Get ready to transform your breakfast routine with the absolute best Air Fryer Egg & Cheese Toast. This recipe is a game-changer for busy mornings, delivering perfectly crispy toast, gooey melted cheese, and a beautifully cooked egg in under 10 minutes. It’s the satisfying, protein-packed meal you need, with virtually no cleanup. Say goodbye to skillet-watching and hello to your new favorite hands-off breakfast.
We’re taking the classic “egg in a hole” and elevating it with the magic of the air fryer. The result is a breakfast that tastes gourmet but comes together with minimal effort. Whether you crave a runny yolk to dip your toast in or prefer it slightly jammy, this guide will help you achieve egg perfection every single time.
Why This Air Fryer Egg & Cheese Toast Will Be Your New Favorite
You’re going to love how incredibly simple and delicious this recipe is. It’s a complete, satisfying breakfast made in one machine, which means less time cooking and more time enjoying.
- Incredibly Fast: From fridge to table in less than 10 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for hectic mornings.
- Perfectly Cooked, Every Time: The air fryer circulates heat evenly, ensuring your toast is golden and crisp, the cheese is perfectly melted, and the egg is cooked just the way you like it.
- Minimal Cleanup: No need for multiple pans or a greasy stovetop. A simple liner or a quick wipe of the air fryer basket is all it takes.
- Endlessly Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic base for creativity. Add your favorite seasonings, veggies, or a sprinkle of bacon to make it your own.
The Perfect Ingredients for Egg & Cheese Toast
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. You only need a few basic ingredients, but choosing quality ones will make your air fryer egg toast truly shine.
Best Bread Choices
The foundation of your toast is key. A thicker slice of bread works best as it holds the egg securely. Consider options like thick-cut brioche for a touch of sweetness, sourdough for its tangy flavor and sturdy crust, or a classic Texas toast. Whole wheat or a hearty multigrain also work wonderfully.
Choosing Your Cheese
The cheese is what makes this toast so irresistible. A good melting cheese is essential. Sharp cheddar provides a classic, bold flavor, while Gruyere offers a nutty, creamy melt. Provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a simple slice of American cheese are also fantastic choices. For a little kick, try pepper jack!
The Star of the Show: The Egg
A fresh, high-quality egg makes all the difference. The magic of this recipe is being able to cook the egg to your preferred doneness right on the toast. We’ll cover how to get that perfect yolk in just a moment.
How to Make Air Fryer Egg & Cheese Toast (Step-by-Step)
Making this cheesy egg toast is as simple as 1-2-3. Follow these steps for a flawless result.
- Prepare the Bread: Take a slice of bread and press down the center with your fingers or the back of a spoon to create a well. This will hold the egg in place. Don’t press all the way through; you just want an indentation. Lightly butter the edges of the bread.
- Add the Cheese and Egg: Place the cheese slices around the well you created. Carefully crack the egg directly into the center of the bread. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Place the toast in the air fryer basket. Cook at 370°F (188°C) for 6-8 minutes. The exact time will depend on your air fryer and how you like your egg cooked.
- Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the toast from the air fryer, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your delicious creation right away.
For a complete and hearty breakfast, serve this alongside some fresh fruit or a side of Air Fryer Broccoli.
Tips for the Perfect Runny (or Jammy) Yolk
The ideal egg yolk is a personal preference. The great thing about this Air Fryer Egg & Cheese Toast recipe is its predictability. Use these timings as a guide, but remember that all air fryers cook slightly differently.
- For a Runny Yolk: Cook for 6-7 minutes. This will give you a fully set white with a warm, liquid gold center perfect for dipping.
- For a Jammy Yolk: Cook for 7-8 minutes. The yolk will be soft and slightly gooey, similar to a soft-boiled egg. This is my personal favorite!
- For a Firm Yolk: Cook for 8-9 minutes. The yolk will be mostly cooked through but still tender.
Fun Variations to Try
While the classic egg and cheese combo is a winner, don’t be afraid to mix things up! This recipe is a fantastic canvas for other flavors.
- Add Meat: Sprinkle some cooked, crumbled bacon or sausage over the cheese before adding the egg.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on top of the egg.
- Go Green: Top with fresh avocado slices, chopped chives, or parsley after cooking. Or, try our amazing Cowboy Butter for a flavor explosion!
- Breakfast Sandwich Style: Make two slices and place them together for an epic air fryer grilled cheese egg sandwich. If you love grilled cheese, you have to try our classic Grilled Cheese Recipe.
Storing and Reheating
This toast is definitely best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. To reheat, simply pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you absolutely can! In this recipe, the raw egg is cracked directly onto the bread and cooks perfectly in the air fryer, along with the toast and cheese.
The key is to create a solid indentation or ‘well’ in the center of your bread slice using your fingers or a spoon. This creates a nest that holds the egg in place while it cooks.
It typically takes 6-8 minutes at 370°F (188°C). Cook for 6-7 minutes for a runny yolk, 7-8 minutes for a jammy yolk, or 8-9 minutes for a firm yolk. Times can vary slightly based on your air fryer model.
For a great melt and classic flavor, use sharp cheddar, Gruyere, Provolone, or Monterey Jack. Even a simple slice of American cheese works wonderfully for a super creamy texture.
A thicker, sturdier slice of bread works best. Brioche, sourdough, Texas toast, or any thick-cut whole grain bread are excellent choices as they are strong enough to hold the egg.
More Delicious Breakfast & Lunch Recipes
If you enjoyed this super easy recipe, you’ll love these other simple and delicious meal ideas. For another amazing air fryer meal, check out our Crispy Air Fryer Cod. And for a comforting classic, you can’t go wrong with this Creamy Gnocchi Recipe.
The Easiest Air Fryer Egg & Cheese Toast Recipe
Air Fryer Egg & Cheese Toast (The Easiest, Cheesiest Breakfast)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Press down the center of the bread slice with a spoon or your fingers to create a well for the egg.
- Lightly spread the softened butter around the edges of the bread.
- Place the slice of cheese around the indentation.
- Carefully crack the egg into the well.
- Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Place the toast into the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 6-8 minutes, depending on your desired egg yolk consistency (6 minutes for runny, 8 for jammy/firm).
- Carefully remove from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Notes
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and seasonings like everything bagel seasoning or red pepper flakes.
Keep an eye on the toast during the last couple of minutes to ensure it doesn't over-brown.
We’d Love to Hear From You!
We hope you love making this quick and easy Air Fryer Egg & Cheese Toast. It’s a recipe that proves simple ingredients can create something truly special. If you try it, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think! For more delicious inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest.
