20 Air-Fryer Breakfast Recipes

Air-Fryer Apple Fritters

Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Flour, sugar, cinnamon, milk, brown sugar, butter, confectioners’ sugar, apples
Level: Beginner

This recipe gives you all the fun and cinnamony goodness of a fritter without the frying. The hot circulated air makes them extra crispy. An easy-peasy browned butter glaze gives them a major upgrade.

“These air-fryer apple fritters are healthier than old-fashioned fritters, yet they are still just as delicious. They’re a quick and easy dessert that includes a scrumptious brown butter glaze!” —Recipe contributor Alyssa Castriotta, North Scituate, Rhode Island

Cheesy Breakfast Egg Rolls

Total Time: 40 minutes
Main Ingredients: Pork sausage, cheddar and jack cheeses, eggs, egg roll wrappers
Level: Intermediate

Filled with a cheesy egg scramble and breakfast sausage, air-fried breakfast egg rolls get a deliciously crispy exterior in just four minutes. Be sure to spray them with a generous amount of high smoke point cooking spray so the egg roll wrappers get crispy. Serve with salsa, maple syrup or sweet hot sauce for dipping.

“Whether you have to run out the door in the morning or you take a few minutes to relax at the table, these breakfast egg rolls will hit the spot. The egg and sausage mixture can be made the night before, so in the morning, just roll, fry and go!” —Recipe contributor Anne Ormond, Dover, New Hampshire

Air-Fryer French Toast Sticks

Total Time: 30 minutes + freezing
Main Ingredients: Texas toast, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cornflakes
Level: Beginner

French toast gets a glow-up with this easy air-fryer breakfast treat! We take buttery Texas toast pieces, soak them in a simple vanilla-infused egg custard, and roll them in crushed cornflakes to make crispy French toast that’s just begging to be dipped in warm maple syrup or strawberry syrup. This freeze-ahead recipe makes 1-1/2 dozen sticks, so you’ll have plenty for busy mornings.

“This quick recipe makes it easy to prepare air-fryer French toast sticks. Have them handy in the freezer for a hearty breakfast in an instant. They’re also wonderful for buffets and eating on the go.” —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Frittata Goes to Mexico

Total Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, eggs, jalapeno cream cheese, cherry tomatoes, grated Mexican cheese
Level: Beginner

These zesty mini frittatas are a snap to throw together and bake in the air fryer in just 15 minutes with no preheating necessary. Jalapeno cream cheese and sliced jalapenos add a kick. Adjust the amount of jalapeno slices according to the heat of the chile you purchased and your family’s tolerance. Serve with warmed corn tortillas or toast.

“I love that I can multitask while I’m air-frying. These individual Mexico-inspired flavored mini frittatas are fast, easy, and loaded with flavor! Serve with fresh fruit salad and toasted English muffins.” —Recipe contributor Sharyn LaPointe Hill, Las Cruces, New Mexico

Air-Fryer Hash Browns

Total Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Frozen shredded hash browns, red onion, red and green bell peppers, garlic
Level: Beginner

The air fryer makes these tasty hash browns delectably crispy all over and frees up the stove for making omelets or other egg dishes. They’re the perfect side dish for fluffy scrambled eggs, breakfast sausages or simple fried eggs. Be liberal with the cooking spray when greasing the air-fryer basket, and give the tops of the potatoes an extra spritz for the crispest results.

“These air-fryer hash browns are one of my go-to sides. They come together quickly, and the air fryer gets them nice and crispy in no time. If you’d like, try topping them with a sprinkling of shredded pepper jack cheese.” —Recipe contributor Cindi Boger, Ardmore, Alabama

Air-Fryer Scotch Eggs

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Hard-boiled eggs, pork sausage, cornflakes
Level: Beginner

The perfect protein-rich breakfast on the go, Scotch eggs are a UK dish that consists of hard-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage and deep-fried. In this lighter version, we use the air fryer to create a crisp exterior with crushed cornflakes. Be sure to mist the eggs generously for the best crunch. You can substitute bulk turkey sausage for the pork sausage if desired.

“These air-fryer Scotch eggs are amazing hot right after cooking, but I also love eating them cold for a snack before a soccer or baseball game.” —Recipe contributor Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas

Air-Fryer Sausage Bacon Bites

Total Time: 35 minutes + chilling
Main Ingredients: Bacon, breakfast sausage, brown sugar
Level: Beginner

This easy three-ingredient recipe combines the best of breakfast proteins in one bite! Rolled in brown sugar and air-fried for a crispy bacon exterior with juicy sausage chunks inside, these little bites make any breakfast feel special.

