Craving a quick, satisfying breakfast that’s ready in a flash? Look no further! This Air Fryer Egg & Cheese Toast recipe takes the classic “Egg in a Hole” to new heights. Using your air fryer means less mess and perfectly crispy toast with a beautifully cooked egg. Get ready for a delicious, customizable morning meal that’s both simple and incredibly tasty.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Egg & Cheese Toast
This recipe quickly becomes a favorite for many reasons. It’s incredibly fast to prepare, making it ideal for busy mornings. Cleanup is a breeze, saving you precious time. You can easily customize your egg yolk, from perfectly runny to firmly cooked. Enjoy the fantastic crispy texture of the toast every single time. It’s truly versatile for any breakfast or brunch, and the kids love it too!
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients for this easy Air Fryer Egg & Cheese Toast is simple. You likely have most of these staples already on hand. This recipe yields one serving, so scale up as needed.
- 2 large eggs
- 2 slices of bread (e.g., white, whole wheat)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or American work well)
- 1 tablespoon butter or cooking spray
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives or a pinch of paprika for garnish
Notes & Substitutions
- Bread options: While classic white bread works perfectly, experiment with whole wheat, sourdough, or even brioche for a richer flavor. Thicker slices hold the egg better.
- Cheese varieties: Cheddar offers a sharp flavor, mozzarella melts beautifully, and Monterey Jack provides a mild creaminess. Feel free to mix and match your favorites.
- Flavor boosters: Elevate your toast with a sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce after cooking. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill are also excellent additions.
- Egg size: Large eggs fit best into the bread hole. If using extra-large eggs, you might need a slightly larger cutter or a thicker slice of bread to prevent spillage. Medium eggs will work but might leave a larger void.
Equipment
You won’t need much to whip up this delightful Air Fryer Egg & Cheese Toast. These standard kitchen items make the process smooth and effortless.
- Air fryer (basket or oven style)
- Drinking glass or 2.5-inch round cookie cutter
- Small bowl (for whisking if preferred, though not strictly necessary)
- Thin, heat-resistant spatula
- Measuring spoons (for seasonings)
Instructions
Making Air Fryer Egg & Cheese Toast is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect, crispy breakfast every time. Remember, air fryer models can vary, so monitor your toast closely.
- Prepare the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Alternatively, line the basket with a small piece of parchment paper, ensuring it doesn’t obstruct airflow. Preheat your air fryer to 340°F (170°C) for 3-5 minutes, if your model requires it.
- Cut the Bread: Take one slice of bread. Use a drinking glass or a 2.5-inch round cookie cutter to gently press an indent into the center of the bread. You don’t need to cut all the way through yet.
- Place Bread in Air Fryer: Carefully place the indented bread slice into the prepared air fryer basket.
- Create the Egg Well: Now, use your fingers to gently press down the center of the indent, forming a slight well. This helps contain the egg.
- Crack the Egg: Carefully crack one large egg directly into the well you created in the bread. Don’t worry if a tiny bit of egg white spreads slightly beyond the well; it will cook up beautifully.
- Season: Sprinkle salt and black pepper generously over the egg and the surrounding toast. This ensures flavor in every bite.
- Initial Fry: Place the basket back into the preheated air fryer. Cook at 340°F (170°C) for 6-8 minutes, depending on your desired egg yolk doneness.
- Add Cheese: If you want to add cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the toast and around the egg during the final 1-2 minutes of cooking. This allows it to melt and get slightly golden.
- Serve: Once cooked to your liking, carefully remove the Air Fryer Egg & Cheese Toast from the basket using a thin, heat-resistant spatula. Serve immediately and enjoy! Repeat the process for the second slice of bread and egg.
Egg Doneness Guide
Adjusting the cooking time for your Air Fryer Egg & Cheese Toast allows for perfect egg doneness.
- Runny yolk: Cook for 6-7 minutes at 340°F (170°C). The whites will be set, but the yolk will be liquid.
- Soft yolk: Cook for 7-8 minutes at 340°F (170°C). The whites will be firm, and the yolk will be jammy and slightly soft.
- Firm yolk: Cook for 8-9 minutes at 340°F (170°C). The egg yolk will be fully set.
Remember that air fryer wattage and size can affect cooking times. Always check for doneness, and adjust as needed.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve perfect Air Fryer Egg & Cheese Toast every time with these helpful tips.
- Prevent sticking: Always use cooking spray or parchment paper under the bread. This prevents the egg from adhering to the basket.
