Apple Cinnamon French Toast Sticks (Air Fryer)

There’s something irresistibly comforting about the aroma of cinnamon and apples wafting through the kitchen. These Apple Cinnamon French Toast Sticks (Air Fryer) bring that warm, cozy feeling to your breakfast table but with a fun twist on the classic French toast. Crisp on the outside, tender and flavorful inside, these sticks make for a perfect grab-and-go morning treat or a delightful snack any time of day. Plus, using the air fryer means less oil and mess, and quicker cooking without sacrificing that golden, crispy texture we all love. Ready to dive into this simple yet delicious recipe? Let’s get started!

Why This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Sticks (Air Fryer) Stands Out

What makes these Apple Cinnamon French Toast Sticks (Air Fryer) truly special is their balance of textures and flavors. The air fryer crisps up the bread sticks beautifully, creating a satisfying crunch while locking in the soft, cinnamon-spiced custard inside. The diced apples add a natural sweetness and a slight tartness, complementing the warm cinnamon notes perfectly. This recipe is quick to prepare using just 4 slices of bread and pantry staples, making it ideal for busy mornings or a cozy weekend brunch.

Not to mention, these sticks are incredibly versatile. You can pair them with maple syrup, honey, or even a dollop of yogurt for extra indulgence. If you’re a fan of apple desserts, you might also enjoy recipes like Apple Cinnamon Puffed Pancake or Maple Glazed Apple Scones, which bring similar flavors in different forms.

What to Buy

• 4 slices of bread: Choose a sturdy bread like brioche or challah for a richer texture, or whole wheat for a healthier twist.
• 2 large eggs: The base for the custard that coats the bread sticks.
• 1/4 cup milk: Any milk of your choice works; dairy or plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk can be used.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon sugar: Balances the tartness of the apples and enhances caramelization.
• 1 apple, peeled and diced: Fresh apples add a juicy, natural sweetness and texture.
• Cooking spray: For greasing the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and ensure crispiness.

Prep & Cook Tools

• Air fryer: Essential for crisping the French toast sticks quickly and evenly.
• Mixing bowl: To whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar.
• Whisk or fork: To beat the custard mixture smoothly.
• Sharp knife: To cut bread into sticks and dice the apple.
• Cutting board: For safe chopping and slicing.
• Measuring spoons and cups: For accuracy in ingredients.
• Cooking spray: To lightly grease the air fryer basket.

Step-by-Step: Apple Cinnamon French Toast Sticks (Air Fryer)

Step 1: Prepare the Apple

Peel and dice one fresh apple into small, even pieces. Set aside. The apple pieces will be added to the custard mixture, infusing every bite with juicy bursts of flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Custard

In a mixing bowl, crack in 2 large eggs and whisk them gently. Add 1/4 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Stir in the diced apples gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the custard.

Step 3: Cut the Bread

Take 4 slices of your chosen bread and cut each into 3 or 4 sticks, depending on your preferred size. Sturdier breads like brioche or challah hold up better in the air fryer without becoming soggy.

Step 4: Soak the Bread Sticks

Dip each bread stick into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for about 20 seconds. Ensure each stick is fully coated but not overly saturated to avoid a mushy texture.

Step 5: Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Air Fry the French Toast Sticks

Place the soaked bread sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the French toast sticks from the air fryer and serve immediately. They’re delicious on their own or paired with maple syrup, honey, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. For a fun twist, try dipping them in apple butter or yogurt.

Allergy-Friendly Substitutes

• Dairy-free milk alternatives: Use almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk instead of regular milk.
• Egg replacers: For those allergic to eggs, try flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) or commercial egg replacers.
• Gluten-free bread: Swap regular bread for gluten-free options to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Natural sweeteners: Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of sugar if preferred.

Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them

• Bread too soggy: Avoid soaking the bread sticks for too long. A quick 20-second dip is sufficient to absorb flavor without falling apart.
• Uneven cooking: Arrange bread sticks in a single layer without crowding the air fryer basket. Flip halfway through to ensure all sides crisp evenly.
• Apple pieces falling off: Dice apples finely and mix them thoroughly into the custard so they stick well to the bread.
• Sticks sticking to the basket: Never skip the cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Save It for Later

If you want to enjoy these Apple Cinnamon French Toast Sticks (Air Fryer) later, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Fresh apples are best for maintaining a firm texture and fresh flavor. However, if you use frozen apples, make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture from making the custard too watery.

What type of bread works best for these French toast sticks?

Brioche, challah, or thick-cut white bread works best because they absorb the custard well and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. Whole wheat bread can be used for a healthier option, but might be less tender.

Can I make these sticks ahead of time for a crowd?

Absolutely! Prepare the custard and soak the bread sticks, then store them in the fridge for up to an hour before air frying. For larger batches, cook in multiple air fryer batches and keep warm in a low oven until serving.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover French toast sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture instead of microwaving.

Our Most-Loved Recipes

• Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding – A rich, comforting dessert that’s perfect for using up leftover bread.
• Apple Cinnamon Puffed Pancake – A light and fluffy pancake packed with cinnamon and apple goodness.
• Maple Glazed Apple Scones – Buttery scones with a sweet maple glaze and tender apple pieces inside.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Cinnamon French Toast Sticks (Air Fryer) are a delightful way to elevate your breakfast routine with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The combination of cinnamon-spiced custard and juicy apples wrapped in crispy air-fried bread sticks is simply unbeatable. Whether you’re making a quick weekday breakfast or a leisurely weekend treat, these sticks bring warmth and comfort to your table every time. Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite toppings and dips to make them uniquely yours. Happy cooking!

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