Air-fryer brioche torrijas: a fuss-free take on a spanish tradition

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Dessert
Very Easy
2 h 29 m
538 Kcal

There are flavors that stay with us all our lives, and torrijas are, without a doubt, one of them. This version of air-fryer brioche torrijas brings back that sweet, golden childhood memory, with a little twist that makes everything simpler. Traditional food doesn’t have to be at odds with modern methods, especially when they let us enjoy familiar flavors without the fuss. And if we can use an air fryer to make things easier, then why not? Halfway between French pain perdu and our traditional torrijas, this recipe has the best of both worlds. They’re perfect for Easter, but so delicious you’ll want to make them all year round.

Ingredients

3
Estimated cost: 3.35€ (1.12€/serving)

Materials

  • Large bowl
  • Saucepan with lid
  • Wire rack
  • Parchment paper
  • Hand whisk
  • Slotted spoon
  • Oil spray (or a brush and olive oil)

Preparation

Preparation15 min
Waiting time2 hours
Cook time14 min
  • Air-Fryer Brioche Torrijas: A Fuss-Free Take on a Spanish Tradition - Preparation step 1Pour the milk, cream, vanilla extract and sugar into a saucepan. Bring to a boil. When it comes to a boil, remove from the heat.
  • Air-Fryer Brioche Torrijas: A Fuss-Free Take on a Spanish Tradition - Preparation step 2Place the lid on the saucepan and let the mixture steep and cool slightly for 10 minutes.
  • Air-Fryer Brioche Torrijas: A Fuss-Free Take on a Spanish Tradition - Preparation step 3In a large bowl, add the two egg yolks. Stirring constantly with a hand whisk, gradually add the warm infused milk.
  • Air-Fryer Brioche Torrijas: A Fuss-Free Take on a Spanish Tradition - Preparation step 4When the mixture is ready, soak the slices of brioche bread one by one. The time required will depend on whether the brioche is fresh or somewhat drier. Just make sure that the center of the bread is also well moistened.
  • Air-Fryer Brioche Torrijas: A Fuss-Free Take on a Spanish Tradition - Preparation step 5Using a slotted spoon, remove each slice and place it on a rack. Let the slices rest for about 5 minutes on each side so that excess liquid can drain off.
  • Air-Fryer Brioche Torrijas: A Fuss-Free Take on a Spanish Tradition - Preparation step 6Line the base of the fryer basket with baking paper. Place the Spanish torrijas without overlapping. Spray a little oil on both sides (if you prefer, you can replace the oil with a few thin slices of butter). Sprinkle sugar on both sides.
  • Air-Fryer Brioche Torrijas: A Fuss-Free Take on a Spanish Tradition - Preparation step 7Cook at 350°F (180°C) for 7 minutes. After that, turn them over and cook for another 7 minutes.
  • Air-Fryer Brioche Torrijas: A Fuss-Free Take on a Spanish Tradition - Preparation step 8And that's it! Before serving, you can sprinkle a little icing sugar for decoration or, if you are looking for a more traditional flavor, opt for a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.

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FAQ ❓

How should you store brioche torrijas?

Once they have cooled completely, store the torrijas in an airtight container, preferably in the refrigerator. This helps prevent excess moisture, and they will keep well for 3 or 4 days. They can also be frozen, preferably before cooking. To reheat them, simply place them directly in the air fryer or oven without defrosting them first.
Torrijas can be eaten either hot or cold, depending on personal preference. Cold, they are soft and juicy, making them ideal for hot days or as a make-ahead dessert. Hot, they have more aroma and texture, especially when freshly made or lightly reheated.
The best bread for making torrijas has a dense crumb and absorbs liquid well. Brioche is an excellent choice because of its soft texture, slightly sweet flavor, and consistency, which allow it to soak up liquid without falling apart. You can make your own brioche by following our recipe.
Whole milk is the most common choice, as it adds flavor and creaminess, but you can also use plant-based milks, such as oat or almond milk, for a dairy-free version. The important thing is to infuse the milk well with flavorings such as cinnamon, vanilla, or citrus peel.
Yes, you can make torrijas without sugar by using natural sweeteners such as mashed dates, stevia, or erythritol. You can also adjust the sweetness with toppings such as fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey.
The main difference is the cooking method: traditional torrijas are fried in plenty of oil, while air-fryer torrijas are cooked with very little fat. The result is lighter, but retains the same characteristic flavor if the base is prepared well.
Although traditional torrijas and French pain perdu both make use of stale bread soaked in milk and egg, they have some key differences. Spanish torrijas are usually soaked in milk infused with cinnamon, sugar, and citrus, dipped in egg, and fried in plenty of oil, then finished with honey or sugar. Pain perdu, on the other hand, is made with a simple mixture of milk and egg and cooked on a griddle with butter rather than deep-fried. Its texture is lighter and its flavor is milkier. Both desserts let us make use of stale bread, but each has its own identity.

Nutrition

for 1 serving / for 100 g
Calories: 538Kcal
  • Carbo: 89.8g
  • Total fat: 11.7g
  • Saturated fat: 5.2g
  • Proteins: 16.1g
  • Fibers: 3.3g
  • Sugar: 32.7g
  • ProPoints: 14
  • SmartPoints: 20
Nutritional information for 1 serving (237g)

Cookware

air fryer
burner

Attributes

Keep refrigerated
Zero waste
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Patricia GonzálezPatricia González
Passionate about cooking and good food, my life revolves around carefully chosen words and wooden spoons. Responsible, yet forgetful. I am a journalist and writer with years of experience, and I found my ideal corner in France, where I work as a writer for Petitchef. I love bœuf bourguignon, but I miss my mother's salmorejo. Here, I combine my love for writing and delicious flavors to share recipes and kitchen stories that I hope will inspire you. I like my tortilla with onions and slightly undercooked :)

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