“Try surprising your family on Sunday morning by pulling these bites out of the air fryer as they head to breakfast, and get ready for the oohs and aahs of delight. They’re equally delicious as a party appetizer.” —Recipe contributor Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio

Air-Fryer Eggs Lorraine

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Canadian bacon, Swiss cheese, eggs, sour cream, chives
Level: Beginner

Richly flavored with sour cream and Swiss cheese, these egg gratins are an air-fryer breakfast win! Unlike the namesake quiche Lorraine, this recipe forgoes a crust, using smoky Canadian bacon as the base instead. Try an imported Gruyere cheese instead of domestic Swiss cheese for an extra-refined flavor.

“Whenever I’m looking to impress overnight guests, this is the recipe I serve for breakfast. It’s easy to assemble, and it cooks quickly in the air fryer.” —Recipe contributor Sandra Woolard, DeLand, Florida

Air-Fryer Cinnamon Breakfast Bites

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Flour, Rice Krispies, sugar, shortening, milk, cinnamon
Level: Beginner

Like homemade cinnamon doughnut holes without the mess of deep-frying, these little treats are air-fryer gold! The simple dough is a mixture of ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and it’s as easy as stirring together a few ingredients. Try them for breakfast or as a dessert treat dipped in chocolate ganache.

“These scrumptious breakfast treats are so quick and easy to make, and the air fryer gives this a crispy, sugary coating that’s hard to resist.” —Recipe contributor Ruth Hastings, Louisville, Illinois

Air-Fryer Sausage Patties

Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Sage pork sausage, egg, milk, onion, flour
Level: Beginner

These juicy pork sausage rounds are a cinch to make and can be frozen, so you can pop them in the air fryer whenever they’re needed for a quick breakfast protein. Serve them with eggs or put them in homemade biscuits for a grab-and-go breakfast sandwich.

“These savory pork air-fryer sausage patties are quick to prepare on a moment’s notice, but you can also mix a couple of batches and have them ready to go in your freezer. Just pop them the air fryer for about 10 minutes and breakfast is ready!” —Recipe contributor Carole Thomson, Komarno, Manitoba

Broccoli Quiche Cups

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Broccoli, pepper jack cheese, eggs, whipping cream, bacon bits
Level: Beginner

Mini broccoli and jack cheese quiches are impressive looking on a brunch or breakfast table but come together almost as quickly as it takes to brew a big pot of coffee. Making them in the air fryer speeds up the bake time to just 15 minutes. For the easiest release, use a silicone muffin pan or egg molds.

“Make this crustless quiche in muffin cups or in a regular-size pie tin. Either way, there’s plenty of bacon-y, cheesy goodness to go around.” —Recipe contributor Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

Air-Fryer Bacon Egg Cups

Total Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Bacon, eggs, half-and-half, cheddar cheese, green onions
Level: Beginner

These fun breakfast gratins feature bacon-lined custard cups filled with scrambled eggs and a whole egg, cheddar and green onions. Feel free to mix up the fillings—different cheese, caramelized onions or roasted red bell pepper can all be swapped in for a different egg cup every morning.

“These adorable bacon egg cups are a fresh take on the classic breakfast combo. I originally baked these, but they’re amazing in the air fryer—no need to heat up the oven!” —Recipe contributor Carol Forcum, Marion, Illinois

Air-Fryer Ham and Egg Pockets

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ham, eggs, cheddar cheese, crescent roll dough
Level: Beginner

These breakfast pockets are packed with fluffy scrambled eggs, ham and cheese for a savory breakfast that can be eaten on-the-go or served alongside fruit salads for an elegant brunch. You can easily double the recipe: Use an 8-ounce can of crescent roll dough and double the remaining ingredients to make four pockets.

“Refrigerated crescent roll dough makes this ham, egg and cheese pocket recipe a snap to prepare.” —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Air-Fryer French Toast Cups with Raspberries

Total Time: 40 minutes + chilling
Main Ingredients: Bread, raspberries, cream cheese, eggs, milk
Level: Beginner

Sweet-tart raspberries, dots of cream cheese and a touch of maple syrup make these pretty little French toast cups irresistible. Baking them in the air fryer ensures that the tops will become crisp, giving way to the luxurious custard layer below. Serve with the simple raspberry sauce recipe or drizzle with warm maple syrup if you’re in a hurry.

“These air-fryer French toast cups make any morning special. I made this recipe for my mom on Mother’s Day, and we both enjoyed it.” —Recipe contributor Sandi Tuttle, Hayward, Wisconsin

Air-Fryer Breakfast Cookies

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Bananas, peanut butter, oats, whole wheat flour
Level: Beginner

Cookies for breakfast? Yes, please. These treats are packed with fruits, oats, whole wheat flour and zero refined sugar. They’re every bit as nourishing as a bowl of oatmeal, with the added benefit of being a grab-and-go option for busy mornings.

