Bread, Baking & Desserts
Air Fryer Toast (Plus Cheese Toast)
Toast bread in the air fryer at 400°F for 3–5 minutes, flipping halfway. Times for sourdough, bagels and Texas toast, plus easy cheese toast.
Quick answer
Yes, you can make toast in an air fryer. Lay the bread in a single layer and air fry at 400°F205°C for 3–5 minutes, flipping halfway: about 3 minutes for light toast and 5 for dark. Thick slices like sourdough or Texas toast take 4–6 minutes. If your air fryer has a strong fan, place a rack on top of light bread so it doesn't blow around.
- Time
- 3–5 min
- Flip
- Yes, halfway
- Done when
- Golden brown
Toast air fryer times
| What you're cooking | Temp | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandwich bread, light | 400°F205°C | 3 min | Flip halfway |
| Sandwich bread, golden to dark | 400°F205°C | 4–5 min | Flip halfway |
| Sourdough or thick-cut bread | 400°F205°C | 4–6 min | Flip halfway |
| Texas toast (plain) | 400°F205°C | 4–6 min | Butter for extra crunch |
| Bagel halves | 370°F190°C | 3–5 min | Cut side up, no flip |
| English muffins, split | 380°F195°C | 4–5 min | Cut side up |
| Frozen bread slices | 400°F205°C | 5–7 min | Flip halfway |
| Cheese toast | 380°F195°C | 4–6 min total | Toast first, then add cheese |
| Cinnamon toast | 380°F195°C | 4–5 min | Butter and cinnamon sugar on top |
Times are for a preheated 5–6 quart basket air fryer with food in a single layer. Oven-style and very large air fryers can run 1–3 minutes slower. Always check doneness with an instant-read thermometer.
No toaster? No problem. An air fryer makes great toast in 3–5 minutes, and it handles things a toaster can’t, like extra-thick slices, cheese toast and bagels with toppings. Here’s how long to toast every kind of bread, and how to stop light slices from blowing around.
How to make toast in the air fryer
- Preheat to 400°F205°C for 2–3 minutes.
- Lay the bread flat in a single layer.
- Air fry for 2 minutes, then flip.
- Cook another 1–3 minutes, until golden.
The first time, check a minute early. Air fryers vary, and you’ll quickly learn the time for your favorite shade.
How long to toast bread in the air fryer
- Light toast: 3 minutes at 400°F205°C
- Golden to dark toast: 4–5 minutes at 400°F205°C
- Sourdough, Texas toast and thick slices: 4–6 minutes at 400°F205°C
- Bagels: 3–5 minutes at 370°F190°C, cut side up
- English muffins: 4–5 minutes at 380°F195°C, cut side up
- Frozen bread: 5–7 minutes at 400°F205°C, straight from the freezer
Keep light bread in place
Most air fryers have a strong fan, and thin, light slices can lift up and touch the heating element. To stop it, set a wire rack or trivet on top of the bread, use thicker slices, or butter the bread first so it’s heavier. Never let bread or anything else rest against the heating element.
Cheese toast
Toast the bread at 380°F195°C for 2 minutes, flip, and top with shredded cheddar, mozzarella or Monterey Jack. Cook another 2–4 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown. Add a pinch of garlic powder or chili flakes before the cheese for extra flavor.
More ways to top your toast
- Cinnamon toast: butter the bread, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and air fry at 380°F195°C for 4–5 minutes without flipping.
- Garlic toast: brush with garlic butter and air fry at 380°F195°C for 3–4 minutes.
- Avocado toast: toast the bread, then top with mashed avocado, salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon.
- Egg on toast: serve with air fryer hard boiled eggs and crispy bacon for a full breakfast.
Air fryer vs toaster
A toaster is a little quicker for a couple of slices of plain bread. The air fryer is better for thick or uneven breads, bagels, cheese toast and anything with toppings, because the heat comes from above instead of through a narrow slot. For a big breakfast, it’s also handy to make toast in the same machine as the sausage or biscuits.
Air Fryer Toast
- Prep
- 1 min
- Cook
- 4 min
- Total
- 5 min
- Air fryer
- 400°F205°C
- Makes
- 4 slices
- Calories
- 110 per slice with butter
Ingredients
- 4 slices bread (sandwich bread, sourdough or your favorite)
- Butter, to serve (optional)
Instructions
Tap a step to check it off.
- Preheat. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F205°C for 2–3 minutes, so the toast browns evenly.
- Arrange. Lay the bread in the basket in a single layer, without overlapping. If the slices are light and your air fryer has a strong fan, set a wire rack on top so they don't lift into the heating element.
- Toast. Air fry for 2 minutes, flip the slices with tongs, and cook another 1–3 minutes, until they're as golden as you like.
- Serve. Butter the toast right away, or add your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Air fryers vary, so check the first batch a minute early and adjust the time to your taste.
- Thick slices like sourdough or Texas toast take 4–6 minutes.
- For crunchier toast, brush the bread lightly with butter or oil before air frying.
Nutrition is an estimate calculated from typical ingredient values and will vary by brand and portion.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make toast in an air fryer?
Yes. Air fry bread at 400°F205°C for 3–5 minutes, flipping halfway. It toasts evenly on both sides, and you can make 2–4 slices at once, depending on your basket size.
How long do you toast bread in an air fryer?
At 400°F205°C, sandwich bread takes about 3 minutes for light toast and 4–5 minutes for golden to dark toast. Thicker breads like sourdough and Texas toast take 4–6 minutes. Flip halfway.
Do you need to flip toast in the air fryer?
Yes, for even browning. The top side browns faster because it's closer to the heating element. Flip halfway through. Bagels and English muffins are the exception: cook them cut side up without flipping.
Why does my bread fly around in the air fryer?
Light slices can lift in the air fryer's fan, and they can touch the heating element. Set a wire rack or trivet on top of the bread, use thicker slices, or butter the bread so it's heavier.
How do you make cheese toast in the air fryer?
Toast the bread at 380°F195°C for 2 minutes, flip it, and top with shredded or sliced cheese. Cook another 2–4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Cheddar, mozzarella and Monterey Jack all melt well.
Is an air fryer better than a toaster?
A toaster is a little faster for plain toast. The air fryer is better for thick or uneven breads, bagels, English muffins, cheese toast and anything with toppings, because it toasts from above rather than through a slot.
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