Bread / Breakfast / Christmas / Holidays / Special Diets / Valentines Day / Vegetarian

Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

Written by Katerina

Published May 31, 2023

Air Fryer French Toast Sticks are a family-pleasing breakfast full of golden, crunchy goodness. Slathered in syrup or dunked in whipped cream, these are sure to be a hit!

A tray of French toast sticks with maple syrup and strawberries. One stick is dunked in the syrup.

French Toast with a Fun Twist!

I don’t know about you, but we are a family of hard-core French toast fans – it might be our favorite breakfast. Pancakes, eggs, and even bacon are less beloved than golden-brown slices of homemade French toast, and that’s saying a lot!

This air-fryer recipe is a new twist on our old favorite, and it is so good! AND fun to eat. Little children especially love air fryer French toast sticks. They’re easy to hold and eat, and no one has to hover over the kiddo’s plate, cutting it up for them. They are served with syrup, fruit, whipped cream, or, just as they are, coated in cinnamon sugar.

A shot of cinnamon-sugar-coated French toast sticks arranged on a white plate.

What Are French Toast Sticks Made Of?

This will be a familiar list if you have ever made French toast. I like to make French toast sticks from scratch because they are easy and wholesome, too.

For the French Toast

Eggs: Large, whole eggs. Room temperature is best, but cold eggs from the refrigerator will also work.
Cream: Heavy cream makes the custard mixture extra rich.
Sugar: I love using caster sugar because it dissolves easily, but if you don’t, regular granulated sugar is fine. Just be sure to stir it well.
Salt
Orange Zest: This takes the flavor to the next level! However, you can also leave it out if you prefer.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is a must for air fryer French toast sticks. Pro tip: check the expiration date on your spices – old spices and herbs tend to be bland or even bitter.
Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for a stronger vanilla taste.
Brioche Bread: Or another good, soft bread like challah, white sandwich bread, etc. Take the slices of bread and cut them into thirds to make sticks.
Sugar & Cinnamon: For the cinnamon-sugar coating that has a little crunch.

Cinnamon, sugar, orange zest, salt, brioche bread, eggs, heavy cream.

What Is So Special About Brioche Bread?

Brioche is different from regular sandwich bread, and it’s not quite the same as sourdough or other artisan bakes. The key is in the enriched dough and soft, fluffy texture. Brioche is made with flour, water, salt, and yeast and includes eggs, butter, cream or milk, and even brandy! These are ingredients you usually find in cake rather than bread, but that’s the key to brioche’s delicate softness, rich flavor, and golden color. As you can imagine, brioche and other enriched breads make wonderful French toast sticks.

Close-up shot of cinnamon-sugar coated French toast.

Let’s Make Air Fryer French Toast Sticks!

Now for the cooking method. No worries – it’s a cinch, honestly. This is a yummy breakfast that’s festive and easy to make, especially with the help of your air fryer.

Make the Custard Mixture. In a large bowl, beat together the custard ingredients: eggs, heavy cream, caster sugar, salt, orange zest, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Dip the Sticks of Bread. Dip each piece of bread into the egg mixture, turning it a few times until coated on all sides evenly.

A bowl of eggs, milk, and other custard ingredients next to a tray of sliced bread, and a cutting board of additional bread cut into sticks.

An overhead shot of an air fryer, a bowl of custard, and sticks of bread. One piece of bread is in the custard. A custard-soaked piece is in the air fryer, as well.

Arrange the Bread in the Air Fryer. Place the bread sticks in the air fryer basket as you go, arranging them in a single layer with the sides not touching (this helps them cook evenly). You will want to work in batches, so you don’t overcrowd the basket.
Cook. Set your air fryer to 375°F(190°C), and cook the sticks until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. This should take about 8-10 minutes, and you will need to shake the basket to toss the sticks halfway through the cooking time.
Make the Cinnamon Sugar. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon to make the cinnamon sugar. Set this aside.

Custard-soaked bread sticks lined up neatly in an air fryer. Additional bread and custard are nearby.

Coat the French Toast Sticks. As soon as the French toast sticks are done, take them out of the air fryer and roll them in the cinnamon sugar. Don’t wait, or the cinnamon sugar won’t stick! Make sure to coat all the sides evenly.
Enjoy! Serve the French toast sticks hot, with maple syrup and fresh strawberries, if desired.

Rolling French toast sticks in cinnamon sugar.

Tips for Success

Homemade air fryer French toast sticks really are that easy – and if you’re interested in giving them a try, these tips will make the process even smoother. Read on, and bon appetit!

Cream: While heavy cream will add the richest custard texture and flavor, you could use half-and-half or even milk here and still have a wonderful dish!
Bread Thickness: A good thick slice of bread is best for cutting into sticks. Thinner slices may overcook or even fall apart.
Dipping The Sticks: Unlike overnight French toast, which is soaked for hours, these sticks should be quickly (but thoroughly) dipped. You don’t want a lot of excess egg mixture dripping off of them in the air fryer.
Parchment Paper: Use parchment paper for Air Fryers to protect the basket from leakages.

Air fryer French toast sticks on an enamel tray with a cup of maple syrup and fresh strawberries.

What to Serve with French Toast

Need some more recipes for your brunch or breakfast? No problem – I’ve got plenty! To go with French toast sticks, I recommend contrasting flavors and textures, like savory eggs, bacon, or additional fruit. Here are just a couple of ideas to get you started:

Egg Cups: To keep the finger-food, single-serving theme going, try making these easy Sausage and Egg Breakfast Cups. They’re a hearty, flavorful egg dish that keep you going with lots of good-for-you protein.
Bacon: For a super-simple side dish that will have everyone’s mouth-watering, you can’t go wrong with sizzling bacon. This easy tutorial for Crispy Oven Baked Bacon delivers perfect bacon without all the hassle!
Blueberry Sauce: For an extra-special serving of French toast, skip the maple syrup and serve with this beautiful homemade Blueberry Sauce instead.

Lifting a piece of toast from a cup of syrup, with the syrup dripping back into the cup.

How to Store and Reheat

Quickly refrigerate any leftover French toast sticks within two hours in airtight containers or zip-top bags. Keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days.
For reheating, use a toaster oven or bake at 350°F until warm; avoid using a regular toaster.
To freeze French Toast Sticks, spread them in a single layer on a plate or on a sheet pan, freeze them until solid, then store them in freezer bags for up to two months. Reheat straight from the freezer. Consider making extras to freeze for later.

A strawberry-garnished plate of homemade French toast.

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5 from 3 votes