Air Fryer French Toast Sticks: Crispy Breakfast Recipe

Air Fried French Toast Sticks are quick to prepare and ideal for busy mornings. These bite-size sticks are perfect for small hands and make mornings more fun when kids help dip and cook them. If you enjoy easy breakfast ideas, consider other variations like baked french toast muffins or an overnight pumpkin french toast casserole.

*This post may contain affiliate links in which I may receive a small commission

Origins of French Toast

Most people recognize french toast: slices of bread soaked in an eggy mixture, pan-fried and finished with syrup. The dish has roots in Europe where cooks, aiming to avoid waste, revived stale bread by soaking it in milk and eggs and frying it until golden. Over time, french toast has evolved into many popular variations — from brioche or challah versions to muffins, casseroles, and sticks — and appears on breakfast and brunch menus around the world.

Why Make French Toast Sticks in the Air Fryer

The air fryer is a versatile tool that shortens prep and cook time compared with stovetop cooking. It crisps the exterior evenly while leaving the center tender, so you get nicely golden french toast sticks with minimal fuss and cleanup.

What Do Air Fried French Toast Sticks Taste Like

These sticks taste very similar to classic french toast: a warm blend of cinnamon and vanilla with a subtle hint of nutmeg. Using a vanilla almond milk creamer highlights the vanilla flavor and adds a slightly richer, denser texture than plain almond milk, but you can easily swap it for other milks.

Do I Need an Air Fryer to Make These?

No — an air fryer speeds things up and gives consistent crisping, but a non-stick skillet works fine. Cook the sticks over medium-low heat, flipping until both sides are golden and the egg mixture is fully cooked.

What Type of Bread Works Best

Choose a bread that holds up to soaking without falling apart. Popular options include brioche, challah, sourdough, French bread, or whole wheat. For this recipe I used a hearty white loaf (Dave’s Killer Bread – White Done Right) to keep it a little healthier than typical white sandwich bread.

Ingredients Needed for Air Fried French Toast

This recipe uses familiar pantry items. For the batch shown I used:

• Dave’s Killer Bread, White Done Right (or another sturdy loaf)
• Eggs
• Vanilla almond milk creamer (can be replaced — see options below)
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg

You likely have these on hand. If you prefer, swap the almond creamer for another milk or dairy-free alternative such as:

• Soy milk
• Coconut milk
• Hemp milk
• Whole milk
• Oat milk
• Heavy cream

How to Make French Toast Sticks in the Air Fryer

1. In a shallow bowl, whisk 2 eggs until blended. Add 2 tablespoons of vanilla almond creamer, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; whisk until combined.

2. On a cutting board, cut 5 slices of bread into even sticks. Working in small batches, dip each stick into the egg mixture, coating both sides.

3. Arrange the coated sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 7–8 minutes, or until they are golden and crisp around the edges.

4. Remove the french toast sticks from the air fryer and serve immediately.

What to Serve with Air Fried French Toast Sticks

These sticks pair well with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or breakfast meats like turkey bacon, pork bacon, or sausage. Popular toppings include maple syrup, agave, honey, cinnamon sugar, or brown sugar. No matter the pairing or topping, they make an indulgent, kid-friendly breakfast or snack.