How to Make McCormick French Toast in the Air Fryer (Crispy Hack!)

Introduction to the French Toast Air Fryer Method

French toast is a beloved breakfast classic that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re enjoying it on a slow Sunday morning or serving up a quick weekday treat, the warm and golden crunch of perfectly made French toast is always a winner. But if you’re tired of soggy slices or waiting forever at the stove, there’s good news—you can now elevate your French toast game using an air fryer. Yes, you heard that right! This crispy hack makes your toast fluffier inside and irresistibly crisp on the outside.

In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly how to make McCormick French toast in the air fryer. We’ll cover why the air fryer is a game-changer, what ingredients and tools you’ll need, how to prep your McCormick spice mix, and step-by-step instructions to get that perfect crunch. Let’s dive in and unlock this modern twist on a breakfast staple!

Why the French Toast Air Fryer Technique Beats Traditional Cooking

So, why ditch the frying pan and switch to an air fryer? Here are the top reasons:

• Consistent Crispiness: Traditional stovetop methods can lead to uneven cooking, especially if your pan heats unevenly or you’re multitasking. An air fryer provides 360° hot air circulation, meaning every side of your toast gets that beautiful, golden-brown crunch.
• Healthier Cooking: Air fryers use little to no oil, which reduces the fat content without sacrificing flavor. You’ll enjoy the same taste and texture but with a healthier twist.
• Time Efficiency: With an air fryer, there’s no need to stand at the stove flipping slices while splatters fly. Simply prep, place, and wait. The device does the heavy lifting while you take care of the rest of your morning.

On top of these benefits, using an air fryer prevents common French toast mishaps like undercooked centers or over-browned exteriors. The result? Uniformly crisp, fluffy slices every single time.

Equipment You’ll Need to make French Toast in Air Fryer

• Air fryer (any model with a basket or tray system)
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Tongs or spatula
• Pastry brush (for buttering slices, optional)
• Shallow tray or large plate for dipping bread

This combination of ingredients and tools ensures a seamless cooking experience. It’s also incredibly easy to double the recipe for guests or prep ahead for the week!

Best French Toast Air Fryer Temperature & Cook Time Settings

When using an air fryer, small differences in temperature and timing can make a big impact. While 350°F is generally ideal, let’s break it down further:

• Thick Bread (Texas Toast, Brioche):
  • Temperature: 350°F
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes each side
• Thin Bread (Sandwich Slices):
  • Temperature: 330°F
  • Cook Time: 3–4 minutes each side
• Frozen Slices:
  • Add 2 minutes to each side

Make sure to adjust slightly if you have a smaller or larger air fryer. Different brands heat differently, and some may cook faster or slower. Look for that golden brown hue and slight puffiness in the center—those are clear indicators that your toast is done.

Want a deeper crisp? Extend the cook time by 1–2 minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning. When in doubt, test one slice first!

Troubleshooting Air Fryer Mistakes

Mistakes happen, especially when trying a new cooking method. Fortunately, most air fryer French toast issues are easy to fix. Here are common problems and how to correct them:

• Problem: Soggy Middle
  • Cause: Bread soaked too long or air fryer underheated
  • Fix: Soak bread briefly (2–3 seconds per side) and always preheat your air fryer
• Problem: Burned Edges
  • Cause: High temperature or thin bread
  • Fix: Lower the temp to 330°F and use thicker slices
• Problem: Sticking to Basket
  • Cause: No grease or overcrowding
  • Fix: Use parchment liners or spray oil evenly; leave room between slices

For more help avoiding these pitfalls, check out Bon Appétit’s common French toast mistakes.

These quick tips not only improve your result, but they also help extend the life of your air fryer by encouraging better use and more consistent outcomes.

