This Air Fryer French Toast is about to become your secret weapon for quick, cozy breakfasts! Imagine the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar wafting through your kitchen, with every bite crispy outside, fluffy inside, and done in just minutes—no stovetop hassle required.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the Outside, Fluffy on the Inside: The air fryer gives French toast that coveted golden crust while keeping the inside irresistibly tender.
- Ready in 12 Minutes: Breakfast is on the table in a flash—no standing over a hot pan, and clean-up couldn’t be easier.
- Kid-Friendly, Grown-Up Approved: These French toast sticks are perfect for dipping and dunking—everyone loves them!
- Great for Freezing: Make a batch now, and enjoy homemade Air Fryer French Toast any busy morning you please.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of classic pantry ingredients to create seriously crave-worthy Air Fryer French Toast. Each one plays a starring role in flavor, texture, or even that signature golden color—don’t underestimate a good pinch of cinnamon or the richness from real butter!
- Texas toast: Thick and pillowy, this bread holds up perfectly in the air fryer and soaks up the custard without falling apart.
- Large eggs: The foundation of the custard, giving each stick that perfect creamy bite.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps create that classic French toast texture.
- Melted butter: For richness and lovely color—using melted butter in the custard is a delicious upgrade!
- Brown sugar: A touch of sweetness and a hint of caramel, making every bite just right.
- Ground cinnamon: This cozy spice takes French toast from good to absolutely irresistible.
- Pinch of salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and make all the flavors pop.
Variations
One of the best things about Air Fryer French Toast is how easy it is to play around with add-ins, bread choices, or even to make it fit different dietary needs. Let your creativity lead the way or simply use what you have on hand!
- Try different bread: Swap Texas toast for brioche, challah, sourdough, or even sandwich bread—each brings a unique taste and texture.
- Dairy-free version: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk, and substitute melted coconut oil or vegan butter for dairy.
- Add extracts: A splash of vanilla or almond extract in the custard makes each bite even more aromatic and special.
- Go savory: Skip the cinnamon and sugar, and add a sprinkle of black pepper, fresh herbs, or grated cheese to make cheesy French toast sticks!
How to Make Air Fryer French Toast
Step 1: Slice the Bread
Start by slicing each generous piece of Texas toast into three even sticks. The thick cut helps the sticks hold their shape and creates more surface area for that delicious crispy coating, making them ideal for dipping later!
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is fully combined so every bite of French toast has that rich, sweet, slightly spiced flavor.
Step 3: Dip the Bread Sticks
Working quickly, dip each bread stick into the custard mixture—just enough to coat on all sides, without letting them get soggy. A swift dip ensures the sticks stay firm and never fall apart in the air fryer.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Arrange the coated sticks in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. Spritz the basket with oil first to prevent sticking! Cook them at 380°F for about 7 minutes, or until they’re gorgeously golden and lightly crisped on the outside.
Step 5: Serve Hot with Your Favorite Toppings
As soon as the air fryer dings, pile those French toast sticks on a plate, dust with powdered sugar, and drizzle with maple syrup. They’re best enjoyed piping hot, right out of the basket—family and friends will love every bite!
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer French Toast
- Bread Thickness Matters: Thick Texas toast slices really are the magic for sticks that stay fluffy inside and crisp outside—avoid thin bread, which can get soggy or dry out.
- Don’t Over-Soak: A quick dip is all you need! Too much soaking makes the bread soggy and difficult to transfer.
- Keep It Spaced: Leave plenty of space between sticks in the basket for maximum air flow and even crisping every time.
- Batch and Freeze: Double the recipe and freeze extra French toast sticks—you’ll thank yourself on busy mornings!
How to Serve Air Fryer French Toast
Garnishes
The fun really begins with toppings! A classic dusting of powdered sugar and warm maple syrup are a must, but you can also add fresh berries, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for extra crunch and color.
Side Dishes
Round out your breakfast table with savory sides like crispy bacon, sausage links, or scrambled eggs. For a cozy brunch, serve your Air Fryer French Toast alongside fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt parfaits.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these sticks into a French toast “flight” with a trio of dips—maple syrup, chocolate sauce, and berry compote. For kids (or just fun-loving adults), arrange the sticks in a fun pattern on the plate and let everyone decorate their own with sprinkles or mini chocolate chips!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (trust me, it’s rare), let Air Fryer French Toast sticks cool completely before popping them into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and they’ll be ready for quick snacks or breakfast on the go.
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly—just arrange the cooled sticks on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag, pressing out any air. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months, ready to be crisped up straight from the freezer!
Reheating
The air fryer is your best friend for reheating! Pop French toast sticks (straight from the fridge or freezer) into the basket at 350°F for 2–3 minutes, and they’ll taste fresh and crispy, just like the day you made them.
FAQs
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Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of Texas toast?
Absolutely! While Texas toast gives the thickest, most decadent results, you can use regular bread—just be careful with the soaking time, since thinner slices absorb custard more quickly and can easily become soggy. If possible, let your bread get a little stale for the best texture.
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How do I keep Air Fryer French Toast from sticking to the basket?
Spritzing your air fryer basket with a neutral oil spray prevents sticking and keeps the bread’s surface crisp. Avoid aerosol nonstick sprays with additives—an oil mister with canola or avocado oil works best!
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Can I make Air Fryer French Toast ahead of time for a crowd?
Definitely! Prepare the French toast sticks in advance, freeze, and cook directly from frozen when company arrives. Reheat in batches so everyone gets fresh, crispy sticks at the same time—no one will guess you made them ahead!
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What’s the best way to reheat French toast sticks if I don’t have an air fryer?
If you don’t have access to your air fryer, a hot oven (or toaster oven) works nicely! Arrange sticks on a baking sheet and heat at 375°F for 5–8 minutes until warmed through and re-crisped.
Final Thoughts
If breakfast is your favorite meal, you’ll adore how effortlessly Air Fryer French Toast brings the magic right to your table. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, gather your loved ones, and watch these golden, cinnamon-kissed sticks disappear—trust me, this recipe is about to earn a permanent place in your morning routine!
Print
Air Fryer French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 18 sticks
- Category: Air Frying
- Method: Air Frying
Description
Enjoy delicious and crispy Air Fryer French Toast sticks that are perfect for a quick and easy breakfast or snack. These French toast sticks are made with simple ingredients and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, resulting in a delightful combination of fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Ingredients
Texas Toast:
- 6 slices Texas toast
Egg Mixture:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Slice Bread: Slice each piece of bread into 3 slices.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine eggs, milk, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
- Prep Air Fryer: Spritz the air fryer basket with oil spray.
- Dip Bread: Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture and place in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring space between each piece. Work in batches if needed.
- Cook: Air fry at 380°F for 7 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with powdered sugar and maple syrup.
Notes
- This recipe yields 18 French toast sticks, but can be easily halved or doubled.
- Leftover French toast sticks freeze well. Freeze on a sheet pan for an hour, then transfer to a zip-top bag, removing air and sealing. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 French Toast Sticks
- Calories: 481 kcal
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 622mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 280mg
