Easy and Crispy Air Fryer French Toast Sticks – Perfect Breakfast Recipe

Introduction to Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

A Delicious Breakfast Treat

Air Fryer French Toast Sticks are the perfect balance of crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This dish is a fun and convenient twist on traditional French toast, and using an air fryer makes it even quicker and healthier. These French toast sticks are crispy, golden, and coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar blend, making them the ultimate breakfast or snack for both kids and adults. With minimal ingredients and just a few simple steps, you can enjoy restaurant-quality French toast in the comfort of your own kitchen.

What makes air fryer French toast sticks special is the ease and speed with which they’re made. No need to stand over a hot pan; simply place the sticks in the air fryer and let it work its magic. You get the same crispy, perfectly cooked result with far less mess. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or a midday treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why Use the Air Fryer?

Using an air fryer to make French toast sticks is a game-changer. The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior without the need for excess butter or oil. As a result, you get a healthier alternative to frying in a skillet, while still achieving that golden crunch on the outside. The air fryer also cuts down cooking time, so you can enjoy your breakfast in just minutes. Plus, it’s a more efficient way to prepare French toast sticks for a crowd since you can cook multiple batches without heating up a whole griddle.

Basic Recipe: How to Make Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

Easy and Crispy Air Fryer French Toast Sticks – Perfect Breakfast Recipe

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 16-18 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings (8-10 French toast sticks) 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Air Fryer French Toast Sticks are a fun and crispy twist on traditional French toast! Thick slices of bread are dipped in a sweet, cinnamon-spiced egg mixture, air fried to golden perfection, and then coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. These crispy, warm French toast sticks are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick snack, and they pair wonderfully with maple syrup for dipping.

 

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Ingredients

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For the French Toast Sticks:

• Thick sliced bread (Texas toast is ideal) – preferably a little stale
• 1/2 cup whole milk (or your preferred milk, such as oat milk)
• 2 large eggs (free-range organic if preferred)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For Serving (optional):

• Maple syrup (for dipping)

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Instructions

Prepare the French Toast Mixture:

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until fully combined.

Cut the Bread into Sticks:

Slice the bread into 3-4 equal sections, then cut each section into sticks about 1-inch wide. The stale bread will hold its shape better when dipped.

Coat the French Toast Sticks:

Heat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes.

Dip each bread stick into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s coated on all sides. Let any excess drip off.

Air Fry the French Toast Sticks:

Place the coated French toast sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sticks are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

While the French toast sticks are cooking, mix the cinnamon and granulated sugar in a shallow bowl.

Once the French toast sticks are done, immediately toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat them evenly.

Serve:

Serve the French toast sticks warm, with maple syrup on the side for dipping.

Notes

Bread Choice: Stale bread works best for French toast because it absorbs the egg mixture without getting too soggy. If you don’t have stale bread, you can lightly toast fresh bread before cutting into sticks.

Flavor Variations: For added flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of almond extract to the egg mixture.

Dipping Options: While maple syrup is classic, you could also serve these with honey, chocolate syrup, or a fruit compote for variety.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4-5 French toast sticks
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread:
   Cut your bread into sticks. About 1-inch wide slices work well, as they’ll cook evenly in the air fryer and hold their shape better. Using thick-cut bread, such as Texas toast or challah, ensures the sticks stay sturdy and absorb the egg mixture without falling apart.
2. Make the Egg Mixture:
   In a shallow bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and cinnamon. Be sure the mixture is smooth, with no lumps. For a stronger cinnamon flavor, feel free to add an extra half tablespoon of cinnamon. This mixture will coat the bread and create the flavorful, golden crust when cooked in the air fryer.
3. Coat the Bread:
   Dip each piece of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated on all sides. Don’t let the bread soak for too long, as it could become too soggy. Place the coated bread sticks on a plate or tray as you finish dipping them.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. This helps ensure an even cooking temperature and crispier results.
5. Cook the French Toast Sticks:
   Place the dipped bread sticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry the sticks for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping. The sticks should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
6. Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar:
   Once the French toast sticks are cooked, remove them from the air fryer. While they are still warm, toss them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Simply combine granulated sugar with cinnamon in a small bowl and gently coat the sticks to give them that perfect sweet crunch.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve your Air Fryer French Toast Sticks warm, with maple syrup on the side for dipping. You can also add fresh fruit or whipped cream for extra flavor. Enjoy them as a quick breakfast, snack, or even a fun treat for special occasions!

Advanced Techniques: Elevate Your Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

Customizing Your French Toast Sticks

While the basic recipe is delicious, there are plenty of ways to get creative with your French toast sticks. Here are some ideas:

• Flavored French Toast Sticks: Add a teaspoon of nutmeg or a splash of orange extract to your egg mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
• Stuffed French Toast Sticks: Spread a layer of peanut butter, cream cheese, or Nutella between two slices of bread before dipping and cooking. This adds a creamy surprise inside the crispy exterior.
• Savory French Toast Sticks: If you prefer savory over sweet, omit the cinnamon and sugar. Instead, add garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of parmesan cheese to the egg mixture for a delicious savory twist.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you’re preparing for a busy morning, you can assemble the French toast sticks ahead of time. After coating the bread in the egg mixture, place the sticks on a baking sheet and refrigerate them for up to 12 hours before cooking. This gives the bread a chance to absorb the flavors and ensures a firmer texture when cooking.

For those who want to make a big batch, you can cook the sticks and then freeze them. Lay the cooked sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the sticks to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispy texture.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storing Leftover French Toast Sticks

If you have any leftover Air Fryer French Toast Sticks, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, use the air fryer to maintain the crispy texture. Simply place the sticks in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes, until heated through.

Freezing French Toast Sticks

You can freeze French Toast Sticks for longer storage. After cooking, allow them to cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the frozen sticks in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or until hot and crispy.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free Option

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply use gluten-free bread in place of regular bread. Many gluten-free breads are now available in thick slices, which will work perfectly for this recipe. Just be sure to check the bread for the best texture and flavor.

Dairy-Free and Vegan Options

To make this recipe dairy-free or vegan, you can swap out the whole milk for a non-dairy milk such as almond milk or oat milk. Additionally, use flax eggs or chia eggs as an egg substitute. For the cinnamon-sugar coating, opt for coconut sugar or another plant-based sugar substitute.

FAQs About Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

Can I Use Fresh Bread for This Recipe?

Fresh bread can be used, but for best results, slightly stale bread is preferable. Stale bread holds up better when dipped in the egg mixture and doesn’t become too soggy during cooking. If your bread is fresh, you can leave it out for a few hours to dry out slightly.

How Can I Make French Toast Sticks Crispy?

To ensure your French toast sticks are crispy, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. If the sticks are packed too tightly, the hot air won’t be able to circulate properly, resulting in soggy French toast. Flip the sticks halfway through cooking for even crispness.

Can I Make This Recipe Without Cinnamon?

Yes, you can make French toast sticks without cinnamon. Simply omit the cinnamon in the egg mixture and the cinnamon-sugar coating. You can also add a different flavor profile, such as nutmeg or vanilla extract.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Air Fryer French Toast Sticks are a quick, easy, and fun way to enjoy a breakfast classic. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these sticks are the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. Customize them with different seasonings or fillings to make them uniquely yours. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Serve them with maple syrup or fresh fruit, and enjoy a delicious breakfast any time of day!