Recommended Toppings for Extra Crunch

Toppings are what turn good French toast into great French toast. Here are a few ideas that pack both flavor and texture:

Classic Choices for French Toast Air Fryer:

• Maple syrup
• Powdered sugar
• Cinnamon sugar sprinkle

Crunchy Add-Ons:

• Toasted granola
• Crushed nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts)
• Shredded coconut

Fruity Boosts:

• Fresh berries
• Sliced banana
• Dried cranberries

Creative Twists:

• Whipped cream with caramel drizzle
• Flavored yogurts
• Peanut butter or Nutella

For a kid-approved variation that’s just as flavorful, check out Kid-Friendly McCormick French Toast Sticks – Easy, Fun & Dippable! for a fun, freezer-friendly option.

Layering different toppings adds both contrast and depth to your dish. Try mixing something sweet with something crunchy for a full sensory experience. Plus, toppings are a fun way to customize your plate depending on the season or your cravings!

FAQs About Making French Toast in the Air Fryer

Let’s address the most commonly asked questions to help you feel confident in mastering this crispy breakfast favorite. These answers are designed to cover everything from prep to leftovers and dietary tweaks.

1. Can I use different types of bread?

Absolutely! While thick-cut varieties like brioche, Texas toast, or challah are ideal because they hold up well during soaking, you can also use:

• Gluten-free bread (for dietary needs)
• Whole wheat slices for a healthier option
• Cinnamon raisin bread for built-in sweetness and texture

Just remember: thinner slices cook faster and may become overly crisp, so reduce the time by 1–2 minutes per side if needed.

2. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

If you’ve made a batch in advance, you’re in luck—French toast stores and reheats well with a few key tips:

• Storage: Let slices cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices in wax paper and freeze. They’ll last up to 2 months.
• Reheating: For best results, pop slices back into the air fryer at 330°F for 3–4 minutes. This keeps them crispy without drying them out.

Avoid the microwave—it often makes the toast rubbery or soggy.

3. Can I make this French Toast Air Fryer recipe dairy-free?

Yes! There are simple substitutions that work great and retain flavor:

• Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead of dairy milk.
• Swap out butter with vegan margarine or a plant-based spray.
• Ensure your bread is dairy-free (some brioche loaves contain milk or eggs).

The result will still be rich and tasty, especially if you double down on McCormick spices for flavor.

Avoiding dairy? You can still enjoy this crispy treat by switching to a milk-free batter—see our full method in McCormick French Toast Without Milk.

4. What if I don’t have McCormick spices?

While we highly recommend McCormick’s signature spice blend, you can improvise in a pinch:

• Cinnamon: Any ground cinnamon will do, but McCormick’s is known for its bold aroma.
• Vanilla Extract: Substitute with vanilla paste or even a splash of almond extract.
• Nutmeg or Clove: Add sparingly for complexity, but avoid overpowering the cinnamon base.

The goal is to recreate that warm, aromatic flavor profile that’s signature to McCormick’s French toast.

5. Any tips for making French Toast Air Fryer in bulk?

Definitely! Making French toast for a crowd doesn’t have to be a hassle:

• Batch soak the slices: Use a shallow tray to dip several at once.
• Stagger the cooking: Cook in batches and keep finished slices warm in the oven (set to 200°F).
• Serve buffet-style: Offer a toppings station so guests can build their own creations.

This approach makes breakfast both stress-free and fun—ideal for holidays, brunches, or lazy weekends.

6. What’s the nutrition like for French Toast Air Fryer?

It depends on the ingredients, but here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per slice (based on brioche and using whole milk):

• Calories: 180–220
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbs: 20g
• Sugars: 6g

Using almond milk or low-calorie bread can lower these numbers. And remember—air frying instead of pan-frying cuts the fat significantly, since there’s no need for oil-soaked pans.

Conclusion

And there you have it—the ultimate crispy hack to mastering McCormick French toast in the air fryer. From its consistently crunchy exterior to the warm, custardy center, this upgraded method transforms your breakfast into something truly special.

With just a few simple ingredients, a reliable air fryer, and some flavorful McCormick spices, you can whip up a breakfast that rivals any diner or brunch cafe. Plus, it’s quicker, cleaner, and healthier. Whether you’re making a solo breakfast or feeding a crowd, this recipe delivers every single time.

So go ahead—try it this weekend, add your favorite toppings, and see for yourself why this air fryer twist is changing the French toast game forever.

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