Air Fryer French Toast Sticks: Frozen To Crispy Perfection

French toast sticks are a quick and easy breakfast option that can be made in an air fryer. They are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. The best temperature to cook them at is 400°F for 5-6 minutes, but this can be adjusted depending on how crispy you like them. You don't need to defrost the frozen French toast sticks before cooking and they can be served with maple syrup, berries, or cinnamon sugar.

How to make frozen French toast sticks in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Frozen French toast sticks
• Maple syrup
• Olive oil spray (optional)
• Berries (optional)
• Powdered sugar (optional)

Utensils

Air fryer

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Spray your air fryer basket or tray with some cooking oil spray. This step is optional, but it will help to ensure the French toast sticks don't stick to the basket. If you don't want to use cooking spray, you can line the bottom of the basket with parchment paper or aluminium foil.
• Place the frozen French toast sticks in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don't overlap. This is important as air fryers cook by circulating hot air around the food.
• Air fry the French toast sticks at 400°F for 6 minutes. Check after six minutes to ensure they have reached your desired consistency, and cook for an additional minute if needed.
• Serve with your choice of toppings, such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or berries.

Tips

• You don't need to thaw or defrost the frozen French toast sticks before cooking.
• If you want to reheat any leftover French toast sticks, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook them for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
• You can also make French toast sticks from scratch by dipping bread sticks into a mixture of eggs, milk, flour, sugar, vanilla, ground cinnamon, and salt. Air fry these for 10 minutes at 370°F, flipping them halfway through.

How long to cook them for

To cook frozen French toast sticks in an air fryer, you should preheat your air fryer to a temperature of around 320–400 °F. The exact temperature will depend on your air fryer, but most sources recommend cooking at 400 °F. Place the desired amount of French toast sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It is important to leave space between the sticks to ensure they cook evenly.

Cooking time will vary depending on the desired level of crispiness, but most sources recommend cooking for 5–6 minutes. One source recommends cooking for 3 minutes, flipping the sticks, spraying with oil, and then cooking for another 3 minutes. You can repeat this process until the desired crispiness is achieved. Another source recommends cooking for 10 minutes, flipping the sticks halfway through.

Once the French toast sticks are lightly golden and heated through, they are ready to serve. You can serve them with a variety of toppings, such as maple syrup, berries, cinnamon sugar, or nut butter and jam.

What temperature to cook them at

When cooking frozen French toast sticks in an air fryer, the temperature you cook them at will depend on the brand of air fryer you are using and your desired level of crispiness.

Some sources suggest preheating your air fryer to 370°F, which is a good temperature for cooking homemade French toast sticks. However, if you are cooking frozen French toast sticks, it is recommended that you set your air fryer to a higher temperature of around 400°F. This will ensure that the outside of the toast sticks crisps up while the inside remains soft and fluffy.

If you are using an Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer Elite, you may want to set the temperature to 375°F as this model can cook food too quickly at higher temperatures. Similarly, if you are cooking the French toast sticks in an air fryer oven, you may want to reduce the temperature to 350°F to avoid overcooking.

It is worth noting that different brands of air fryers may cook at slightly different rates, so it is important to keep an eye on your food as it cooks and adjust the temperature and cooking time as needed.

What to serve with them

French toast sticks are a versatile dish that can be served as a sweet or savoury option. Here are some ideas for what to serve with them:

Sweet Options:

• Maple syrup: A classic pairing, maple syrup adds a decadent and sweet touch to the French toast sticks.
• Fruit: Fresh berries, such as strawberries and blueberries, or a fruit salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
• Fruit compote: For an extra indulgent treat, serve the French toast sticks with a mixed berry compote.
• Whipped cream or ice cream: For an extra special touch, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream on the side.
• Sweet spreads: Nutella, hazelnut or chocolate spreads, and nut butters like peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter can be a tasty addition.
• Cinnamon sugar: Sprinkle some cinnamon sugar over the French toast sticks for an extra flavour boost.

Savoury Options:

• Breakfast proteins: Bacon, sausage links or patties, or turkey bacon can be served on the side for a heartier meal.
• Eggs: Scrambled eggs or spinach feta scrambled eggs can add some protein to the dish.
• Hash browns: Crispy hash browns can provide a savoury contrast to the sweetness of the French toast sticks.
• Breakfast potatoes: Potatoes are always a great option for a filling and savoury breakfast.
• Apple fritters: For something a little different, serve apple fritters on the side.

How to reheat them

To reheat French toast sticks in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, cook the leftover French toast sticks for 2 to 3 minutes until they are warmed through and crispy.

How to Reheat French Toast Sticks in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal temperature for reheating, as it will ensure the French toast sticks are warmed through without burning.
• Place the French toast sticks in the air fryer basket: Ensure that the sticks are in a single layer and not overlapping. This will allow for even heating and prevent sogginess. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to reheat in batches.
• Reheat for 2-3 minutes: Place the air fryer basket back into the air fryer and allow the French toast sticks to reheat for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook or burn.
• Check for doneness: After 2 to 3 minutes, check if the French toast sticks are warmed through and crispy. If not, return them to the air fryer for an additional minute or until done to your liking.
• Serve: Once the French toast sticks are heated through and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can serve them with your favourite toppings, such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.

By following these steps, you can enjoy your leftover French toast sticks with a crispy texture and delicious taste, just like they were freshly made!

Frequently asked questions