French toast. It’s a weekend morning staple in so many homes, mine included. Crispy edges, soft interior, a dusting of powdered sugar. Simple perfection.

I’ve been making it the same way for years, but recently I’ve been experimenting with the air fryer.

The air fryer gives the french toast an incredible texture. It’s almost like a crispy, golden shell surrounds a creamy custard center.

But, I wanted to add a little something extra, a twist to my usual recipe. Something that would elevate the flavors without being too fussy.

That’s where the ricotta and lemon zest swirl comes in.

A simple mixture of creamy ricotta cheese, bright lemon zest, and a touch of sweetness, swirled right into the egg mixture before dipping the bread. It adds a subtle tang and richness that complements the classic french toast beautifully.

Think of it as a little sunshine on your plate, y’all, even on a cloudy morning.

This Air Fryer French Toast with Ricotta & Lemon Zest Swirl is easy enough for a weekday breakfast but special enough for a weekend brunch. I just know you’re going to love it.

Air frying French toast might seem a bit unconventional, but trust me, it’s a delightful way to get that golden-brown crispiness without all the added butter or oil of traditional pan-frying.

The air fryer circulates hot air, ensuring even cooking and a slightly caramelized exterior. It’s almost like a little convection oven, just perfect for transforming ordinary bread into a breakfast treat.

I find this method particularly helpful on busy mornings when I crave something special but don’t have a lot of time to fuss around.

And that’s where the Ricotta & Lemon Zest Swirl comes in.

Instead of just plain French toast, we’re adding a creamy, tangy layer of ricotta cheese, brightened with lemon zest. It bakes beautifully in the air fryer, creating pockets of flavor that complement the eggy bread so well.

The ricotta mixture keeps the inside moist and adds a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the crispy exterior. It’s a lovely contrast of textures and tastes, y’all.

Plus, the air fryer basket makes cleanup a breeze. No more sticky pans to scrub! Simply wipe it down, and you’re good to go.

Give this recipe a try, and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy and delicious air fryer French toast, especially with that ricotta swirl, can be.

French toast has always been a weekend morning favorite. The simple comfort of it, dipped in cinnamon and sugar, always brings me back to simpler times. But, sometimes, I like to dress things up a bit, add a little something special to make it a truly memorable breakfast.

For this particular version, we’re adding a creamy, tangy twist to the classic. It’s a Ricotta & Lemon Zest Swirl that not only looks beautiful but tastes divine. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Bread: 6 slices of your favorite bread. I prefer brioche or challah for extra richness.
• Eggs: 2 large eggs, for that classic custardy dip.
• Milk: 1/2 cup of whole milk, to create the perfect consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, for warmth.
• Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon, because what’s French toast without cinnamon?
• Salt: A pinch of salt, to balance the sweetness.
• Ricotta Cheese: 1/4 cup of whole milk ricotta cheese, the star of our swirl.
• Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, to brighten the ricotta.
• Powdered Sugar: 1 tablespoon, for a touch of sweetness in the swirl.
• Butter or Cooking Spray: For greasing the air fryer basket.

You might be thinking that the Ricotta & Lemon Zest Swirl is a lot of fuss, but trust me, y’all, it’s worth the tiny bit of extra effort. The combination of creamy ricotta with the bright, citrusy lemon is just delightful against the warm, cinnamon-spiced French toast.

French toast, a breakfast classic, gets a delightful makeover in the air fryer. It’s quicker, easier, and yields a perfectly crisp exterior with a soft, custardy interior. My version adds a touch of elegance, swirling in creamy ricotta cheese and bright lemon zest for a truly special morning treat.

Step 1: Prepare the Ricotta Swirl

In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk. Stir until smooth and creamy. This ricotta mixture will add a delicious tang and richness to each slice.

Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Ensure everything is well combined to create a smooth and flavorful custard for dipping.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Don’t let the bread soak for too long, just a few seconds per side is perfect. We want it saturated, not soggy. I find brioche or challah works best, but your favorite bread will do just fine.

Step 4: Swirl in the Ricotta

Gently spread a spoonful of the ricotta mixture onto one side of each soaked bread slice. Use a knife or small spoon to swirl the ricotta into the bread, creating a pretty marbled effect. The lemony notes will bake right in.

Step 5: Air Fry the French Toast

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or butter. Place the ricotta-swirled French toast slices in the basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. You may need to work in batches.

Step 6: Cook to Golden Perfection

Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep a close eye on it. You’re aiming for a crisp, golden exterior and a soft, warm interior.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the French toast from the air fryer and serve immediately. Top with your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries, maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even an extra dollop of ricotta cheese. Enjoy your lovely, updated classic.

Oh, this is the fun part, isn’t it? Taking that golden, perfectly cooked air fryer French toast and making it a masterpiece.

First, a dusting of powdered sugar is always a welcome touch. It adds a delicate sweetness that complements the richness of the French toast, especially with that lovely ricotta and lemon zest swirl inside.

Now, for toppings. Fresh berries are a classic pairing. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, whatever your heart desires.

A drizzle of pure maple syrup is essential, in my humble opinion. None of that imitation stuff, y’all. We’re going for the real deal here.

Consider a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone cheese. It adds a creamy, luxurious element that elevates the dish. A little extra lemon zest sprinkled on top of the cream would tie it all together nicely.

If you’re feeling a little extra, a sprinkle of chopped nuts can provide a satisfying crunch. Pecans or almonds would be lovely.

And for a truly decadent treat, try a drizzle of melted chocolate or a homemade berry compote. I sometimes make a simple lemon curd to play up the zest in the ricotta swirl.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite combination. French toast is a blank canvas, ready for your culinary artistry. Enjoy!

