Introduction
As the leaves start to change and the air gets a little crisper, you know it’s time to embrace the cozy flavors of fall. One of the best ways to celebrate the season is with a delicious breakfast treat that captures the essence of autumn — enter Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bites! These delightful little morsels are not only easy to prepare but also come with that irresistible blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and all the warm spices that make fall so special.
Perfect for busy mornings or leisurely weekend brunches, these French toast bites are quick to whip up, and thanks to the air fryer, they come out golden and crispy without the excess oil. Drizzle them with a little maple syrup or serve them with a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ll have a dish that everyone will adore. Whether you’re serving them for a crowd or enjoying them solo, these pumpkin spice bites are the quintessential fall treat that will keep you coming back for seconds. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (any type)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 loaf of thick-sliced bread (such as brioche or challah)
- Cooking spray or softened butter for greasing
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions
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- In a large bowl, blend together the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined.
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- Cut each thick slice of bread into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 to 2 inches in size.
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- Dip each bread piece gently into the pumpkin mixture, ensuring they are fully coated, and let any excess batter drip off.
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- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
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- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or softened butter to avoid sticking.
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- Place half of the coated bread pieces in a single layer within the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not crowded.
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- Air fry the pumpkin spice French toast bites for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking, until they turn golden brown and a bit crispy.
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- Carefully take out the first batch and set it aside, then repeat with the remaining bread pieces.
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- Serve the warm bites topped with maple syrup for a delightful and cozy breakfast or snack!
- Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4
Key Ingredients
- Bread: 4 slices of thick bread (such as brioche or challah) for optimal texture.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs for the custard mixture.
- Milk: ½ cup of milk (whole or plant-based) to create a creamy base.
- Pumpkin Puree: ½ cup for that rich pumpkin flavor and moisture.
- Pumpkin Spice: 1 teaspoon to give your bites that cozy autumn flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon for a hint of sweetness and depth.
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons of brown sugar or granulated sugar to sweeten the batter.
- Salt: A pinch to enhance the flavors.
- Cooking Spray: For crisping up the bites in the air fryer.
These key ingredients will help you create deliciously spiced French toast bites that are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside!
Baking Process
Creating your Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bites is a fun and straightforward process that will fill your kitchen with warm, autumnal aromas. Follow these steps for a delicious outcome:
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
- Start by cutting your bread into bite-sized cubes. You can use day-old bread, such as brioche, challah, or thick white bread for a soft and flavorful base. Aim for approximately 1-inch cubes for even cooking in the air fryer.
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pure vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice blend (a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger works well), and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is fully combined to ensure that every piece of bread is equally coated with the flavorful mixture.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
- Carefully add the bread cubes to the egg mixture. Gently fold the bread into the mixture, ensuring that all the pieces are well-coasted with the egg mixture. Allow the bread to soak for about 10-15 minutes, giving it time to absorb the flavors without becoming too mushy.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
- While the bread is soaking, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating will help achieve that perfect golden-brown finish on your French toast bites.
Step 5: Prepare for Cooking
- Once the bread has soaked, lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a brush of oil to prevent sticking. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the soaked bread cubes into the basket, spreading them out evenly to ensure they cook properly. You may need to cook the bites in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
Step 6: Air Frying
- Air fry the pumpkin spice French toast bites for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking. Keep an eye on them; they should be golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Once cooked, transfer the French toast bites to a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness. Serve warm, and enjoy a delightful fall-inspired treat with family and friends!
These Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bites are perfect for brunch or a cozy breakfast, and they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite!
Serving Suggestions
These Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bites are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways! Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: Drizzle a warm, rich maple syrup over the bites for that perfect sweet touch. Consider warming the syrup on the stovetop or in the microwave for an even cozier feel.
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Whipped Cream: Top the bites with a generous dollop of whipped cream, and maybe even sprinkle some pumpkin pie spice on top for added flavor and festivity.
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Fresh Fruit: Serve with fresh fruits like sliced bananas, berries, or pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and freshness. The acidity of the fruit pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the bites.
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Nut Butter Spread: For a protein boost, serve with almond or peanut butter on the side for dipping. The creaminess of the nut butter complements the fall flavors wonderfully.
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Powdered Sugar Dusting: Lightly dust the bites with powdered sugar just before serving for a touch of sweetness and to make them look even more irresistible.
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Ice Cream Sandwich: Treat yourself by sandwiching a few bites between scoops of vanilla ice cream for a fun twist on dessert.
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Garnish with Nuts: Top with crushed pecans or walnuts for an added crunch and nutty flavor that enhances the pumpkin spice experience.
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Syrupy Compote: Create a sweet fruit compote using apples, cranberries, or figs simmered with spices and sugar. This makes a delightful addition that complements the flavors of the French toast bites.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to create the perfect plate for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Enjoy your cozy fall treat!
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bites are the perfect fall treat, combining the delightful flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg with the convenience of air frying. Not only are they a quick and easy breakfast or snack option, but their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for dipping or sharing. You can easily customize the recipe with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added sweetness.
Whether you’re enjoying them on a cozy Sunday morning or serving them at a festive gathering, these French toast bites are sure to impress. With minimal cleanup and a delicious outcome, they quickly become a staple in your autumn recipe rotation. So grab your ingredients, fire up the air fryer, and enjoy this delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite!
