Effortless Air Fryer Egg Toast

Morning meals can't get any easier than tossing together Air Fryer Egg Toast. In just ten minutes, you'll bite into perfectly crisp toast cradling a soft, baked egg. When the house is buzzing and folks need something comforting and full of protein, this is what I whip up. Bonus: zero pan to clean up after.

I first made this on one of those days when there was barely anything left to use in the fridge. Now, my youngest won't let a Saturday go by without asking for egg toast. It's officially our weekend staple now.

Ingredients

• Butter or cooking spray: Butter should be soft so you can spread it easily. It gives your toast that rich, crunchy edge but a little cooking spray does the trick if you want something lighter.
• Salt: Throw in just a bit to make everything taste better. I go for fine sea salt so it sprinkles on evenly.
• Bread slices: Pick up thick slices like Texas toast or brioche to keep the middle fluffy. Fresher pieces work best they won't fall apart.
• Cheese: This part is up to you but cheddar or mozzarella brings that gooey factor. Shred it yourself for the yummiest melt.
• Pepper: Crank in some fresh pepper for a little kick and to make your eggs pop.
• Large eggs: Fresh eggs look brighter and cook up nicer the newer, the better.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Serve:

Gently scoop each piece out with a spatula. Enjoy them hot while the bread's still crisp.

Finish with Cheese:

If you’re in the mood for gooey cheese, crack the basket open in the last two minutes and smother a handful of cheese over each. Close up and let it melt.

Air Fry:

Move your toasts into the air fryer basket. Lining with parchment helps make cleaning up a snap. Give them four to seven minutes depending on how jammy you want the yolk. Each air fryer has its own sweet spot so check after five minutes until you know what yours likes.

Season:

Dust the eggs with salt and pepper. Give 'em an extra hit of smoked paprika or some dried chives if you’re feeling fancy.

Add the Eggs:

Break an egg right into the little well in the bread. Make sure your nest is deep so the egg white stays put. If you’re worried about shells or busting the yolk, crack it into a bowl first and then gently pour it into place.

Prepare the Bread:

Spread softened butter on both sides of your bread slices or give them a quick spray. Press a deep dip into the middle with a cup so your egg has somewhere to sit and won’t run off. Don’t punch all the way through.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Get your air fryer going at 350 F for three minutes. That hot blast gets the bread crisped up fast.

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Everyone at my house asks for loads of cheese on their egg toast. Sometimes we make the middle extra deep so the yolk hides under a thick layer of cheese. Nothing beats slicing into that golden lid and watching the yolk slip out.

Storage Tips

If you end up with extras, make sure they’re cooled all the way down then slide them into a sealed container. Keep in the fridge and use them up within two days. To warm back up, air fry at 320 F for about two to three minutes. For freezing, stack them with parchment in between and freeze up to a month then just pop one in the air fryer until crispy again.

Ingredient Substitutions

Only got regular sandwich bread Press down in the middle a bit more and watch carefully since it toasts up faster. No butter? A little olive oil keeps things light. Any cheese that melts works fine try something like goat cheese or Monterey Jack for variety. A bit of chopped spinach or even some salsa is great, too.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your toast with a handful of berries or toss it next to a fresh salad for a quick breakfast. For brunch, lay out all the toppings and cheeses so folks can build their own. Hit it with some lemon zest or hot sauce if you want to shake things up.

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Fun Background

Egg toast pops up around the world under names like bird in a nest, egg in a hole, or toad in a hole at diners everywhere. Using an air fryer just gives it extra crunch and gets it done fast. It’s one of those foods that somehow feels both old-school and fresh at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which bread is best for making egg toast?

Go for thick slices, like Texas toast or brioche. They don’t fall apart and get nice and crispy in the air fryer.

→ How much time does egg toast need in the air fryer?

Anywhere from 4 to 7 minutes at 350°F. For runny yolks, stick to the lower end. Harder yolks, give it a bit more.

→ Is it possible to toss cheese on while cooking?

For sure. Throw some shredded cheese on during the last minute or two, and it’ll melt right over the egg.

→ How do I stop the egg from spilling off the toast?

Make a good dip in the center with your fingers or a spoon. That’ll keep the egg from running everywhere.

→ Is preheating the air fryer a must?

Yep, let your air fryer heat up for 2 to 3 minutes so everything cooks even and the toast gets nice and crispy.

→ What extras can I put on top?

Add anything you love—herbs, a splash of hot sauce, or fresh avocado slices make it extra good.