related: Craving more quick and easy air fryer meals? You’ll love our amazing air fryer chicken nuggets for lunch or dinner!
Essential Ingredients for Your Air Fryer French Toast Bites
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring just a handful of common pantry staples to create something truly extraordinary. Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients you’ll need and why they’re important:
For the Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- Granulated Sugar: Provides the perfect level of sweetness and helps create that desirable crunchy coating.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that infuses a warm, inviting flavor, synonymous with classic French toast. Don’t skimp on the quality here for the best aroma!
For the Fluffy French Toast Bites:
- Cinnamon Raisin Bread: This is our secret weapon for an extra layer of flavor and a hint of sweetness. However, any thick-sliced bread works wonderfully. Brioche, challah, Texas toast, or even day-old white bread are excellent alternatives, as a slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better without becoming soggy.
- Large Eggs: The foundation of our custard batter. Eggs bind the ingredients together and provide richness, ensuring the bread cooks up light and fluffy.
- Buttermilk: Adds a subtle tang and contributes to a remarkably tender and moist interior. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then filling the rest with regular milk to make ½ cup. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Granulated Sugar (for the batter): A small amount mixed into the egg wash enhances the overall sweetness of the French toast itself.
- Maple Extract: This intensifies the maple flavor without needing extra syrup in the batter. It’s a fantastic way to add depth. If you don’t have maple extract, vanilla extract can be used as a delicious alternative.
- Non-stick cooking spray or foil: Essential for preventing the French toast bites from sticking to your air fryer basket, ensuring easy removal and perfect browning.
Optional Garnishes for Serving:
- Powdered Sugar: A dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful finishing touch and an extra touch of sweetness.
- Maple Syrup: The classic pairing! Warm maple syrup for dipping is a must for many.
- Fresh Fruit: Sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or banana slices add freshness, color, and a healthy balance to the sweetness.
- Whipped Cream: For an extra decadent treat, a dollop of whipped cream can’t be beaten.
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step towards creating a truly memorable breakfast experience that’s both quick and incredibly delicious.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Air Fryer French Toast Bites
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this delightful recipe. For the complete printable version of this recipe, including exact measurements and a convenient recipe card, please Jump to Recipe at the bottom of the page.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a large mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Stir these together thoroughly until well mixed. This bowl will be used for coating the warm French toast bites immediately after they come out of the air fryer, so set it aside within easy reach.
- Cut the Bread: Take your slices of cinnamon raisin bread (or your chosen thick-sliced bread) and cut each slice into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Aim for approximately 9 squares per slice. Uniform pieces will help ensure even cooking in the air fryer.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate large bowl, whisk the 3 large eggs until they are well beaten and slightly frothy. Then, thoroughly mix in the ½ cup of buttermilk, 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of maple extract. Ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated to create a smooth, flavorful custard.
- Coat the Bread Cubes: Add the cut bread cubes to the prepared egg mixture. Gently stir and toss the bread pieces until each one is evenly coated. Be careful not to let the bread soak too long, as it can become soggy; a quick, thorough coating is sufficient for absorption during air frying.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer: Line your air fryer basket with non-stick foil or use a generous amount of non-stick cooking spray to prevent the French toast from sticking. Carefully place the coated bread pieces into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows the hot air to circulate properly for even cooking and crisping. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air Fry to Golden Perfection: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the French toast bites for 8 minutes. Make sure to flip the pieces halfway through the cooking time (around the 4-minute mark) to ensure even browning and crispness on all sides. They should be golden brown and feel slightly firm to the touch.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Once cooked, carefully remove the hot French toast bites from the air fryer. Immediately transfer them to the bowl of cinnamon sugar that you prepared earlier. Toss gently until all the pieces are thoroughly coated. The warmth of the French toast will help the cinnamon sugar adhere beautifully.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Air Fryer French Toast Bites warm. Drizzle them generously with maple syrup and, if desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve alongside fresh fruit for a complete and delightful breakfast!
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer French Toast Bites
Achieving perfectly crisp, fluffy, and flavorful French toast bites every time is easy with a few simple tricks. Here are some expert tips to elevate your breakfast game:
- Choose the Right Bread: While the recipe calls for cinnamon raisin bread, the key is to use a thick-sliced bread. Sturdy breads like brioche, challah, or Texas toast hold up well to the egg mixture without falling apart. Day-old bread is often preferred over fresh bread because it’s slightly drier and will absorb the custard batter more effectively, leading to a better texture.
- Don’t Over-Soak: While you want the bread fully coated, avoid letting it sit in the egg mixture for too long. Over-soaked bread can become soggy and might not crisp up properly in the air fryer. A quick dip and flip to ensure even coverage is all you need.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Air Fryer: This is crucial for optimal results. Air fryers work by circulating hot air, so leaving space between the French toast bites allows for proper airflow, leading to even cooking and that desirable crispy exterior. Cook in batches if necessary; it’s worth the extra minute for superior texture.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes can help ensure a more consistent cooking temperature and faster, more even browning from the start.
