Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
Posted: 02/28/2020
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Easy to make, air fryer French toast sticks are irresistible. Delightfully crispy on the outside with creamy custardy insides, your family will love this breakfast treat!
Recipe Overview
Why you’ll love it: They are easy to make and taste tons better than commercial products.
How long it takes: 10 minutes or less to prep, 8 minutes to air fry
Equipment you’ll need: large shallow bowl, air fryer
Servings: makes 18 sticks
Table of Contents
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Did French toast sticks first make their appearance at fast food restaurants? I think they may have. Crunchy, with soft insides, served with a little container of maple syrup for dipping, they are so good!
French toast sticks are available now in the freezer section of your grocery store but why buy expensive pre-made French toast? The ingredients are so simple and inexpensive: bread, milk, eggs, sugar. Add a little cinnamon and vanilla if you like (and I do!) and that’s all you need.
And need I say it? Homemade is so. much. better. No unpronounceable ingredients. No preservatives. Just simple healthy goodness. I make French toast often or should I say Ben does? It’s kind of his morning specialty.
My kids pretty much go crazy over these air fryer French toast sticks. And who wouldn’t?
Try French toast sticks dipped in real maple syrup or sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar. They’re also delicious dipped in homemade applesauce. Serve them with a bowl of fresh fruit for a healthy breakfast or snack.
About This Recipe
If you know how to make French toast, you can easily make French toast sticks.
And the beauty of making French toast sticks in your air fryer? You get French toast with a perfectly crispy exterior and because it’s not fried, there’s no added fat. Don’t you just love it?
I’ll get you started on the recipe here and give you a few extra tips and ways to make it your own.
As always, you’ll find the printable recipe card near the end of the post with complete instructions and nutrition information.
What You’ll Need
- Texas Toast Bread: Texas toast bread makes great French toast because it’s light and airy so it soaks up lots of the egg mixture. You can find bagged Texas toast bread in the bread/bun section of your grocery store. If you would rather use a different type of bread, choose one that isn’t overly dense or moist.
- Eggs and Milk: Typical French toast ingredients. Whole milk yields the best-tasting French toast.
- Sugar: Plain white sugar is added for just a hint of sweetness.
- Cinnamon, Vanilla Extract, Pinch of Salt: These three flavorings are what makes French toast sing. The salt keeps it from tasting flat.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: A light misting keeps the French toast from sticking to the rack.
- Maple Syrup, for serving
How To Make This Recipe
Let’s get started on this easy recipe! You’ll need your air fryer and a large shallow bowl.
Use a serrated knife to cut the bread slices into thirds to create “sticks”. Pile up a few slices of bread and cut a bunch at once if you have a good sharp knife. Super easy. You can cut the crusts off but you don’t have to. I usually don’t.
In a large shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, sugar, a pinch of salt, vanilla and cinnamon. Put the bread “sticks” into the egg mixture and turn them over a couple of times until they’re completely coated and soaked with the egg mixture.
Pop them into your air fryer in a single layer, sides not touching. Don’t forget to spray the rack first with non-stick cooking spray! You’ll probably have to do the French toast sticks in batches. Flip them once during the cooking time. They’ll be ready in 7-8 minutes total. So easy and delicious!
Making a lot? See the recipe card for instructions on how to keep them warm.
FAQs
What are French toast sticks made of?
You’ll find that French toast sticks are pretty much the same as regular French toast with the same ingredients: bread, eggs, milk, sugar.
Can you buy French toast sticks?
Yes, they are widely available in supermarkets and grocery stores. You’ll find them in the freezer section. I took a look at the list of ingredients in a popular brand. It’s shocking. Why would it take 28 ingredients to make something so simple? You’ll only need 7 to make your French toast sticks.
In addition, I guarantee it’s much more economical to make your own.
Why are my French toast sticks soggy?
French toast should be crisp on the outside and custardy on the inside. You’ll find that using an air fryer to cook the French toast sticks really helps get them crisp and with no added fat.
If you still are having a problem with sogginess, reduce the amount of milk you’re using. Too much milk and not enough eggs can contribute to soggy French toast.
Make It Your Own
- Use a different type of bread. Any kind of sandwich bread will work well to make the “sticks”. Dry bread is okay, in fact, better because it will soak up more egg. Keep in mind that using denser types of bread may affect the cooking time. Brioche is always a good choice, too!
- Want to make your French toast non-dairy? Use a non-dairy alternative, like coconut, oat, almond or soy.
- You can easily double or triple the recipe. I’m pretty sure you’ll want to make extra so you can have them in your freezer for a quick breakfast or snack.
- Don’t have an air fryer? You can make these French toast sticks on a griddle or frying pan. Prepare as directed, then place on a preheated, greased pan to fry. Flip once and cook until cooked through and golden brown.
