If you’re a fan of breakfast treats that are quick, delicious, and satisfying, you’re going to love these Air Fryer French Toast Sticks. Imagine the crispy edges, the soft, cinnamon-infused inside, and the easy-to-dip design—everything you crave in a breakfast, made simple. Whether you’re whipping them up for a busy weekday morning or serving them at a brunch gathering, these French Toast Sticks are guaranteed to be a hit.
Using your air fryer, these French Toast Sticks come together in just a few minutes. They’re a fun twist on traditional French toast and an excellent way to get kids involved in the kitchen. With a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, paired with your favorite syrup or fruit, they make the perfect morning treat. Let’s dive in and see what you need to make this easy recipe a success.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Bread: The foundation of any French toast recipe, the bread is the key ingredient. For the best results, choose thick slices of bread such as brioche, challah, or Texas toast. These types of bread soak up the egg mixture while still holding their shape when cooked.
Eggs: Eggs are the binding agent in the French toast mixture, giving the sticks a rich, smooth texture. You’ll need a couple of eggs to create the perfect custard-like consistency for dipping your bread.
Milk: Milk adds creaminess to the egg mixture and helps balance the richness of the eggs. Whole milk is ideal for a creamy result, but you can substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon is what gives French toast its signature warmth and depth of flavor. A pinch of cinnamon in the egg mixture will make these French Toast Sticks irresistible.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract is a secret weapon that enhances the flavor of your French Toast Sticks. It adds a subtle, sweet note that complements the cinnamon and makes the dish taste even more decadent.
Sugar: A bit of sugar sweetens the egg mixture, giving the sticks a delicate sweetness that pairs perfectly with syrup or powdered sugar.
Butter: Butter is essential for that golden, crispy exterior. You’ll brush a little butter on the bread before air frying to get that perfect crisp.
Ingredients List
- 4 slices of thick bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup of whole milk (or your preferred milk alternative)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp butter (melted)
- Maple syrup (for dipping, optional)
How to Make Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and sugar. Make sure everything is fully incorporated, and the mixture is smooth.
Step 2: Slice the Bread
Cut each slice of bread into three equal strips. You want them to be thick enough to soak up the egg mixture without falling apart during cooking.
Step 3: Dip the Bread in the Egg Mixture
One by one, dip the bread strips into the egg mixture, making sure each side is coated. Let the excess egg drip off before placing them in the air fryer basket.
Step 4: Air Fry the French Toast Sticks
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Brush each piece of bread with melted butter on both sides and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through until the sticks are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the French Toast Sticks are done, remove them from the air fryer. Serve them warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit for dipping. Enjoy your crispy, fluffy, and utterly delicious breakfast!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use Thick Bread: The thicker the bread, the better the French Toast Sticks will hold up in the air fryer. Opt for sturdy, hearty bread that can absorb the egg mixture without getting soggy.
- Don’t Skip the Butter: Brushing the bread with melted butter helps to achieve a golden-brown, crispy texture that makes these French Toast Sticks so irresistible.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter treat, you can increase the sugar in the egg mixture or sprinkle some powdered sugar on top after cooking.
- Serve with Toppings: While maple syrup is a classic choice, feel free to get creative with toppings! Fresh berries, whipped cream, or even Nutella can elevate this breakfast dish.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the egg mixture the night before and store it in the fridge for a quicker morning prep. You can also freeze the cooked sticks for later. Just reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for these French Toast Sticks?
Absolutely! You can use any bread you like, but thicker, sturdier slices like brioche, challah, or Texas toast will give the best results. Avoid using super soft bread, as it may become too soggy.
Can I make these French Toast Sticks dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any dairy-free milk alternative. You can also swap out the butter with a dairy-free version.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
While the air fryer gives a crispy exterior, you can cook these French Toast Sticks in a skillet or on a griddle. Just cook them over medium heat, flipping until golden brown on both sides.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover French Toast Sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven for best results. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I add chocolate chips or other toppings to the mixture?
Yes, you can sprinkle some chocolate chips, raisins, or even nuts onto the bread before dipping it in the egg mixture for added texture and flavor.