Save Air fryer French toast sticks deliver a delightful balance of crispy golden outsides with a pillowy soft center and are my family’s favorite hands-off breakfast for busy weekends or sleepover mornings. They are easy to make with staple ingredients and much less mess than pan-frying, perfect for kids or brunch gatherings.
I first tried these when my niece was visiting and asked for something fun she could dip in maple syrup. Now any time we have guests, this is the breakfast everyone requests most.
Ingredients
- Brioche or Texas toast thick slices: Best when slightly stale for structure and a soft custardy bite
- Large eggs: Provide richness and ensure the batter sets inside without drying the bread
- Whole milk: Delivers creaminess to the custard
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps caramelize the outsides
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and that classic French toast aroma
- Ground cinnamon: Brings cozy spice perfect with buttery toast
- Salt: Just a pinch helps balance flavors and brings out sweetness
- Melted butter: For brushing on that golden finish or to help cinnamon sugar stick
- Cinnamon sugar: Optional but gives an irresistible crunch and sparkle
- Maple syrup: For dipping making every stick pure breakfast joy
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread:
- Cut each slice into four even sticks. Thick day-old slices keep structure and soak up custard without becoming soggy
- Make the Custard:
- Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a shallow bowl until smooth and no streaks of egg remain
- Dip the Bread:
- Roll or dip each stick in custard so all sides are coated but avoid soaking. This keeps the centers soft but not mushy
- Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer:
- Set the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for three minutes. Lightly grease the basket or use a spray to prevent sticking
- Arrange and Air Fry:
- Place the coated sticks in a single layer giving space between each. Air fry for seven to eight minutes and flip halfway for even browning. They should finish golden and just crisp to the touch
- Finish and Serve:
- Brush warm sticks with melted butter and toss in cinnamon sugar if you like. Serve immediately while still warm with a side of maple syrup
Save For me the real star here is the cinnamon sugar finish. I always remember how my daughter’s face lit up the first time we tossed the fresh warm sticks straight from the air fryer so every batch brings a bit of that joy all over again.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate leftover sticks in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat them in the air fryer for two to three minutes to bring back the crispy outsides. You can also freeze cooked French toast sticks in a single layer then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to two months and reheat directly from frozen
Ingredient Substitutions
For the bread you can use challah sourdough or hearty sandwich bread in place of brioche. Almond or oat milk works for dairy-free and your favorite plant-based butter substitutes easily. Even a sprinkle of nutmeg adds a nice twist to the custard
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside fresh berries Greek yogurt or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for brunch. These are also fantastic in a brunch board with fruit scrambled eggs and crispy breakfast potatoes. Set out a few fun dipping sauces like chocolate syrup or caramel for a bigger treat
Cultural and Historical Context
French toast has roots in medieval Europe where it was a delicious way to use up stale bread. Now French toast is a beloved comfort food all across America often appearing as a sweet breakfast highlight at diners parties or holiday tables
Seasonal Adaptations
Add pumpkin spice in autumn to the custard mix Use eggnog in place of milk during winter holidays Top with sliced peaches or berries in summer These tips help keep breakfast fresh and exciting any time of year and let you make the most of whatever’s in season
Success Stories
Several friends who tried this recipe for their kid’s birthday parties told me it was the only dish everyone went back for seconds on. One neighbor now makes a gluten-free batch every Sunday so no one feels left out at brunch
Freezer Meal Conversion
If you want to prep ahead make a double batch let the sticks cool then freeze in an even layer for an hour on a baking sheet. Transfer them to a zip top bag and keep ready for those mornings you need something special in a hurry. Straight from frozen into the air fryer and you have breakfast in five minutes flat
Save Making French toast sticks in the air fryer does not just save time it makes every batch feel special with barely any mess. The cinnamon sugar crust and that warm maple dip are my go-to choices when family visits and every single time there are never any leftovers.