Air Fryer French Toast Bites
The aroma of warm, cinnamon-dusted goodness wafts through your kitchen as these delightful Air Fryer French Toast Bites come to life. Imagine tender bites of brioche, enveloped in a sweet, golden coating, inviting you to take a quick indulgent nibble. As you sprinkle those crunchy sugar flakes on top, the delightful crispy sound fills the air, making your heart flutter with excitement. This quick treat is perfect for breakfast on busy mornings or a cozy brunch gathering with friends, sparking memories of lazy Sunday breakfasts and adventures in the kitchen. Picture savoring each fluffy morsel dipped in syrup, a playful twist on the classic French toast that everyone will adore. So gather your ingredients, and let’s get ready to whip up these little gems!
Table of Contents
You might be surprised at how quickly this recipe comes together. In just about 20 minutes, you can have a platter filled with scrumptious bites that are perfect for sharing (or not!). Plus, the combination of the airy brioche and the warm, spiced sugar creates an irresistible flavor explosion. You’ll find these tiny morsels not only visually appealing, but also incredibly versatile—perfect for breakfast, snacking, or brunching at any time of day. And with a few simple ingredient swaps, you can tailor these bites to fit a gluten-free or dairy-free diet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 20 minutes, breakfast doesn’t get easier!
- Irresistible Flavor: The warm cinnamon sugar coating hugs each fluffy bite.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These bite-sized beauties are sure to impress guests.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 slices brioche: This rich, buttery bread is key to achieving a tender, airy texture. You can substitute with challah or pullman bread if desired.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent, providing structure and fluffiness. Fresh, room-temperature eggs yield the best results.
- ¼ cup milk: Whole milk enhances creaminess; however, almond, oat, or coconut milk also work well for dairy alternatives.
- Pinch of salt: This tiny addition balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors, making each bite more enjoyable.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract: Pure vanilla adds depth and a lovely aroma. Avoid imitation vanilla if you can.
- ¾ tsp ground cinnamon: Cinnamon is the star spice here, bringing warmth and coziness to every bite.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: This sweet coating enhances the flavor and gives a delightful crunch. You can also use coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
How to Make Air Fryer French Toast Bites
Cut the Brioche: Begin by slicing each brioche piece into 9 little squares—just a bite-size treat! The softer texture of brioche makes it ideal for soaking up the egg mixture while keeping the interior light and fluffy.
Whisk Together Wet Ingredients: In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until lightly beaten. Then, add the milk, vanilla, ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, mixing until smooth and blended. This mixture will soak into the brioche, infusing it with that classic French toast flavor.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F and spray the basket generously with cooking oil to prevent sticking. A well-prepped air fryer ensures your bites turn out crispy and golden every time.
Dip the Bread Squares: Gently dip each bread square into the egg mixture for about 5 seconds on each side, being careful not to over-soak. Only dip as many squares as can fit comfortably in the basket; overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. You want that perfect crisp!
Air Fry Until Golden: Arrange the coated squares in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and pull them out once they turn a lovely golden brown and the edges are crispy. The tempting smell will tell you when they’re almost done!
Mix Cinnamon Sugar: While the French toast bites are cooking, combine the remaining cinnamon and granulated sugar in a small bowl. This sweetened mix will create a crunchy coating that elevates each bite.
Coat ‘Em Up: As each batch of golden bites comes out of the air fryer, toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while they’re still warm. This ensures that the sugary coating sticks beautifully to every nook and cranny!
Repeat with Remaining Bread: Continue the process with the rest of the bread squares, savoring the aroma filling your kitchen as you go. Soon enough, you’ll have a full plate of these delightful **Air Fryer French Toast Bites** ready to share!
Serve Warm: Present these little gems while they’re warm, paired with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh fruit. You could even go all out and serve them with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert!
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover Air Fryer French Toast Bites, let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for about three days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. To reheat, pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes — this brings back their crispiness. Just be aware that reheated bites may not be as fluffy as when freshly made.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid crowding the basket: This ensures even cooking and prevents sogginess.
- Use room temperature eggs: They mix better, resulting in a fluffier texture.
- Don’t skip the cinnamon-sugar: This adds delightful flavor and crunch.
- Try adding nutmeg: A dash of nutmeg in the egg mixture enhances the flavor profile.
- Experiment with toppings: Besides syrup, fresh fruit or whipped cream can add an extra layer of flavor.
Who wouldn’t love a dish that brings joy and warmth with every bite? These Air Fryer French Toast Bites are not only quick and simple to whip up, but they also encourage creativity in the kitchen. Because let’s be honest, each time you make them, there’s room for your own unique twist. Why not add some chocolate chips or a splash of orange zest?
Enjoy these little bites of happiness at breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack whenever you feel like treating yourself. Get in the kitchen, bring your loved ones around, and most importantly, have fun!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche is fantastic, you can easily swap it out for challah, sourdough, or even whole grain bread. Each option will give a unique flavor and texture, making this recipe versatile and fun to play around with.
How do I make these bites dairy-free?
You can substitute the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk without compromising the taste. Just ensure the other ingredients, like bread, are dairy-free as well, and you’ll have a delightful dairy-free version!
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the egg mixture several hours in advance. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to fry the bites. However, the bread squares are best soaked right before cooking to maintain their optimal texture.
What’s the best way to ensure they’re crispy?
Make sure to spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil and don’t overcrowd the bites. This allows hot air to circulate freely, giving you that perfect golden, crispy exterior. Also, tossing them in the cinnamon sugar while warm will create a delicious crust!
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
- Sautéed Carrots
- Chicken Tikka (Air Fryer)
- Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts
- Healthy Juicy Air Fryer Filet Mignon
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📖 Recipe Card
Air Fryer French Toast Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2-4 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Air Fryer French Toast Bites offer an irresistible flavor with their sweet, cinnamon coating and fluffy brioche. Perfect for breakfast or brunch!
Ingredients
- 4 slices brioche
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- Pinch of salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Cut the brioche into 9 bite-sized squares.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and spray the basket with cooking oil.
- Dip each bread square in the egg mixture for 5 seconds on each side.
- Arrange the coated squares in a single layer in the air fryer.
- Cook for 5-8 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Mix the remaining cinnamon and sugar in a bowl.
- Toss warm bites in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve warm with toppings.
Notes
Feel free to use challah or pullman bread if brioche is unavailable.
Add nutmeg to the egg mixture for extra flavor.
Experiment with toppings like fruits or whipped cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
