Air Fryer Egg and Cheese Toast (Keto-Friendly & Crispy!)
Craving the satisfying crunch of toast with melty cheese and a gooey egg—but without the carbs? This Air Fryer Egg and Cheese Toast (Keto Edition) brings together everything you love about a classic breakfast in a low-carb, high-fat, bread-free version. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s crispy on the outside, cheesy in the center, and topped with a perfectly cooked egg.
You’ll use a keto “toast” base made from cheese or almond flour bread alternatives—or skip the bread altogether and create a cheese crust right in the air fryer. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly customizable for breakfast, lunch, or even a savory snack.
Why This Recipe Works for Keto
Classic toast is made with high-carb bread, but this version uses keto-friendly ingredients that are high in fat and protein while keeping net carbs low.
Keto-Friendly Highlights:
-
Cheese: Provides fat, protein, and crisps beautifully in the air fryer.
-
Eggs: Packed with protein and healthy fats.
-
Low-carb bread or cheese base: Keeps structure without the carbs.
-
Air fryer: Gives a perfectly crispy, golden crust without extra oil or carbs.
Each toast is under 5g net carbs, with 15–20g protein and plenty of fat to keep you full and fueled.
Ingredient Overview: What You’ll Need
Choose your base and build from there:
Toast Base Options
-
Keto Bread Slice (store-bought or homemade)
-
Look for almond or coconut flour-based breads with 1–2g net carbs per slice.
-
-
Cheese “Toast” Base (no bread at all)
-
Create a toast base by layering shredded cheese and air frying until crisp.
-
Eggs
Crack one whole egg per toast. Large eggs work best. For smaller bases, separate yolk and white and spoon in less white to prevent overflow.
Cheese (Topping)
-
Shredded mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, or a mix.
-
Use enough to melt into a gooey center and crisp the edges.
Optional Add-Ons
-
Chopped bacon or ham
-
Sliced avocado (after cooking)
-
Spinach or arugula
-
Cherry tomato halves (limited for keto)
-
Red pepper flakes, garlic powder, or Italian herbs
How to Make Keto Air Fryer Egg and Cheese Toast
1. Prep the Base
If using keto bread:
-
Toast lightly in the air fryer at 375°F for 2–3 minutes until crisp.
If using cheese base:
-
On a piece of parchment that fits your air fryer, layer ½ cup shredded mozzarella into a rectangle about 4–5″ long and ½” thick.
-
Air fry at 375°F for 3–4 minutes until edges are golden and slightly crisp.
2. Add Cheese Ring & Create Egg Well
-
Place shredded cheese in a ring around the edge of the bread or cheese base.
-
This acts like a dam to contain the egg.
-
Press down slightly in the center to form a shallow well.
3. Crack in the Egg
-
Carefully crack 1 egg into the center of the “toast.”
-
If needed, spoon out some white to prevent overflow.
4. Air Fry Until Egg Sets
-
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes, depending on how runny you like your yolk.
-
For soft yolks: check at 6 minutes.
-
For firmer eggs: go closer to 8–9 minutes.
5. Serve and Top
-
Let cool for 1 minute.
-
Add salt, pepper, red chili flakes, or avocado.
-
Serve immediately!
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Tips for Success
-
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking, especially for cheese-based versions.
-
Don’t overfill with egg white—keep the center shallow so the egg sets evenly.
-
If using keto bread, toast it first so it holds the egg without getting soggy.
Variations
-
Caprese Style: Add mozzarella, cherry tomato halves, and basil.
-
Spicy Sausage: Top with cooked spicy sausage and pepper jack cheese.
-
Avocado & Everything Bagel Seasoning: Add after air frying for a creamy crunch.
Substitutions
-
No bread or cheese base? Use a slice of grilled eggplant or portobello mushroom cap as your base.
-
No dairy? Use dairy-free cheese and keto-friendly bread substitutes.
Serving Ideas & Occasions
These toasts are great for:
-
Quick keto breakfasts
-
Lunch with a salad
-
Snack plates with olives and nuts
-
Meal prep (just cook base and add egg when reheating)
Serve with:
-
Fresh greens and vinaigrette
-
Sliced avocado or guacamole
-
Keto-friendly salsa or hot sauce
Nutritional & Health Benefits
Estimated Nutrition (Per 1 toast with egg and cheese):
-
Calories: 280–320
-
Protein: 17–20g
-
Fat: 22–25g
-
Net Carbs: 3–5g
-
Fiber: 1–2g (if using bread)
Nutrient Highlights:
-
Eggs: Full of choline, protein, and B vitamins.
-
Cheese: Provides calcium and saturated fat for keto fuel.
-
Low-carb bread: Keeps structure with minimal impact on blood sugar.
This recipe supports ketosis, satiety, and metabolic energy, while giving you the comfort of toast—without the carbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use a regular toaster instead of an air fryer?
No—the egg needs to be baked or air fried to set properly. A toaster won’t work for raw egg applications.
2. Can I meal prep these?
You can prep the base and toppings, but crack the egg fresh before air frying for best texture. Fully cooked versions reheat okay but may overcook the yolk.
3. What if my egg runs off the toast?
Use a cheese “ring” to contain the egg, and don’t overload with white. Smaller eggs or partially separated whites work better.
4. Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes—use dairy-free cheese alternatives and a veggie base like grilled eggplant or cauliflower toast.
5. Can I cook more than one at once?
Yes—just ensure there’s enough room in your air fryer so eggs cook evenly without tipping or sliding.
6. Will cheese alone hold the egg?
Yes! If you make a cheese base and create a thick enough edge, it will hold the egg like a shell. Bake until the cheese crisps underneath.
7. Can I use whole eggs or just egg whites?
Both work. Whole eggs provide fat and flavor, but if you’re watching fat intake or want a lighter bite, egg whites are fine—just reduce cook time slightly.
Tasty Recipes Card
Description:
Crispy air fryer egg and cheese “toast” with a gooey egg center—keto-friendly, high in protein, and made without traditional bread.
Ingredients:
-
1 slice keto bread or ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for cheese base)
-
1 egg
-
⅓ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)
-
1 tsp olive oil or butter for greasing
-
Salt, pepper, chili flakes (to taste)
-
Optional: spinach, bacon, avocado, herbs
Instructions:
-
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
-
Toast keto bread or crisp cheese base for 3–4 minutes.
-
Create a cheese “ring” and crack egg into center.
-
Air fry at 350°F for 6–8 minutes until egg is set.
-
Top with herbs, avocado, or hot sauce. Serve warm.
Notes:
Use parchment to prevent sticking. Don’t overfill egg white. Toast base first for best structure.
Details:
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 serving