Air Fryer French Toast Bites Recipe

If you’re looking to transform your breakfast routine with something crave-worthy, look no further than Air Fryer French Toast Bites. These delightful, golden nuggets are the ultimate mashup of crispy edges and soft, custardy centers, bursting with cinnamon and vanilla in every bite. Simple to whip up and far less messy than stovetop methods, this breakfast winner will charm brunch lovers of all ages. Whether you’re meal prepping for busy mornings or indulging in a slow, cozy weekend treat, Air Fryer French Toast Bites will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Air Fryer French Toast Bites comes from everyday, wholesome staples that are probably in your kitchen right now. Each item plays a special part in the final texture, flavor, and temptation factor—don’t be tempted to skip or swap too much, as each ingredient truly shines!

• Bread cubes: Opt for day-old or slightly stale bread cut into bite-sized pieces—it soaks up the custard like a dream and gives you that irresistible fluffy interior.
• Large eggs: Eggs give the bites their classic rich, custardy texture and help all the ingredients cling to each bread cube.
• Milk: A splash of milk makes the custard nice and silky, ensuring each bite is moist and tender (dairy or your favorite non-dairy milk both work well!).
• Kosher salt: Just a pinch brings all the flavors together and keeps things from tasting flat.
• Vanilla extract: Adds that unmistakable sweet, cozy aroma and flavor—don’t skip it!
• Ground cinnamon: The cinnamon makes these bites smell and taste like pure morning happiness.
• Brown sugar: Lends a subtle caramel note, adding sweetness and a gentle crunch when cooked.

How to Make Air Fryer French Toast Bites

Step 1: Make the Custard

Begin by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together the eggs, brown sugar, milk, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. You want to whisk until everything is well combined and the sugar is mostly dissolved. This simple mixture will soak into every bread cube and ensure every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 2: Cube and Coat the Bread

Cut your bread into even, bite-sized pieces—about 1-inch cubes work perfectly here. Gently toss the bread cubes into the bowl with your custard mixture. Stir with care until you see every piece generously coated with the sweet, eggy goodness. Let them sit a minute or two so the mixture really soaks in, and check that there are no dry spots left.

Step 3: Prep the Air Fryer

Lightly spritz the bottom of your air fryer basket or rack with non-stick spray to prevent any sticking. Arrange the custard-soaked bread cubes in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. This helps them crisp up evenly and ensures you get crunchy, golden bites all over.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the bread cubes for 8 to 10 minutes—be sure to give the basket a gentle shake halfway through so every piece crisps on all sides. You’re looking for a golden-brown finish and just the right amount of crispiness outside while keeping the interior soft and pillowy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the Air Fryer French Toast Bites are perfectly golden, plate them up and add your favorite toppings. The hard part is letting them cool enough to eat without popping them straight into your mouth!

How to Serve Air Fryer French Toast Bites

Garnishes

These bites are a blank canvas for your morning creativity. Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of real maple syrup, or a spoonful of whipped cream. Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or even a swirl of chocolate sauce make the Air Fryer French Toast Bites feel extra special for brunch gatherings or a Sunday treat.

Side Dishes

Balance out the sweetness of Air Fryer French Toast Bites with savory breakfast staples like crispy bacon or sausage links. A fresh fruit salad or a scoop of creamy Greek yogurt pairs beautifully and adds some brightness to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun and charming serving idea, stack the French Toast Bites on skewers and offer a dipping “flight” of syrups or sauces. You can also serve them as a brunch board alongside toppings, making it interactive for guests—perfect for holidays or special occasions!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve made more Air Fryer French Toast Bites than you can eat in one go (bravo for your restraint!), transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before storing so they don’t get soggy.

Freezing

Air Fryer French Toast Bites freeze surprisingly well. Arrange cooled bites on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to a month—great for meal prepping future breakfast treats!

Reheating

For best results, pop refrigerated or frozen French Toast Bites back into the air fryer for a few minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This brings back their wonderful crispy edges while warming the inside. You can also microwave them, but they’ll lose that signature crunch.

FAQs

Can I use different types of bread for Air Fryer French Toast Bites?

Absolutely! Brioche and challah are deliciously rich options, but any sturdy bread works—just avoid super-thin or very soft sandwich bread, which can get mushy. Day-old bread actually works best for soaking up the custard.

Can I make Air Fryer French Toast Bites gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free bread. Just make sure it’s a variety that holds up well to soaking and air frying; some gluten-free breads may require a little less soak time to prevent breaking apart.

How do I prevent the bites from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Using a light coating of non-stick spray on your air fryer basket or rack works wonders. Silicon liners or parchment paper with holes are also helpful for easy removal and minimal cleanup.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely—but for best results, cook in batches so you keep the cubes in a single layer. Overcrowding the air fryer can lead to steaming rather than crisping, so be patient for that perfectly golden outcome!

What toppings work best with Air Fryer French Toast Bites?

Classic maple syrup and powdered sugar are always winners, but you can get creative with nut butters, chocolate chips, caramel drizzle, or even a dollop of fruit preserves. The bites are endlessly customizable!

Final Thoughts

There’s something endlessly cheerful about sharing a plate of Air Fryer French Toast Bites, still warm from the air fryer and dusted with sweet toppings of your choosing. It’s a recipe that delivers on both convenience and charm, sure to win hearts at any breakfast table. Give them a try and see how quickly they become your new go-to morning treat!

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