I used to think French toast sticks were a diner-only kind of treat. Turns out my air fryer had other plans.
These come out golden and crispy on the outside, soft and custardy in the middle, and they take way less effort than standing over a skillet flipping slices one by one.
My kids ask for these on repeat now. Dip them in syrup, powdered sugar, or even a little Nutella and watch them disappear.
Here’s exactly how I make them.
What You’ll Need
- 6 slices thick bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Cooking spray or melted butter
That’s it. Simple pantry stuff, nothing fancy required.
Tools You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Shallow bowl or dish for dipping
- Whisk
- Cutting board and knife
- Tongs
Pro Tips
Here’s what I’ve learned after making these more times than I can count.
Use slightly stale bread. Fresh bread soaks up too much egg mixture and turns mushy. A day or two old works so much better.
Don’t oversoak the sticks. A quick dip on each side is all you need. Too long and they fall apart in the air fryer basket.
Don’t overcrowd the basket. Give each stick a little breathing room so the air can actually circulate. Cook in batches if you need to.
Flip halfway through. This is what gets you that even golden color on all sides.
Preheat your air fryer. Just a couple minutes makes a real difference in getting that crispy exterior.
How to Make Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
- Cut each slice of bread into 3-4 sticks.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for about 3 minutes.
- Dip each bread stick into the egg mixture, coating all sides. Don’t let them sit in the mixture too long.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the sticks in a single layer, leaving space between each one.
- Air fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
- Repeat with remaining batches as needed.
- Serve warm with syrup, powdered sugar, or your favorite toppings.
Substitutions and Variations
- Bread: No brioche or challah? Regular sandwich bread works too, just watch it closely since it cooks faster.
- Dairy-free: Swap the milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk.
- Extra flavor: Add a splash of orange zest or a tablespoon of maple syrup right into the egg mixture.
- Sweetener: A little brown sugar mixed into the egg batter adds a subtle caramel note.
Make Ahead Tips
You can whisk up the egg mixture the night before and store it covered in the fridge. Cut your bread sticks ahead of time too, just keep them in an airtight container until you’re ready to cook.
For meal prep, you can also fully cook a batch, let it cool, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag.
Nutrition (Per Serving, Makes 4 Servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbs | 28g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Values are estimates and will vary based on bread and toppings used.
Leftovers and Storage
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze fully cooled sticks in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to get them crispy again. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose that crunch.
FAQ
Can I use frozen bread? Yes, just let it thaw slightly first so it’s easier to cut and dip.
Why are my French toast sticks soggy? This usually means the bread soaked too long in the egg mixture, or the basket was too crowded and blocked airflow.
Can I make these without eggs? You can try a flax egg substitute, though the texture will be a little different.
What air fryer temperature works best? 350°F is the sweet spot. Hot enough to crisp the outside without burning before the inside cooks through.
Wrapping Up
These air fryer French toast sticks turn a slow weekend breakfast into something you can pull off any day of the week. Give them a try and let me know in the comments how yours turned out, or if you added your own twist to the recipe.
