Let me guess. You woke up craving something cozy, sweet, and a little indulgent—but you don’t want to babysit a frying pan or turn your kitchen into a greasy breakfast crime scene. Yeah, been there. That’s exactly how I stumbled into making air fryer French toast sticks, and honestly? I haven’t looked back.
These are crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, and dangerously snackable. I’ve tested them half-awake, fully caffeinated, and once at 10 PM because… life. They pass every time.
I’m walking you through everything I’ve learned from trial, error, and too much cinnamon, plus the little tricks the top-ranking recipes quietly use but don’t always explain. FYI—this version works. Like, clean-plate, kids-hovering, spouse-sneaking-seconds works. 🙂
Why I Swear by Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
I used to make French toast the old-school way. Pan. Butter. Splatter burns. Sticky stovetop. Ugh. Then I tried the air fryer once “just to see,” and wow. Why did nobody tell us sooner?
Here’s why I keep coming back to this method:
- No flipping drama—the air fryer handles it
- Perfect crisp edges without deep frying
- Less oil, less mess, more sanity
- Great for batch cooking (hello, freezer stash)
Ever notice how some French toast tastes soggy no matter what? Yeah… this fixes that.
The Bread Matters (More Than You Think)
I learned this the hard way. Use the wrong bread and you’ll end up with sad, floppy sticks. Nobody wants that.
Best Bread Options (IMO)
- Texas toast – my go-to, thick and sturdy
- Brioche – rich, slightly sweet, very bougie
- Challah – soft but holds shape well
💡 Pro tip: Slightly stale bread works better. Fresh bread soaks up too much custard and goes mushy. If your bread feels too soft, leave it out for 30–60 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Nothing Weird, Promise)
You probably have most of this already. I usually eyeball it now, but here’s the tested combo that never fails.
Core Ingredients
- Thick-sliced bread (see above)
- Eggs
- Whole milk or half-and-half
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla extract
- Sugar (white or brown—both work)
Optional but highly recommended:
- Nutmeg (tiny pinch = magic)
- Melted butter for brushing
- Powdered sugar for serving
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
1. Slice the Bread
Cut each slice into 3–4 even sticks. Not too thin, not too chunky. Think mozzarella-stick size.
2. Mix the Custard
Whisk eggs, milk, cinnamon, sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg until smooth. No lumps, no rushing.
3. Dip (Don’t Drown)
Quick dip each stick. Do not soak. I made that mistake once and still regret it.
4. Prep the Air Fryer
Spray the basket lightly with oil. Place sticks in a single layer. No stacking. Ever.
5. Air Fry
Cook at 370°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. I brush with melted butter after flipping for extra crisp.
6. Serve Immediately
They crisp best hot. Trust me.
How to Get That Golden, Crispy Outside (Without Overcooking)
This is where most recipes fall short. Here’s what actually works:
- Preheat the air fryer (yes, it matters)
- Leave space between sticks
- Flip once, not constantly
- Brush with butter mid-cook, not before
Ever wondered why some sticks look pale? Too much custard or overcrowding. Simple fix.
My Favorite Toppings (And One Weird One)
Classic toppings are great, but I like to mix things up.
Top Picks
- Maple syrup (obviously)
- Powdered sugar + cinnamon
- Honey butter
- Fresh berries
Weird but amazing:
- Cream cheese dip with honey
- Peanut butter drizzle
- Vanilla yogurt + maple syrup
Don’t knock it till you try it :/
Make-Ahead, Freezer, and Reheat Tips (Lifesavers)
I make these in bulk on Sundays. Future-me always says thank you.
To Freeze
- Cool completely
- Freeze on a tray first
- Transfer to freezer bag
To Reheat
- Air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes
- Skip the microwave unless you like sadness
They stay crispy. That’s the magic.
Air Fryer Tools I Actually Use (And Love)
I don’t recommend junk I wouldn’t buy again. These make life easier:
- Cosori 6-Qt Air Fryer
👉 https://amzn.to/49HUU4z
Big basket, even cooking, zero complaints. - Silicone Air Fryer Liners
👉 https://amzn.to/4jnWnkA
Cleanup is laughably easy. - OXO Silicone Pastry Brush
👉 https://amzn.to/3YGKPQh
Perfect for butter without wrecking the sticks.
I use all three weekly. No regrets.
Common Mistakes I Made So You Don’t Have To
Learn from my kitchen fails:
- Over-soaking the bread = mush
- Skipping preheat = pale sticks
- Too much sugar = burnt edges
- Crowding the basket = uneven cooking
Fix these and you’re golden. Literally.
Why Kids (And Adults) Lose Their Minds Over These
I made these once for brunch and now they’re “the thing.” Kids grab them like snacks. Adults pretend they’re for the kids. You know how it goes.
They work because:
- Easy to hold
- Not messy
- Sweet but not cloying
- Familiar yet fun
Honestly, they beat pancakes most days.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F.
- Cut bread slices into sticks.
- Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg.
- Lightly dip bread sticks into mixture.
- Spray air fryer basket and place sticks in a single layer.
- Cook 4–5 minutes, flip, brush with butter, cook another 4–5 minutes.
- Serve hot with desired toppings.
Notes
- Don’t soak bread—quick dip only.
- Slightly stale bread works best.
- Avoid overcrowding for even crisping.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for best texture.
Final Thoughts (From Someone Who’s Made These Way Too Often)
If you want a fast, cozy breakfast that feels like a treat, air fryer French toast sticks hit every box. They’re simple, forgiving, and wildly satisfying. I make them when I want comfort without chaos—and that’s most mornings.
So yeah. Try them. Freeze extras. Dunk shamelessly in syrup. Breakfast should feel this good.