- Flip Halfway Through: Don’t skip this step! Flipping the French toast bites ensures both sides get direct exposure to the circulating hot air, resulting in a uniformly golden and crispy finish.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Air fryers can vary in wattage and efficiency. The suggested 8 minutes is a good starting point, but keep an eye on your French toast bites, especially during the first batch. They should be golden brown and feel firm. If they look too pale, give them another minute or two.
- Coat Immediately After Cooking: Tossing the hot French toast bites in the cinnamon sugar mixture right away is key. The residual heat helps the sugar melt slightly and adhere perfectly, creating that delicious sweet crust.
- Make it a Meal: Pair your French toast bites with other breakfast favorites. Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, or a fresh fruit salad complement the sweetness wonderfully and make for a more complete and satisfying meal.
- Experiment with Extracts: While maple extract adds a unique depth, feel free to substitute with vanilla extract for a more classic flavor, or even almond extract for something different.
By following these tips, you’ll consistently create Air Fryer French Toast Bites that are not only easy but also perfectly textured and packed with flavor, making every breakfast a special occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer French Toast Bites
Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe to make French toast sticks instead of bites. Simply cut your bread into strips (about 1-inch wide and 3-4 inches long) rather than squares. The cooking time and temperature will remain the same at 350°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The stick shape is also great for dipping!
Yes, definitely! While we love using cinnamon raisin bread for an extra layer of flavor and sweetness, you are welcome to use any thick-sliced bread you prefer. Great options include brioche, challah, Texas toast, or even a good quality white bread. A slightly stale loaf (day-old bread) is often ideal as it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming too soggy, ensuring a nice crisp exterior.
Yes, you can. If you don’t have buttermilk, whole milk or even a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) can be used. However, buttermilk adds a unique tang and moisture that contributes to a more tender French toast. If you want to replicate buttermilk, you can add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup and then fill it up to the ½ cup line with regular milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles before adding to the eggs.
Leftover Air Fryer French Toast Bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. For best results, don’t coat them in cinnamon sugar until just before serving if you’re planning on having leftovers, as the sugar can become sticky in storage.
Yes, they freeze beautifully! Once the bites are completely cooled (and before coating them in cinnamon sugar), arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Then toss in cinnamon sugar.
There are a few common reasons for soggy or non-crispy French toast bites:
- Over-soaking the bread: The bread absorbed too much liquid. A quick dip is enough.
- Overcrowding the air fryer: This prevents proper hot air circulation, leading to steaming instead of crisping. Cook in single layers with space in between.
- Not flipping: Both sides need direct heat for even browning.
- Air fryer model: Some air fryers cook differently. You might need to adjust cooking time by an extra minute or two.
- Too much liquid in the batter: Ensure you follow the ingredient measurements closely.
These air fryer French toast bites are not only simple to make and taste incredibly delicious, but they also offer a fun and engaging cooking experience that kids can actively participate in! It’s a wonderful way to introduce them to the joy of cooking and create lasting family memories around the breakfast table.
Explore More Delicious French Toast Recipes
If you love French toast as much as we do, you’ll be thrilled to try these other fantastic variations:
- French Toast Casserole: Perfect for feeding a crowd or for make-ahead breakfasts.
- Strawberries and Cream Stuffed French Toast: An indulgent and decadent treat that feels like a dessert.
- Homemade Freezer French Toast Sticks: Ideal for meal prepping and quick weekday breakfasts on the go.
For an extra special touch, consider making these bites with our Homemade Amish White Bread – the soft texture is absolutely perfect for soaking up the custard.
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Air Fryer French Toast Bites
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
French Toast Bites
- 12 slices cinnamon raisin bread 1 loaf
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp maple extract
- Powdered sugar & maple syrup optional garnish
Things You’ll Need
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Air fryer
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Tongs
Before You Begin
- You can make French toast sticks instead of bites. Simply cut them into strips instead of squares. Cook the same temp and time.
- We’ve used cinnamon raisin bread, but you can use any thick sliced bread you like.
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, stir to combine 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
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Cut the bread into 1-inch bite-sized pieces, about 9 squares per slice.
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Whisk the egg and mix in the buttermilk, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and maple extract.
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Add the bread squares to the egg mixture and stir to evenly coat all pieces.
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Use non-stick spray or foil in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Place bread into the air fryer.
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Set heat to 350 F and cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Remove french toast bites from the air fryer and immediately add to the bowl of cinnamon sugar. Toss to coat.
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Serve warm with maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.