Introduction

This Air Fryer Pumpkin French Toast recipe is simple and delicious, bringing warm fall flavors to your breakfast table in minutes. The air fryer creates a perfectly crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and custardy. For more seasonal treats, try the Sparkling Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Truffles Recipe or Easy Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars Recipe.

Ingredients

This Air Fryer Pumpkin French Toast delivers warm, spiced pumpkin flavor with a perfectly crisp exterior and custardy center that will make your kitchen smell like autumn.

• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or maple syrup)
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 slices thick brioche bread (day-old works best)
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing bread, optional)
• Maple syrup and powdered sugar, for serving

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	8 minutes
Total Time	18 minutes

Context: This Air Fryer Pumpkin French Toast is ready in about 20% less time than similar stovetop recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Pumpkin French Toast Batter

In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined. The batter should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon without running off too quickly.

Step 2 — Choose and Slice Your Bread

Select thick-cut bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast for best results. Slice into 1-inch thick pieces—thicker slices hold up better in the air fryer and absorb the pumpkin custard without becoming soggy.

Step 3 — Soak the Bread Slices

Dip each bread slice into the pumpkin batter, allowing it to soak for 10–15 seconds per side. Press gently to help the bread absorb the mixture, but avoid oversoaking, which can cause the bread to fall apart during cooking.

Step 4 — Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the soaked bread in a single layer, leaving space between slices for proper air circulation.

Step 5 — Cook the Pumpkin French Toast

Air fry the pumpkin French toast at 375°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check for doneness—the exterior should be golden brown and crisp, while the inside remains soft and fully cooked.

Step 6 — Check Internal Temperature

For food safety, ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) using an instant-read thermometer. If needed, cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until the desired texture and temperature are achieved.

Step 7 — Serve Immediately

Remove the Air Fryer Pumpkin French Toast from the basket and serve warm. Top with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or whipped cream for a delicious autumn-inspired breakfast that’s crispy outside and tender inside.

Nutritional Information

Calories	285
Protein	12g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	9g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	320mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Whole Grain Bread — Use whole wheat or sprouted grain bread for extra fiber and a nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin spice.
• Egg Whites — Substitute whole eggs with egg whites or a liquid egg white product to reduce fat and cholesterol while keeping the protein high.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk — Swap regular milk for unsweetened almond milk to create a dairy-free version with a subtle nutty undertone.
• Low-Carb Bread — Choose a keto-friendly or low-carb bread alternative to significantly reduce the carbohydrate content of your Air Fryer Pumpkin French Toast.
• Sugar-Free Syrup — Top with a sugar-free maple syrup alternative to enjoy the sweetness without the added sugar and calories.
• Greek Yogurt Dip — Serve with a side of plain Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream for a protein-packed, tangy complement.
• Pumpkin Puree Boost — Increase the amount of pumpkin puree in the egg mixture for more fiber and vitamin A without extra sugar.
• No-Salt-Added Spice Blend — Make your own pumpkin pie spice blend without added salt to control sodium levels and highlight warm, natural flavors.

Serving Suggestions

• Drizzle with warm maple syrup and sprinkle with toasted pecans for a classic fall breakfast.
• Pair with crispy air fryer bacon or savory breakfast sausage links to balance the sweetness.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert-style treat.
• Accompany with a hot mug of spiced chai tea or a pumpkin spice latte for a complete autumnal experience.
• Create a festive brunch platter by arranging the Air Fryer Pumpkin French Toast with fresh apple slices and orange wedges.
• For an elegant presentation, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

This Air Fryer Pumpkin French Toast is wonderfully versatile, perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch centerpiece, or even a quick and satisfying sweet snack.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using bread that’s too thin or fresh. Fix: Opt for thick-cut, day-old bread like brioche or challah to prevent sogginess and ensure a crisp exterior.
• Mistake: Over-saturating the bread in the pumpkin custard. Fix: Briefly dip each slice for just a few seconds per side to absorb flavor without becoming mushy.
• Mistake: Skipping the preheat step for your air fryer. Fix: Always preheat to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking and proper browning from the start.
• Mistake: Crowding the air fryer basket. Fix: Arrange slices in a single layer with space between them to allow for optimal air circulation and crispiness.
• Mistake: Not spraying with cooking oil before air frying. Fix: Lightly coat both sides with avocado or coconut oil spray to achieve a golden, crunchy texture.
• Mistake: Using pumpkin pie filling instead of puree. Fix: Always use 100% pure pumpkin puree to control sweetness and avoid unwanted spices or additives.
• Mistake: Cooking at too low a temperature. Fix: Maintain 375°F and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, to cook through without drying out the interior.
• Mistake: Adding the topping before air frying. Fix: Apply powdered sugar, syrup, or whipped cream only after cooking to prevent burning and maintain texture.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the French toast has cooled to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation.
• Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. This prevents pieces from sticking together.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until hot and crispy. Always reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

Proper storage keeps your Air Fryer Pumpkin French Toast delicious for future breakfasts or snacks. Always check for any off odors or signs of spoilage before consuming stored food.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Pumpkin French Toast is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a cozy fall breakfast. For another seasonal pumpkin treat, try our Mini Pumpkin Bundt Cakes with Cinnamon Brown Butter Frosting. We hope you love this recipe—please leave a comment with your results and subscribe for more!

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FAQs

Can I prepare the Air Fryer Pumpkin French Toast batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the pumpkin batter the night before. Store it covered in the refrigerator. This makes morning preparation quick and easy for your Air Fryer Pumpkin French Toast.

What is the best type of bread to use for Air Fryer Pumpkin French Toast?

Use thick-sliced, sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast. These types hold the rich pumpkin custard well without becoming soggy, ensuring your Air Fryer Pumpkin French Toast turns out perfectly crisp.

How do I prevent the French toast from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil before adding the soaked bread. Also, avoid overloading the basket to ensure proper air circulation. This helps achieve a non-stick, golden finish on your Air Fryer Pumpkin French Toast.