If you’re looking for the ultimate breakfast treat that’s crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and downright irresistible, it’s time you meet Air Fryer French Toast Bites. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into golden, cinnamon-kissed morsels with no standing at the stove required. They’re bite-sized, super customizable, and ready in minutes—perfect for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or any time you need that comforting French toast fix in a flash!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about making Air Fryer French Toast Bites is how each ingredient brings something special to the party. Every item on this list plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color—plus, these are all items you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Thick-cut bread: Brioche or Texas toast gives those perfect fluffy centers; day-old bread works even better since it soaks up the custard without getting soggy.
- Eggs: The base for your custard, eggs make the bites rich, soft, and satisfying.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and moisture to the custard; feel free to swap for your favorite dairy-free alternative.
- Granulated sugar: A hint of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash brings warmth and that classic French toast aroma.
- Ground cinnamon: For that nostalgic, bakery-style flavor that everyone adores.
- Pinch of salt: Tiny but mighty, salt balances the sweetness and brings all the flavors forward.
- Cooking spray or melted butter: Prevents sticking and adds a subtle richness as the bites cook.
- Optional toppings: Maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or fresh fruit make the bites truly next-level.
How to Make Air Fryer French Toast Bites
Step 1: Cube the Bread
Start by taking your thick-cut bread and cutting it into bite-sized cubes. Trust me, size matters here—aim for 1-inch pieces so you get those perfect crispy edges with fluffy centers in every bite. If your bread is a little stale, that’s even better!
Step 2: Whisk the Custard
In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is smooth and fully combined; this little custard is the heart of what makes Air Fryer French Toast Bites so delicious.
Step 3: Dip and Coat
Gently drop the bread cubes into the custard mixture and toss to coat, ensuring every piece gets a nice, even soaking. You want them well-coated, but don’t let them sit too long or they’ll get soggy—just a quick toss will do the trick.
Step 4: Prep the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with melted butter. This step is a must for easy release and that extra touch of flavor—no stuck-on bites or torn pieces here!
Step 5: Arrange and Air Fry
Pop the custard-coated bread cubes into the basket in a single layer (don’t overcrowd). Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes, giving the basket a big shake halfway through. When the bites are golden brown and a little crispy on the edges, they’re ready to party!
Step 6: Serve Fresh
As soon as the Air Fryer French Toast Bites are done, plate them up and get creative with toppings. The faster you serve, the better—they’re truly magical while still warm.
How to Serve Air Fryer French Toast Bites
Garnishes
Invite some fun to the breakfast table with a cascade of powdered sugar, a drizzle of warm maple syrup, or a tumble of fresh berries. These toppings aren’t just for looks—they add depth, color, and that little bit of indulgence you deserve.
Side Dishes
Balance the sweet perfection of your Air Fryer French Toast Bites with savory sides like crispy bacon, a simple fruit salad, or creamy Greek yogurt. The combination brings variety to your plate and makes breakfast feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Channel your inner brunch host and skewer the French toast bites for a fun breakfast kabob, pile them into a cozy bowl for dunking, or create a DIY topping bar so everyone can build their own masterpiece. These bites are pure breakfast entertainment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, let the Air Fryer French Toast Bites cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They’ll stay soft inside and perfectly snackable.
Freezing
Want to prep ahead? Arrange cooled bites on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag once frozen. This way, you can grab just what you need for a quick breakfast anytime—no clumping or sticking.
Reheating
To bring back that just-cooked texture, pop refrigerated or frozen French toast bites back in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F. They’ll crisp right up and taste just like fresh—no sad, soggy leftovers here!
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free bread to make Air Fryer French Toast Bites?
Absolutely! Gluten-free bread works wonderfully in this recipe. Just check that your bread of choice is sturdy enough to hold up when soaked in the custard mixture for best results.
What’s the best way to keep the bites from sticking to the air fryer basket?
A good spray of nonstick cooking spray or a light brush of melted butter before you add the coated bread cubes will do the trick. Don’t skip this step—your future self will thank you when cleanup is a breeze.
Can I make Air Fryer French Toast Bites dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the milk for any non-dairy alternative you love—oat milk, almond milk, or even coconut milk all work well. The rest of the ingredients are already dairy-free unless you use butter for greasing.
Is it okay to use regular sandwich bread instead of thick-cut?
You can use regular sandwich bread, though the bites may turn out a little smaller and less fluffy. Try toasting the bread first or using slightly stale slices for best texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the Air Fryer French Toast Bites from getting soggy?
The key is not to over-soak the bread; gently coat the cubes just until absorbed, and cook them quickly in a hot air fryer. Arranging in a single layer also helps ensure crispiness all around.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a breakfast lover or just want an easy, family-friendly treat, you’ve got to try making Air Fryer French Toast Bites at home. They’re quick, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to brighten any morning. I can’t wait for you to dive in and make them your new go-to breakfast—enjoy every warm, cinnamon-dusted bite!
PrintAir Fryer French Toast Bites Recipe
These Air Fryer French Toast Bites are a delightful twist on traditional French toast, perfect for a quick and easy breakfast or snack. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with sweet cinnamon flavor, these bite-sized treats are sure to become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Bread Cubes:
- 4 slices thick-cut bread (like brioche or Texas toast)
Egg Mixture:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of salt
Additional:
- cooking spray or melted butter (for air fryer basket)
- optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit
Instructions
- Cut the Bread: Cut the bread slices into bite-sized cubes and set aside.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Coat Bread Cubes: Dip the bread cubes into the mixture, ensuring each piece is coated but not soaked through.
- Prep Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with melted butter.
- Cook French Toast Bites: Place the coated bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.
- Serve: Serve immediately with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or fresh berries.
Notes
- Best served fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes.
- You can use dairy-free milk and gluten-free bread for dietary preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 145mg