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Cinnamon toast in the air fryer with crispy golden bread, swirls of cinnamon sugar, melted butter, powdered sugar, and toasted edges, cooked inside an air fryer basket.
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Cinnamon Toast in Air Fryer - Crispy, Buttery, and Fast

Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time6 minutes
Total Time11 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • Bread: White sandwich bread is classic, but brioche, sourdough, or Texas toast work great.
  • Unsalted butter: Softened, not melted. Salted butter is fine—just reduce added salt.
  • Granulated sugar: Classic sweetness and crunch.
  • Ground cinnamon: Freshly opened cinnamon tastes brighter and warmer.
  • Pinch of salt: Optional, but it makes the flavors pop.
  • Vanilla extract: Optional, for a bakery-style twist.
  • Cooking spray or parchment: To keep the basket clean and prevent sticking.

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes. A warm basket helps the sugar caramelize.
  • Mix the topping: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons softened butter, 1.5–2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, a tiny pinch of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon vanilla if using. Stir until it’s a smooth paste.
  • Prep the bread: Lay 2 slices on a board. Spread the cinnamon-butter mixture edge to edge. Cover every corner so the edges don’t dry out.
  • Line the basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket or use a piece of air fryer–safe parchment with holes. This keeps sugar from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
  • Air fry: Place the slices in a single layer. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 4–6 minutes. Start checking at 4 minutes. You want a deep golden top with tiny bubbling sugar but no dark burnt spots.
  • Cool slightly: Let the toast sit 1 minute before biting. The sugar sets and gets pleasantly crisp.
  • Serve: Enjoy as is, or add a dusting of cinnamon sugar, a drizzle of honey, or a swipe of jam. For a little decadence, finish with a pinch of flaky salt.