“I used to buy brand-name breakfast cookies from the supermarket, but since I found this recipe, I’ve enjoyed making my cookies more than buying them.” —Recipe contributor Linda Burciaga

Air-Fryer Puff Pastry Danishes

Total Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Frozen puff pastry, cream cheese, jam, vanilla, sugar, eggs, flour
Level: Intermediate

Your favorite jam meets cream cheese in this simple but delicious homemade air-fryer Danish recipe. Be sure to defrost the frozen puff pastry at room temperature until it’s pliable before rolling out the dough, or it may crack. Here are more tips for working with puff pastry.

“These simple jam-filled pastries are perfect for a holiday brunch spread. They were my dad’s favorite, so the recipe will always be close to my heart.” —Recipe contributor Chellie Helmke, Jackson Center, Ohio

Air-Fryer Toad-in-the-Hole

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Turkey sausage links, eggs, milk, flour, bacon
Level: Intermediate

A cousin to pigs in a blanket, this breakfast casserole incorporates your favorite breakfast sausages into a puffy batter (think popovers or Yorkshire pudding) that’s baked in an air fryer. Resting the batter for 10 to 15 minutes after whisking it will give it more lift.

“This is a British comfort food that consists of sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding. I prepare mine in the air fryer, breakfast-style, even though it’s commonly served at suppertime.” —Recipe contributor Leigh Rys, Herndon, Virginia

Air-Fryer Bourbon Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Total Time: 35 minutes + marinating
Main Ingredients: Bacon, bourbon, cinnamon roll dough, pecans, maple syrup
Level: Advanced

Marinating bacon in bourbon overnight infuses it with flavor. The next day, roll the bacon in canned cinnamon roll dough to make an epic version of everyone’s favorite breakfast treat. Since air-fryer models vary, it’s key to keep an eye on the rolls and turn them halfway through cooking so they brown and cook through evenly.

“This recipe is the perfect combination of savory and sweet. The bourbon-soaked bacon adds a smoky, savory, bold taste to the cinnamon rolls. The ginger and pecan topping makes for a crunchy, spicy finish.” —Recipe contributor Shannen Casey, Citrus Heights, California

Air-Fryer Apple Danish

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Crescent roll dough, chunky applesauce, apple cider
Level: Beginnner

Just like pastries from the bakery, these apple cinnamon crescents are the perfect sweet touch for your next brunch or sit down breakfast. Each crescent dough triangle can encase 1 tablespoon of applesauce. Don’t overfill the dough, or it will run out the sides and burn on the bottom of the air fryer. If that does happen, here are some tips for cleaning your air-fryer.

“I came up with this quick and tasty treat when my daughter had a sleepover. I whipped these together in no time, and the girls devoured them!” —Recipe contributor Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa

Air-Fryer Pumpkin Biscuits with Spiced Apple Butter

Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Flour, brown sugar, pumpkin spice, butter, canned pumpkin, apple butter
Level: Beginner

Full of cozy fall flavors, these pumpkin biscuits bake up flaky and crispy in the forced air environment of the air fryer. Spread them with honey cinnamon butter and serve with a cup of mulled apple cider.

“A couple of years ago, one of my friend’s parents made pumpkin biscuits for Thanksgiving. I was inspired by the innovative idea but wanted to add my own spin by topping the biscuits with apple butter. I have been experimenting with the air fryer recently and wanted to try to make bread in the machine.” —Recipe contributor Jessica Burke, Chandler, Arizona

Air-Fryer Breakfast FAQ

Do you need to preheat the air fryer?

In most cases, no, you don’t need to preheat your air fryer. That said, it certainly doesn’t hurt to preheat if you have the time. Preheating the basket can actually help brown items, making them less likely to stick. It only takes a few minutes to preheat, so you can easily do so while prepping your ingredients.

Can you put raw eggs in an air fryer?

Yes. Unlike microwaving eggs—which can result in exploding shells—air-frying whole eggs is 100% safe. In fact, it’s one of the easiest ways to arrive at hard-boiled eggs! It’s a good way to poach eggs, too!

Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer?

Yes. Unlike microwaves, it’s fine to use aluminum foil in the air fryer. It’s not recommended when air-frying items that contain acidic ingredients like tomato sauce because the foil will react with the acids and begin to break down. Also consider using parchment paper as a liner for your air-fryer basket; it tends to be more nonstick than foil, and it won’t react with acidic ingredients.