Air Fryer French Toast Sticks Recipe

Bread: Preferably thick-cut, this will give your French toast sticks a hearty texture.

Eggs: Acts as a binding agent and adds richness to the coating.

Milk: Helps to create a smooth and creamy mixture for dipping the bread.

Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet and aromatic flavor to the French toast.

Cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy note that complements the sweetness.

Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the coating.

Cooking spray: Ensures the French toast sticks don't stick to the air fryer basket and helps them crisp up nicely.

When preparing French toast sticks in an air fryer, ensure that the bread is slightly stale or toasted beforehand. This helps the egg mixture adhere better and prevents the bread from becoming too soggy. Additionally, for an extra crispy texture, lightly coat the bread sticks with a thin layer of cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer basket.

• thick-cut bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and buttery, making it an excellent alternative for a more decadent French toast.

• thick-cut bread - Substitute with challah: Challah's slightly sweet and airy texture works well for soaking up the egg mixture.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. This is a good vegan alternative.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that still provides a creamy texture.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is another dairy-free alternative that has a neutral flavor and creamy consistency.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a different but complementary sweetness and flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a nutty flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm, spicy flavor that can enhance the overall taste.

• cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: This blend includes cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding a complex flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add sweetness and a unique flavor that complements the dish.

• cooking spray - Substitute with butter: Butter can be melted and brushed on for a richer flavor.

• cooking spray - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a good alternative that adds a subtle coconut flavor and is also non-stick.

• Allow the French toast sticks to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Place the cooled French toast sticks in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• For short-term storage, keep the container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For long-term storage, arrange the French toast sticks on a baking sheet in a single layer and place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until they are frozen solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the French toast sticks to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
• When ready to reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen French toast sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Cook for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
• Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

• Arrange the French toast sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

• Heat for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are warmed through and regain their crispy texture.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Place the French toast sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.

• Place the French toast sticks on a microwave-safe plate.

• Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.

• Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, checking halfway through to ensure they are heated evenly.

• Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

• Add a small amount of butter or cooking spray to the skillet.

• Place the French toast sticks in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are warmed through and crispy.

• Air fryer: Used to cook the French toast sticks to a golden brown and crispy texture without deep frying.

• Mixing bowl: Used to whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar.

• Whisk: Essential for thoroughly mixing the egg mixture to ensure even coating on the bread sticks.

• Knife: Used to cut each slice of bread into 3-4 sticks.

• Cooking spray: Applied to the air fryer basket to prevent the French toast sticks from sticking.

• Tongs: Useful for flipping the bread sticks halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the milk and sugar accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract and cinnamon precisely.

Prepare the egg mixture ahead: Mix the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar the night before and store in the fridge.

Use pre-sliced bread: Save time by using pre-sliced thick-cut bread to avoid cutting.

Batch cooking: Cook multiple batches of French toast sticks and freeze them. Reheat in the air fryer for quick breakfasts.

Non-stick spray: Use cooking spray generously to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Organize your workspace: Set up a dipping station and air fryer close together to streamline the process.