Air Fryer French Toast Bites Recipe
Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of warm cinnamon and vanilla, with each golden, caramelized bite delivering the comfort of classic French toast—only crispier and fun-sized. Air Fryer French Toast Bites are my go-to treat for lazy weekend mornings and festive brunches alike: they’re playful, perfectly spiced, and beautifully bite-sized, making them almost impossible to stop munching. Whether you serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dip in maple syrup, this recipe is about bringing people together over delicious food that delights both young and old.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It always amazes me how humble pantry staples come together to make something so magical. For Air Fryer French Toast Bites, these simple ingredients each bring their own flair—think creaminess, sweetness, a welcome warmth of spice, and just the right touch of richness that makes every bite unforgettable!
- 6 slices bread: Soft, slightly stale bread works best—it soaks up the custard beautifully and crisps up nicely in the air fryer.
- 3 large eggs: Eggs are the secret to that custardy, rich texture classic French toast lovers crave.
- 1/4 cup milk: This adds just the right amount of creaminess, ensuring the bites stay moist inside.
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: A tiny pinch wakes up all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness from feeling flat.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla brings a dreamy, dessert-like aroma that makes your kitchen smell like a bakery!
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warming cinnamon is what gives French toast its signature spicy-sweet flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Brown sugar caramelizes as it cooks, lending those lovely golden edges and deep sweetness.
How to Make Air Fryer French Toast Bites
Step 1: Whisk Together the Custard
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until you have a smooth, sweet-smelling mixture. This simple custard is the soul of Air Fryer French Toast Bites, infusing each bite with flavor and that crave-worthy creamy center.
Step 2: Prep and Soak the Bread Cubes
Slice your bread into neat, bite-sized cubes—about an inch square is perfect. Add them to the bowl of custard and gently toss, making sure every bread piece soaks up the mixture. Don’t rush this step! Allow the bread just a minute or two for even soaking so no dry spots remain.
Step 3: Prep Your Air Fryer Basket
Give your air fryer rack or basket a quick spritz with non-stick spray to keep things from sticking (and make clean-up a breeze). Arrange the coated bread cubes in a single, even layer—overlapping will make them bake unevenly, so work in batches if you need to.
Step 4: Cooking the Bites
Air fry your bread cubes at 350 degrees F for about 8–10 minutes. At the halfway mark, give the basket a good shake so all sides get nice and golden. You’re looking for a crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy center—when they reach that perfect golden brown, you know you’ve nailed it.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the Air Fryer French Toast Bites are out and piping hot, top them with your favorite toppings and dig in! Whether you prefer classic maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a few berries, you’re in for a treat.
How to Serve Air Fryer French Toast Bites
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of real maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream—take your pick! These simple touches add a pop of sweetness and visual flair, turning your Air Fryer French Toast Bites into brunch showstoppers in seconds.
Side Dishes
Pair your French toast bites with a tangy fruit salad for brightness, crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast, or even Greek yogurt for some creamy, cool goodness on the side. The key is to keep the ensemble balanced and fun!
Creative Ways to Present
I love serving Air Fryer French Toast Bites skewered on sticks for a brunch party, or piled high in a bowl with tiny cups of flavored syrups for dunking. You can even stuff them into pastry boxes for an on-the-go breakfast surprise!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover bites in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge—they’ll keep well for about 2 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before storing to avoid any sogginess.
Freezing
To freeze, spread cooled Air Fryer French Toast Bites on a tray till solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll stay tasty for up to a month—perfect for meal prep or surprise guests!
Reheating
Give your leftovers a quick re-crisp in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 2–3 minutes. This brings back that just-cooked crunch and warms the centers nicely, so your breakfast never feels like a leftover.
FAQs
Can I use any type of bread for Air Fryer French Toast Bites?
Most sturdy bread types work beautifully! Brioche or challah are especially luxurious, but even regular sandwich bread gets wonderfully crispy. Just avoid anything overly thin or soft, as it can fall apart during soaking.
What’s the best way to avoid soggy bites?
Work with slightly stale bread, don’t oversaturate the cubes, and make sure you air fry in a single layer so the hot air can reach all sides—these tricks guarantee crispy outsides every time.
How can I make Air Fryer French Toast Bites gluten-free?
Swap out your bread for your favorite gluten-free loaf. The process is identical, though you may want to let the cubes soak a touch less since some gluten-free breads are more absorbent.
Can I add mix-ins to the custard?
Absolutely! Stir in orange zest, mini chocolate chips, or even a pinch of nutmeg for an extra flavor boost. The base recipe is super versatile and shines with new twists.
Is it possible to double the recipe for a crowd?
You sure can—just be sure to fry in batches so each cube gets the right amount of airflow and turns out perfectly golden and crisp. Air Fryer French Toast Bites are real crowd-pleasers at parties and brunches!
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking a playful, finger-friendly twist on a breakfast classic, you’ve got to try Air Fryer French Toast Bites. There’s just something magical about how these little cubes manage to be both crispy and custardy, sweet and comforting. I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch and make breakfast memories as satisfying as every bite!
Print
Air Fryer French Toast Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer French Toast Bites are a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with cinnamon and vanilla flavors, they make for a perfect morning treat or a fun snack any time of the day.
Ingredients
Bread Cubes:
- 6 slices bread (cut into cubes)
Egg Batter:
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Egg Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until well combined.
- Coat Bread Cubes: Cut bread into bite-sized pieces and toss them in the egg batter until evenly coated, ensuring no dry spots remain.
- Prep Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer rack with non-stick spray. Place the coated bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, without overlapping.
- Air Fry: Cook at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the French toast bites are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Enjoy your Air Fryer French Toast Bites with your favorite toppings or dips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: Air Fryer French Toast Bites, French Toast, Breakfast, Snack, Air Fryer Recipe
