French toast is a classic breakfast dish loved by people all over the world. The sweet, custardy taste of this dish makes it a perfect choice for a leisurely weekend breakfast or brunch. Traditionally, French toast is made by dipping slices of bread in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and cinnamon and then frying them in a pan until golden and crispy. However, with the rise in popularity of air fryers, many people are wondering if it’s possible to air fry French toast. In this article, we will explore this question and delve into the delicious twist that air frying can bring to this breakfast favourite.
Air frying French toast: is it possible?
The magic of air fryers
Air fryers have become a beloved kitchen appliance for many people due to their ability to cook food quickly and with less oil compared to traditional deep frying. These countertop appliances use hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in crispy and evenly cooked dishes. Air frying has gained popularity as a healthier alternative to deep frying, as it requires little to no oil, reducing the overall fat content of the food being cooked.
Adapting traditional French toast to the air fryer
To air fry French toast, you’ll need to make a few modifications to the traditional recipe. Instead of using a pan on the stovetop, you’ll use your air fryer to cook the French toast to perfection. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (thick-cut works best)
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup of milk or non-dairy milk
– 1 tablespoon of sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. In a shallow bowl or dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
3. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated.
4. Place the dipped bread slices into the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook the French toast in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
5. Cook the French toast in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your bread and the desired level of crispiness.
6. Once cooked, remove the French toast from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favourite toppings such as maple syrup, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
The benefits of air frying French toast
Healthier option
One of the main advantages of air frying French toast is the reduced oil content. Traditional French toast is pan-fried in oil or butter, which can add a significant amount of fat and calories to the dish. Air frying allows you to achieve the crispy texture without the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier option overall.
Faster cooking time
Another benefit of air frying French toast is the shorter cooking time. With an air fryer, you can have a batch of delicious French toast ready in just a matter of minutes. This is particularly convenient for those busy mornings when you want a quick and satisfying breakfast.
Consistent results
Air frying provides consistent and even cooking, ensuring that each slice of French toast is perfectly cooked. Unlike stovetop frying, where the heat distribution can vary, air frying guarantees consistent results every time. This means no more unevenly cooked French toast with burnt edges and soggy centers.
Tips for the best air fried French toast
Choose the right bread
When making air fried French toast, choosing the right bread is crucial. Opt for thick-cut bread, as it holds up better during the cooking process. Sturdy breads like brioche, challah, or Texas toast work particularly well for this recipe. Avoid using thinly sliced bread, as it may become too crispy or dry in the air fryer.
Cut the bread into slices of even thickness
To ensure that your French toast cooks evenly, it’s essential to cut the bread into slices of even thickness. This will prevent some slices from being undercooked while others become overly crispy.
Dip the bread quickly
When dipping the bread into the egg mixture, try to work quickly. Over-soaking the bread can result in a mushy texture, while under-dipping can lead to dry French toast. Dip each slice just long enough to coat it evenly, allowing any excess mixture to drip off before placing it in the air fryer.
Flip halfway through
To achieve an evenly browned French toast, remember to flip the slices halfway through the cooking time. This ensures that both sides cook to a golden perfection.
Experiment with toppings
Air frying French toast opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to toppings. Get creative and try different combinations such as fresh fruits, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or even a dollop of Nutella. The choice is yours!
Conclusion
In conclusion, air frying French toast is not only possible but also a delicious twist on a classic breakfast favourite. With the help of an air fryer, you can enjoy a healthier and more convenient version of French toast without compromising on taste. Whether you’re a fan of traditional toppings like syrup and powdered sugar or you prefer to experiment with new flavour combinations, air frying French toast is sure to become a new brunch staple in your home. So go ahead, dust off your air fryer, and give this delightful twist on French toast a try. Happy cooking!