If you love classic French toast but crave something quicker, crispier, and infinitely more snackable, you have to try these Air Fryer French Toast Sticks. Each bite is a golden delight, with a gently spiced crunch on the outside and a fluffy, tender center that practically begs to be dipped in syrup. Whether you’re rustling up a speedy weekday breakfast or making a treat for weekend brunch, these fuss-free sticks are guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes, the best breakfasts come from the simplest pantry staples. This recipe uses everyday ingredients to build comforting flavors, beautiful texture, and unmistakable cinnamon-sugar magic in every stick.
- Bread: Choose a thick, sturdy bread like brioche or Texas toast for the ultimate fluffy result. Day-old bread works best!
- Milk: Whole milk gives extra richness, but any variety does the trick for soaking the bread just right.
- Large eggs: Eggs bind everything together and help create that signature custardy layer.
- Salt: Just a pinch brightens up all those sweet flavors.
- Butter: Melting a pat over your air fryer basket keeps the sticks from sticking and adds flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Even a teaspoon elevates the aroma and gives classic warmth to each piece.
- Granulated sugar: The secret to that irresistible, sparkly cinnamon-sugar finish.
- Cinnamon: Bold, fragrant, and essential—it’s truly what makes French toast sticks feel nostalgic.
- Maple syrup (optional): For dunking, drizzling, or general happiness!
How to Make Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
Step 1: Prep the Bread
Begin by slicing your bread into thick, sturdy “sticks”—about 1 inch wide is perfect. This shape makes them easy to grab and dip, plus it helps them cook evenly in the air fryer. If you’re using very fresh bread, let it sit out for a few minutes to dry slightly, which helps it hold up after soaking in the custard.
Step 2: Mix Up the Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined. This luscious custard will soak into the bread, transforming it from ordinary slices into breakfast magic.
Step 3: Combine Your Cinnamon Sugar
In a separate shallow dish, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. This blend is everything when it comes to flavor and creates that signature French toast crunch. Set it aside so it’s ready the moment those hot sticks come flying out of the fryer.
Step 4: Dredge and Arrange
Now the fun begins! Lightly grease your air fryer basket with a little butter or a quick mist of cooking spray. Dip each breadstick into the custard, ensuring it’s coated on all sides, but let the excess drip off so they don’t get soggy. Arrange the sticks in a single layer—don’t overcrowd, or they won’t crisp up nicely.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Pop the basket in the air fryer and cook at 350°F/175°C for 8–10 minutes, flipping the sticks halfway through. You’re looking for a deep golden color and an irresistibly crisp exterior. Every air fryer is a bit different, so check a minute or two early if yours runs hot!
Step 6: Finish with Cinnamon Sugar
When the Air Fryer French Toast Sticks are done, immediately toss them in the waiting bowl of cinnamon sugar. The warmth helps the coating stick, wrapping every bite in sweet, spicy glory. Pile them onto a plate and serve with maple syrup or your favorite dip, then watch them disappear.
How to Serve Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
Garnishes
The best part about Air Fryer French Toast Sticks is how easily you can dress them up. A light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of warm maple syrup, or even fresh berries on the side instantly makes them brunch-worthy. Whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts is fabulous for celebrations!
Side Dishes
Pair these craveable sticks with fresh fruit, yogurt, or crispy bacon for a balanced, memorable breakfast. They’re also lovely alongside scrambled eggs for something savory to complement all the sweet and spice.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Air Fryer French Toast Sticks Jenga-style for a crowd-pleasing platter, or skewer them with fresh fruit for a playful twist. They fit perfectly in lunchboxes for breakfast-on-the-go, or serve them as a brunch “board” with little ramekins of syrups, jams, and dips for everyone to sample.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Air Fryer French Toast Sticks (lucky you!), let them cool completely before packing into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days, making them easy to grab for speedy breakfasts or snacks.
Freezing
Want to meal prep? Freeze the cooled sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months and can be reheated right from frozen whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Reheating
Your air fryer is still the MVP for leftovers: just pop in your refrigerated or frozen sticks and heat at 350°F for a few minutes until crispy and warmed through. You can also use a toaster oven, but avoid microwaving to preserve their crunch.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free bread for Air Fryer French Toast Sticks?
Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free loaf. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to slice and soak up the custard without falling apart. Texture may vary slightly, but the air fryer works its magic on most bread types.
What’s the best bread for French toast sticks?
Thick, dense breads like brioche, challah, or Texas toast are fantastic because they soak up the custard without getting soggy and their flavor is unbeatable. Day-old bread works especially well for holding its shape.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the milk for your favorite non-dairy alternative such as almond, oat, or soy milk. Use a vegan butter or coconut oil to grease the air fryer basket, and your Air Fryer French Toast Sticks will be just as delicious.
Why aren’t my French toast sticks crispy?
It often comes down to overcrowding the basket or using bread that’s too soft or fresh. Make sure there’s space for air to circulate, and choose a bread that’s at least a little stale for the crispiest results.
What can I dip French toast sticks in?
Maple syrup is the classic choice, but you can also dip them in chocolate sauce, fruit preserves, vanilla Greek yogurt, or even a sweetened cream cheese dip for a delicious twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Air Fryer French Toast Sticks at home, you’re in for such a treat—warm, crispy, and ready in a flash. They’re a recipe I come back to again and again, and I can’t wait for you to taste why. Give them a try and transform even the simplest morning into something special!
PrintAir Fryer French Toast Sticks Recipe
These air fryer French toast sticks are golden, crisp, and ready in minutes—perfect for quick breakfasts, lazy brunches, or kid-friendly snacks. Made with simple ingredients and no fuss.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Breadsticks:
- 4 slices bread
Egg Mixture:
- ⅓ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 teaspoon butter
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional:
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F/175°C. Slice the bread into sticks.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a bowl, whisk milk, eggs, vanilla, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar.
- Coat the breadsticks: Grease the air fryer basket, dip breadsticks in the egg mixture, then coat with cinnamon sugar.
- Air fry: Place sticks in a single layer in the basket. Air fry at 350°F/175°C for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle with remaining cinnamon sugar. Serve with maple syrup or dip.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of nutmeg or a splash of almond extract to the egg mixture.
- Experiment with different coatings like crushed nuts or shredded coconut for added texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
