Air Fryer French Toast Sticks Recipe

 

Prep: 12 mins

Cook: 24 mins

Total: 36 mins

Servings: 3 to 4 servings

Yield: 18 pieces

Air fryer French toast sticks make for a perfect breakfast treat with minimal hassle. These sticks are crispy on the outside, thanks to a cinnamon sugar coating, and soft on the inside.

Ingredients

• 6 slices of bread (about 1-inch thick, sliced into thirds)
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup half-and-half (or milk)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Steps to Make It

1. Gather the Ingredients:

   • Prepare all your ingredients.

2. Prepare the Air Fryer:

   • Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking oil spray or line it with air fryer parchment paper. Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (190°C).

3. Make the Egg Mixture:

   • In a medium bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Add the half-and-half or milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well blended.

4. Make the Cinnamon Sugar:

   • In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Mix thoroughly with a spoon or whisk, and set aside.

5. Coat the Bread:

   • Dip the bread pieces into the egg mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Then sprinkle them with the cinnamon sugar mixture.

6. Air Fry the French Toast Sticks:

   • Arrange about 6 to 8 pieces in the prepared air fryer basket, ensuring there is space for air to flow between them. Avoid crowding.
   • Air fry the French toast sticks for 8 minutes at 370°F, turning them halfway through.

7. Serve:

   • Serve the French toast sticks warm with maple syrup.

How To Store, Freeze, and Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover French toast sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Arrange leftover French toast sticks on a baking pan and freeze them until firm. Transfer to zip-close freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: To reheat, preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Cook the French toast sticks for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until hot.

Make It Ahead

• For batches intended for freezing, cook them until just lightly browned, about 6 minutes total. Freeze the cooled French toast sticks in a single layer on a baking pan, then transfer them to zip-close freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Tips

• Serving Batches: Preheat the oven to 200°F. As each batch of French toast sticks is done, place them on a rack in the oven to keep warm until all are cooked.
• Parchment Paper: Air fryer parchment paper is helpful for sticky foods like sugared French toast or wings. It allows air flow and is safe up to 400°F to 425°F.
• Add-ons: Serve with sliced fresh fruit or berries, or add bacon, sausage, or ham for a savory complement.
• Bread Choice: Use thick pre-sliced bread, homemade bread, or buy unsliced bread and cut it into 1-inch slices.

Recipe Variations

• Maple Flavor: Replace about half of the cream or milk with maple syrup for extra maple flavor.
• Flavor Enhancements: Add 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg to the egg mixture, or use almond extract or a fruit-flavored extract.
• Decadent Version: Use heavy cream instead of milk.
• Eggnog French Toast: Replace the milk or cream with prepared eggnog and a pinch of nutmeg.
• Powdered Sugar: Instead of syrup, sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 317
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 10g

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and easy-to-make air fryer French toast sticks!