Crispy Air Fryer French Toast Sticks Recipe

You’ve got to try this Crispy Air Fryer French Toast Sticks Recipe if you’re craving comfort food with a little fun twist. These sticks are perfectly golden and crispy on the outside, yet soft and custardy inside—kind of like that sweet spot between a crunchy bite and a fluffy center that feels like a warm hug. Plus, making French toast sticks in the air fryer is a total game changer; it’s way faster and less greasy than frying in a pan.

I’ve found this recipe is fantastic for busy mornings, especially when you want something homemade but don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen. The air fryer does most of the work while you get your coffee ready or pack the kids’ lunches. Trust me—once you try this Crispy Air Fryer French Toast Sticks Recipe, you’ll want these as your go-to breakfast or even a cozy snack anytime you need that touch of nostalgia.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Crispy Air Fryer French Toast Sticks Recipe uses classic ingredients you probably already have. Together, they create that iconic flavor and texture you know and love from traditional French toast—but with a crispy twist thanks to the air fryer. Pro tip: choosing bread that’s a day or two old helps the custard soak in just right without getting soggy.

• Bread: Day-old white or Texas toast bread works best because it holds up without falling apart while soaking in the custard.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the custard, helping create that tender inside.
• Milk: Adds moisture and lightness to the custard mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings that warm, comforting aroma and enhances the sweet flavors.
• Cinnamon: Adds a touch of spice that makes each bite feel cozy and inviting.
• Sugar: Sweetens the custard just right for that subtle caramelized flavor when cooked.
• Butter or Cooking Spray: Helps with browning and crisping in the air fryer without making the sticks greasy.

Make It Your Way

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Crispy Air Fryer French Toast Sticks Recipe is how easy it is to personalize—whether you like yours sweeter or a bit spicier, or perhaps want to add a fun twist. Feel free to adjust the cinnamon or try other spices like nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for fall vibes. You can even dip the sticks in different sauces or eat them plain if you’re in a hurry.

• Variation: I like to swap regular milk for almond or oat milk when I want a dairy-free option, and it works beautifully without changing the texture.
• Sweet Twist: Adding a pinch of cardamom or ground ginger elevates the flavor and feels a little different but still comforting.
• Extra Crunch: For an indulgent update, I sprinkle a little powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar on immediately after air frying for an extra crispy coating.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Air Fryer French Toast Sticks Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Bread Into Sticks

I like to start by trimming the crusts off the bread, which helps the sticks cook evenly and makes for a more uniform shape that’s easy to dip. Cut each slice into about 3 to 4 strips, depending on how thick you want your sticks. Using slightly stale bread helps it hold up well without getting mushy during soaking.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and fragrant. This mixture is where the magic happens, so make sure the sugar is fully dissolved so you don’t get any grainy bites. I like to give it a quick taste to make sure the sweetness and spice are just right before soaking.

Step 3: Soak the Bread Sticks

Dip each bread stick into the custard for about 15-20 seconds per side. Don’t rush this part—I find soaking long enough but not too long is key for that custardy center without the bread falling apart. If you want, you can let them rest for a minute or two after soaking to soak up even more flavor.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket or brush the sticks with melted butter before arranging them in a single layer—don’t overcrowd! Air fry for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp. The air fryer makes these so crunchy without needing excess oil, which honestly surprised me the first time I made them.

Step 5: Serve Warm With Your Favorite Dips

Transfer the hot French toast sticks to a plate and serve immediately. I love pairing them with warm maple syrup, but you can also try honey, fruit compote, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a quick finish. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but I’ll share how to handle leftovers below.

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer French Toast Sticks Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve these Crispy Air Fryer French Toast Sticks, I usually keep it simple with classic maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar. But sometimes, I add a handful of fresh berries or a spoonful of whipped cream for a little extra flair and freshness. Lemon zest on top adds a surprisingly nice brightness, especially when you want to cut through the sweetness.

Side Dishes

I like pairing these French toast sticks with some crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast that balances the sweet fry-up perfectly. A side of fresh fruit or yogurt also works great if you want to keep it lighter. For a brunch party, a small green salad with vinaigrette paired with these sticks can be a nice surprising touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or when guests are coming over, I arrange the French toast sticks in a jar or tall glass with the dipping sauce on the side—kind of like edible breakfast “fries.” You could even thread them onto skewers for a fun-to-eat presentation or serve them with an assortment of dipping sauces like chocolate, berry compote, or whipped cream for a mini tasting experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which sometimes surprises me—these rarely stick around), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I always let them cool completely before sealing to avoid sogginess. When you want to eat them later, reheating in the air fryer is the secret to reviving that crisp.

Freezing

Freezing these French toast sticks works well if you want to prep ahead for busy mornings. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep best up to a month and make mornings easier—just pull out how many you want and reheat directly from frozen.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers and keep that crispy texture, pop the sticks back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy and chewy instead of crispy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Air Fryer French Toast Sticks Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for those mornings when I want something that feels special but doesn’t take all day to make. It’s like comfort food meets convenience, and I love serving it to family and friends who always ask for seconds. If you haven’t tried making French toast sticks in an air fryer yet, I highly recommend you give this a go—you’ll be surprised how quickly it becomes your new breakfast obsession.

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