Recipe Overview
Why you’ll love it: Air fryer French toast sticks are incredibly delicious and simple to make. With a delightful crispy exterior and a creamy, custardy interior, these homemade French toast sticks
taste far superior to store-bought versions.
Prep time: 10 minutes or less
Cook time: 8 minutes
Equipment needed: Large shallow bowl, air fryer
Yields: 18 sticks
Air Fryer French Toast Sticks: A Quick & Easy Breakfast
While you can find pre-made French toast sticks in the freezer section, why settle for expensive, processed food when you can make something far superior at home? These air fryer French toast sticks offer a satisfyingly crispy exterior that gives way to a soft, delicious interior, perfect for dipping in maple syrup. They’re quick, easy to make, and utterly
irresistible!
I often make classic French toast, or should I say, my husband does! It’s a breakfast staple around here. Along with our
overnight French toast casserole and
French toast muffins, these homemade French toast sticks have quickly become a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
Kid-friendly. My kids absolutely adore these air fryer French toast sticks! They love finger foods, especially when there’s a dip involved. They also enjoy
egg muffins, portable
breakfast sandwiches, and whimsical
eggs in a basket.
Simple ingredients. The ingredients are basic and affordable: bread, milk, eggs, and sugar. Add a little cinnamon and vanilla if you like (and I certainly do!), and that’s all you need. Homemade is always superior to frozen French toast sticks. You get no preservatives, no unpronounceable ingredients, and only simple, wholesome goodness.
Healthier. The great thing about making French toast sticks in your air fryer? You get perfectly crispy French toast, and because they’re not fried in butter, you get no added fat.
Versatile. There are endless topping and serving ideas for this recipe to create a delightful family breakfast. Keep reading for tips and variations to make it your own!
Ingredient Highlights
- Texas Toast Bread: Texas toast is ideal for French toast because it’s light and airy, soaking up the egg mixture beautifully. You can typically find it in the bread or bun section of your grocery store. If you opt for a different bread, choose one that isn’t overly dense or moist.
- Eggs and Milk: Classic French toast ingredients. Whole milk yields the best flavor and texture.
- Sugar: A touch of white sugar provides just a hint of sweetness.
- Cinnamon, Vanilla Extract, and Salt: These flavorings enhance the taste of French toast. Salt prevents the flavor from being flat.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: Prevents the French toast from sticking to the air fryer rack.
- Maple Syrup, for serving
How to Make Air Fryer French Toast Sticks: Step-by-Step
Let’s get started on this easy recipe! If you know how to make French toast, you can easily make French toast sticks in your air fryer.
Slice the bread. Use a serrated knife to cut the bread slices into thirds to create “sticks.” Stack several bread slices and cut through them all at once for ease. You can trim the crusts if you like, but it isn’t necessary (I usually skip that step).
Dip the bread. In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, sugar, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon. Dip the bread “sticks” into the egg mixture, turning them a few times to ensure they’re fully coated and saturated.
Cook. Lightly spray the air fryer rack with nonstick spray. Arrange the coated bread sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. You may need to cook in batches. Flip the sticks halfway through the cooking time. They’ll be ready in 7 to 8 minutes total. It’s that easy and delicious!
Cooking Tip
Cooking times can vary depending on the bread’s thickness and your air fryer model. If the bread is very saturated with the egg mixture, the French toast sticks may take a bit longer. If your French toast sticks seem soggy, they might need to cook for a longer time.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
- Best bread for French toast: Slightly dry, day-old bread often works best. While I love Texas toast, brioche, challah, or French bread are all great choices.
- Avoiding soggy French toast: Avoid over-soaking the bread. If using thin bread slices, you may not need to soak them for as long. If your French toast is still soggy, consider reducing the amount of milk. Too much milk and not enough eggs can make French toast soggy.
- No air fryer? You can make these French toast sticks on a griddle or in a frying pan. Prepare as directed, then place on a preheated, greased pan to fry. Flip once and cook until golden brown and cooked through.
- Making a large batch? Check the recipe card below for instructions on how to keep your French toast sticks warm.
Easy Recipe Variations
- Bread Swap: Use any sandwich bread to make the sticks. Day-old or slightly stale bread works well because it absorbs more of the egg mixture. Be aware that denser breads may affect cooking time. Brioche is also a great option!
- Non-Dairy: Swap the milk for a non-dairy alternative, like coconut, oat, almond, or soy milk.
- Double or Triple: You’ll likely want to make extra to keep in the freezer for a quick breakfast or snack.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
Serve air fryer French toast sticks with real maple syrup, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, or powdered sugar. They also taste delicious dipped in
homemade applesauce.
Serve these crispy sticks with yogurt topped with fresh fruit and
homemade granola, or pair them with a
green smoothie for a nutritious breakfast. Or, make them for brunch with
air fryer bacon and a hearty
breakfast casserole.
Air fryer French toast sticks and maple syrup make a fun and simple kid-friendly snack. Add them to an
after-school snack board!
Make-Ahead Idea
Make-Ahead Idea
Frozen air fryer French toast sticks: Enjoy the convenience of frozen French toast sticks! For an easy make-ahead breakfast, freeze the cooked French toast sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Keep reading for storing and reheating tips.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Storage & Reheating Tips
Fridge: Let the French toast sticks cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly. They will last in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them in a toaster, air fryer, oven, or toaster oven for best results. Reheating in the microwave will still taste good, but the sticks won’t be as crispy.
Freezer: As mentioned, you can freeze cooked air fryer French toast sticks for up to 2 months. Reheat them directly from frozen, adding an extra 1 to 2 minutes to the cooking time.