I still remember the first time I tried to make baked French toast in my oven. I waited nearly an hour, and it came out soggy in the middle with burnt edges on top. Total brunch fail. Then one Sunday, I decided to test my air fryer instead — just to see if that golden magic I get from air fryer pastries could work for breakfast, too. The result? Perfectly crisp edges, custardy centers, and that caramelized brown sugar topping I’d been chasing for years. After three tests (and plenty of taste-testing), this Air Fryer French Toast Casserole became my go-to breakfast when I want something sweet, simple, and spectacular.
Why This Air Fryer French Toast Casserole Works
The air fryer circulates hot air so evenly that every cube of bread crisps up on the outside while staying soft and custardy inside. I tested both brioche and French bread, but slightly stale French bread gave the best balance — it soaks up the custard without falling apart. Cooking at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes creates that perfect golden brown crust. Unlike the oven, you don’t need to preheat long or deal with uneven browning. Plus, the pecan-brown sugar topping melts into a buttery crumble that tastes like dessert for breakfast. After testing it three different ways, the air fryer version wins every single time.
Air Fryer French Toast Casserole
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Ovenproof Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowls, Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450 g French bread, cut into 1″ cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup 240 ml heavy cream
- 2 cups 480 ml milk
- ⅓ cup 70 g light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup 60 g chopped pecans
Topping
- ½ cup 100 g brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 2 oz 60 g pecans, chopped
- 2 tbsp cold butter cubed
Instructions
- Prep the bread: Lightly grease a baking dish that fits your air fryer. Place the bread cubes evenly inside.
- Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, heavy cream, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Soak and layer: Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes. Sprinkle pecans on top and gently toss so all pieces are coated. Let it soak 1 hour at room temp or overnight in the fridge.
- Mix the topping: Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pecans. Cut in butter until crumbly.
- Air fry: Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Scatter the crumble topping evenly. Cook for 15 minutes, until golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool and serve: Let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, or berries.
Notes
Nutrition
For more cozy breakfast treats, try my Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls or explore more Breakfast Recipes to bring that same golden crisp comfort to your morning table.