Need a reason to hop out of bed in the morning? These Air Fryer French Toast Bites are pure breakfast joy in every golden, fluffy cube! They’re impossibly easy, irresistibly crisp on the outside, and deliciously soft inside, all achieved without a frying pan. Pile them high, sprinkle with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite brunch treat. Whether you’re feeding kiddos, brunch guests, or simply yourself, these Air Fryer French Toast Bites are guaranteed to become a go-to for busy mornings and lazy weekends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how a handful of everyday ingredients can conjure up such a spectacular breakfast. Each component has a role to play, from the richness of the eggs and cream to that dash of vanilla and cinnamon for cozy warmth. Choose your favorite bread, gather these kitchen staples, and you’re well on your way to Air Fryer French Toast Bites bliss!
- Bread cubes: Use thick-cut, slightly stale bread like brioche or challah for sturdy, pillowy bites that soak up the custard beautifully.
- Eggs: These create the classic French toast custard and give every bite its creamy, satisfying interior.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and a rich mouthfeel—don’t skimp on this!
- Heavy cream: A touch of heavy cream makes the bites extra decadent and soft inside.
- Granulated sugar: Just a bit for gentle sweetness that pairs beautifully with maple syrup.
- Vanilla extract: Gives your bites that unmistakable bakery aroma and flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: A warm spice note that’s essential for classic French toast.
- Salt: Balances everything out and brings all the flavors together.
- Butter or nonstick spray: Grease the basket so the bites crisp up and never stick.
- Powdered sugar & maple syrup: The finishing touch—dust with sugar and drizzle liberally for pure breakfast happiness.
How to Make Air Fryer French Toast Bites
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature for those irresistibly crisp edges and soft, custardy middles in every piece. Preheating means your Air Fryer French Toast Bites start cooking evenly the moment they hit the basket.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Custard
Grab a medium bowl and add your eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until everything’s totally combined and the sugar dissolves. This dreamy custard is what gives the bites their luxe flavor and dreamy texture.
Step 3: Soak the Bread Cubes
Drop your bread cubes into the custard and toss gently to coat every piece. Let them soak for about a minute so they’re well-saturated, but not falling apart. Each cube should be juicy but still hold its shape, guaranteeing perfect Air Fryer French Toast Bites.
Step 4: Prep the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly coat your air fryer basket with butter or nonstick spray. This helps prevent sticking and boosts that golden, just-fried look without any extra oil. Spread the custard-dipped bread cubes in a single layer, making sure there’s space between each one so the air can work its magic.
Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Slide the basket into the preheated air fryer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure every side gets evenly crisped. The bites are ready when they’re golden brown on the outside and feel springy to the touch.
Step 6: Serve Warm with Finishing Touches
Transfer your Air Fryer French Toast Bites to a plate immediately, then shower them with a dusting of powdered sugar and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. Serve right away while they’re crispy outside and pillowy within—it’s breakfast at its absolute best!
How to Serve Air Fryer French Toast Bites
Garnishes
The simplest touches make these bites totally brunch-worthy. Go classic with sifted powdered sugar and warm maple syrup, add a sprinkle of cinnamon, or finish with fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor. If you want to take things up a notch, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of nut butter is downright dreamy.
Side Dishes
Round out your breakfast spread by pairing Air Fryer French Toast Bites with crispy bacon or savory sausage links. For a lighter vibe, add fresh fruit salad, creamy Greek yogurt, or a handful of roasted nuts. They also shine next to scrambled eggs for the perfect sweet-and-savory combo.
Creative Ways to Present
These golden cubes are made for sharing! Serve them in a big bowl with toothpicks for a family-style brunch, or skewer a few on sticks for an easy, kid-friendly breakfast. Try plating them over vanilla yogurt parfaits or layer them with berries and cream for a full-on brunch trifle—your guests will swoon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have extra Air Fryer French Toast Bites? No problem! Let them cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They stay soft and flavorful, ready for quick reheating when the next craving hits.
Freezing
Freeze your cooled French toast bites in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep their texture beautifully for up to a month, making future breakfasts a breeze.
Reheating
To regain crispiness, simply toss refrigerated or frozen bites back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through. You can also use the microwave for speed, but the air fryer keeps those perfect edges intact.
FAQs
Can I use any type Breakfast
While you can use any thick, sturdy bread, brioche and challah are especially recommended because they’re rich, tender, and soak up just the right amount of custard without falling apart. Even slightly stale sandwich bread works in a pinch!
Why do my French toast bites turn soggy?
If your bites are soggy, the bread may be too fresh or thin, or you may have overcrowded the air fryer basket. Use slightly stale, thick-cut bread and cook in a single layer for best results.
Are Air Fryer French Toast Bites healthier than traditional fried French toast?
Yes, these bites use far less oil than typical fried French toast. The air fryer gives them their signature crisp edges without needing butter in the pan, making them lighter while still deliciously satisfying.
Can I make Air Fryer French Toast Bites dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk and heavy cream with your favorite non-dairy alternatives like almond, coconut, or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter or nonstick spray for the basket.
What’s the best way to keep Air Fryer French Toast Bites warm for a crowd?
If you’re making multiple batches, keep finished bites warm in a low oven (around 200°F) on a wire rack until everyone’s ready to dig in. This helps them stay crispy and fresh without drying out.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a breakfast or brunch that’s simple, special, and universally loved, Air Fryer French Toast Bites are it! They’re quick, fun, and totally customizable—plus, they never fail to delight. Gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and treat yourself to these incredible bites. You deserve the best breakfast!
Print
Air Fryer French Toast Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delicious Air Fryer French Toast Bites for a quick and easy breakfast or brunch treat. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these bite-sized French toast cubes are a delight served with powdered sugar and maple syrup.
Ingredients
Bread Cubes:
6 slices thick bread cut into cubes
Egg Mixture:
3 large eggs, 1/2 cup whole milk, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional:
butter or nonstick spray for coating the basket, powdered sugar and maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Egg Mixture: Whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Coat Bread Cubes: Dip bread cubes into the egg mixture until well coated.
- Prepare Air Fryer: Grease the air fryer basket and arrange coated bread cubes in a single layer.
- Air Fry: Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with powdered sugar and maple syrup.
Notes
- For best results, use slightly stale bread like brioche or challah.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
