Air Fryer Egg And Cheese Toast Recipe

I perfected an Air Fryer For One egg and cheese toast that hides a clever hack for melted cheese and a perfectly set yolk, and I can’t wait to show you.

I love small breakfasts that feel like a proper win. My Air Fryer Egg And Cheese Toast does just that.

I pair sturdy bread with an egg and a slice of cheese for something crunchy at the edges, gooey in the middle, and oddly fancy for how little effort it takes. It’s quick enough for a rushed weekday but worth making when you want to linger, toss on avocado or baby spinach if you’re feeling extra.

If you ever scroll recipes under Egg In The Air Fryer you’ll see why this one pops up in my rotation. Try it once, you’ll keep coming back.

Ingredients

• Sturdy bread adds fiber and carbs for energy, holds up to egg and cheese.
• Egg brings rich protein, iron and a silky yolk, keeps you full.
• Cheese adds melty fat and savory flavor, some calcium but watch sodium.
• Butter or olive oil gives crisp edges and tasty fat, use sparingly.
• Avocado brings creamy healthy fats, fiber and a fresh mellow flavor.
• Baby spinach adds vitamins, iron and a green boost, wilts fast.
• Chives or parsley give herbal brightness, small calories but big punch.
• Hot sauce or ketchup adds tangy or sweet heat, optional flavor kick.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 slice bread (sturdy like sourdough or whole wheat, about 1 oz / 30-40 g)
• 1 large egg
• 1 slice cheese (cheddar, American or Swiss, about 1 oz / 28 g)
• 1 tsp butter or 1 tsp olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• nonstick cooking spray or a little oil, optional
• 1/4 avocado, sliced, optional
• a handful baby spinach, optional
• 1 tsp chopped chives or parsley, optional
• hot sauce or ketchup, optional

How to Make this

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes, spray the basket lightly with nonstick cooking spray or rub a little oil so the toast wont stick.

2. Spread 1 tsp butter or brush 1 tsp olive oil on one side of the bread, press the buttered side down and use the back of a spoon to make a shallow well in the center so the egg wont run off.

3. If using spinach, scatter a handful of baby spinach into the well or right under where the egg will sit, it will wilt nicely under the egg as it cooks.

4. Crack the large egg into the well, season with salt and pepper. Dont poke the yolk unless you want it to break, for runny yolk aim for shorter cook time.

5. Lay the slice of cheese over the egg (or tuck it partly under the egg if you want more crisp edges), fold any overhang as needed so it sits on the bread.

6. Carefully place the prepared slice in the air fryer basket, cook for 4 to 7 minutes: check at 4 minutes for a soft yolk and melted cheese, 6 to 7 minutes for a firmer yolk and fully set egg.

7. Remove with a spatula, top with 1/4 sliced avocado, a sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley, and a dash of hot sauce or ketchup if you like, add extra salt and pepper to taste.

8. Let it cool a minute so the cheese settles, then dig in. Its quick, satisfying and easy to tweak depending on what you’ve got in the fridge.

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer with basket
2. Nonstick cooking spray or a little oil for greasing
3. Butter knife or small pastry brush (to spread the butter/oil)
4. Spoon (use the back to press a shallow well)
5. Silicone or metal spatula (to lift the toast out)
6. Measuring spoon (1 tsp)
7. Small knife and cutting board (for avocado and chopping chives)
8. Plate for serving

FAQ

Air Fryer Egg And Cheese Toast Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Bread: English muffin (toasted), bagel thin, or sliced ciabatta — works great if you want something chewier, or swap for a thick sweet potato slice for a low carb option.
• Egg: 2 egg whites instead of whole egg, 3 tbsp liquid egg substitute, or 1/4 cup silken tofu (blended and seasoned) for a vegan-ish swap.
• Cheese: mozzarella, pepper jack, smoked gouda, or a dairy free slice if you need vegan, all melt nicely.
• Butter / olive oil: avocado oil, ghee, a light spread of mayo (helps browning), or nonstick spray if you want less fat.

Pro Tips

1. Preheat properly and keep the basket barely oiled. A light spray or rub of oil is all you need, too much makes the bottom soggy. If you want to catch drips use a small perforated parchment square under the bread, but only put it in after the fryer is hot so it wont blow around.

2. Make a solid well so the egg stays put. Press with the back of a spoon or a sturdy cookie cutter, and if your bread is soft, toast it a little first so it dont go mushy while the egg cooks.

3. Cheese tricks: shred thin for fast even melting, or tuck the slice partly under the egg so the edges crisp up. If you want super melty cheese put the slice on top for the last minute of cooking, but watch it cause it can go from melty to burned quick.

4. Timing and finishing hacks — use a room temp egg to cut cook time, check at 4 minutes for runny yolk, 6 to 7 for firmer. Let it rest a minute after it comes out since carryover will finish the yolk, and add avocado or greens right before eating so they stay fresh.