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Hawaiian roll French toast made in the air fryer with fluffy golden bread, sweet maple syrup glaze, fresh blueberries, powdered sugar, and pineapple garnish, served inside an air fryer basket.
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Hawaiian Roll French Toast Air Fryer - A Sweet, Fluffy Breakfast Treat

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls (King’s Hawaiian or similar)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%; use half-and-half for extra richness)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for dusting)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Butter or oil spray (for the air fryer basket)
  • Maple syrup, for serving
  • Optional toppings: powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, toasted coconut, chopped nuts

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Let it heat while you prep.
  • Make the custard. In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth. You want a well-blended, slightly thick mixture.
  • Prep the rolls. You can keep the 12 rolls connected as a slab and slice horizontally to create two layers, or separate them into individual rolls. For more crusty edges, separate them; for pull-apart squares, keep them connected.
  • Dip, don’t drown. Quickly dip each roll (or each slab side) into the custard. Let excess drip off. The rolls soak fast—1–2 seconds per side is plenty.
  • Grease the basket. Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil or melted butter to avoid sticking and promote browning.
  • Arrange in the basket. Place rolls in a single layer with a little space between pieces. Don’t stack. Work in batches if needed.
  • Air fry until golden. Cook at 350°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway. They’re done when the edges are lightly crisp and the centers feel set, not squishy.
  • Optional cinnamon-sugar finish. While hot, brush with a little melted butter and dust with cinnamon sugar for a churro-style crust.
  • Serve warm. Top with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or berries. For a brunch board, add bacon, sausage, or scrambled eggs.