in-a-Hole Toast

Air fryer egg toast is one of those breakfasts that feels a little special but takes almost no effort. If you love a runny yolk soaking into crisp, golden toast, this is an easy way to enjoy your favorite breakfast sandwich without standing over the stove. With just a handful of basic ingredients, this recipe comes together fast and can be on the table in under 10 minutes—perfect for busy mornings.

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There’s something incredibly comforting about breaking into a warm slice of toast and watching that soft yolk spill into every nook. It’s simple, satisfying, and surprisingly filling, making it a go-to breakfast when time is short but hunger is real.

Why This Air Fryer Egg Toast Is a Favorite in My Kitchen

Egg toast with a runny yolk is something my daughter absolutely loves, and I enjoy making it just as much. It’s a wholesome option that doesn’t feel rushed, even on hectic mornings when we’re trying to get out the door quickly. The air fryer does all the hard work, giving you crispy toast and a perfectly cooked egg at the same time.

What I love most is how consistent it is. In just a few minutes, you get toast that’s golden and crunchy with an egg that’s cooked exactly how you like it. When that yolk breaks and melts into the bread, it’s incredibly satisfying. Some of our other quick breakfast favorites include air fryer omelets, grilled onion melts, and air fryer poached eggs, but this one is always a winner.

Egg Toast vs. Egg in a Hole: What’s the Difference?

Although they may look similar, egg toast and egg in a hole are actually prepared a bit differently. Both rely on eggs and bread as the main ingredients, but the technique changes the final result.

Egg toast is made by pressing a shallow pocket into the bread and cracking the egg directly on top. The bread stays intact underneath, allowing the egg to cook gently while the toast crisps up.

Egg in a hole—sometimes called egg in a basket or toad in a hole—requires cutting a full hole through the bread and cooking the egg inside that opening. If you’re making egg in a hole in the air fryer, parchment paper is usually needed underneath to prevent the egg from dripping through the basket.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 slices of bread
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Seasoning of choice

This egg toast was prepared using a Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 Air Fryer, but the method works well in most air fryer models.

How to Make Air Fryer Egg Toast

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, prepare your bread slices.
2. Using the bottom of a mug or a sturdy glass, gently press into the center of each slice of bread to form a shallow pocket. Be careful not to press all the way through, as this can cause the egg to leak into the basket.
3. Spread butter evenly on both sides of the bread for maximum crispiness and flavor.
4. Crack one egg into the pocket of each slice of bread.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional seasoning you enjoy. Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes work especially well here.
6. Carefully place the prepared bread into the air fryer basket or tray. Cook on the air fry or air crisp setting for 5 to 7 minutes, depending on how runny or firm you prefer your yolk.

Egg Cooking Times Explained

If you love a runny yolk, cooking the egg toast for 5 to 6 minutes is usually perfect. The whites set nicely while the yolk stays soft and rich.

For a firmer yolk, simply add an extra 1 to 2 minutes of cooking time. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size and model of your air fryer. This recipe was tested using a Cuisinart Air Fryer Oven.

With a little practice, you’ll quickly learn how to adjust the timing so your eggs turn out just right every time.

Choosing the Best Bread for Air Fryer Egg Toast

Toasting bread can sometimes feel unpredictable—one minute it looks fine, and the next it’s overdone. For air fryer egg toast, hearty bread works best.

Whole-grain bread is a great choice because its denser texture holds up well and browns evenly instead of burning. Breads with a firm crust, such as sourdough or ciabatta, deliver a wonderfully crisp finish. If you prefer something softer and richer, brioche or challah are excellent options.

My personal favorite is sliced sourdough from Trader Joe’s, which doesn’t taste overly sour. My daughter prefers Nature’s Own thick-sliced brioche style bread. Other types of bread can work too, but since each variety cooks a bit differently, it’s important to keep an eye on them as they air fry.

Bread Tip for Extra Flavor

Before placing the bread in the air fryer, always spread butter on both sides, lightly spray it with cooking oil, or even use a thin layer of mayo. This helps the toast crisp evenly and adds great flavor.

How Many Egg Toasts Can You Make at Once?

Most air fryers can hold four to six slices of toast at a time, depending on the size of the basket and the bread itself. In my Cuisinart Air Fryer Oven, I usually make four egg toasts at once without adjusting the cooking time or temperature.

If you’re cooking multiple slices, follow the same instructions and avoid overcrowding the basket. Proper spacing ensures even airflow, which is key to getting perfectly cooked egg toast every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make air fryer egg toast without butter?

Yes, you can. If you prefer not to use butter, lightly spray the bread with cooking oil or brush it with olive oil. This will still help the toast crisp up while keeping the egg from sticking.

2. How do I keep the egg from leaking through the bread?

The key is creating a shallow pocket instead of pressing all the way through the bread. Using thicker, sturdy bread also helps support the egg as it cooks in the air fryer.

3. Can I use frozen bread for air fryer egg toast?

Frozen bread can be used, but it may require an extra minute of cooking time. Make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the egg once it starts to thaw and soften.

4. What seasonings work best with egg toast?

Salt and pepper are classic, but you can easily customize this recipe. Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or even a pinch of everything bagel seasoning all pair well with egg toast.

5. Can I prepare air fryer egg toast ahead of time?

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh while the toast is crisp and the yolk is warm. However, you can prep the bread pockets in advance and store them at room temperature until you’re ready to cook.