French Toast with Brown Sugar Butter

French Toast with Brown Sugar Butter is easy to make, but makes for a decadent breakfast or brunch item. The French toast can be made on the stove or in the air fryer, and is delicious as is or paired with bacon, eggs, and your favorite brunch drink!

Years ago at a local Austin restaurant, I enjoyed a giant slice of French toast slathered in a brown sugar butter. It was the best thing I had eaten in months. I came across a photo of said french toast recently and it immediately brought back the memory of that custardy toast with decadent brown sugar butter.

So as I always do, I decided to make an at-home version. Lucky for me (and you), I've made two different versions. I've made this French toast on the stovetop and also in the air fryer. So you can make whichever version you want!

This French toast is perfect served with an Aeropress Cappuccino, French Press Latte, or some Air Fryer Jammy Eggs.

Prefer a stick version? You might love these Air Fryer French Toast Sticks.

What type of bread to use:

This recipe uses brioche bread, which is a soft, eggy bread. You can find loaves of this at your grocery store or Trader Joe's. I always use the pre-sliced loaves. You can also substitute Texas Toast or any other thickly-sliced loaf bread.

Stovetop instructions:

For a stovetop French toast, combine the egg, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon in a shallow bowl or dish and whisk together. Heat a skillet on medium heat. Add a touch of butter or oil to the skillet. Dip a piece of bread in the egg mixture, flipping to make sure both sides are dipped. Place into the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until browned, flipping once and cooking the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes. Remove, then repeat with the rest of the slices.

Air Fryer instructions:

For an air fryer French toast with brown sugar butter, first combine the egg, milk and vanilla in a shallow dish and whisk together.

Dip each piece of bread in the mixture, making sure both sides are covered, but not leaving to soak as bread will fall apart as it absorbs the liquid.

Place the bread in the air fryer, making sure to leave room between each piece for air flow. (Note, you can choose to line the air fryer with parchment to prevent bread from sticking. I've done it with and without.)

Cook the bread at 380 degrees F for 4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-5 minutes, depending on your air fryer.

Top immediately with pre-made brown sugar butter (recipe below).

Brown sugar butter:

The brown sugar butter MAKES this French toast. It melts over the top of the warm toast to add a melty, buttery, sweetness. And if you have leftovers, you can use it on biscuits, croissants, pancakes, or just plain toast.

To make the brown sugar butter, in a Kitchen-Aid mixer or with a hand mixer, mix the butter until fluffy, then add the brown sugar. Mix until combined, then set aside.

Tips and tricks:

• When making the brown sugar butter, make sure your butter is at room temperature, but not too soft. If the butter is too soft, the butter will get more of a curdled texture instead of retaining its fluffy texture.
• If using brioche bread for the French toast, do not dip either side for more than 5 seconds. The brioche will tend to fall apart as it really soaks up the milk/egg mixture.
• If cooking many slices, you can keep the already cooked French toast warm in the oven (at a low temperature like 200 degrees F) until ready to serve.
• Any leftover French toast can be stored in the freezer in an airtight container. Allow to cool before putting in the freezer.