Air Fryer French Toast Sticks Recipe

Bread: Thick slices are preferred for a sturdy texture that holds up well in the air fryer.

Eggs: These bind the ingredients together and provide a rich flavor.

Milk: Adds moisture and creaminess to the egg mixture.

Vanilla extract: Infuses the French toast with a sweet, aromatic flavor.

Cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy note that complements the sweetness.

Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the egg mixture, enhancing the overall flavor.

When preparing French toast sticks in the air fryer, ensure that the bread you choose is slightly stale or a day old. This helps the bread absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. If your bread is fresh, consider toasting it lightly before cutting it into sticks. This will give your French toast sticks a perfect texture, crispy on the outside while remaining soft and flavorful on the inside.

• 4 slices preferably thick slices bread - Substitute with brioche or challah: These breads are rich and absorb the custard mixture well, making them ideal for French toast.

• 2 large eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the custard mixture.

• ½ cup milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that maintains the creamy texture needed for the custard mixture.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a sweet, aromatic flavor that complements the cinnamon and sugar.

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, spicy flavor similar to cinnamon, adding depth to the French toast.

• 1 tablespoon sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey offers a natural sweetness and a slightly floral flavor that enhances the overall taste of the French toast sticks.

• Allow the French toast sticks to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the French toast sticks in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• If you plan to keep them longer, freezing is the way to go. Arrange the cooled French toast sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Once frozen solid, transfer the French toast sticks to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• When you're ready to enjoy them again, there's no need to thaw. Simply pop the frozen French toast sticks back into the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.

• For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon or powdered sugar on top before serving.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast sticks in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes until they regain their crispy exterior. This method ensures they taste just as delightful as when freshly made.

• For a quick microwave method, arrange the French toast sticks on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for about 30-45 seconds. While this method is speedy, it may not preserve the crispiness as well as other methods.

• If you prefer using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Lay the French toast sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method is excellent for reheating larger batches while maintaining a nice texture.

• For those who enjoy a stovetop approach, 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 until they are warmed through and slightly crispy. This method adds a touch of richness to the reheated sticks.

• If you have a toaster oven, it's a convenient option. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the French toast sticks on the rack. Toast for about 4-6 minutes, checking for desired crispiness. This method is perfect for a small batch and delivers a delightful crunch.

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

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

• Whisk: A tool used to blend ingredients smoothly, especially useful for mixing eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar.

• Knife: A sharp utensil used to cut the bread into thirds to create sticks.

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

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

• Measuring cups: Tools used to measure the volume of ingredients like milk and sugar accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure small quantities of ingredients like vanilla extract and cinnamon.

Pre-mix the batter: Prepare the egg mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. This way, you can quickly dip the bread sticks in the morning.

Use thick bread: Opt for thick slices of bread to prevent sogginess and ensure a crispy texture, reducing the need for extra cooking time.

Batch air frying: Arrange the bread sticks in a single layer, but close together, to maximize the air fryer space and cook more at once.

Preheat the air fryer: Start preheating your air fryer while preparing the ingredients to save a few minutes.