air fryer french toast sticks

Introduction

Picture this: it is a crisp Saturday morning, and the grill is still cooling down from last night’s epic brisket session. While I love the smell of charcoal, sometimes my stomach demands something sweet, crunchy, and fast before the big game starts. This is exactly how I discovered the magic of air fryer french toast sticks.

Honestly, I used to think the air fryer was just for reheating wings, but then I realized it creates the most incredible crust on thick slices of bread. Because I appreciate bold flavors in everything I cook, I knew these sticks needed more than just a quick dip in some eggs. Consequently, I spent weeks perfecting a recipe that balances a soft, custard-like center with a perfectly golden, cinnamon-sugar exterior.

Why You’ll Love This air fryer french toast sticks Recipe

First and foremost, you will love these crispy air fried french toast sticks because they offer the ultimate convenience without sacrificing quality. Traditional french toast often turns out soggy if you aren’t careful, yet the air fryer uses rapid air circulation to ensure every side stays firm. Additionally, this method uses significantly less oil or butter than a standard frying pan.

Because we are using an air fryer, the cook time is incredibly fast, which means you can spend more time enjoying your coffee. Moreover, these cinnamon sugar toast sticks are perfectly portable, making them the ideal choice for kids or guests who like to mingle while they eat. Specifically, the texture is what sets this recipe apart from the rest of the pack.

You get that satisfying “snap” when you bite in, followed by a warm, flavorful middle. Therefore, if you crave a restaurant-quality breakfast at home, this recipe is your new best friend. In addition, you can easily customize the sweetness to fit your personal preference.

Ingredients You’ll Need for air fryer french toast sticks

To create the best air fryer french toast sticks, you need high-quality ingredients that can stand up to high heat. Specifically, the choice of bread determines the final structure of your breakfast. Consequently, I recommend using a thick-cut loaf like Brioche or Texas Toast. Below is a detailed list of everything you need to gather before you start cooking.

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Thick-Cut Bread (Brioche or Challah)	6-8 Slices	Provides the sturdy base for the sticks.
Large Eggs	4 Eggs	Creates the rich, custard-like base.
Whole Milk or Heavy Cream	1/2 Cup	Adds creaminess to the egg mixture.
Pure Vanilla Extract	1 Tablespoon	Delivers a deep, aromatic sweetness.
Ground Cinnamon	2 Teaspoons	Provides the classic warm spice flavor.
Granulated Sugar	1/4 Cup	Used for the crispy outer coating.
Unsalted Butter (Melted)	2 Tablespoons	Helps the sugar stick and adds richness.
Salt	1 Pinch	Balances the sweetness of the sugar.

To create the best air fryer french toast sticks, you need high-quality ingredients that can stand up to high heat. I recommend checking out these delicious air fryer donuts from scratch for another fantastic way to utilize your air fryer.

Substitutions & Variations

Naturally, you might want to switch things up based on what you have in your pantry. For instance, if you do not have Brioche, you can use French bread or even sourdough for a tangier profile. However, you should avoid thin, white sandwich bread because it will likely fall apart during the dipping process.

If you are looking for a dairy-free option, you can easily substitute the whole milk with almond milk or oat milk. Furthermore, coconut milk adds a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the vanilla. For those who want to lower the sugar content, you can replace the granulated sugar with a monk fruit sweetener or simply use more cinnamon.

Meanwhile, if you want to channel my BBQ roots, try adding a tiny pinch of smoked paprika to the egg wash for a subtle, smoky undertone. In addition, you can swap the vanilla extract for almond extract to give the air fryer french toast sticks a nutty, sophisticated flavor. If you prefer a savory breakfast, omit the sugar and cinnamon, then add dried herbs and grated parmesan cheese.

If you’re looking to explore more air fryer options, consider trying some delicious crispy air fryer vegetables that can complement your breakfast perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions for air fryer french toast sticks

Step 1: Prep the Bread
Start by cutting your thick-cut bread slices into three or four uniform sticks. Because uniform sizes cook at the same rate, this ensures no stick ends up burnt while others stay soft. If your bread is very fresh, you might want to leave it out on the counter for an hour to dry out slightly. Therefore, the bread will soak up the custard without becoming mushy.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and a teaspoon of cinnamon. You want to mix this until the eggs are fully incorporated and no streaks of white remain. Consequently, the custard will coat the bread evenly for a consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Prepare the Coating
In a separate small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and the remaining teaspoon of cinnamon. This mixture will create that signature “crunch” that makes air fryer french toast sticks so famous. Meanwhile, melt your butter in a microwave-safe dish and set it aside.

Step 4: Dip and Coat
Quickly dip each bread stick into the egg mixture. You must be fast because over-soaking the bread leads to a soggy center. Immediately after the dip, place the sticks into the air fryer basket.

Ensure you leave space between each stick so the hot air can circulate freely. Because air flow is key, do not overcrowd the basket.

Step 5: Air Fry
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook the sticks for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the timer. You are looking for a deep golden-brown color and a firm texture. As a result, the exterior will be crispy while the inside remains tender.

Step 6: The Final Touch
Once the sticks are cooked, remove them from the air fryer. Brush them lightly with the melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Finally, serve them immediately while they are hot and at their peak crispiness.

Step 1: Prep the Bread ensures each bite of your french toast sticks is cooked evenly. For more tips on achieving the ideal texture in your air fryer dishes, explore this article on crispy air fryer vegetables.

Pro Tips for Success air fryer french toast sticks

To truly master air fryer french toast sticks, you should follow a few of my favorite “pitmaster” secrets. First, always preheat your air fryer for at least three minutes. Although many models say this is unnecessary, a hot starting environment ensures the bread starts crisping the moment it hits the basket.

