Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

Ingredients

• 8 slicesbread, such as Texas toast or brioche, thickly sliced
• 2 largeeggs
• 120 ml (½ cup)milk
• 1 teaspoonvanilla extract
• 1 teaspoonground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoonsgranulated sugar
• as neededcooking spray
• for servingmaple syrup

Instructions

1. 1

   Cut the bread

   Cut each slice of bread into four equal sticks.

2. 2

   Mix the coating

   In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon and sugar.

3. 3

   Dip the sticks

   Dip each bread stick into the egg mixture and let the excess drip off. Avoid leaving them in the mixture for too long, or they may become soggy.

4. 4

   Preheat the air fryer

   Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F).

5. 5

   Air fry the sticks

   Lightly grease the air fryer basket with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Arrange the sticks in a single layer without overlap, working in batches if needed. Air fry for 4 minutes, turn the sticks over and cook for another 4 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.

6. 6

   Serve them hot

   Serve the French toast sticks hot with maple syrup for dipping and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

What are French toast sticks?

French toast is made by dipping bread in an egg-and-milk mixture before cooking it, and versions of the dish appear in several food traditions. These sticks are an American-style, finger-food take on the breakfast classic, cut into pieces that are easy to pick up and dip.

Thick bread gives the centres some substance while the air fryer browns the coated surfaces. Cinnamon, vanilla and sugar bring a familiar sweet, spiced flavour.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 78 calories, 4g protein, 8g carbs, 3g fat.

Bread and sugar provide most of the carbohydrates, while the eggs and milk contribute protein and some fat. Serve with fruit and keep the maple syrup for dipping to balance the sweet, crisp sticks with a fresh side.

Choosing the bread

Thick slices: Texas toast or brioche are suggested because their sturdy, soft crumb can hold the egg mixture. Cut each slice into four equal sticks so they cook at a similar rate.

Freshness: The recipe does not specify stale bread, so use the thickly sliced bread you have and dip it briefly rather than letting it soak.

Getting the coating right

Egg mixture: Whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon and sugar in a shallow dish. A shallow dish makes it easier to coat the sides of each stick.

Quick dip: Turn each stick through the mixture, then let the excess run off. A short dip helps coat the bread without making it waterlogged.

Air-frying for crisp edges

Single layer: Arrange the sticks with space around them and avoid overlap. Cook in batches if the basket cannot hold them all this way.

Turn halfway: Cook for 4 minutes, flip, then cook for another 4 minutes at 190°C. Look for golden-brown surfaces and a crisp exterior; air fryers can vary, so check the sticks as they finish.

Timing and serving

The stated total time is 18 minutes, including preparation and cooking. Have the dipping syrup ready so the sticks can be served while they are hot.

Maple syrup: Serve it alongside for dipping, as directed. A light sprinkle of powdered sugar is also suggested in the method.

What to serve alongside

These sweet sticks work as a breakfast or brunch centrepiece with fruit on the side. Berries or sliced banana can add a fresh contrast without changing the recipe itself.

For a more substantial meal, pair them with plain yoghurt or eggs; keep the maple syrup available separately so everyone can choose how much to use.

Recipe notes & tips

• Cut the bread into evenly sized sticks so they cook at a similar pace.
• Use a shallow dish to make dipping easier.
• Let excess egg mixture drip off before placing each stick in the basket.
• Grease the basket lightly to help prevent sticking.
• Leave space between the sticks and cook in batches if necessary.
• Check the sticks near the end of cooking, as air fryer performance can vary.

Variations

• Use brioche: Its rich, soft crumb makes a tender centre.
• Add extra spice: Increase the cinnamon slightly for a more pronounced warm flavour.
• Change the dip: Serve with yoghurt or fruit alongside the maple syrup.
• Try savoury sides: Pair the sweet sticks with eggs for a more filling breakfast.
• Adjust the sweetness: Use less maple syrup at the table if you prefer a less sweet serving.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Soaking the bread: It can turn soggy; dip each stick briefly and let the excess drip away.
• Crowding the basket: Overlapping sticks may not crisp evenly; cook them in batches.
• Skipping the flip: The second side needs time to brown too; turn the sticks after 4 minutes.
• Using uneven pieces: Different sizes can cook at different rates; cut each slice into four equal sticks.
• Leaving them to cool: The coating softens as the sticks sit; serve them hot.

How to store

For the best crisp texture, serve these straight from the air fryer. Refrigerate any leftovers in a sealed container for up to 2 days, then reheat in the air fryer until hot and crisp; the texture may be softer than when freshly cooked.

Frequently asked questions