About 5 minutes of prep and under ten minutes in the air fryer deliver crispy, cinnamon-sugary Air Fryer French Toast Sticks. Made with thick-sliced or whole grain bread (Texas toast, brioche, or a gluten-free option all work), these sticks are easy to prepare and freezer-friendly for busy weekday mornings.
This post may contain affiliate links.
French toast sticks are a nostalgic favorite for many—perfect for kids and adults alike. Instead of buying freezer brands, you can quickly make a batch at home with simple pantry ingredients. They crisp up nicely in the air fryer and get a lovely cinnamon-sugar finish.
Serve with fruit, powdered sugar or maple syrup. For a heartier breakfast spread, pair them with air fryer apples or quick egg muffins. These sticks also freeze well, so you can make a larger batch and reheat portions for busy mornings.
Why You Will Love These Air Fryer French Toast Sticks:
- Fast prep and cook time. Whisk eggs with milk and vanilla, dip the bread, air fry, then toss with cinnamon sugar—ready in about 15 minutes total.
- Flexible with bread types. Use brioche, Texas toast, thick-sliced whole grain, or gluten-free bread. Day-old or slightly stale bread works best to avoid sogginess.
- Freezer friendly. Make a big batch, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. They reheat well in the microwave or air fryer.
- Great for using up bread. If a loaf is getting stale, this recipe turns it into a delicious breakfast instead of waste.
Recipe Ingredients:
- Bread: 4–5 thick slices (brioche, Texas toast, or thick whole grain). Day-old bread is ideal.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs.
- Milk: 1/3 cup whole milk (richer milk yields a creamier custard).
- Heavy cream (optional): 1 tablespoon for extra richness.
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp for flavor.
- Cinnamon & sugar: 1 tsp cinnamon and 3 tbsp sugar to toss the cooked sticks in.
How to Make These Air Fryer French Toast Sticks:
- Slice each bread slice into thirds or fourths so sticks are about 1½–2 inches wide.
- Whisk eggs, milk, heavy cream (if using) and vanilla in a bowl until combined. Dip each bread stick, coating both sides and letting excess drip back into the bowl.
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment and lightly spray with oil. Arrange sticks in a single layer without touching; work in batches if needed.
- Air fry at 350°F for about 3–4 minutes per side, flipping once, until edges are lightly browned and sticks reach your desired crispness. Cook times vary by appliance, so watch closely.
- Toss the hot sticks in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, berries, or your favorite toppings.
Recipe Notes:
- Air fryers vary. Some models heat faster than others. If the top side isn’t crisp when you flip, give it another minute before turning. Adjust times to your appliance.
- Stale bread works best. Slightly stale or day-old bread absorbs the custard without becoming soggy, producing firmer sticks.
- Freezing and reheating. Freeze sticks in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. They keep about 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer for a few minutes or microwave for about a minute until hot.
Other Breakfast Recipes:
- Maple Bacon French Toast Muffins
- Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash
- Spiced Pear French Toast Casserole
- 2 Minute Vegan French Toast in a Mug
- Blueberry Baked French Toast Muffins
- Super Fluffy Pancakes
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to the newsletter and follow the author on social media for more recipes and updates.
Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
Ingredients
- 4–5 slices bread (day old is ideal)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp heavy cream (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3 tbsp sugar
Instructions
- Slice bread into 1½–2 inch sticks.
- Whisk eggs, milk, heavy cream (if using), and vanilla until combined.
- Dip each stick into the egg mixture, coating both sides and letting excess drip off.
- Place sticks in a parchment-lined, lightly oiled air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden and crisp.
- Toss hot sticks in cinnamon-sugar to coat and serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust cook times based on your air fryer model.
- Using slightly stale bread helps prevent sogginess.
- Freeze on a tray then store in a freezer bag; reheat in the air fryer or microwave.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.
Shop this post
Air Fryer
Mixing Bowls
Silicone Spatulas