The Best Air Fryer French Toast Sticks Recipe Of 2024

RECIPES, BREAKFAST & BRUNCH

Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

November 20, 2024

Preparation Time: 12 minutes

Cooking Time: 24 minutes

Total Time: 36 minutes

Serves: 3 to 4

Makes: 18 pieces

Air fryer French toast sticks are a great choice for weekend or holiday breakfasts. But they’re also easy enough for any regular morning. There’s very little mess, and you can adjust the sugar level to your liking. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top gives these French toast sticks a crisp, tasty coating.For the best results, use thick-sliced bread like Texas toast, brioche, or a sturdy, bakery-style loaf. Challah works nicely too, or try using cinnamon or raisin bread for extra flavor.

Kids love these French toast sticks since they’re fun to dip, but you can also leave the bread slices whole or cut them into triangles for variety.

French toast has been a family breakfast favorite for years. Another name for it is “pain perdu,” which means “lost bread” in French. This name likely came about because French toast was often made with stale bread to avoid waste.

But once that bread is dipped in the egg mixture and cooked to a golden brown, it’s far from lost—it’s a warm, delicious treat for everyone to enjoy.

Ingredients

6 slices of bread, about 1-inch thick, cut into thirds
3 large eggs
1/2 cup half-and-half or milk
2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Steps to Make It

Start by gathering all of the ingredients.

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil or line it with air fryer parchment paper to prevent sticking. Preheat the air fryer to 370°F.

In a medium bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Then add the half-and-half (or milk), melted butter, and vanilla. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well mixed.

In a separate small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Use a spoon or whisk to combine them thoroughly, then set this mixture aside for later.

Dip each piece of bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are well coated. After dipping, sprinkle each piece with the cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra flavor. Place about 6 to 8 coated pieces into the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them. There should be a bit of space between each stick so the air can move around and cook them evenly.

Set the air fryer to cook the French toast sticks at 370°F for about 8 minutes. Flip them halfway through so both sides cook evenly and turn golden brown.

Once they’re done, serve the French toast sticks with some maple syrup for dipping. Enjoy your delicious breakfast!

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Leftovers

To store leftover French toast sticks, put them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

If you want to freeze them, start by placing the French toast sticks on a baking pan in a single layer. Put the pan in the freezer until the sticks are firm. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe zip-close bag. You can keep them in the freezer this way for up to 2 months.

To reheat the French toast sticks, preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the refrigerated or frozen sticks in the air fryer basket. Cook them for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until they’re hot all the way through.

Make It Ahead

If you’re planning to make several batches to freeze, cook each batch until they are just lightly browned, which should take about 6 minutes. Let the French toast sticks cool completely, then lay them out in a single layer on a pan or large plate.

Put the pan or plate in the freezer until the sticks are firm. Once they’re frozen, move them to zip-close freezer bags for storage. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Why Use an Air Fryer for French Toast?

The air fryer works by blowing hot air all around each piece of bread—whether you’re making whole slices, halves, or sticks, so they cook evenly and turn a nice golden brown. When you add a coating of cinnamon sugar, the outside becomes perfectly crispy, giving each piece a tasty, crunchy texture.

Helpful Tips

If you’re cooking multiple batches and want to serve them all at once, preheat your oven to 200°F. As each batch of French toast sticks finishes cooking, place them on a rack in the oven to keep them warm until everything is ready.

Air fryer parchment paper is great for sticky foods like sugared French toast or wings. This special parchment has holes that allow air to flow around the food, helping it cook evenly. It’s safe to use in the air fryer at temperatures up to 400°F to 425°F.

Add fresh fruit or berries to each plate for a refreshing touch, or serve with bacon, sausage, or ham to balance the sweetness of the French toast.

If you can’t find thick pre-sliced bread, use homemade bread or buy an unsliced loaf, then cut it yourself into 1-inch thick slices for the best results.

Recipe Variations

For a stronger maple flavor, use maple syrup to replace about half of the milk or cream.

Try adding different flavors to the French toast. Add about 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg to the egg mixture with the vanilla, or switch the vanilla for almond extract or a fruity extract for a fun twist.

To make the French toast extra rich, use heavy cream instead of milk.

For a festive version, use eggnog instead of milk or cream, and add a little nutmeg.

If you’d like a change from syrup, try sprinkling powdered sugar on the French toast sticks instead.

FAQs About Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

What is the best bread to use for French Toast Sticks?

The best bread is thick and sturdy, like Texas toast, brioche, or challah. These types hold the egg mixture well without breaking apart. Stale bread also works better than fresh because it absorbs the mixture without becoming too soft.

What temperature should I cook French Toast Sticks in the air fryer?

Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the sticks cook evenly, with a crispy outside and a soft, fluffy interior.

How long do they take to cook in the air fryer?

Cooking takes about 6–8 minutes. Flip the sticks halfway through to make sure all sides are evenly browned and crispy. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Yes, preheating the air fryer is essential. It ensures even heat distribution, which helps the French Toast Sticks cook properly and achieve the desired texture.

Can I freeze French Toast Sticks after cooking?

Yes, you can. Once cooked, let the sticks cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1–2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

How do I reheat frozen French Toast Sticks in the air fryer?

To reheat, place the frozen sticks directly in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes. They’ll heat up evenly and regain their crispy texture without needing to thaw first.

Can I make these without eggs?

Yes, you can make a vegan-friendly version by using a substitute for eggs. A common option is a mixture of almond milk (or any plant-based milk) with cornstarch or ground flaxseed. This creates a similar coating for the bread.

Do I need to grease the air fryer basket?

It’s a good idea to lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil before placing the French Toast Sticks in. This prevents them from sticking to the basket and helps achieve a golden, crispy finish.

How do I avoid soggy French Toast Sticks?

To prevent sogginess, don’t soak the bread for too long in the egg mixture—just a quick dip is enough. Preheating the air fryer and ensuring there’s space between the sticks in the basket also helps them cook evenly and become crispy.

What toppings work best with Air Fryer French Toast Sticks?

Classic toppings like maple syrup and powdered sugar are always a hit. You can also add variety with fresh fruits (like berries or bananas), whipped cream, honey, or even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for a sweeter treat.

Are Air Fryer French Toast Sticks healthier than traditional ones?

Yes, air-fried French Toast Sticks are healthier because they require little to no oil, unlike deep-fried versions. This reduces their overall fat and calorie content while still keeping them delicious.

Can I use gluten-free bread?

Absolutely! Gluten-free bread works well as long as it’s firm and thick enough to hold the egg mixture. Avoid soft or crumbly gluten-free bread as it may fall apart during cooking.

Can I use store-bought frozen French Toast Sticks?

Yes, store-bought frozen French Toast Sticks can be cooked in the air fryer for a quick and convenient snack. Cook them at 375°F (190°C) for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway through for even heating.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover French Toast Sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes. This will make them warm and crispy again.

What milk substitutes can I use?

If you don’t want to use regular milk, alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk work perfectly. Choose an unsweetened version if you don’t want the sticks to become overly sweet.