Storage & Reheating Tips
French toast sticks left over? It doesn’t happen very often at my house but if you find yourself with a few extra, wrap them up after they’ve cooled completely and they’ll keep in the fridge for a few days.
Ideally, reheat them in your toaster, air fryer, oven or toaster oven. If you reheat them in the microwave, they’ll still be tasty but not very crispy.
Make-Ahead Idea
Do you like the convenience of frozen French toast sticks? So do I! Ready to reheat whenever you crave them, frozen air fryer French toast sticks are a perfect make ahead idea. Simply freeze the cooked French toast sticks in a single layer on a baking pan. Once they are frozen firm, you can slide them into a zip top freezer bag to store for up to 2 months in the freezer.
More breakfast recipes
Breakfast is my favorite meal! I even have another website devoted exclusively to breakfast! Here are more great breakfast ideas for you:
- Try overnight French toast casserole. Perfect for when you have overnight guests or a special brunch.
- I love this homemade whole wheat pancake mix. Just add eggs, milk, and oil for delicious pancakes anytime. Or try banana whole wheat pancakes.
- These chai French toast skewers can also be made ahead.
- More of an oatmeal person? Try Instant pot steel cut oats, overnight crockpot oatmeal or apple cinnamon baked oatmeal.
- Or try this easy granola recipe. Custom make your own granola for a fraction of the cost of commercially made.
- In the mood for a breakfast smoothie? Try this peach banana smoothie with cottage cheese for extra protein. A green smoothie is a good start to your day, too.
- I have so many more ideas. Check out my complete list of breakfast recipes.
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
servings
Easy to make, air fryer French toast sticks are irresistible: delightfully crispy on the outside with creamy custardy insides.
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- ⅔ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch kosher salt
- 6 slices Texas toast, each slice cut into thirds (other types of bread can be used, too)
- Maple syrup, cinnamon sugar, or confectioner’s sugar for serving
Instructions
- Beat eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt in a large shallow bowl. Add bread sticks, a few at a time, (you should have 18 total), turning to coat in egg mixture.
- Lightly coat the basket of air fryer with nonstick cooking spray. Place French toast sticks in basket, in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching each other. You’ll probably need to cook them in batches. Set air fryer to 375° and cook 6 minutes, flip, and cook for an additional 1-3 minutes, watching closely, or until golden brown.
- To keep warm, place French toast sticks on a wire baking rack placed on top of a sheet pan in a warm oven (175-200ºF). This will keep the cooked French toast warm and crispy while you finish cooking the rest.
- Serve warm, drizzled with maple syrup or sprinkled with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar.
Notes
- Nutrition information is based on 6 French toast sticks per serving and does not include toppings.
- Freeze the cooked French toast sticks in a single layer on a baking pan. Once they are frozen firm you can slide them into a zip top freezer bag to store for up to 2 months in the freezer.
- To make non-dairy French toast sticks, leave the milk out and dip the sticks in the beaten eggs. Or use a milk substitute like soy, almond, or coconut.
- Other types of bread can be used. Adjust cooking time for denser breads. Stale, dry bread is the best bread for French toast.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 412kcal, Carbohydrates: 45g, Protein: 13g, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 169mg, Sodium: 505mg, Potassium: 136mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin A: 326IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 89mg, Iron: 13mg
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
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Debs says
So good and crispy! I added a pinch of nutmeg and ginger and used La Boulangerie Croissant Toast. Didn’t have a 375F setting so used 370 and followed the cooking times. I wish we had leftovers but every stick was eaten. Love your air fryer recipes!
Rachel Gurk says
So glad you’re enjoying my air fryer recipes, thanks for leaving a comment! I love the addition of nutmeg and ginger, yum.
Marie says
These sticks are so fun and delicious, but I found them messy and cumbersome to work with (dipping & sprinkling). The also took my air fryer much longer as I had to flip them and they totally stuck to the basket.
I found dipping, setting on a plate, sprinkling, then setting them sprinkle side down in the basket sprayed with nonstick spray then sprinkle the 2nd side with cinnamon sugar helped. Still had to flip mine but thats probably just my air fryer. Very tasty though!
Rachel Gurk says
Great tip! Glad you liked them!
Margaret says
Texture just right. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Used leftover French bread cut approximately the thickness of Texas toast. Did sub in Silk’s Cashew Milk. Added just a dribble of honey to the mixture to aid in browning. Did spray with Pam, too. This is a keeper.
Rachel Gurk says
So glad you liked this recipe, Margaret! Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!
Dale says
Wow, was I happy to see this recipe! It’s easy and so good to have another option for breakfast. Thanks for sharing.
Rachel Gurk says
Thanks Dale! I’m so glad you like this recipe!
denise says
we’ve never had the french toast sticks of any kind, but they sound delicious.
Rachel Gurk says
They’re so tasty, and fun to eat!