Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

If you’re looking for a quick and delightful breakfast that’ll please both kids and adults alike, then these Air Fryer French Toast Sticks are just what you need! With their crispy edges and fluffy insides, they’re the perfect way to start your day. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, thanks to the air fryer, which gives you that golden-brown texture without the need for excess oil. Whether you’re whipping up a family brunch or just treating yourself on a lazy Sunday morning, these French toast sticks will have you coming back for seconds!

The Upside of Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, and when it comes to breakfast, they offer some fantastic benefits. Here are a few reasons to love Air Fryer French Toast Sticks:

• Healthier Option: Air frying requires less oil than traditional frying, making it a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor.
• Quick Cooking: The air fryer cooks faster than a conventional oven, so you can have breakfast in no time.
• Minimal Cleanup: With fewer dishes and no messy frying pan, cleanup is a breeze.
• Crispy Texture: The air fryer creates a perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

What to Buy

To make your Air Fryer French Toast Sticks, you will need a few simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen:

• 2 large eggs: These serve as the base for your custard-like mixture.
• 1 tablespoon whole milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture.
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup: Sweetens the mixture naturally and adds a wonderful flavor.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the French toast.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides warmth and a touch of spice.
• 4 slices brioche (at least 1 inch thick): The star of the dish, brioche adds a rich texture that is perfect for French toast.

Toolbox for This Recipe

To prepare your Air Fryer French Toast Sticks, you’ll need a few essential tools:

• Air Fryer: The key appliance for achieving that crispy goodness.
• Mixing Bowl: For whisking together your egg mixture.
• Whisk or Fork: To combine the ingredients smoothly.
• Knife: For cutting the brioche into sticks.
• Spatula: Useful for flipping the French toast sticks if needed.

How to Prepare Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

Now that you have everything you need, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for perfectly crispy Air Fryer French Toast Sticks:

Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon of whole milk, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon until well combined.

Step 2: Cut the Brioche

Take your 4 slices of brioche and cut them into strips, about 1 inch wide. You’ll want them to be sturdy enough to hold up during the cooking process.

Step 3: Dip the Brioche Strips

Dip each brioche strip into the egg mixture, ensuring that both sides are coated. Allow any excess mixture to drip off.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for about 5 minutes. This step helps achieve that crispy exterior.

Step 5: Arrange the French Toast Sticks

Place the dipped brioche strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 6: Air Fry

Air fry the French toast sticks for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. They should be golden brown and crispy when done.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the French toast sticks from the air fryer and serve warm. Drizzle with additional maple syrup, sprinkle with powdered sugar, or enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce!

International Equivalents

Here are some equivalents that might help you if you’re following this recipe from different parts of the world:

• Eggs: 2 large eggs are equivalent to about 120 ml of liquid egg in some regions.
• Milk: 1 tablespoon of whole milk is approximately 15 ml.
• Maple Syrup: 1 tablespoon of maple syrup can be replaced with honey or agave syrup in many recipes.
• Brioche: If brioche isn’t available, challah or thick-cut white bread can be used as alternatives.

Steer Clear of These

When making your Air Fryer French Toast Sticks, avoid the following:

• Using stale bread that is too dry, as it won’t absorb the egg mixture properly.
• Overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can lead to uneven cooking.
• Using low-quality or imitation vanilla extract, which can affect the flavor.
• Skipping the preheating step, which is crucial for achieving that crispy texture.

Make-Ahead & Storage

If you want to prepare these Air Fryer French Toast Sticks ahead of time or have leftovers, here are some tips for storage:

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the egg mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just whisk it again before dipping the brioche.
• Storage: Store any leftover French toast sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.

Reader Q&A

Can I use gluten-free bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! Gluten-free bread works well in this recipe. Just ensure it’s thick enough to hold the custard mixture without falling apart.

How do I make these dairy-free?

You can substitute the whole milk with almond milk or any other dairy-free alternative. The recipe will still be delicious!

What can I serve with Air Fryer French Toast Sticks?

These French toast sticks pair beautifully with fresh fruit, yogurt, or even a side of crispy bacon for a balanced breakfast.

Can I freeze the French toast sticks?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked French toast sticks. Just let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat in the air fryer when you’re ready to enjoy!

Quick Weeknight Wins

If you love the convenience of the air fryer, here are some other quick and easy recipes you might enjoy:

• Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Perfectly crispy and packed with flavor.
• Air Fryer Vegetables: A quick way to enjoy your favorite veggies.
• Air Fryer Cookies: Yes, you can bake cookies in an air fryer!
• Air Fryer Quesadillas: A fast and tasty dinner option.

The Takeaway

Air Fryer French Toast Sticks are a fantastic breakfast option that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick cooking time, these crispy, sweet treats will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, they are versatile enough to cater to all tastes and preferences. Don’t forget to get creative with your toppings and dips; the possibilities are endless!

So grab your air fryer and indulge in these delightful Air Fryer French Toast Sticks today. You won’t regret it!