Crispy Air Fryer French Toast Bites

$- 4 slices of brioche or challah bread - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free alternative) - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar - A pinch of salt To make Air Fryer French Toast Bites, you need some simple ingredients. I love using brioche or challah bread. They give the bites a rich taste. Using day-old bread works best. It soaks up the egg mixture without getting too soggy. Next, you need eggs. They help bind everything together. Milk adds creaminess. You can use regular milk or almond milk if you prefer dairy-free. Don't forget the vanilla extract! It brings a lovely aroma. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice. A little sugar sweetens the mix, and salt balances the flavors. - Cooking spray or melted butter - Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries for serving For cooking, you’ll need cooking spray or melted butter. This keeps the bites from sticking to the air fryer. When serving, you can get creative! Maple syrup is classic. Powdered sugar adds a sweet touch. Fresh berries make a colorful, tasty addition. Enjoy these bites warm for the best experience! {{ingredient_image_2}} Cutting the Bread into Cubes Start by taking your brioche or challah bread. Cut each slice into cubes that are about 1 inch wide. This size helps them cook evenly. Ensuring the Right Size for Cooking Make sure the cubes are not too big or too small. If they are too big, they will not cook well. If they are too small, they may burn. The right size makes a big difference. Combining Eggs and Other Ingredients In a large bowl, crack two eggs and pour in ½ cup of milk. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisking Techniques Use a whisk to mix all the ingredients together. Make sure to blend until it is smooth. This helps the sugar to dissolve fully. Preheating the Air Fryer While the bread soaks, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This takes about 5 minutes. Preheating is key for that crispy texture. Coating and Arranging the Bread Gently fold the bread cubes into your egg mixture. Make sure each cube gets a good coat. Let them sit for about 5 minutes. This helps them soak up all the tasty flavors. Timing and Temperature for Cooking Once ready, lightly grease the air fryer basket. Place the coated bread cubes in a single layer. Cook them for 8-10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to get even browning. Keep a close watch towards the end. You want them golden brown and crispy! - Adjusting Cooking Time for Crispiness: To get the perfect crunch, keep an eye on the timer. Cooking for 8 to 10 minutes works well. If you want them extra crispy, add a minute at a time. Just check often to avoid burning. - Importance of Preheating: Preheating your air fryer is key. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This step helps the bites cook evenly and become crispier. - Overcrowding the Air Fryer: Give the bread cubes space. If you pile them on top of each other, they won’t cook evenly. Cook in batches if needed. This keeps the air flowing around each piece. - Inadequate Soaking Time: Let the bread soak in the egg mix for at least 5 minutes. This invites the flavors in and makes each bite moist. Skipping this step can lead to dry bites. Pro Tips Use Day-Old Bread: Using day-old brioche or challah bread enhances the texture, allowing for better absorption of the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for a unique twist on the traditional flavor profile. Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Keep an eye on the bites to achieve your desired crispiness. Perfect Dipping Sauce: Pair these bites with a variety of dipping sauces, such as chocolate sauce or yogurt, for a fun and delicious breakfast or snack option. {{image_4}} You can easily change the taste of your Air Fryer French Toast Bites. One simple way is to add spices. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can give your bites a warm flavor. You can also try other spices like allspice or cardamom for a unique twist. Another fun variation is to use different types of bread. While brioche or challah work great, try sourdough or whole wheat. Each bread type gives a new texture and flavor. Day-old bread soaks better and helps keep the bites crisp. When it comes to toppings, the options are endless! Maple syrup is a classic choice, but you can mix it up. Try flavored syrups like caramel or hazelnut for a new taste. For a fruity touch, add fresh berries or banana slices. You can also sprinkle nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. Dusting your bites with powdered sugar adds a sweet finish that everyone loves. To store leftovers, let the bites cool down. Place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to reheat them, use your air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 3-5 minutes. This keeps them crispy. To freeze Air Fryer French toast bites, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about one hour until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. To thaw, take them out the night before and put them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Enjoy the crispy goodness! You can store these bites in the fridge for up to three days. Place them in an airtight container. For best taste, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes. Yes, you can use other breads! White bread, whole wheat, or even sourdough works well. Just make sure the bread is a bit stale for the best texture. If you need an egg substitute, try mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce. Use about 1/4 cup for each egg. This keeps the bites moist and tasty. To make your bites extra crispy, preheat the air fryer well. You can also spray a bit more oil on them before cooking. Shaking the basket halfway through helps too. Yes, you can prepare the bread and batter ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Cook them in the air fryer when you’re ready to eat! You learned how to make delicious Air Fryer French Toast Bites. We covered all the key ingredients and cooking steps. I shared tips to ensure perfect texture and how to avoid common mistakes. You can experiment with flavors and toppings for a unique twist. Don't forget the best ways for storage and reheating. This easy recipe fits any meal. Follow these steps, and you'll impress everyone with your French toast bites. Happy cooking!$

Crispy Air Fryer French Toast Bites

Delicious bite-sized French toast made in an air fryer, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.

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Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 slices brioche or challah bread
2 large eggs
0.5 cup milk or almond milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
a pinch salt
as needed cooking spray or melted butter
as desired maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries

Instructions

Begin by cutting the slices of brioche or challah bread into bite-sized cubes, about 1 inch each.
In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, sugar, and salt. Whisk together until fully combined and smooth.
Carefully fold the bread cubes into the egg mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with melted butter.
Carefully transfer the coated bread cubes into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook the bread cubes in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Once the bites are cooked to a golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and transfer to a serving plate.
Dust the crispy French toast bites with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup or fresh berries.

Notes

Using day-old bread enhances the texture.

Keyword air fryer, breakfast bites, French toast