Why yes, you can make cinnamon toast in an air-fryer, and I’ve got the easiest recipe for you! Just five ingredients and a few minutes are all that separate you from the most decadent, buttery, cinnamon dream bite ever. (Yes, I categorize bites. And on a scale of 1 to 10, this one’s an 11.) I will warn you now, once you start making air-fryer cinnamon toast, it’ll be hard to start your day with anything else.
What is cinnamon toast?
Here’s a little fun history for you: cinnamon toast has been around for almost 600 years. It started as a budget-friendly alternative to french toast in Europe and that’s why we still love it today. Cinnamon toast is so loved that it even spawned a cereal (Cinnamon Toast Crunch), and if you’re a fan of that, you will LOVE this recipe.
What is Cinnamon Toast Made Of?
Cinnamon toast is made with just four ingredients: bread, butter, sugar, and cinnamon. But the combination is so good that they transformed into a supergroup, like the Beatles. (If you don’t know who the Beatles are, please don’t tell me, because I will cry.)
Through rigorous testing (I love my job), I’ve discovered that the trick to cinnamon toast perfection is making sweetened cinnamon butter with a few drops of vanilla. The vanilla is optional, but it gives the toast a little something extra. (PS I am not claiming to have invented cinnamon butter. Just that I ate way too many pieces of cinnamon toast while testing this recipe and the one with vanilla was my fave. Ok? Don’t come for me.) But seriously, I love vanilla and cinnamon together (see my snickerdoodles recipe for more evidence!)
Can’t I just use my toaster?
What you’re looking for in a perfect bite of cinnamon toast is a thunderous crunch that gives way to a buttery, gooey center. Unfortunately, you cannot achieve this heightened level of yum by simply toasting your bread, buttering it, and sprinkling it with cinnamon and sugar. You’ll only have flavor on the top of your toast, not throughout, and while it will be good, it won’t be BEYOND. And don’t we all need a little BEYOND in our lives?
Why make cinnamon toast in an air fryer?
When you pop the buttered toast into your air fryer, hot air circulates all over it. This not only browns your butter, giving you hints of hazelnut, but it also blooms the cinnamon, releasing citrusy notes. The butter melts into every nook and cranny of that piece of toast, which soaks it up like a sponge. The results? THE MOST AMAZING crispy outer layer, giving way to a decadent, buttery center. BRB. I’m going to make a slice while you check out the recipe.
Air Fryer Cinnamon Toast
Servings 1Ingredients
- 1 slice bread ($0.13)
- 2 Tbsp salted butter ($0.25)
- 4 drops vanilla extract ($0.02)
- 1 1/2 Tbsp sugar ($0.02)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon ($0.01)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Add room temperature butter, vanilla, sugar, and cinnamon to a small bowl.
- Mix until incorporated.
- Spread half of the butter on one side of your slice of bread. Make sure to cover the slice from corner to corner.
- Air fry for five minutes.
- Take the toast out and spread the remaining butter on the other side, again corner to corner.
- Air fry for five minutes.
See how we calculate recipe costs here.
Equipment
Nutrition
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Toast – Step by Step Photos
Add room temperature butter, vanilla, sugar, and cinnamon to a small bowl.
Mix until incorporated. The butter should look whipped.
Spread half of the butter on one side of the slice of bread. Make sure to cover the slice from corner to corner.
Air fry for five minutes.
Take the toast out of the air fryer and spread the remaining butter on the other side, again corner to corner.
Air fry for 5 minutes. Enjoy!
This is interesting. Too bad you can only make 1 piece at a time. I usually toast some bread. Butter, add cinnamon and sugar by the inches (j/k) and run it in the microwave to melt the butter. It’s pretty yummy, yeah the bread’s a little soggy but I never minded.
it might be good but 10 minutes? Nope. A regular toaster does it in 2 minutes. I love my AF but not when it takes longer than other methods. Not worth it.
This feels and tastes like something an expensive bakery would make, and here I am, making it in my own kitchen. Superb!
Delicious and simple!
So I have an air fryer toaster oven… would I just toast it once since it will get toasted from both sides?
I mean you could try it. But, just know that if you butter both sides, the butter on the bottom will drip. Of course, you cold put it on a tray, but at that point, it will be the same issue as a regular air-fryer. For best results, toast one side, turn over, butter, and toast again. XOXO -Monti
I know this is out of left field but I’m homeschooling my daughter and working full time. This recipe is just one of those delightful little things that makes my life easier because she requests it for breakfast at least 4 times a week. Thanks Beth.
I have air frier oven will it make any difference do I put at bottom middle or top for best results
I have an air fryer oven too!! And I’m addicted. I hardly use my regular oven anymore. I’m thinking of air frying apple hand pies. Anyhoo- don’t get me started. Use the middle shelf. XOXO -Monti
This has no business being this good. Also, I just wanted to note that when I made it the first time (yes, there have been several times…), I didn’t really read the instructions and only toasted one side. That left a weird, squishy bread on one side and took away from the glorious crunch. So if you’re thinking it seems excessive to toast both sides…it’s not. Make this recipe exactly as written and you will be very happy.
Ayyy! Thanks, Chelsea!! XOXO -Monti
Great idea and very creative! Is it possible to do more than one slice at a time, maybe if standing up?
Thank you! And I understand wanting to double up but if you stand it up, the butter won’t pool but will melt off of it. You can make this in the oven as well. That might be the better choice. XOXO -Monti
If I wanted to mix up a larger batch of the topping to have on hand, how would the drops of vanilla multiply out? -so I don’t have to do 16 drops of vanilla?
Ooooh!! I love the way you think. Unsure how much you’re multiplying the batch by, but if it’s by 16, just remember there are 76 drops of vanilla in a teaspoon. So for a batch that’s 16X bigger, a little over 1/4 teaspoon will do the trick. XOXO -Monti
This is similar to the oven cinnamon toast I’ve been doing for 50 years–but great for smaller quantities than the big sheet pan versions I’ve always done. I never even thought about individual servings in the air fryer–and butter on the bottom! Great idea! Honestly, this simple and economical toast is the best idea since, well, sliced bread.
Thanks so much, Janet! XOXO -Monti
This looks great. What temperature did you use for air frying the toast? I know it will vary by appliance, but a baseline would be helpful!
Great call Erin! 350°F. I just added it to the directions. XOXO -Monti
Thanks, I can’t wait to try it!
What self do I put it on?