- Even cooking: Cook one or two slices at a time to avoid overcrowding the basket. This ensures proper air circulation and even crisping of the toast.
- Customizing doneness: Get to know your air fryer. Start with the lower cooking time for a runny yolk and add a minute at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Crispy toast: Thicker slices of bread tend to get crispier without drying out. A slight toast before adding the egg can also enhance crispiness.
- Dealing with egg whites: Pressing a deeper well in the bread helps contain the egg white. A small piece of aluminum foil folded around the bread edge can also prevent overflow.
- Air fryer preheating: Preheating ensures a consistent cooking temperature from the start. This leads to more reliable results for your crispy breakfast toast. According to Southern Living, preheating the air fryer can decrease overall cooking time.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
This versatile Air Fryer Egg & Cheese Toast can be enjoyed in many ways.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your delicious air fryer egg toast with crispy bacon strips or savory breakfast sausage.
- Serve it alongside a vibrant bowl of fresh fruit, sliced avocado, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Drizzle your Air Fryer Egg & Cheese Toast with a dash of hot sauce, a dollop of ketchup, or a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor.
- Add a handful of fresh chives or a sprinkle of smoked paprika right before serving for a gourmet touch.
Storage & Reheating
- Air Fryer Egg & Cheese Toast tastes best when eaten immediately. The crispiness of the toast and the freshness of the egg are at their peak.
- If you must store it briefly, cover it loosely and consume it within an hour. The toast will lose some crispness.
- To reheat, place the toast back in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 minutes. This method best restores the texture, but the egg yolk will continue to cook.
Variations
- Loaded Egg Toast: Before adding the egg, sprinkle a tablespoon of cooked, finely diced ham, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms into the bread well.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the salt and pepper, or top with sliced jalapeños before adding the cheese.
- Herby Toast: Mix finely chopped fresh dill, parsley, or chives into your shredded cheese before sprinkling, or just sprinkle them fresh after cooking.
- Sweet Touch: Skip the egg and cheese. Spread butter on the bread, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and air fry for 4-5 minutes for a sweet cinnamon toast.
Nutrition Information
This Air Fryer Egg & Cheese Toast offers a quick boost of protein and energy. Please note that nutritional values are estimated and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. This estimate is for one serving (one slice of Air Fryer Egg & Cheese Toast).
| Nutrient | Amount (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220-280 |
| Protein | 12-15g |
| Fat | 14-18g |
| Carbs | 15-20g |
Enjoying this toast offers a good source of protein to kickstart your day. Research from Healthline highlights that eggs are a nutritional powerhouse, rich in high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. You can customize the health aspects by choosing whole wheat bread or reducing the amount of cheese. It’s a versatile option for a quick, balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of bread is best?
Medium-thick slices of white or whole wheat bread work wonderfully. Thicker slices prevent the egg from leaking and crisp up nicely.
Can I use a different size egg?
Yes, but adjust the bread hole size. A small egg might leave too much space, while an extra-large egg might overflow the well.
Do I need to flip the toast?
No, you do not need to flip this air fryer egg toast. The circulating hot air cooks both the egg and toast evenly without flipping.
How do I prevent the egg from spilling?
Make a slightly deeper well in your bread with your fingers. Also, ensure your bread slice is thick enough to hold the egg.
Can I make multiple at once?
You can make as many as your air fryer basket comfortably holds in a single layer without overcrowding. Overcrowding prevents even cooking.
What temperature is best for my air fryer?
A temperature of 340°F (170°C) generally works best. This temperature allows the egg to cook without burning the toast.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Egg & Cheese Toast offers an incredibly simple yet satisfying way to enjoy a classic breakfast favorite. Its quick preparation, minimal cleanup, and delicious results make it a perfect choice for busy mornings or a lazy weekend brunch. Remember, you can easily customize the ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs, ensuring a perfect bite every time.
Give this recipe a try and elevate your breakfast routine with crispy, cheesy goodness. Share your creations, leave a comment, and rate the recipe to let us know how much you loved it!
Air Fryer Egg & Cheese Toast: Your Crispy Breakfast in Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the bread inside.
- Using a glass, make an indent in the center of each bread slice, then press down the center.
- Crack an egg into each indent and season with salt and pepper.
- Air fry at 340°F for 8 minutes, adding cheese during the last minute if desired.
- Carefully remove the toast with a spatula and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
- It’s normal for a small amount of egg white to spread beyond the bread’s indent.
- For an extra touch, add a sprinkle of cheese during the last minute of cooking.
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