Monday mornings in our house are a bit of a circus—two kids trying to find their shoes, my husband half-dressed, searching for his thermos, and me juggling toast, backpacks, and reminders about lunchboxes. But on one of those mornings, when we were all running behind, I pulled out what I now call my “lifesaver breakfast”: Air Fryer Cheesy Egg Toast.
I had some bread, a handful of shredded cheese, and a couple of eggs. While the kids were brushing their teeth, I threw it all together in the air fryer.
By the time everyone shuffled back into the kitchen, hot, melty slices were ready. The toast was crisp, the cheese golden, and the eggs cooked just enough to keep the yolks runny—perfect for dunking. No complaints, no leftovers. In fact, my youngest asked me to make it again the next day, which in our house is a rare breakfast win.
Later that week, I made a batch again, this time for my co-workers during our early planning meeting. I brought in a tray of them, wrapped in foil, and by the time the coffee finished brewing, the whole batch had disappeared. I’ve had requests ever since. So now, when I need something quick, warm, and crowd-pleasing, this cheesy egg toast is right at the top of my list.
Short Description
Golden air-fried bread topped with melted cheese and a perfectly baked egg—quick, comforting, and family-friendly breakfast.
Key Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread (sourdough, whole-grain, or favorite type)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: sliced tomatoes, avocado, bacon bits, green onions, hot sauce
Tools Needed
- Air fryer with basket
- Small spatula or fork
- Grater for cheese
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prep & Toast the Bread
Place bread slices in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking oil or brush with butter for added crisp. Air fry at 360°F (180°C) for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Add Cheese
Evenly spread shredded cheese over each toasted slice. Return to air fryer in a single layer.
Step 3: Melt the Cheese
Air fry at 360°F (180°C) for another 2–3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melty.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
Carefully crack one egg onto each cheesy toast, keeping yolks intact. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Finish Cooking
Return to air fryer and cook at 360°F (180°C) for 3–5 minutes, depending on yolk preference: shorter time for runny yolks, longer for firm.
Step 6: Serve and Top
Remove carefully. Let sit a minute before serving. Top with your favorite toppings like avocado, tomatoes, bacon, scallions, or hot sauce.
Troubleshooting Tip: If cheese melts unevenly, rotate toast halfway through cheese or egg cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast & Filling: Ready in under 10 minutes—perfect for busy mornings
Customizable: Mix and match cheese and toppings to suit your taste
Kid-Friendly: Fun hands-on meal that even picky eaters enjoy
One-Basket Cleanup: Easy air fryer clean-up, no pans
Balanced Nutrition: Protein-packed eggs and whole-grain bread keep it healthy
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Soggy Bread:
Solution: Pre-toast the bread before adding cheese and eggs for crispiness
Cheese Overflow:
Solution: Use a medium layer of cheese and ensure edges don’t dip below slice
Uneven Egg Cooking:
Solution: Choose uniform size eggs and cook fully if unsure
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve on a platter for buffet-style brunch
Pair with fruit salad, yogurt, or fresh smoothies
Add iced coffee, latte, or juice on the side
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store: Keep leftover toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day
Reheat: Place in air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes until crisp and warmed
Tip: Do not store with toppings—add fresh before serving
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store: Keep leftover toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day
Reheat: Place in air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes until crisp and warmed
Tip: Do not store with toppings, add fresh before serving
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bread slices?
Yes, just increase the initial air fry time by 1–2 minutes to toast well.
2. What cheese melts best?
Cheddar or mozzarella works great. A mild blend adds richness and meltiness.
3. Can I use a toaster oven instead?
Absolutely—broil cheese first, then crack egg and bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
4. Are the yolks safe at 3 minutes cook time?
Yes, as long as eggs are fresh. Increase to 5 minutes for fully set yolks.
5. How to make it vegetarian?
Skip bacon bits or replace with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or grilled tomato
Tips & Tricks
Add a sprinkle of herbs like chives or parsley before serving
Slide parchment under bread for easier egg removal
For extra crisp, lightly spray the cheese layer
Use multigrain or seeded bread for added texture
Experiment with spicy cheese or drizzle hot sauce for a flavor kick
Recipe Variations
1. Mediterranean Toast:
Use feta cheese, olives, tomatoes, and spinach. Crack egg, cook, sprinkle with oregano and basil.
2. Southwestern Twist:
Top with pepper jack cheese, black beans, corn, cilantro, and salsa.
3. Classic Bacon & Cheddar:
Layer cheddar, cooked bacon bits, crack egg, finish with scallions.
4. Avocado Smash:
Add smashed avocado between cheese and egg. Finish with lime juice and pepper flakes.
5. Mushroom & Swiss:
Sauté mushrooms in butter, place on cheese, add egg, top with grated Swiss cheese.
Air Fryer Cheesy Egg Toast
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread sourdough, whole-grain, or favorite type
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or blend
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sliced tomatoes avocado, bacon bits, green onions, hot sauce
Instructions
- Place bread in air fryer. Spray or butter lightly. Toast at 360°F (180°C) for 2–3 minutes until golden.
- Spread shredded cheese on toasted slices. Return to air fryer.
- Air fry at 360°F (180°C) for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and melted.
- Gently crack one egg onto each cheesy toast. Season with salt and pepper.
- Air fry again at 360°F (180°C) for 3–5 minutes, based on yolk firmness.
- Let cool slightly. Add toppings like avocado, tomato, or hot sauce. Serve warm.