Second, use stale bread whenever possible. For instance, buy your loaf two days early and leave the bag open. Consequently, the drier bread acts like a sponge for the custard without losing its structural integrity.

Third, do not skip the flip! Even though air fryers circulate air, the side touching the basket won’t get as crispy as the top unless you turn it over. Furthermore, if you are cooking for a large crowd, keep the finished sticks on a wire rack inside a warm oven.

This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy while you finish the remaining batches. Moreover, always use a high-quality vanilla extract instead of the imitation version. Specifically, the real stuff provides a floral depth that complements the smoky cinnamon perfectly.

Lastly, if you find your sugar isn’t sticking, you might need a slightly heavier coating of butter. However, do not overdo the butter, or the sticks will lose their firm texture.

To elevate your air frying skills even further, check out my tips for making air fryer gluten free chicken tenders, which are just as flavorful and satisfying.

Storage & Reheating Tips

If you happen to have leftovers, which is rare at my house, you can easily store these air fryer french toast sticks for later. First, allow the sticks to cool completely on a wire rack. Because trapping steam in a container will make them soggy, cooling is an essential step.

Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. Additionally, these sticks are incredibly freezer-friendly.

You should flash-freeze them on a baking sheet for an hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Consequently, they won’t stick together, and you can grab exactly as many as you need. When you are ready to eat them again, do not use the microwave.

Microwaves will turn your crispy toast into a rubbery mess. Instead, pop the frozen or refrigerated air fryer french toast sticks back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. This method restores the original crunch perfectly.

Therefore, you can have a gourmet breakfast ready in less time than it takes to brew a pot of coffee. Furthermore, the sugar coating might caramelize slightly more during the second cook, adding even more flavor.

If you happen to have leftovers, storing these air fryer french toast sticks is simple and easy. You can also enjoy the same ease with your meals by preparing air fryer gluten free chicken tenders.

What to Serve With This Recipe

While these air fryer french toast sticks are a star on their own, the right sides can elevate the whole meal. Naturally, a side of crispy bacon or savory sausage links provides a salty contrast to the sweet cinnamon. Because I love a balanced plate, I usually serve mine with a pile of fresh berries or sliced bananas.

Specifically, the acidity of strawberries cuts through the richness of the egg custard beautifully. For dipping, pure maple syrup is the classic choice, but you don’t have to stop there. For instance, try a warm fruit compote or a dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with honey.

If you want to go full “brunch mode,” a side of scrambled eggs with chives adds a nice protein boost. Moreover, if you’re hosting a party, you can set up a dipping station with chocolate sauce, caramel, and peanut butter. In addition, a cold glass of orange juice or a hot cup of dark roast coffee completes the experience.

Since these sticks are so easy to handle, they are great for “dipping and chatting” during a tailgate or a backyard gathering. Finally, if you want to be extra decadent, a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a side of whipped cream will make this feel like a true dessert breakfast.

For a delightful balance to your breakfast, consider pairing your French toast sticks with some Angel Hair Pasta Recipes for a unique twist on meal combinations.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bread for air fryer french toast sticks?

Yes, you can certainly use frozen bread, but you should thaw it first. Specifically, thawing allows you to cut the bread into even sticks without it crumbling. However, ensure the bread isn’t too damp after thawing, or the air fryer french toast sticks might not crisp up as well as they should. Consequently, patting the bread with a paper towel can help remove excess moisture.

Why are my french toast sticks soggy?

Sogginess usually happens because the bread soaked in the egg mixture for too long. Therefore, you should aim for a quick “in and out” dip rather than letting the bread submerge. Additionally, ensure you aren’t overcrowding the air fryer basket. Because air needs to move around each stick, too many sticks will trap steam and cause a soft texture.

Do I need to use parchment paper?

While you can use parchment paper, it is not strictly necessary if you have a non-stick basket. However, if you do use it, make sure it is perforated to allow air flow. If you use a solid sheet of parchment, the bottom of your air fryer french toast sticks will not get crispy. Consequently, I usually prefer lightly greasing the basket with a high-smoke-point oil spray instead.

What is the best bread for french toast sticks?

Brioche is the gold standard because of its high egg and butter content. It creates a rich, tender interior that contrasts perfectly with the air-fried exterior. In addition, Challah or thick-cut Texas toast are excellent alternatives. Avoid using thin, pre-sliced sandwich bread, as it lacks the “backbone” to hold its shape when dipped.

Air fryer French toast sticks are a modern twist on a classic breakfast dish, providing a crispy texture without the need for deep frying. This innovative cooking method allows for a healthier option that retains the sweet and comforting flavors of traditional French toast while using less oil.

Air fryer french toast sticks are a delightful twist on a traditional breakfast favorite, providing a crispy texture with much less oil. This cooking method allows for a quicker preparation while maintaining flavor and tenderness, which can be researched further through an engaging discussion on French toast.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (2-3 sticks)
Calories	285 kcal
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	6g
Cholesterol	110mg
Sodium	310mg
Total Carbohydrates	36g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	14g
Protein	9g

Conclusion

In conclusion, making air fryer french toast sticks is one of the easiest ways to level up your breakfast game. By using the air fryer, you achieve a level of crispiness that is nearly impossible to reach with a traditional skillet. Furthermore, this recipe allows you to serve a crowd without the stress of individual flipping and messy oil splatters.

Because we focused on thick bread and a quick dip, you now have the blueprint for the perfect morning treat. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or add your own smoky BBQ twist, these cinnamon sugar toast sticks will definitely become a staple in your kitchen. Therefore, stop settling for soggy toast and start enjoying the crunch you deserve.

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