Air Fryer Blueberry French Toast Casserole with Maple Syrup
A make-ahead breakfast casserole featuring cubes of day-old bread soaked in a creamy custard base with cream cheese and fresh blueberries. The air fryer creates a perfectly golden top while keeping the interior custardy and rich. Topped with a homemade blueberry sauce that bursts with fruit flavor, this casserole is ideal for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or when feeding a crowd. The overnight refrigeration allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture, creating an incredibly tender and flavorful result.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bread, day-old, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup blueberries, fresh
- 6 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- 1
Spray baking pan with cooking spray
- 2
Add bread cubes to pan along with cream cheese and blueberries
- 3
Mix eggs, milk, vanilla, and maple syrup in large bowl and pour into baking pan
- 4
Cover and refrigerate overnight
- 5
Place baking pan in air fryer and cook at air fryer setting until golden brown
- 6
Simmer sugar, cornstarch, and water until thickened
- 7
Add blueberries to simmering mixture and cook until berries open
- 8
Stir in butter and pour sauce over casserole before serving
Tips
Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best absorption of the custard mixture without becoming too soggy.
Make sure cream cheese is at room temperature for easier distribution throughout the casserole.
Check doneness by inserting a knife in center - it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftover casserole covered for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in air fryer at 300F for 2-3 minutes.
Assemble casserole completely and refrigerate overnight before cooking. Sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and reheated gently.
Serve warm immediately after adding the blueberry sauce. Cut into squares and accompany with additional maple syrup if desired.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the overnight refrigeration or the bread won't properly absorb the custard
Avoid overcooking in the air fryer to prevent the top from burning while center remains undercooked
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make this without an air fryer?
Yes, bake in a regular oven at 350F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.
What if I don't have fresh blueberries?
Frozen blueberries work well - thaw and drain excess liquid before using in both the casserole and sauce.
How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
The assembled casserole keeps for up to 3 days covered. The cooked casserole should be eaten within 2-3 days.