How to Toast Bread in an Air Fryer: Time & Temperature
Want crispy, golden toast without using a toaster? Toasting bread in an air fryer is quick, easy and gives you perfectly browned slices in just a few minutes.
Whether you’re using sandwich bread, sourdough, whole wheat bread or a thick slice of rustic bread, your air fryer can turn it into delicious toast with very little effort.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to toast bread in an air fryer, how long it takes and the best temperature to use.
Make an incredible breakfast with Hard-Boiled Eggs & Crispy Bacon.
Quick answer
To make toast in an air fryer:
- Temperature: 350°F (180°C)
- Cooking time: 3-6 minutes
- Flip the bread: Optional, but recommended for even browning
- Placement: Arrange the slices in a single layer
The exact cooking time depends on the type and thickness of the bread and how crispy you like your toast.
How to toast bread in an air fryer
Making air fryer toast couldn’t be easier.
1. Choose your bread
You can toast almost any type of bread in an air fryer, including:
- Sandwich bread
- White bread
- Whole wheat bread
- Sourdough
- Rustic bread
- Multigrain bread
- Thick-cut bread
Thicker slices usually need a little more cooking time than thin sandwich bread.
2. Place the bread in the air fryer
Put the bread slices directly into the air fryer basket.
Arrange them in a single layer without overlapping them. This allows the hot air to circulate properly around the bread.
3. Set the temperature to 350°F
Set your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
For lightly toasted bread, start with around 3 minutes.
For darker, crispier toast, cook for approximately 4-6 minutes.
4. Check the toast
Check the bread during the final minutes of cooking.
If you want both sides to brown evenly, flip the slices halfway through the cooking time.
Keep in mind that air fryers vary in power, so you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
How long does it take to toast bread in an air fryer?
The cooking time depends on the type and thickness of the bread.
| Bread type | Temperature | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Sandwich bread | 350°F / 180°C | 3-5 minutes |
| Thick sandwich bread | 350°F / 180°C | 4-6 minutes |
| Sliced baguette | 350°F / 180°C | 4-6 minutes |
| Rustic or sourdough bread | 350°F / 180°C | 5-7 minutes |
| Frozen bread | 350°F / 180°C | 5-8 minutes |
These times are a starting point. Your particular air fryer may toast bread faster or slower.
What temperature should you use to toast bread in an air fryer?
The best starting temperature is 350°F (180°C).
This gives the bread enough heat to become crisp and golden without browning too quickly.
You can adjust the temperature depending on the result you want:
- 320-340°F (160-170°C): slower and gentler browning.
- 350°F (180°C): a good balance between speed and even browning.
- 375-400°F (190-200°C): faster browning, but the bread needs closer attention.
For most types of bread, 350°F (180°C) is a good place to start.
How to make air fryer toast with sandwich bread
Sandwich bread is one of the easiest types of bread to toast in an air fryer.
- Place the bread slices in the basket.
- Set the air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
- Cook for 3-5 minutes.
- Check the toast during the final minutes.
- Add another minute if you want it darker and crispier.
Thin slices can brown quickly, so check them early the first time you make them.
Do you need to preheat the air fryer?
No, preheating isn’t usually necessary for air fryer toast.
You can place the bread directly into the basket and start cooking.
However, if your air fryer normally requires preheating, the total cooking time may vary slightly.
For the best results, use the cooking time as a guide and check the bread as it cooks.
Tips for perfect air fryer toast
Don’t overcrowd the basket
Avoid stacking or overlapping the slices.
Keeping the bread in a single layer allows hot air to circulate and helps the toast brown more evenly.
Check the bread the first time
Bread can go from perfectly golden to burnt surprisingly quickly.
If you’re using thin sandwich bread, check it after about 3 minutes.
Adjust the cooking time
Thick slices of sourdough or rustic bread may need more time than thin sandwich bread.
Start at a moderate temperature
Although you can use 400°F (200°C) to toast bread more quickly, it is easier to burn the outside.
Starting at 350°F (180°C) gives you more control over the browning.
What can you put on air fryer toast?
Once your bread is toasted, you can use it as the base for a quick breakfast, snack or light meal.
Try topping your toast with:
- Butter and jam
- Avocado
- Scrambled or fried eggs
- Cream cheese
- Peanut butter
- Tomato and olive oil
- Cheese
- Garlic and olive oil
You can also use toasted bread to make bruschetta, garlic toast or quick open-faced sandwiches.
Can you toast frozen bread in an air fryer?
Yes. You can toast bread straight from frozen in an air fryer.
Set the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook for approximately 5-8 minutes.
The exact time depends on the thickness of the bread and how crispy you want it.
Check the bread halfway through cooking and add more time if necessary.
Is an air fryer better than a toaster for toast?
If you’re only making one or two slices of toast, a traditional toaster may be more convenient.
However, an air fryer is a great alternative if you don’t have a toaster or if you want to toast different types of bread.
It’s particularly useful for thick slices of sourdough, rustic bread and other types of bread that may not fit easily into a standard toaster.
Frequently asked questions
Can you toast bread in an air fryer?
Yes. Air fryers are excellent for making crispy, golden toast. Place the bread in a single layer and cook at around 350°F (180°C) for 3-6 minutes.
How long should I toast bread in an air fryer?
Most bread takes around 3-6 minutes at 350°F (180°C). Thin bread may be ready sooner, while thick slices can take longer.
Do you need to flip bread in an air fryer?
Not necessarily. However, flipping the bread halfway through cooking can help both sides brown more evenly.
Can you toast frozen bread in an air fryer?
Yes. Frozen bread can usually be toasted directly in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for approximately 5-8 minutes.
Can you put butter on bread before air frying?
Yes, but butter can make the bread brown more quickly. If you use butter, keep an eye on the toast to prevent it from becoming too dark.
The easiest way to make air fryer toast
Making toast in an air fryer is quick, simple and requires very little preparation.
As a general starting point, use 350°F (180°C) for 3-6 minutes, adjusting the cooking time according to the type of bread and your preferred level of crispiness.
Once you’ve found the perfect cooking time for your air fryer, making crispy golden toast will take just a few minutes.
Discover how to make cookies in an air fryer for a delicious result.
