I’ve discovered the secret to transforming ordinary breakfast into something extraordinary, and it’s sitting right there on your kitchen counter. These air fryer French toast sticks deliver that perfect contrast we’re all chasing – crispy on the outside, custard-soft within – without the mess and excess oil of traditional frying. What makes this method so game-changing isn’t just the convenience factor, though that alone might surprise you.
Recipe
I’m going to tell you right now—these air fryer French toast sticks are about to become your new weekend obsession, and honestly, you might find yourself making them on random Tuesday mornings too because they’re just that good.
What makes these absolutely irresistible is the perfect contrast of textures: crispy, golden-brown exteriors that give way to soft, custardy centers infused with vanilla and cinnamon warmth.
I’ve been perfecting this recipe for months, and the secret is in the double-dip technique—first soaking thick-cut bread in a rich egg mixture with real vanilla extract and a hint of nutmeg, then giving each stick just the right amount of time in the air fryer to achieve that restaurant-quality crunch without any of the oil mess.
The aroma alone will have everyone in your house wandering into the kitchen asking what smells so amazing, and when they bite into these golden beauties with their perfectly spiced, creamy interior and that satisfying crunch, you’ll officially be crowned the breakfast hero.
Trust me, once you realize how incredibly easy these are to make and how they deliver all the indulgent flavors of classic French toast in a fun, handheld form that cooks in just minutes, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with the stovetop version.
Ingredients
The secret to perfect air fryer French toast sticks lies in choosing ingredients that work together to create that golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside custardy and rich. Here’s my insider lineup that never fails—plus some game-changing swaps when you need them.
For the French Toast Base:
- Thick-cut bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast) – This is non-negotiable! Thin bread turns soggy. Day-old bread actually works better because it soaks up the custard without falling apart.
- Large eggs (3-4 eggs) – The protein powerhouse that creates structure. Room temperature eggs mix more smoothly—trust me on this one.
- Whole milk or heavy cream (½ cup) – Heavy cream makes them extra decadent, but whole milk works beautifully. Skip the skim milk—you need that fat for richness!
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – Real vanilla makes all the difference. The artificial stuff just can’t compete with that warm, complex flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon) – Freshly ground cinnamon is worth seeking out, but pre-ground works in a pinch.
For Maximum Flavor:
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon) – Adds sweetness to the custard and helps with browning. Brown sugar works too for deeper flavor.
- Pinch of salt – Never skip this! Salt amplifies all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Butter or cooking spray – For that golden finish. Melted butter brushed on top creates bakery-level results.
Smart Substitutions:
No heavy cream? Mix whole milk with a splash of melted butter. Out of brioche? Thick-cut sandwich bread works, just let it sit in the custard an extra minute. The key is keeping that bread substantial enough to hold its shape!
How to Make the Best Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
• Slice your bread into thick, finger-sized sticks
Cut day-old brioche or thick Texas toast into strips about 1 inch wide and 4 inches long. Day-old bread is your secret weapon here—it holds up better during cooking and won’t fall apart when dipped. Fresh bread can work too, but let the slices sit out for 30 minutes to firm up slightly before cutting.
• Set up your dipping station with two shallow bowls
In the first bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon until completely smooth. In the second bowl, combine sugar and additional cinnamon for coating. This two-step process creates that irresistible crispy exterior while keeping the inside custardy and tender.
• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes
Don’t skip this step—a properly preheated air fryer guarantees even cooking from the moment your French toast sticks go in. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, simply run it empty at 375°F for 3 minutes while you finish prep.
• Dip each bread stick in the egg mixture, then roll in cinnamon sugar
Let each stick soak in the custard mixture for about 10 seconds per side—long enough to absorb flavor but not so long that it becomes soggy and falls apart. The cinnamon sugar coating will caramelize beautifully in the air fryer, creating that golden, crispy shell we’re after.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil
This prevents sticking and helps achieve that gorgeous golden color. Don’t oversaturate—a light misting is all you need. You can also brush the basket with a small amount of melted butter for extra richness.
