Eggy Bread in the Air Fryer
Eggy bread in a frying pan needs constant attention and plenty of butter, and the first slice is often too pale or too dark. Eggy bread in air fryer baskets cooks both sides in 8–10 minutes with a light spray of oil. You get a golden outside and a soft, custardy middle, and the whole batch is ready at once.
- Temperature
- 180°C
- Total time
- 17min
- Prep
- 8min
- Servings
- 2
- Per serving
- 290kcal
Why the air fryer works for eggy bread
Making eggy bread in air fryer baskets gives you the best bits of the frying pan with less effort. The hot air sets the egg coating quickly, so the outside turns golden and slightly crisp, while the bread inside stays soft and custardy. You use only a brush of oil, instead of a knob of butter for every slice, and nothing spits.
The air fryer also cooks several slices at once, which makes it handy for a family breakfast. Because the egg is liquid, it helps to preheat the machine and to oil the basket. The slices should lie flat without touching, as the fan can lift a light, wet slice, so do not overfill the basket. Most 4–6 litre machines take two or three slices at a time.
How to make eggy bread in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Make the egg mixture Whisk the eggs, milk, cinnamon, caster sugar and vanilla in a shallow dish until smooth. A wide dish makes it easy to lay a whole slice flat.
- Soak the bread Dip each slice into the mixture for about 10 seconds a side. It should be soaked but not falling apart. Let the extra egg drip off for a few seconds. Stale bread holds together best, while very fresh bread needs a quicker dip.
- Preheat and oil Preheat the air fryer to 180 °C for . Brush the hot basket with oil, as the egg can stick to bare metal. If you prefer perforated baking paper, only lay it in the basket together with the slices, never loose during preheating.
- Cook Lay the slices in a single layer, with a little space between them. Cook for , turn them over carefully with a spatula and cook for more, until golden brown and set in the middle.
- Finish Dust with icing sugar and serve straight away while the bread is soft inside and crisp at the edges. Cook any remaining slices in a second batch.
Cooking times and temperatures
| Eggy Bread | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet eggy bread, 4 slicesTurn halfway | 180 °C | 8–10 min |
| Thick brioche slicesLower heat for a set middle | 170 °C | 10–12 min |
| Savoury eggy breadSkip sugar, add pepper and cheese | 180 °C | 8–10 min |
| Eggy bread sticksCut slices into 3 strips | 180 °C | 6–7 min |
| Reheated eggy breadUntil steaming hot | 160 °C | 3–4 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size of the food and the power of your air fryer. See also cooking times and temperatures for all dishes.
You may also like: Baking paper and foil in an air fryer
Tips
- Choose slightly stale bread. It soaks up the egg without turning to mush. Fresh bread can be dried for 2 minutes at 160 °C in the air fryer first.
- Use thicker slices for a custardy middle. A slice about 1.5 cm thick stays soft inside while the outside colours. Thin sandwich bread cooks faster and is crisper.
- Turn gently. Use a wide spatula and lift the whole slice. A soft, eggy slice can tear if you use tongs.
Serving
Eggy bread in air fryer baskets is good with sliced banana, berries and maple syrup, or with bacon and a drizzle of syrup for a sweet and salty plate. You can serve it beside pancakes for a brunch table, or as the savoury version with roasted tomatoes. If you prefer plain bread, try toast.
Storing and reheating
Eggy bread is best fresh, but leftovers keep for up to 2 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat the slices in the air fryer at 160 °C for 3–4 minutes, until they are steaming hot all the way through (75 °C in the centre), which also crisps them again. You can freeze cooked slices between sheets of baking paper for up to a month and reheat from frozen for 6–7 minutes.
Variations
- Savoury eggy bread: Skip the sugar, vanilla and cinnamon, and add black pepper and a pinch of grated cheddar to the egg. Serve with ketchup or brown sauce.
- Cinnamon sugar: Mix 1 tbsp caster sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon and sprinkle over the slices straight from the air fryer.
- Stuffed eggy bread: Spread jam or chocolate spread between two slices, press the edges together, dip and cook for 10–11 minutes, turning halfway.
Troubleshooting
- The eggy bread is soggy in the middle
- The bread soaked too long or was too thin. Dip for 10 seconds a side, use bread at least 1 cm thick and cook the slices a minute longer.
- It sticks to the basket
- Egg sticks to bare metal. Brush the basket with oil or use perforated baking paper, and always preheat first so the surface sets quickly.
- The edges are dark and the middle is pale
- The heat is too high for thick slices. Lower to 170 °C and cook for 1–2 minutes longer, turning the slices halfway.
Frequently asked questions
How long does eggy bread take in an air fryer?
About 8–10 minutes at 180 °C, turned halfway. Thin white slices are done in 7–8 minutes, while thick brioche or bloomer slices need 10–11 minutes.
Is eggy bread the same as French toast?
Yes. Eggy bread is the British name for French toast, which is bread soaked in beaten egg and then cooked until golden. Some recipes add milk, cinnamon and sugar, while others stay plain and savoury.
Can you make French toast in an air fryer without oil?
Yes, but it browns more slowly and can stick. A light brush of oil or spray, or a perforated baking paper liner, gives much better colour and prevents tearing.
What bread is best for eggy bread in the air fryer?
Day-old white bread, brioche or thick-cut sliced bread. They absorb the egg without collapsing. Very thin, fresh bread turns soft and sticks easily.
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