Can You Use an Air Fryer as a Toaster — Or Is It a Bad Idea?

Let’s start with the question everyone is really asking:

Can you use an air fryer as a toaster?

Short answer?
Yes, we absolutely can.

But — and this matters — the results aren’t always identical to a traditional toaster. The texture is slightly different. The timing takes a little practice. And some types of bread perform better than others.

Still, if we’re trying to simplify our kitchen setup or avoid buying another appliance, using an air fryer as a toaster is not only possible — it’s often surprisingly effective.

Let’s break it down clearly and practically.

Yes, an air fryer can toast bread.

Most models can brown sliced bread, bagels, English muffins, and even frozen waffles in just a few minutes. Because air fryers circulate hot air at high speed, they crisp the surface efficiently.

However, they don’t toast the exact same way a traditional toaster does.

A toaster uses direct radiant heat from heating coils placed very close to the bread. An air fryer relies on rapid hot air circulation. That difference changes how the bread browns and dries.

The result?

Air fryer toast is often:

• Slightly crispier on the outside

• Sometimes softer in the center

• More prone to uneven browning if not flipped

But with the right settings, we can get excellent results.

Understanding the difference helps us manage expectations.

A traditional toaster:

• Uses exposed heating elements

• Applies direct radiant heat

• Browns quickly and evenly (when functioning properly)

An air fryer:

• Uses a heating element plus a powerful fan

• Circulates hot air around the food

• Functions more like a miniature convection oven

Because the air fryer surrounds the bread with hot air instead of focusing heat from the sides, browning can occur differently — especially on lightweight sandwich bread.

That doesn’t make it worse. Just different.

The first time we try it, we might notice a few things.

Thin white sandwich bread can:

• Curl slightly

• Brown unevenly

• Toast faster than expected

Thicker slices, on the other hand, usually perform much better.

Here’s what we typically see:

• At 375°F, bread begins browning within 2–3 minutes.

• Around 4–5 minutes, it becomes golden and crisp.

• If left longer, it can overbrown quickly.

Because air fryers cook fast, timing matters more than temperature alone.

If we want consistent results, here’s a simple method that works for most models:

• Temperature: 350–400°F

• Time: 3–5 minutes

• Flip halfway through for even browning

• Avoid overcrowding the basket

For thicker bread or bagels:

• 375°F for 4–6 minutes usually works well

For frozen items:

• Add 1–2 extra minutes

Every air fryer runs slightly differently, so a small test batch helps us dial it in.

There are real advantages here.

1. One Less Appliance

If we already own an air fryer, we may not need a separate toaster. That means:

• Less counter clutter

• Fewer cords

• Simpler kitchen setup

For small apartments or minimalist kitchens, this is a big win.

2. Great for Thick Bread

Air fryers excel with:

• Artisan slices

• Sourdough

• Texas toast

• Bagels

Because of the convection heat, thicker bread often develops a beautiful outer crisp.

3. Multi-Function Convenience

We can toast, reheat, crisp leftovers, and cook full meals in the same appliance.

That versatility makes the air fryer a strong all-in-one option.

It’s not perfect.

1. Uneven Browning

Without flipping, one side may brown more than the other.

Traditional toasters brown both sides simultaneously. Air fryers sometimes require us to intervene.

2. Small Capacity

Most basket-style air fryers fit only 1–2 slices at a time.

If we’re making breakfast for a family, this can slow things down.

3. Timing Can Be Tricky

Because hot air circulates aggressively, toast can go from golden to dark quickly.

We need to stay nearby the first few times.

Some items actually perform better in an air fryer than in a toaster.

Bagels

The cut surface becomes evenly crisp while the outer crust stays pleasantly firm.

English Muffins

The nooks and crannies crisp beautifully.

Frozen Waffles

Air fryers are excellent at restoring crispness to frozen waffles.

Thick-Cut Bread

Dense slices toast more evenly than thin, lightweight bread.

Thin, inexpensive sandwich bread can:

• Brown unevenly

• Dry out too much

• Fly around if the fan is strong

In those cases, lowering the temperature slightly (to 350°F) can help.

This is an important distinction.

Air fryer ovens — the larger countertop models with racks — often function more like toaster ovens. They:

• Offer more space

• Allow multiple slices

• Brown more evenly

Basket-style air fryers are slightly less convenient for toast but still effective.

If we frequently use toast settings, the oven-style model may be more practical long term.

Despite the flexibility of air fryers, there are times when a dedicated toaster makes more sense.

For example:

• Busy weekday mornings

• Toasting four slices at once

• Consistent, predictable results

• Very quick turnaround

A toaster is optimized for one task — and it does that task efficiently.

If toast is part of our daily routine, keeping a toaster may still be worthwhile.

When using an air fryer for toast, we should:

• Avoid parchment paper unless secured

• Make sure lightweight bread doesn’t lift toward the heating element

• Monitor closely to prevent over-browning

These small precautions help avoid unnecessary risk.

Can We Use an Air Fryer as a Toaster?

Yes — and in many cases, it works surprisingly well.

If we:

• Adjust temperature thoughtfully

• Monitor cooking time

• Flip when needed

• Use thicker bread when possible

We can achieve crisp, golden toast with minimal effort.

Is it identical to a traditional toaster? Not exactly.

Is it a practical substitute? Absolutely.

For many kitchens, especially those aiming to reduce clutter, the air fryer can easily take over toasting duties.

At the end of the day, it comes down to how often we toast and how much convenience matters to us.

But now we know the answer.

And we can toast with confidence.