• Arrange coated sticks in a single layer with space between each piece
Overcrowding is the enemy of crispiness—hot air needs to circulate around each stick for even cooking. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches. Leave at least ½ inch between each stick for ideal results.
• Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through
At the 3-4 minute mark, gently flip each stick using tongs. Look for a beautiful golden-brown color and slight puffing—this tells you the egg custard is setting properly inside while the outside crisps up. If they need more color, add 1-2 additional minutes.
• Check for doneness by gently pressing the center
Perfectly cooked French toast sticks will feel slightly firm but still have a tender give when pressed. The exterior should be crispy and golden, while the inside remains soft and custardy. If they feel too soft, return to the air fryer for another minute.
• Serve immediately while hot and crispy
French toast sticks are at their absolute best straight from the air fryer when the contrast between crispy exterior and warm, tender interior is most pronounced. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with warm maple syrup, fresh berries, or your favorite breakfast accompaniments.
Chef Tips
While mastering the basic technique will give you delicious results, these pro tips will elevate your French toast sticks from good to absolutely exceptional.
I recommend experimenting with different cooking techniques like adjusting temperature mid-cook for extra crispiness.
Try flavor variations such as adding vanilla extract, cinnamon, or even orange zest to your egg mixture.
Nutrition
Air fryer French toast sticks offer a lighter alternative to traditional deep-fried versions while still delivering that crispy exterior and tender interior. This cooking method greatly reduces the oil content compared to conventional frying methods.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (4 sticks) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 125mg |
| Sodium | 420mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Vitamin A | 8% DV |
| Calcium | 15% DV |
| Iron | 12% DV |
What You’ll Love About This French Toast Sticks
These air fryer french toast sticks are about to become your new breakfast obsession, and honestly, I can’t blame you one bit.
They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and ready in just minutes without any of the messy oil splattering that comes with traditional frying.
- Quick and Easy Preparation – You can whip up a batch in under 15 minutes, making them perfect for busy school mornings or lazy weekend brunches when you want something special without the fuss.
- Healthier Than Traditional Fried Options – The air fryer gives you all that golden, crispy goodness using little to no oil, so you can enjoy this indulgent treat without the heavy, greasy feeling afterward.
- Kid-Friendly and Fun to Eat – The stick shape makes them naturally appealing to little hands, and they’re perfect for dipping in syrup, making breakfast feel more like a fun activity than a chore.
Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Shallow dish for dipping
- Whisk
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 6 thick slices of day-old bread cut into sticks
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
- Cut bread slices into 3-4 sticks each, about 1-inch wide.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Dip each bread stick into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Brush air fryer basket with melted butter.
- Place French toast sticks in a single layer in the basket, not overcrowding.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Day-old or slightly stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming soggy.
- Brioche, challah, or thick-cut white bread are ideal choices. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Air Fryer French Toast Sticks Without Eggs?
I’d recommend using egg substitutes like flax eggs or aquafaba for binding. Vegan options work perfectly – just whisk your chosen substitute with milk and spices before dipping your bread sticks for coating.
How Do I Store Leftover French Toast Sticks Properly?
I’ll store your leftover french toast sticks in airtight storage containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. For reheating tips, I recommend using your air fryer again for best crispiness.
What’s the Best Bread Thickness for Air Fryer French Toast Sticks?
When choosing bread for any recipe, ideal thickness matters considerably. I’ve found that three-quarter inch slices work best – they’re thick enough to absorb custard without falling apart, yet cook evenly throughout.
Can I Freeze French Toast Sticks for Meal Prep?
I’ll share essential freezing tips for successful meal prep. You can absolutely freeze french toast sticks after cooking them. Let them cool completely, then store in freezer bags for up to three months before reheating.
Do I Need to Flip French Toast Sticks While Air Frying?
I recommend flipping halfway through for even browning on both sides. My flipping tips include using tongs gently to avoid breaking. Total cooking time stays around 6-8 minutes with this method.
