Air-Fryer French Toast Sticks: A Quick, Crispy Breakfast Treat

French toast is a breakfast classic, but can you make it in an air fryer? The answer is yes! You can make delicious, crispy French toast sticks in an air fryer in just a few simple steps. This article will outline everything you need to know about making French toast sticks in an air fryer, including ingredients, cooking instructions, and tips for achieving the perfect result.

How to make French toast sticks in the air fryer

French toast sticks are a delicious breakfast treat and can be easily made in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make French toast sticks in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Bread: Brioche bread is a great option as it is slightly sweet and has a soft texture that soaks up the egg and milk mixture well. You can also use other types of bread such as sourdough, challah, white, wheat, French bread, or Texas toast.
• Eggs: Bread slices are dipped in beaten eggs to form a perfect crisp when cooked in the air fryer.
• Milk: You can use any type of milk, such as dairy milk or plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
• Seasonings: Cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to taste. You can also add a pinch of ground nutmeg if desired.
• Toppings: Maple syrup, powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or fresh fruits and berries.

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 360-375°F (180-190°C). Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• In a shallow bowl, mix together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg (if using). Whisk until well combined.
• Cut each slice of bread into thirds to create sticks.
• Dip each piece of bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are well coated.
• Place the coated bread sticks into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Cook the French toast sticks for 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown. For extra crispiness, you can flip them halfway through the cooking time and spray with oil.
• Serve the French toast sticks warm with your desired toppings, such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, or cinnamon sugar.

Tips:

• It is recommended to dry out the bread slightly before dipping it in the egg mixture to prevent it from falling apart during the soaking process.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
• For a dairy-free version, replace the milk with oat milk.
• You can also freeze leftover French toast sticks and reheat them in the air fryer for a quick breakfast option.

Tips for making French toast sticks

Bread

French toast sticks can be made with a variety of bread, including brioche, challah, white, wheat, French bread, sourdough, or Texas toast. If using a dense bread like sourdough, you will need to soak it for a little longer in the egg mix. For the best results, dry out your bread first so it doesn't fall apart during the soaking process.

Egg Mixture

The egg mixture typically includes eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Some recipes also include butter, flour, sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Make sure to whisk the mixture well to combine the ingredients, and be aware that clumping is normal. If you want a dairy-free option, you can replace the milk with oat milk.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (180-204°C). Place a piece of parchment paper in the air fryer basket and dip each piece of bread into the egg mixture, making sure it is well coated. Place the coated bread sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping or touching. Cook for 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. For the best results, cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the fryer.

Serving

French toast sticks can be served with a variety of toppings and dips, such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, berries, or chocolate sauce. For a more filling breakfast, pair them with a protein like bacon, sausage, or eggs.

Variations to making French toast sticks

There are several ways to vary the French toast stick recipe to suit your taste. Here are some suggestions:

Bread:

While brioche bread is recommended for its slight sweetness and soft texture, which soaks up the egg and milk mixture well, you can use other types of bread. For instance, if you want a denser texture, try using sourdough bread. Just remember that denser breads may require a longer soaking time in the egg mixture. Alternatively, for a thicker option, Texas toast is a good choice.

Milk:

Any type of milk can be used in this recipe. 2% dairy milk works well, but if you prefer plant-based alternatives, unsweetened almond milk or oat milk are great options too.

Seasonings:

The basic seasonings for French toast sticks are cinnamon and vanilla extract, but you can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavours. If you want to experiment with additional spices, nutmeg is a popular option that can be found in some recipes.

Toppings and Sides:

French toast sticks are commonly served with a dusting of powdered sugar and maple syrup for dipping. However, you can also sprinkle them with a sugar and cinnamon mix. If you're serving them for breakfast, consider adding some fresh fruits or berries on the side, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent treat.

Cooking Tips:

When preparing the French toast sticks, remember not to oversoak the bread, especially if you're using brioche, as it can cause the bread to fall apart. It's also important to preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, simply let it run at 375°F for about 5 minutes before adding the bread. Additionally, lining your air fryer basket with parchment paper can help prevent sticking, but make sure to spray it with cooking spray if needed.

How to reheat French toast sticks in the air fryer

Yes, you can reheat French toast sticks in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). It is important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even and efficient reheating. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your French toast sticks by taking them out of the refrigerator and bringing them to room temperature.

Next, arrange the French toast sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. Make sure to leave some space between each stick for proper airflow and even reheating. Avoid overcrowding the basket as it may lead to uneven heating and affect the texture of the French toast.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the basket with the French toast sticks inside and reheat for 3 to 5 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness and moisture content of the French toast sticks, so it is important to monitor them closely to avoid overcooking.

After a few minutes, gently flip the French toast sticks over using tongs or a spatula. This allows both sides to heat evenly and ensures a crispy texture throughout.

Continue reheating for another 2 to 3 minutes or until the French toast sticks reach your desired level of warmth and crispness. Remember to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Once the French toast sticks are reheated to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can add your favorite toppings, such as syrup, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added flavor.

Pro Tips for Reheating French Toast Sticks in the Air Fryer:

• Flip the French toast sticks halfway through reheating to achieve a uniformly crispy exterior and maintain an even texture.
• Reheating time can vary depending on the thickness and moisture content of the French toast sticks. Start with a shorter reheating time and check for doneness. If needed, reheat briefly until the desired warmth and crispness are achieved.
• Air fryers can heat up quickly, so it is important to monitor the French toast sticks closely during reheating to prevent burning.
• Add toppings after reheating. While reheating, focus on restoring the texture of the French toast sticks.
• Experiment with temperature and timing. Air fryers can vary in temperature and heat distribution. If the French toast sticks are not reheating as desired, adjust the temperature or reheating time accordingly.
• If the French toast sticks are becoming too dry during reheating, lightly spritz them with cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer to help retain moisture.

How to cook frozen French toast sticks in the air fryer

French toast sticks are a great, quick breakfast option and can be made easily in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook frozen French toast sticks in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 320°F. While the air fryer heats up, you can prepare the French toast sticks and line up the ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the French Toast Sticks

Place the desired amount of French toast sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overlapping, as this will ensure even cooking and browning.

Step 3: Cook the French Toast Sticks

Cook the French toast sticks for 2-3 minutes. You can flip them halfway through the cooking process and spray them with oil for extra crispiness.

Step 4: Serve

Once the French toast sticks are cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can enjoy them with your favourite toppings such as maple syrup, nut butter and jam, or even some Homemade healthy Nutella!

Tips:

• You can use any brand of frozen French toast sticks.
• There is no need to defrost the French toast sticks before cooking.
• If you are cooking for a larger group, cook the French toast sticks in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
• You can freeze any leftover French toast sticks and reheat them in the air fryer whenever you want a quick snack or breakfast.

Frequently asked questions