Crispy Air Fryer French Toast Sticks Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer French Toast Sticks: A Sweet Morning Recipe

Weekend mornings burst with excitement when golden air fryer French toast sticks sizzle on the plate.

These crispy, tender delights offer a restaurant-worthy breakfast without complicated techniques.

Thick bread slices get coated in a rich, spiced egg mixture that crisps beautifully in the air fryer.

Each stick delivers a perfect balance of crunchy exterior and soft, custardy interior.

Drizzle with maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Kids and adults alike will devour these quick and delicious breakfast treats.

This simple recipe turns ordinary bread into an extraordinary morning meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Storing Air Fryer French Toast Sticks to Keep Them Crisp

  • Quick Cool-Down Strategy: Let the French toast sticks rest on a wire cooling rack for 2-3 minutes after cooking to maintain their crispy exterior and prevent soggy bottoms.
  • Refrigeration Ready: Store leftover sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore their crispy texture and warmth.
  • Freezer Friendly Hack: Arrange cooked and cooled sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. These can be stored frozen for up to 1 month and reheated directly from frozen in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the egg mixture and cut bread the night before to streamline morning cooking. Keep the egg mixture covered in the refrigerator and bread sticks in a sealed container to save precious morning minutes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Air Fryer French Toast Sticks Ingredients That Work

For Bread Base:
  • Thick-Sliced Stale Bread: Slightly dry bread guarantees crispy exterior and prevents soggy texture, preferably day-old Texas toast for sturdy structure.
For Liquid Binding:
  • Milk, Eggs, Vanilla Extract: Creamy milk provides moisture, eggs create rich custard-like coating, while vanilla adds warm, aromatic depth to the french toast sticks.
For Sweet and Spice Coating:
  • Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon: Sweet sugar caramelizes during air frying, creating golden-brown crunch, and warm cinnamon delivers classic breakfast flavor profile.
For Optional Drizzle:
  • Maple Syrup: Traditional breakfast companion that adds luxurious sweetness and complements the cinnamon-spiced sticks perfectly.

Tools for Crisping Up Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

  • Air Fryer: Essential for cooking the French toast sticks evenly and creating a crispy exterior.
  • Shallow Bowls: Two are needed – one for the egg mixture and another for the cinnamon sugar coating.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending eggs, milk, and vanilla extract smoothly.
  • Sharp Knife: Used to cut bread into neat sticks quickly.
  • Tongs: Helpful for flipping and removing French toast sticks from the air fryer without burning yourself.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for slicing bread into sticks.

How to Make Air Fryer French Toast Sticks Easily

  • Bread Preparation

Select thick-sliced bread and transform each slice into four delightful strips, creating the perfect bite-sized breakfast treat.

  • Flavor Mixture

Whip together creamy milk, farm-fresh eggs, and a splash of rich vanilla in a shallow bowl, creating a luxurious bath for your bread strips.

  • Sugar Coating

Blend granulated sugar with warm cinnamon in a separate bowl, preparing a tantalizing sweet exterior that will make taste buds dance.

  • Dipping Process

Gently submerge each bread strip into the silky egg mixture, letting excess liquid drip away to ensure a crisp, golden finish.

  • Air Fryer Magic

Arrange the coated strips in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, cooking at 350°F for roughly 8 minutes. Flip midway to guarantee an even, crunchy texture.

  • Final Touch

Immediately roll the piping hot strips through the cinnamon sugar mixture, allowing the warmth to melt the coating and create an irresistible sweet crust.

  • Serving

Present these golden, crispy strips alongside maple syrup for a breakfast experience that transforms an ordinary morning into something extraordinary.

Flavor Ideas for Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

  • Bread Selection Magic: Choose day-old or slightly stale bread like brioche, Texas toast, or challah for the most incredible texture and maximum egg mixture absorption.
  • Flavor Boosting Tricks: Enhance the egg mixture by adding a splash of bourbon, almond extract, or orange zest for an unexpected and delightful flavor twist that will surprise your taste buds.
  • Perfect Coating Technique: Pat bread sticks gently with paper towels before dipping to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy exterior and preventing soggy results in the air fryer.
  • Storage and Reheating Wisdom: Store leftover French toast sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore their crispy texture and warm, delicious flavor.
  • Dietary Friendly Swap-Ups: For gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread. Dairy-free friends can substitute milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use dairy-free butter alternatives for coating.

Serve Air Fryer French Toast Sticks for Breakfast or Brunch

  • Breakfast Bliss Pairing: Serve these crispy French toast sticks alongside fresh berries or sliced bananas for a burst of natural sweetness and added nutrition.
  • Decadent Dipping Delight: Create a fun dipping station with maple syrup, chocolate sauce, or cream cheese glaze to let everyone customize their breakfast experience and enjoy interactive eating.
  • Brunch Party Platter: Arrange the French toast sticks on a beautiful wooden board with small bowls of different toppings like whipped cream, fruit compote, and powdered sugar for a stunning and shareable presentation that'll wow your guests.
  • Weekend Meal Upgrade: Transform this simple recipe into a special weekend breakfast treat by adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a few fresh mint leaves, and serving with a side of crispy bacon or scrambled eggs for a complete morning feast.
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Crispy Air Fryer French Toast Sticks Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer French Toast Sticks


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4.7 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

French toast sticks crafted in an air fryer offer a crispy, golden breakfast delight that elevates morning meals. Quick preparation and minimal cleanup make these treats an irresistible choice for weekend indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 slices thick-sliced stale bread (like Texas toast)
  • ⅓ cup (79 ml / 2.7 fl oz) milk
  • ⅓ cup (67 g / 2.4 oz) granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp (7 g / 0.25 oz) cinnamon
  • Maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Slice bread into uniform batons, ensuring consistent width for even cooking and crispy texture.
  2. Custard Creation: Whisk eggs, milk, and vanilla extract into a smooth mixture, eliminating any egg streaks and creating a rich base for soaking.
  3. Coating Preparation: Blend granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish, forming a fragrant and sweet coating for the toast sticks.
  4. Soaking Process: Dip each bread baton into the egg custard, allowing brief immersion to maximize flavor absorption without waterlogging the bread.
  5. Air Frying: Arrange custard-coated bread in a single layer within the air fryer basket, maintaining space between pieces for optimal circulation and crispiness.
  6. Cooking Technique: Set air fryer to 350°F and cook for 6-8 minutes, rotating halfway through to achieve uniform golden-brown coloration and crisp exterior.
  7. Finishing Touch: Immediately coat hot toast sticks in prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring a glistening, sweet exterior that adheres while warm.
  8. Serving Suggestion: Transfer coated French toast sticks to a serving platter, accompanying with maple syrup or preferred dipping sauce for an indulgent experience.

Notes

  • Slice Strategically: Create uniform bread batons with consistent width to guarantee even cooking and achieve a perfectly crispy texture.
  • Whisk Wisely: Blend egg custard thoroughly to eliminate streaks, ensuring a smooth, luxurious coating that maximizes flavor absorption.
  • Position Precisely: Arrange toast sticks in a single layer without overlapping to promote optimal air circulation and prevent soggy spots.
  • Coat Carefully: Roll hot toast sticks immediately in cinnamon-sugar mixture while warm to create a glistening, sweet exterior that adheres perfectly.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 186 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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