Now, I know what you might be thinking: French toast leftovers? Is that even a thing?

Well, sometimes life happens, and even the most delicious Ricotta & Lemon Zest Swirl air fryer French toast can leave you with a few extra slices.

When it comes to storing any leftover French toast, ensuring it’s cooled completely is key. Then, I like to wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap.

After wrapping, place the slices in an airtight container. This prevents them from sticking together and maintains their texture.

Your French toast will keep well in the refrigerator for up to two days, or you can freeze it for up to two months. Be sure to label your freezer bags with the date, so you know when you made them.

Reheating is a breeze! For refrigerated French toast, a quick zap in the microwave will do the trick, although it may lose a bit of crispness.

For a crispier result, I recommend reheating in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes, flipping halfway through. This works beautifully, especially for reviving frozen slices.

Now, let’s talk about reusing this goodness. Plain old reheated French toast is great, but why not elevate it?

Consider cutting the leftover Ricotta & Lemon Zest Swirl French toast into cubes and using them as croutons for a fruit salad. The subtle citrus and creamy ricotta add a delightful twist.

Or, layer the cubes in a baking dish with custard and berries for a quick bread pudding. A fantastic way to use up any extra slices. Just remember to adjust the sweetness since the French toast is already sweet!

Don’t be afraid to get creative! These are just a couple ideas to get you started.

French toast is one of those breakfast staples that just begs for a little personalization. It’s so versatile, and the air fryer makes experimenting even easier. Feel free to play around with these substitutions and variations to make this ricotta and lemon zest swirl air fryer french toast truly your own.

• Bread: While brioche is my go-to for this recipe because of its richness, challah or even Texas toast work beautifully too. Day-old bread is best for soaking up all that delicious custard. For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free bread, keeping in mind it may require a slightly shorter cooking time.
• Ricotta Cheese: If you’re not a ricotta fan, mascarpone would offer a similar creamy texture. You could also try a softened cream cheese, just be sure to whip it well for a smooth swirl.
• Lemon Zest: Orange zest is a delightful substitute for the lemon. For a warmer flavor, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the ricotta mixture would be a comforting addition, especially as the weather turns cooler.
• Milk: I typically use whole milk for a richer french toast, but any milk will do. Almond milk or oat milk are great dairy-free options. You could even add a splash of cream for extra indulgence.
• Sweetener: Feel free to swap the granulated sugar in the ricotta mixture with honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind that liquid sweeteners might make the mixture a bit looser. You could also use your favorite sugar substitute.
• Toppings: The possibilities are endless here. Fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream are all classic choices. For something a little different, try toasted pecans or a sprinkle of chopped fresh mint.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and adjust this ricotta and lemon zest swirl french toast to your liking. After all, cooking should be fun and delicious! I encourage y’all to try different combinations until you find your perfect air fryer french toast.

Let’s address some common questions about making French toast in the air fryer, especially when we’re talking about a special version like our Ricotta & Lemon Zest Swirl.

What kind of bread works best for air fryer French toast?

For air fryer French toast, you want a bread that can stand up to the custard without getting too soggy. I find that a slightly stale brioche, challah, or even Texas toast works beautifully.

If you’re making the Ricotta & Lemon Zest Swirl variation, the sturdier bread will also help contain the creamy filling while it cooks up all golden and delicious. Trust me, you want every bit of that lemony ricotta goodness to stay right where it belongs.

How do I prevent air fryer French toast from sticking?

The key to preventing sticking is to lightly grease your air fryer basket or rack with a neutral oil or cooking spray. I prefer using an oil sprayer, as it distributes the oil more evenly.

For our Ricotta & Lemon Zest Swirl air fryer French toast, a little extra care is important, as the filling can sometimes ooze out. So, don’t skip the greasing step! You can also line the air fryer basket with parchment paper that is specifically made for air fryers, but be sure that the paper does not block airflow.

How long does air fryer French toast take to cook?

Generally, air fryer French toast cooks in about 8-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C), but this can vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your bread. Keep a close eye on it.

When it comes to our Ricotta & Lemon Zest Swirl, you’ll want to ensure the filling is heated through and the bread is nicely browned. Start checking around 8 minutes, and add a couple more minutes if needed. Remember, a little golden browning is what we’re aiming for!

Can I prepare air fryer French toast ahead of time?

While you can prepare the custard mixture ahead of time, I recommend cooking the French toast immediately after dipping the bread for the best results. This prevents the bread from becoming overly saturated and potentially falling apart.

However, if you’re short on time, you *can* assemble the Ricotta & Lemon Zest Swirl French toast ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for a few hours. Just be mindful that the bread might absorb more of the custard, so adjust your cooking time accordingly, y’all.

What are some good toppings for air fryer French toast?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! Classic toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries are always a hit. You could also add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

For our Ricotta & Lemon Zest Swirl air fryer French toast, I especially love a drizzle of honey or a dusting of extra lemon zest. The bright citrus notes complement the creamy ricotta perfectly. Some macerated berries would be divine too! Bon appétit!

Try These Recipes Next

If this French toast hit the spot, here are three more irresistible options to explore:

• Challah French Toast Recipe – Thick-sliced challah turns perfectly golden with a custard soak and buttery sear.
• Coffee Creamer French Toast – Made with flavored creamer for a shortcut to rich, sweet flavor.
• French Toast Sticks Recipe – Kid-friendly, dunkable, and freezer-ready.

Each one offers a different way to enjoy French toast, whether you love classic simplicity or crave something unexpected.