Air Fryer French Toast Sticks: A Quick Breakfast Treat

French toast sticks are a popular breakfast treat, but can you cook them in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryer French toast sticks are not only possible to make, but they are also easy to prepare and quick to cook. You can use frozen French toast sticks or make them from scratch with eggs, milk, bread, and your choice of seasonings. The air fryer method produces a crispy exterior and tender interior, and the sticks can be served with sweet toppings such as maple syrup, cinnamon sugar, or powdered sugar.

French toast sticks from frozen

French toast sticks are a convenient breakfast option, especially when you're short on time or looking for a quick fix for those sudden sugar cravings. The best part? You can go straight from freezer to air fryer without needing to defrost them first.

Here's a simple way to make French toast sticks from frozen using your air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Frozen French toast sticks (any brand of your choice)
• Oil spray (optional)
• Toppings of your choice, such as maple syrup, cinnamon sugar, or fresh fruit

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Remove the French toast sticks from their outer packaging. Ensure that you discard any plastic bags inside the box, as these should not go into the air fryer.
• Place the desired amount of French toast sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It's important to avoid overcrowding the basket, so you may need to cook in batches.
• Air fry at 400°F for 5-6 minutes. For the best results, flip the sticks halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
• Once they're golden and heated through, your French toast sticks are ready to be enjoyed!
• Serve with your favourite toppings. For a sweet and indulgent option, try dipping them in maple syrup or sprinkling cinnamon sugar on top. If you're feeling a little more adventurous, pair them with some fresh fruit or even a side of bacon or sausage.

Tips:

• If you prefer your French toast sticks with a crispy texture, consider giving them an extra flip during cooking.
• While it's not necessary to defrost the French toast sticks before air frying, it's important to note that they should be kept frozen until you're ready to cook them.
• To prevent any mess in your air fryer, consider lining the basket with parchment paper, especially if your French toast sticks are a bit soggy.

French toast sticks from fresh

French toast sticks are a delicious breakfast treat and are easy to make from fresh using your air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving perfect French toast sticks from fresh.

Ingredients

• Bread: Sliced brioche works well as it has a slight sweetness and a soft texture that soaks up the egg and milk mixture. You could also use a dense bread like sourdough, but you will need to soak it for longer.
• Eggs: The bread slices are dipped in beaten eggs so that they form a perfect crisp when cooked in the air fryer.
• Milk: Any type of milk can be used, such as dairy or plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
• Seasonings: Cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. You could also add a pinch of nutmeg.
• Toppings: Serve with your favourite toppings such as powdered sugar, a sugar and cinnamon mix, maple syrup, or fresh fruit and berries.

Method

• Mix the eggs, milk, and seasonings together in a bowl.
• Dip each piece of bread into the mixture, coating both sides.
• Place the French toast sticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. You may need to cook in batches.
• Cook at 360-375°F for 5-6 minutes, or until the French toast is golden brown.
• Serve warm with your chosen toppings.

Tips:

• Don't oversoak the bread, especially if using brioche, as it may start to fall apart.
• Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• If your bread is a little soggy, you can line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking. However, some air fryers may not require this, and parchment paper can be a fire hazard if it becomes free-floating, so ensure it is weighed down.
• Check your French toast sticks regularly, as air fryer models can vary, and you may need to adjust the timing.
• Don't overlap the bread sticks in the air fryer, as this will ensure they crisp up all over. There is no need to flip them during cooking.

Enjoy your freshly made French toast sticks!

Dipping suggestions

French toast sticks are a delicious treat, perfect for a quick breakfast. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them perfect for dipping. Here are some dipping suggestions to take your French toast sticks to the next level:

Maple Syrup

The classic choice for French toast! The sticky sweetness of maple syrup pairs perfectly with the cinnamon-spiced toast. You can also add a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Fresh Fruits and Berries

For a healthier option, serve your French toast sticks with a variety of fresh fruits and berries. The natural sweetness of the fruit will complement the French toast, and the colours will make your breakfast look even more inviting.

Whipped Cream

Take your French toast sticks to the next level by adding a generous dollop of whipped cream. The creamy texture and slight sweetness of the whipped cream will contrast nicely with the crispy toast.

Jams, Preserves, and Marmalades

Get creative with your French toast sticks by serving them with your favourite jams, preserves, or marmalades. The possibilities are endless, from classic strawberry jam to more unique flavours like orange marmalade or even chocolate hazelnut spread.

Honey

Another sweet dipping option is honey. The sticky texture of honey makes it perfect for coating your French toast sticks, and the natural sweetness will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Sea Salt

For a savoury twist, sprinkle a dash of sea salt on your French toast sticks. The salty flavour will contrast with the sweetness of the French toast, creating a unique and sophisticated flavour profile.

How to avoid soggy French toast

Yes, French toast sticks can be cooked in an air fryer. Here are some tips to avoid soggy French toast:

Use stale or day-old bread

If you have stale bread lying around, don't throw it away! It's perfect for French toast as it will soak up the egg mixture better, resulting in a crispier outside and softer inside.

Don't over-soak the bread

When dipping your bread into the egg mixture, be careful not to over-soak it. This is especially important if you're using soft bread like brioche, as it will quickly fall apart. Just give it a quick dip, coating both sides, and you're good to go.

Preheat your air fryer

Don't forget to preheat your air fryer before adding the bread. This ensures that your French toast cooks evenly. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, just let it run at 375°F for about 5 minutes before adding the bread.

Avoid overcrowding

Make sure you don't squish too many slices of bread into your air fryer basket. Your French toast needs room to breathe! Cook in batches if necessary.

Use a pan instead of the air fryer basket

Consider using a pan inside your air fryer instead of placing the bread directly in the basket. This way, you can easily make multiple batches without having to clean the basket in between.

Experiment with different types of bread

While brioche is a popular choice for French toast due to its richness and sweetness, you can also experiment with other types of bread such as sourdough, whole wheat, multigrain, or even French or Italian bread. Just make sure it fits in your air fryer!

Adjust the cooking time as needed

The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your bread. Keep an eye on your French toast and adjust the cooking time as needed to avoid sogginess. For thicker slices, you may need to increase the cooking time.

Don't overlap the bread sticks

For the best results, place the soaked bread sticks in a single layer in your air fryer basket. This will ensure that they crisp up evenly on all sides.

What to serve with French toast sticks

French toast sticks are a delicious treat, and there are plenty of options to serve alongside them. Here are some ideas:

Savoury Options

French toast sticks are often served as a sweet dish, but they can also be paired with savoury sides. Here are some suggestions:

• Bacon
• Sausage
• Eggs, such as scrambled, poached, or fried

Sweet Options

If you want to lean into the sweetness of the French toast sticks, there are numerous sweet sides that can complement them:

• Fresh fruit, such as berries
• Maple syrup
• Honey
• Jam, jelly, marmalade, or fruit butter
• Powdered sugar icing
• Chocolate sauce
• Caramel sauce
• Whipped cream

Brunch Options

French toast sticks can also be served as part of a larger brunch spread. Here are some dishes that would pair well with them:

• Crustless spinach quiche
• Tater tot breakfast casserole
• Breakfast bake
• Pancakes
• Waffles
• Smoothies

Drinks

And, of course, you'll need something to drink! Here are some beverage options to round out your meal:

• Coffee or tea
• Milk
• Juice
• Smoothies
• For adults, a Mimosa Bar can be a fun and festive addition to a brunch gathering

So, whether you're serving French toast sticks for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, there are plenty of options to create a delicious and well-rounded meal. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions