Viral Air Fryer Honey Butter Toast

Name: Viral Air Fryer Honey Butter Toast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 80g softened butter; 80g brown sugar; 40g honey; 4 x 3cm thick slices of brioche, milk bread, or challah; 2 tsp miso (optional) or a pinch of salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Crème fraîche or cream; Hazelnuts; Caramel sauce

Air fryer honey butter toast, a delightful combination of crispy, caramelised bread and rich, buttery sweetness, has taken the internet by storm. This simple yet decadent treat is soft and fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and bursting with flavour.

Originally popularized by Arôme Bakery in London, the concept of honey butter toast actually stems from the Shibuya district in Japan, where it has been a beloved dessert for years. A special shoutout to @thechefmine on TikTok, who brilliantly used the idea from Arôme and created a viral video showcasing this delicious treat.

Just a heads up, this post contains Amazon affiliate links. Don’t worry, these are products I personally love and recommend. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Happy cooking, and thanks for supporting Culinary Cartel!

What is Honey Butter Toast and Why It's Trending

Air fryer honey butter toast is a dessert that features thick slices of bread, usually brioche, milk bread, or challah, slathered with a sweet and buttery mixture, then baked to perfection. The result is a toast that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a rich, caramelised flavour. This treat has gained immense popularity on social media. The combination of its aesthetic appeal, simplicity, and indulgent taste has made it a viral sensation.

The trend originated in the Shibuya district of Tokyo, Japan, where it is served as a dessert in many cafes. In Japan, the dish is often presented as a towering stack of thick toast slices, adorned with various toppings such as ice cream, fruit, and syrups. Its international rise to fame can be attributed to the unique blend of textures and flavours that make it a standout treat.

The Role of Salt in Elevating Air Fryer Honey Butter Toast

A pinch of salt might seem like a minor addition, but it plays a crucial role in balancing and enhancing the flavours of air fryer honey butter toast. Salt contrasts with the sweetness of the honey and sugar, amplifying the overall taste and adding depth to the buttery richness. It also helps to bring out the natural flavours of the bread and butter, making each bite more complex and satisfying. If you opt to add miso instead of salt, it introduces a savoury, umami element that complements the sweetness, creating a more sophisticated flavour profile.

Replacing Ingredients

If you need to substitute any ingredients, here are some alternatives:

Butter: Margarine or a vegan butter substitute can be used as a dairy-free option.
Brown Sugar: White sugar mixed with a small amount of molasses can mimic the flavour of brown sugar.
Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a substitute for honey.
Bread: If you can’t find brioche, milk bread, or challah, any thick-sliced, soft white bread will work. Gluten-free bread can also be used as a gluten-free option.
Miso/Salt: If you prefer not to use miso, simply using a pinch of sea salt is sufficient to balance the flavours.

The Best Ingredients for the Best Results

Selecting high-quality ingredients is essential to achieve the best honey butter toast. Here are some tips for choosing the best ingredients.

Butter: Use unsalted, high-fat butter for a rich and creamy texture. European-style butter, which has a higher butterfat content, is an excellent choice.
Sugar: Brown sugar is preferred for its molasses content, which adds a deeper, caramel-like flavour.
Honey: Choose a high-quality, pure honey for the best taste. Local or organic honey is often more flavourful and aromatic.
Bread: Brioche, milk bread, or challah are ideal due to their soft, fluffy texture and slight sweetness. These breads hold up well to the rich butter mixture and crisp beautifully.
Miso (Optional): If using miso, opt for a light or white miso to avoid overpowering the sweetness. It adds a subtle umami flavour that enhances the overall dish.

An Air Fryer: Your Secret Weapon for Quick Honey Butter Toast

Using an air fryer for making honey butter toast offers several advantages over traditional oven baking:

Faster Cooking: Air fryers typically cook food faster than ovens due to the rapid circulation of hot air.
Energy Efficient: Air fryers use less energy than ovens, making them a more environmentally friendly choice.
Even Cooking: The hot air circulation in an air fryer ensures that the toast cooks evenly, achieving a perfect golden-brown crust without the need for flipping multiple times.

Shop the Equipment

These are Amazon affiliate links of the products I personally love and recommend. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Instant Vortex Plus VersaZone Dual Air Fryer

How Good is this Air Fryer Honey Butter Toast?

If you made this air fryer honey butter toast, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag your photo #theculinarycartel on Instagram so I can see what you come up with.

Looking for more breakfast for dessert recipes?

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Panettone Brûlée French Toast

Peanut Butter Maple Bacon Croissants

Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare the honey butter mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the honey butter mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let it soften at room temperature before spreading it on the bread.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the toast in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10 minutes on one side, then flip and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes until golden brown.

Can I use whole-wheat bread?

While whole-wheat bread can be used, it may not achieve the same fluffy texture as brioche or milk bread, and the flavour will also be slightly different.

Is it necessary to trim the crusts off the bread?

Trimming the crusts helps the toast achieve an even, crispy texture all around. However, if you prefer to keep the crusts, you can do so.

What can I use the cut-off crusts for?

The crusts can be used to make breadcrumbs for other recipes, especially dishes with (air) fried chicken.

Can I add other toppings?

Absolutely! Honey butter toast is versatile and can be topped with various ingredients like fresh fruits, nuts, chocolate chips, or different spreads.

How do I store leftovers?

Honey butter toast is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.

What if my toast is too soggy?

Ensure that the bread slices are thick enough and that you’re not using too much butter mixture. Cooking at the correct temperature and for the appropriate time will also help achieve the desired crispiness.