Air-Fried French Toast Sticks: Quick, Crispy, Golden!

French toast sticks are a delicious breakfast treat that can be made in an air fryer with minimal effort and time. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and can be served with a variety of toppings, such as maple syrup, cinnamon sugar, or fresh fruit. The preparation is simple: dip sliced bread into a mixture of eggs, milk, and cinnamon, then place them in the air fryer. In just a few minutes, you'll have a tasty and fluffy breakfast ready to serve!

Recommended temperature settings

The temperature setting you use for your French toast sticks will depend on your desired level of crispiness. For a softer texture, a lower temperature is preferable. Some sources recommend cooking your French toast sticks at 375°F for 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown. At this temperature, you can expect a light and fluffy texture. If you prefer your French toast sticks softer, you can cook them for 5–10 minutes.

If you like your French toast sticks with a bit more colour and crisp, you can increase the temperature to 400°F. At this temperature, you will only need to cook your French toast sticks for 6 minutes. If you want to get them extra crispy, you can cook them for an additional minute or two.

It is important to note that air fryer models can vary, so it is always a good idea to check on your French toast sticks during cooking to ensure they don't burn. You can also cook your French toast sticks in batches if your air fryer is not big enough to cook them all at once.

Additionally, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer before adding the French toast sticks to ensure even cooking.

How to prepare the French toast sticks

To prepare French toast sticks in an air fryer, you'll first want to gather your ingredients. These include:

• Bread (optionally, brioche)
• Eggs
• Milk (optionally, dairy or plant-based)
• Seasonings (vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and/or nutmeg)
• Oil or cooking spray
• Toppings of your choice (e.g. maple syrup, powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, fresh fruit, etc.)

Optionally, you can also add butter to the mixture.

Before cooking, dry out your bread first so it doesn't fall apart during the soaking process. Then, cut each slice of bread into thirds to form sticks. Next, mix your eggs, milk, and seasonings in a large, shallow bowl. Dip each bread stick into the mixture, making sure both sides are coated.

You can now place your French toast sticks into the air fryer. It's recommended to line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking, although this is not mandatory. Place the sticks in a single layer with enough space between them so they don't overlap. Air fryers cook by circulating hot air, so spacing them out is important to ensure even cooking.

Preheat your air fryer to between 360°F and 400°F (180°C-204°C). The cooking time will vary depending on your desired level of crispiness and the model of your air fryer, but generally, they will take between 3 to 7 minutes at this temperature range. Check your French toast sticks after 3 to 4 minutes to ensure they don't burn, and cook for longer if needed. For extra crispness, flip the sticks halfway through cooking and spray with oil.

Once cooked, serve your French toast sticks warm with your desired toppings. Enjoy!

Cooking time

The cooking time for French toast sticks in an air fryer varies depending on the desired level of crispiness, the thickness of the French toast, and the specific air fryer model being used. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer before cooking the French toast sticks.

For soft French toast sticks, cooking for 5-6 minutes at 375°F (180°C) is suggested. Some recipes recommend cooking for 3 minutes, flipping the sticks, spraying with oil, and then cooking for another 3 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the French toast sticks during the cooking process, as they can burn easily.

For a crispier texture, cooking for up to 10 minutes at 375°F (180°C) is recommended. This may vary depending on the air fryer model, as some models cook faster than others. It is suggested to check the French toast sticks after 4 minutes to ensure they are cooking evenly and to prevent overcooking.

It is worth noting that some recipes suggest cooking at a higher temperature of 400°F (204°C), but this may cook the French toast sticks too quickly or unevenly. Adjusting the cooking time based on the desired level of crispiness is crucial.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve French toast sticks, depending on your preferences. Here are some suggestions:

Sweet Options:

• Dust with powdered sugar or a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Drizzle with maple syrup or dip into a fruit compote or curd (like raspberry).
• For a more indulgent treat, serve with Nutella or peanut butter, or even dip in melted chocolate and serve with strawberries.
• Caramel sauce is another sweet option to dip your French toast sticks into.
• For a more adult taste, add a dash of sea salt to your French toast before sprinkling with cinnamon sugar.
• You can also sprinkle on some cinnamon or vanilla extract before serving.
• Whipped cream is a great addition to your French toast, especially if you're serving it as a dessert.
• If you're serving to kids, they'll love dunking the sticks in maple syrup or their favorite syrup!

Savory Options:

• If you prefer a more savory breakfast, a pinch of salt in the egg mixture can add a hint of saltiness to your French toast.
• You can also try using brioche bread for a slightly savory twist, as it has a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the egg and milk mixture.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different toppings and dips to find your favorite combinations!

Storing and reheating

Storing:

It is recommended to store your cooked French toast sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh and tasty for up to two days. If you wish to store them for a longer period, freezing is an option. Before freezing, ensure that the French toast sticks have cooled completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Once frozen solid, transfer the sticks to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to two months.

Reheating:

There are several methods you can use to reheat your French toast sticks, depending on whether they are refrigerated or frozen. For refrigerated French toast sticks, simply place them in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, which will also only take a few minutes. If you are reheating frozen French toast sticks, you have a few options. You can use an oven, toaster oven, or air fryer. Preheat your chosen appliance to 350°F (180°C) and arrange the frozen sticks in a single layer. Bake them for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until warmed and crispy. If you're short on time, you can also use a microwave. Place the frozen sticks on a plate and microwave for about 2 minutes on high. Keep in mind that the microwave may not yield the same crispy texture as the other methods.

Frequently asked questions