There’s something irresistibly cozy about the smell of French toast wafting through the kitchen. I remember cozy Sunday mornings spent with my family, where the sun streamed through the kitchen window as I watched my mom whip up a batch of those sweet, golden slices. Fast forward to today, and I’ve found a way to not only capture that same nostalgic bliss but also to give it a modern twist: Air Fryer French Toast Sticks. Quick, easy, and utterly delicious—trust me, you’re going to want to try this one!
Why you’ll love this recipe
Why am I so excited about these Air Fryer French Toast Sticks? Picture this: crispy on the outside but soft and custardy on the inside, these delightful bites are perfect for dipping into warm syrup or a scoop of fruit. The air fryer gives them a golden crunch that traditional frying simply can’t match while keeping things lighter. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients, this dish is not only economical but also a great way to use up that loaf of bread lingering in your pantry.
This is the kind of recipe that makes breakfast feel special without being a major hassle. You could whip it up on a lazy weekend or even serve it for a quick weekday breakfast, especially when needs are high and mornings are rushed. And let’s be honest—who wouldn’t want to start their day with a warm, sugary treat?
Gather these ingredients
Let me break down the ingredients you’ll need. Don’t be fooled by their simplicity; they come together to create something truly special!
- 4 slices of bread: I love using brioche or Texas toast for its buttery richness, but you can go with whatever’s on hand—whole grain, sourdough, or even gluten-free!
- 2 eggs: These are the magic binders, making everything come together beautifully.
- 1/2 cup milk: Whether you prefer whole, almond, or oat milk, it adds that perfect creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla is like a warm hug for your taste buds.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Not only does this bring warmth and depth, but it also adds a lovely aromatic quality.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: This little bit of sweetness makes a big difference in flavor—feel free to use brown sugar for a richer taste!
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing: A little fat helps achieve that perfect crisp.
The cooking process explained
Ready to dive in? Here’s how to make these scrumptious French toast sticks come to life!
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for that perfectly cooked texture.
- Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar in a bowl until smooth. This is where the magic happens—make sure it’s well combined.
- Cut each slice of bread into 4 sticks. Aim for uniformity here to ensure they cook evenly.
- Dip each stick into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip back into the bowl. You want them well-coated but not soggy—let’s avoid a bread disaster!
- Arrange the sticks in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them; they need space to breathe.
- If needed, grease the basket with cooking spray or butter for easy removal later.
- Cook for about 8-10 minutes or until they’re golden brown, flipping them halfway through. This flipping is key for that even crisp!
- Serve warm with syrup or your favorite toppings. Berries, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, anyone?
Best way to enjoy it
Now, let’s talk about serving! The beauty of these French toast sticks is their versatility. You can nestle them beside some crispy bacon or sausages for a complete breakfast experience. Dipping them in maple syrup is a classic choice, but why not get a bit fancy? Try pairing them with a fresh fruit compote or even some Nutella for a decadent treat.
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can elevate them to new heights. And for those adventurous souls, consider a dollop of flavored yogurt or a scoop of ice cream for brunch that feels like dessert!
Keeping leftovers fresh
What if you have some sticks left over? Not a problem at all! Simply let them cool down completely, then pop them into an airtight container in the fridge. They’re good for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through—voila, breakfast is served again!
You can also freeze any leftover sticks. Just layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll keep well for up to a month. When you crave a quick snack, heat them in the air fryer straight from the freezer!
Pro chef tips
- Use stale bread: Day-old bread soaks up the egg mixture beautifully without falling apart.
- Customize the sweetness: Don’t hesitate to adjust the sugar based on your preference—taste the mixture and make it yours.
- Enhance the flavor: Want to up your game? Toasting the cinnamon in the egg mixture for a few seconds brings out its essential oils and adds a depth you didn’t know you needed.
- Play with spices: How about introducing nutmeg or cardamom for a delightful twist?
Creative Twists
This recipe can easily be your canvas—paint it however you like! For a chocolatey kick, add some cocoa powder to the egg mixture. Prefer fruit? Toss in some mashed bananas or stir in a handful of blueberries for a burst of flavor. Even consider using flavored breads—cinnamon-raisin or chocolate-chip— for something truly unique.
Ingredients list
- 4 slices of bread
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Directions to follow
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar in a bowl until smooth.
- Cut each slice of bread into 4 sticks.
- Dip each stick into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off.
- Arrange the sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket and grease if needed.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
- Serve warm with syrup or toppings of your choice.
Your questions answered
- How long do these take to prepare? About 30 minutes total, including prep and cooking time!
- Can I use any bread? Absolutely! Brioche, white bread, or even a solid gluten-free option will work.
- Is this recipe kid-friendly? Oh, definitely! Kids love dipping and munching on these fun sticks.
- What if I don’t have an air fryer? You can also bake them in a conventional oven; just line a baking sheet and adjust the cooking time.
- Can I make a larger batch? For sure! Just adjust the amounts proportionally and cook in batches if your air fryer isn’t large enough.
There’s so much joy in creating something delectable from scratch, and I can’t wait for you to dive into this Air Fryer French Toast Sticks recipe. It’s not just breakfast; it’s an experience! So gather your loved ones, get in that kitchen, and make some memories—feel free to share your twists and stories with me in the comments below. Happy cooking!
Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
Description
Enjoy these crispy Air Fryer French Toast Sticks that are golden on the outside and soft inside, perfect for dipping in syrup or fruit.Ingredients
For the French Toast Sticks
Instructions
-
Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).This ensures the sticks cook evenly. -
Whisk ingredients
Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar in a bowl until smooth.Make sure it is well combined. -
Cut the bread
Cut each slice of bread into 4 sticks.Aim for uniformity for even cooking. -
Dip the sticks
Dip each stick into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl.Ensure they are well-coated but not soggy. -
Arrange in fryer
Arrange the sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.Grease the basket if needed. -
Cook
Cook for about 8-10 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.Flip for even crispness. -
Serve
Serve warm with syrup or toppings of your choice.Consider berries, whipped cream, or powdered sugar.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 150kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 5g8%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Cholesterol 100mg34%
- Sodium 200mg9%
- Potassium 100mg3%
- Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 5g10%
- Vitamin A 200 IU
- Vitamin C 0 mg
- Calcium 150 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 0 IU
- Vitamin K 0 mcg
- Thiamin 0 mg
- Riboflavin 0.2 mg
- Niacin 0.5 mg
- Vitamin B6 0 mg
- Folate 5 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.5 mcg
- Phosphorus 100 mg
- Magnesium 10 mg
- Zinc 1 mg
- Selenium 5 mcg
- Copper 0.1 mg
- Manganese 0.2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
