This is my guilt-free Airfryer Hong Kong Style French Toast recipe, where the nostalgic flavours of kaya jam, bread, and eggs, meet the magic of airfrying for a crispy and healthier twist.

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I have to share my ridiculously easy HK Style French Toast Recipe, and honestly, it’s so easy that I’m kicking myself for not having this in my life sooner. 🤣

If you’re like me and sometimes you just want that HK Style French Toast without stepping out of the house, this recipe is for you. Let’s dive into a guilt-free, AIR FRYER version of this Hong Kong delight that’ll have you hooked from the first bite! 🤤✨

Origin of HK Style French Toast

Picture of traditional fried Hong Kong Style French Toast credit: @patoistoronto

Picture the bustling streets of Hong Kong, where the aroma of sizzling street food dances in the air. HK Style French Toast emerges from the vibrant tapestry of this city’s culinary scene, gaining popularity as a beloved breakfast staple. Born out of a desire for innovation, local vendors transformed a classic into something uniquely Hong Kong.

The dish typically features a creative twist. It uses two slices of white bread sandwiching a luscious layer of sweet, creamy fillings like peanut butter or kaya jam. These delectable combinations, sometimes even elevated with a touch of condensed milk, offer a symphony of flavors. Ultimately, they capture the spirit of Hong Kong’s dynamic food culture.

As you savour each bite of HK Style French Toast, you’re indulging in a piece of Hong Kong’s rich street food heritage. It is a place where tradition meets culinary ingenuity.

French Toast Variations Around the World

American Style: This is the french toast version that most people in North America grew up eating. Typically, it is made with thick slices of bread soaked in a mixture of eggs, milk, and vanilla. It is then served with syrup and powdered sugar.
Spanish Torrijas: Chefs soak the bread slices in milk, wine, or syrup, then coat them in egg and fry them.
Norwegian Arme Riddere: Similar to French toast, but commonly served with a sprinkle of sugar, cinnamon, and a side of berries.
French Pain Perdu: Translating to “lost bread,” it’s made with stale bread. The bread is soaked in a mixture of milk, sugar, and eggs, then fried.

Why Air Frying is Healthier

Did you know? Traditional Hong Kong style french toasts are fried in lard or oil and are usually quite unhealthy.However, most HK Style Cafes serve it because it is a staple of Hong Kong breakfast cuisine. Air fryers are now in most homes and they produce a similar crispy exterior. Therefore, it’s sooo much better to air fry it instead!

First, Less Oil: Air-frying uses significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, reducing the overall calorie content.
Plus, Crispy Texture: Air-frying achieves a crispy exterior without submerging the toast in oil, offering a delightful texture without excess fat.

Want more easy recipes like this? Here are some of my go-to recipes that I’m sure you’ll love!

Air Fryer Hong Kong Style French Toast

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This is my guilt-free Airfryer Hong Kong Style French Toast recipe, where the nostalgic flavours of kaya jam, bread, and eggs, meet the magic of airfrying for a crispy and healthier twist.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 11

Total Time 16

Servings: 2 people

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: American, hong kong

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

4 slices square white toast (best from Asian supermarkets)
2 eggs
2-3 tbsp kaya jam
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp sugar white or cane
2 pieces butter ideally square pieces for the cafe vibe!

Equipment

1 Air Fryer
1 parchment liner optional
1 shallow dish

Method

If your bread has crust, cut it off on all sides and save it for later. Spread 1 -2 tbsp of kaya jam on one side of 2 pieces of bread. Top the kaya bread slice with a plain slice of white bread and press down firmly so the bread sticks together.
Crack eggs into a large bowl and whisk until combined. Put sandwich into the egg mixture and make sure to coat the entire surface include the sides.
Either line your airfryer with parchment paper or spray it with oil, and add both french toasts into the airfryer. Cook for 7 mins (200 Celsius) and then flip over and cook for another 4 minutes or until golden brown.
If you have leftover crust and whisked eggs, mix cinnamon and sugar to your eggs and dip the crusts in it. Fry it on a frying pan with a bit of oil and enjoy on it's own or dipped in maple syrup as Cinnamon Toast French Toast Sticks 😉
Serve HK Style French Toast with a little piece of squared butter and top with condensed milk or pure maple syrup. Enjoy!