If you’re craving a delightful breakfast snack that’s both crispy and fluffy, look no further than this Air Fryer French Toast Bites Recipe. These little nuggets of morning bliss combine the rich custardy flavor of traditional French toast with a fun, bite-sized twist, all made effortlessly in your air fryer. They’re crispy on the outside, tender inside, and perfect for dunking into maple syrup or dusting with powdered sugar. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these French toast bites are sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fryer French Toast Bites Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from lending sweetness and spice to adding that perfect custard texture and golden crispness.
- Thick-cut bread: Using brioche or Texas toast offers a sturdy base that soaks up the custard without falling apart.
- Eggs: They create the creamy custard coating that makes French toast so irresistible.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture for tender bites.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the mixture just enough to balance flavors.
- Ground cinnamon: Introduces warmth and depth to every bite.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.
- Pinch of salt: Brings out the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures the bites crisp perfectly without sticking to the air fryer basket.
- Optional toppings: Maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries for a finishing touch and extra flair.
How to Make Air Fryer French Toast Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Bread
Start by cutting your thick-cut slices of bread into bite-sized cubes. Using slightly stale bread helps keep the bites from turning soggy while allowing them to soak up just the right amount of custard.
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined. The aromas of cinnamon and vanilla at this stage already start to make your kitchen smell like breakfast heaven.
Step 3: Soak the Bread Cubes
Dip each bread cube into the custard mixture, making sure it gets coated but doesn’t become soggy. Let the cubes sit in the custard for a few seconds to absorb flavor and moisture evenly.
Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. This step helps the French toast bites crisp up beautifully without sticking, making clean-up a breeze.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Arrange the soaked bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking for that ultimate golden crisp on all sides.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Once your Air Fryer French Toast Bites Recipe is golden and crispy, serve them right away with your favorite toppings. The warm bites are best enjoyed fresh and hot.
How to Serve Air Fryer French Toast Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of pure maple syrup instantly elevates these French toast bites. Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a pop of color and a hint of tartness that complements the sweet, cinnamon-spiced bites wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Pair your bites with a side of crispy bacon or scrambled eggs for a well-rounded breakfast. A small bowl of Greek yogurt with honey can also provide a creamy texture contrast and a touch of tang.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or brunch, thread the French toast bites onto small skewers, alternating with fruit or marshmallows for a playful stack. Alternatively, serve them in a festive bowl surrounded by dipped chocolate or caramel sauces for a fun dipping experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bites might lose some crispiness but still taste delicious when reheated.
Freezing
For longer storage, place the cooked French toast bites on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen up to 1 month, ready for a quick breakfast treat anytime.
Reheating
Reheat your frozen or refrigerated bites in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes to regain crispness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or Texas toast are ideal for their texture and flavor, you can experiment with challah, sourdough, or even gluten-free bread depending on your preference.
Is it necessary to use an air fryer for this recipe?
The air fryer allows for a crispy exterior without using much oil, but if you don’t have one, you can bake the bites in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Can I make the custard mixture ahead of time?
Yes, prepping the egg mixture the night before and refrigerating it can save time on busy mornings. Just give it a good whisk before dipping your bread cubes.
How do I prevent the French toast bites from becoming soggy?
Using slightly stale bread and not soaking the cubes too long in the custard mixture helps prevent sogginess. Also, air frying in a single layer ensures even crispness.
What are some fun dipping sauces I can serve with these bites?
Besides classic maple syrup, try chocolate sauce, caramel drizzle, or even a fruit compote. For a savory twist, a lightly sweetened cream cheese dip works wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about taking a classic breakfast favorite and transforming it into fun, easy-to-eat bites with the help of your air fryer. This Air Fryer French Toast Bites Recipe not only tastes fantastic but also makes mornings brighter and a little more special. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing these little golden treasures as much as I do!
Print
Air Fryer French Toast Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these crispy and golden Air Fryer French Toast Bites, perfect for a quick and tasty breakfast. Made with thick-cut bread cubes soaked in a cinnamon vanilla egg mixture and air fried to perfection, they are a fun, kid-friendly treat that pairs beautifully with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 slices thick-cut bread (such as brioche or Texas toast)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Nonstick cooking spray
Optional Toppings
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Cut the thick-cut bread slices into bite-sized cubes, setting them aside for dipping.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak the Bread Cubes: Dip each bread cube into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak briefly so it absorbs some of the custard without becoming overly soggy.
- Preheat and Prepare Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Air Fry the French Toast Bites: Place the soaked bread cubes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to promote even browning and crispness.
- Serve: Once golden and crispy on the outside, remove the bites from the air fryer and serve warm. Optionally, drizzle with maple syrup, sprinkle powdered sugar, or garnish with fresh berries for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use slightly stale bread for the best texture and to prevent sogginess.
- Prepare the egg mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for quicker mornings.
- For extra flavor, toss the finished bites in cinnamon sugar while still warm.
