Air Fryer French Toast Sticks Recipe

Bread: Thick slices work best for a sturdy and delicious French toast stick.

Eggs: These help bind the ingredients and give the French toast its rich texture.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a creamy custard for soaking the bread.

Vanilla extract: Provides a sweet and aromatic flavor to the mixture.

Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor that pairs well with the sweetness.

Sugar: Sweetens the mixture and helps create a caramelized exterior.

When preparing French toast sticks in an air fryer, ensure that the bread is slightly stale or toasted beforehand. This helps the egg mixture adhere better and prevents the French toast from becoming too soggy. Additionally, for an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of orange zest to the egg mixture.

• bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and slightly sweet, making it an excellent choice for French toast sticks.

• bread - Substitute with challah: Challah is another rich, eggy bread that absorbs the egg mixture well and yields a tender texture.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a great vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that provides a similar consistency and flavor.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is another dairy-free alternative that adds a slight sweetness and creaminess.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor profile to the French toast sticks.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a hint of maple flavor.

• cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: This blend includes cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding a more complex flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a slight floral note.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a rich, natural sweetness and a hint of maple flavor.

• Allow the French toast sticks to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Place the cooled French toast sticks in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store the container or bag in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through.
• For freezing, arrange the cooled French toast sticks on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for about 1-2 hours or until solid.
• Transfer the frozen French toast sticks to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• To reheat from frozen, place the French toast sticks in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated and crispy.
• For a quick microwave option, heat the frozen French toast sticks on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, though they may not be as crispy as the air fryer method.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover French toast sticks in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are warmed through and crispy.

• For a quick and easy method, use a microwave. Place the French toast sticks on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, checking for desired warmth.

• If you prefer a more traditional approach, reheat the French toast sticks in an oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the sticks on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 8-10 minutes, removing the foil halfway through to allow them to crisp up.

• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan. Place the French toast sticks in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy.

• If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast sticks on the rack or a baking tray and heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are warm and crispy.

• Air fryer: A countertop appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it, perfect for achieving a crispy texture without deep frying.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine ingredients, ideal for whisking together the egg mixture.

• Whisk: A kitchen utensil used to beat or stir ingredients smoothly, essential for blending the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar.

• Knife: A sharp tool used to cut the bread into sticks.

• Cutting board: A flat surface used to safely cut the bread into sticks.

• Tongs: A tool used to flip the bread sticks halfway through cooking in the air fryer.

• Measuring cups: Tools used to measure the milk accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar accurately.

Pre-mix the batter: Prepare the egg mixture the night before and store it in the fridge to save time in the morning.

Use thick bread: Opt for thick slices of bread as they absorb the egg mixture better and cook more evenly.

Batch cooking: Cook multiple French toast sticks at once by arranging them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Quick flipping: Use tongs to quickly flip the bread sticks halfway through cooking for even browning.

Preheat the air fryer: Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and save time.