Air Fryer French Toast Sticks – Crispy, Custardy Breakfast Bliss in 10 Minutes

If you’re searching for a breakfast that feels indulgent but comes together in a snap, Air Fryer French Toast Sticks are about to become your new morning favorite. These golden, cinnamon-spiced bites are crispy on the outside, soft and custardy on the inside, and absolutely perfect for dipping into warm maple syrup. And the best part? They cook up in just 5 minutes in your air fryer.

Whether you’re whipping up a weekend brunch, meal prepping for busy school mornings, or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe is pure breakfast joy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Quick and easy – from prep to plate in just 10 minutes
• Family-friendly – kids absolutely love dipping these sticks
• Minimal cleanup – no stovetop mess or splatter
• Great for meal prep – freezer-friendly and reheats beautifully
• Made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients

Taste & Texture

Expect a delightful contrast in every bite: golden and slightly crisp on the outside with a tender, custard-soaked interior. The cinnamon, vanilla, and hint of nutmeg give it a nostalgic French toast flavor that’s both comforting and delicious. Serve with powdered sugar and warm maple syrup for the ultimate breakfast experience.

Dietary Attributes

• Vegetarian
• Kid-approved
• Easily adaptable to dairy-free, gluten-free, and low-sugar diets

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List (for 2 servings)

For the French Toast Sticks:

• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 4 slices brioche bread (each sliced 1 inch thick)

For Garnishing:

• Melted butter (optional)
• Powdered sugar
• Warm maple syrup

Notes on Quality

Brioche bread is ideal for this recipe. Its rich, buttery texture soaks up the custard without falling apart and gives the final result a melt-in-your-mouth finish. If you can find slightly stale brioche, even better—it absorbs the custard beautifully without getting soggy.

For spices, freshly ground nutmeg can elevate the flavor, and a good-quality vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference.

Possible Substitutions

• Use challah, Texas toast, or thick-sliced sourdough if brioche isn’t available
• Swap dairy milk with oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk to make it dairy-free
• Substitute coconut sugar or maple syrup for the granulated sugar
• To make it egg-free, try a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes. You can optionally line the basket with parchment paper and lightly grease with oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cut the brioche into 1-inch wide sticks.
3. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
4. Quickly dip 3 to 4 sticks into the custard mixture. Don’t let them sit too long or they’ll get soggy.
5. Place the soaked sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook in batches if needed.
6. Air fry at 375°F for 5 minutes or until golden brown and slightly puffed.
7. Serve hot with a drizzle of melted butter, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a side of warm maple syrup for dipping.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Slightly stale bread is ideal—it holds its shape and absorbs more custard
• Let the excess custard drip off before placing the sticks in the air fryer
• Preheating the air fryer ensures even browning

Common Mistakes

• Soaking the bread too long can make the inside soggy
• Skipping preheat can lead to uneven cooking
• Overcrowding the air fryer basket prevents crisping

Time-Saving Tips

• Mix the custard the night before and store it covered in the fridge
• Use pre-sliced brioche to save prep time
• Cook a double batch and freeze the extras for later

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

Serve these French toast sticks with:

• Fresh berries or banana slices
• A savory side like bacon or sausage
• A spoonful of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of granola for texture

Presentation Ideas

• Stack the sticks log cabin-style on a platter
• Dust with powdered sugar and top with a few fresh berries
• Serve in a basket with parchment paper for a brunch buffet

Beverage Pairings

• A cinnamon latte or hot coffee
• Freshly squeezed orange juice
• A brunch-time mimosa or fruit spritzer

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Store cooled French toast sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheating Methods

• Air fryer: 350°F for 2–3 minutes
• Oven: 350°F for about 5 minutes
• Microwave: 30 seconds (quick but less crispy)

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free bread that’s thick-sliced and sturdy enough to soak in the custard.

Can I use regular sandwich bread?
You can, but opt for thick-cut or let it go slightly stale before using so it holds up better.

What milk alternatives work best?
Oat milk and almond milk are both great options for a dairy-free version.

Troubleshooting

Why are my sticks soggy inside?
They may have soaked too long or the bread was too soft. Use stale bread and just dip quickly.

They didn’t get crispy—why?
Make sure the air fryer was fully preheated and you didn’t overcrowd the basket.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Use a flax egg and plant-based milk for a vegan version
• Opt for low-sugar syrup or skip the sugar in the custard for a reduced sugar option
• Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version

Flavor Twists

• Add orange zest to the custard for a citrusy pop
• Use brown sugar and a pinch of cardamom for a warmer spice profile
• Drizzle with chocolate syrup or sprinkle mini chocolate chips before serving

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• In fall, add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to the custard
• For the holidays, substitute milk with eggnog
• In summer, serve with fresh peaches and whipped cream

Conclusion

Air Fryer French Toast Sticks are the perfect solution for busy mornings and cozy weekend brunches alike. With their crisp exterior and soft, custardy middle, they’re everything you love about French toast in a fun, dippable form. Whether you’re making a batch for the family or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your breakfast rotation.

Want more fun breakfast ideas? Check out my Classic French Toast Recipe – A Breakfast Staple in Just 20 Minutes, these adorable Heart-Shaped Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, or go fancy with a French Omelette with Fines Herbes.

And if you’re a Pinterest person, be sure to follow along at Cooking With Callie on Pinterest for even more fun recipes and inspiration. Let me know if you try these out—I’d love to hear how yours turn out!

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