Air Fryer French Toast Sticks: Timing And Techniques

French toast sticks are a delicious breakfast treat that can be made in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and can be served with toppings such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or fresh fruit. The cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model, but generally, it takes around 5-7 minutes at 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit to cook French toast sticks in an air fryer.

How to get the perfect level of crispiness

To achieve the perfect level of crispiness for your French toast sticks in the air fryer, there are several important steps to follow. Firstly, ensure that your bread is dry and slightly stale. This will help it absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy, which can lead to a mushy texture and uneven cooking.

The next critical step is not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Place the coated bread sticks in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly around each stick, promoting uniform cooking and crispiness. If needed, cook the French toast sticks in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Preheating your air fryer is also essential for achieving the perfect crisp. Set the temperature between 360-400°F, depending on your air fryer model and personal preference for crispiness. A higher temperature will result in a crispier exterior. For instance, one source recommends 400°F for a crispier exterior and a softer, chewier interior.

The cooking time will vary depending on your desired level of crispiness. For a light and fluffy texture, 5-6 minutes at 375°F should suffice. However, if you prefer your French toast sticks extra crispy, you can increase the cooking time to 7-11 minutes, flipping them occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Finally, for a truly decadent touch, consider spraying the French toast sticks with a bit of oil or cooking spray during the cooking process. This will enhance the crispiness of the exterior and give them a beautiful golden-brown crust.

By following these steps, you'll be able to achieve the perfect level of crispiness for your French toast sticks in the air fryer, resulting in a delicious breakfast treat that's crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.

The best bread to use

If you don't have brioche, you can use other sliced breads, such as Texas toast or sourdough. However, denser breads like sourdough will need to be soaked in the egg mixture for a little longer.

It's also important to use slightly stale or day-old bread. This will help prevent the bread from falling apart during the soaking process.

How to prepare the air fryer

Preparing your air fryer for cooking is simple. First, ensure that you have a heat-resistant surface to place your air fryer on, at least eight inches away from the wall. Then, take apart all removable components and give them a wash. Reassemble the air fryer, and you're almost ready to go!

Some manufacturers recommend running the air fryer empty for 10 minutes before cooking to let it off-gas. There might be a slightly chemical smell, so it's best to have the vents on or a window open. This should only be necessary the first time you use your air fryer.

Now, you're ready to start cooking!

How long to cook for

The cooking time for French toast sticks in an air fryer depends on the desired level of crispiness and the specific air fryer being used. Most sources recommend cooking the French toast sticks for around 5-7 minutes at 360-400°F, but the exact time can range from 4 to 11 minutes.

It's important to note that air fryer models can vary, so it's recommended to check on the French toast sticks after around 4 minutes to ensure they don't overcook. For a crispier texture, you can cook them for a few minutes longer, but keep in mind that the cooking time will also depend on the thickness of the bread. Thicker slices may take up to 8 or 9 minutes.

When cooking, it's best to place the French toast sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. This ensures even cooking and allows the hot air to circulate around each stick.

Some recipes suggest flipping the French toast sticks halfway through the cooking process, while others recommend cooking them without flipping for a consistent crisp. You can experiment with both methods to see which works best for your air fryer and personal preference.

Additionally, preheating the air fryer is crucial for even cooking. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, you can let it run at 375°F for about 5 minutes before placing the French toast sticks inside.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve French toast sticks cooked in an air fryer. Here are some serving suggestions:

Sweet Toppings

A dusting of powdered sugar or a cinnamon-sugar mix is a great way to add some extra sweetness to your French toast sticks. You can also serve them with maple syrup or honey on the side for dipping. For an extra indulgent touch, add some whipped cream or ice cream! If you're feeling creative, you can also make a fruit compote to go with your French toast sticks.

Fresh Fruit

Fresh fruit, especially berries like strawberries and blueberries, can add a refreshing touch to your French toast sticks. You could also make a delicious fruit salad to go on the side.

Nut Butters

Nut butters, such as peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter, can add a creamy and nutty dimension to your French toast sticks.

Sweet Spreads

If you're a fan of chocolate, you can spread some Nutella or a similar hazelnut or chocolate spread on your French toast sticks for an extra indulgent treat.

Savory Options

While French toast is typically served sweet, you can also experiment with savory toppings. For example, you could spread some butter on your French toast sticks and sprinkle on a bit of sea salt to enhance the sweetness of the dish.

Frequently asked questions