Who doesn’t love French toast? It’s crispy, sweet, and satisfying—a perfect breakfast for busy mornings or lazy weekends. But making it the traditional way on the stovetop can sometimes be messy and time-consuming. Enter air fryer French toast sticks—a faster, healthier, and deliciously crispy alternative to the classic method.
Using an air fryer allows you to cook French toast sticks with less oil while still achieving that golden-brown, crunchy exterior and soft, fluffy center. Not only is it quick and easy, but it’s also kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and great for meal prep. Plus, by choosing whole grain bread, you can boost the fiber and nutrients in your breakfast. As highlighted by Harvard Health, whole grains offer better digestion and long-lasting energy.
Interestingly, French toast has been enjoyed for centuries! According to Smithsonian Magazine, variations of this dish date back to ancient Rome, where cooks used leftover bread soaked in milk and eggs before frying it to perfection. Today, air frying has revolutionized how we make this breakfast classic, giving us a healthier yet equally satisfying version.
Why Make French Toast Sticks in an Air Fryer?
If you love French toast sticks but want a faster, crispier, and healthier way to make them, then using an air fryer is the perfect solution. Traditional stovetop or oven-baked methods require more oil, longer cooking times, and constant flipping to ensure even cooking. However, with an air fryer, you can make golden-brown, crispy air fryer French toast sticks in just 10 minutes with minimal effort!
Benefits of Making Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
Compared to traditional cooking methods, air frying French toast sticks offers several amazing advantages:
- ✅ Faster Cooking Time – No need to stand over a hot stove! Air fryer French toast sticks cook in under 10 minutes, making them ideal for busy mornings.
- ✅ Crispy Texture – Achieve that perfect golden brown, slightly crunchy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
- ✅ Healthier Option – Unlike deep frying, air frying French toast sticks requires less butter or oil, reducing unnecessary fats and calories.
- ✅ Easy Cleanup – No greasy pans, no stovetop splatters—just a quick wipe-down of your air fryer basket after cooking.
- ✅ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a big batch of air fryer French toast sticks, freeze them, and simply reheat in the air fryer when needed.
Even Cooking Without Flipping
One of the biggest frustrations with stovetop French toast sticks is uneven cooking. You constantly have to flip each piece to ensure both sides cook evenly—often leading to broken or soggy French toast. The air fryer eliminates this problem! Thanks to the circulating hot air, your French toast sticks cook evenly on all sides without needing to be flipped. This means:
- No overcooked edges or undercooked centers.
- No breakage when flipping delicate slices.
- A consistent crispiness every time.
Why Air Fryer French Toast Sticks are a Must-Try
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and nutritious breakfast option, then air fryer French toast sticks should definitely be on your list. Whether you’re making them for yourself, your kids, or for meal prep, this easy air fryer breakfast will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Try them today and experience how effortless and crispy homemade French toast sticks can be! 🍞✨
Ingredients for the Best Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
To make perfectly crispy French toast sticks, you’ll need:
Essential Ingredients:
- Bread – Brioche, Texas toast, sourdough, or whole wheat.
- Eggs – Helps bind the custard for a rich texture.
- Milk – Whole, skim, almond, or oat milk all work well.
- Vanilla extract – Adds depth and sweetness.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg – For warmth and classic French toast flavor.
- Butter or oil – A little for cooking or greasing.
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Dairy-Free Option – Use almond, soy, or coconut milk instead of dairy.
- Egg-Free Alternative – Try flaxseed meal mixed with water or mashed banana.
- Healthier Choice – Use whole wheat bread and reduce added sugar.
If you want to make vegan air fryer French toast sticks, replace the eggs with 1 tbsp of cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp of water to maintain the binding effect.
How to Make Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
Follow these simple steps to make crispy, golden-brown French toast sticks in your air fryer:
1. Prepare the Bread
- Choose thick-cut bread (brioche or Texas toast work best).
- Cut each slice into three equal sticks for easy dipping.
2. Make the Custard Mixture
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together:
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk (or milk alternative)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
3. Dip the Bread
- Quickly dip each bread stick into the mixture, ensuring it’s coated but not soaked too long to avoid sogginess.
4. Air Fry the French Toast Sticks
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
- Arrange the sticks in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 5 minutes, flip, and cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup.
- Add fresh berries, whipped cream, or chopped nuts for extra flavor.
The Best Bread for French Toast Sticks
Choosing the right bread is key to getting crispy yet fluffy French toast sticks.
Top Bread Choices:
- Brioche – Buttery and slightly sweet, soaks up custard beautifully.
- Challah – Egg-rich and holds up well in the air fryer.
- Sourdough – A tangy, firmer option that won’t get soggy.
- Whole Wheat – A healthier alternative with more fiber.
For best results, use day-old bread or lightly toast fresh bread before dipping.
Delicious Variations of Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
Want to switch things up? Try these exciting variations:
Sweet Variations:
- Pumpkin Spice French Toast Sticks – Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice.
- Chocolate-Dipped French Toast Sticks – Serve with melted dark chocolate.
- Caramelized Banana French Toast Sticks – Top with butter-sautéed bananas.
Savory Variations:
- Cheesy French Toast Sticks – Sprinkle with parmesan or cheddar before air frying.
- Bacon-Wrapped French Toast Sticks – Wrap cooked bacon around the sticks before dipping.
- Spicy French Toast Sticks – Add cayenne and paprika for a savory kick.
How to Store & Reheat French Toast Sticks
Storage:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months—stack with parchment paper in between.
Reheating:
- Air Fryer: 3–4 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
- Toaster: Works for small batches but may dry them out.
Can You Cook Frozen French Toast Sticks in the Air Fryer?
Yes! Here’s how:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place frozen French toast sticks in the air fryer without overlapping.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
This method works whether you’re cooking store-bought frozen French toast sticks or homemade ones.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
Making French toast sticks in an air fryer is the ultimate breakfast hack—fast, crispy, and healthier than the traditional stovetop method. Whether you love classic flavors or want to try something new, this recipe is versatile, easy, and perfect for meal prep.
So why not give it a try? Grab your favorite bread, mix up a quick custard, and enjoy delicious air fryer French toast sticks—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and absolutely irresistible! 🍞✨