Air Fryer French Toast Sticks - Crispy 15-Minute Breakfast

French toast sticks are the breakfast that feels like a treat but comes together fast. The air fryer makes the edges crisp while the middle stays soft and custardy. No flipping over a hot skillet, no splattering butter.

These sticks are perfect for kids and grown-ups alike. You can dip them in syrup, jam, or just eat them plain. They are also great for meal prep – make a batch on Sunday and reheat during the week.

About the Ingredients

6 thick slices of brioche or challah bread (about 250g)

Stale bread works best – it soaks up the custard without falling apart. If using fresh bread, let it sit out for an hour.

3 large eggs

Large eggs give the custard structure. You can use 2 extra-large if that is what you have.

1 cup (240ml) whole milk

Whole milk makes a richer custard. You can use 2% or a plant-based milk, but the texture will be slightly less creamy.

1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream

This adds richness. You can skip it and use 1 1/4 cups milk total – the sticks will be a bit less custardy.

2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar

Adjust to taste. You can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pure vanilla is best, but imitation works fine.

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cinnamon is classic. You can add a pinch of nutmeg too.

Pinch of salt

Salt balances the sweetness – do not skip it.

Cooking spray or oil for the air fryer basket

Use canola or avocado oil spray to prevent sticking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Slice the bread

Cut each slice of bread into 3-4 sticks, about 2.5 cm (1 inch) wide. If the crust is very hard, you can trim it off, but it is not necessary.

2. Make the custard

In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined. Make sure the sugar is dissolved.

3. Soak the sticks

Dip each bread stick into the custard for about 10 seconds per side. Let the excess drip off. Do not soak too long or the bread will get mushy.

4. Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes. This helps the sticks crisp up evenly.

5. Arrange in the basket

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the soaked sticks in a single layer, leaving a little space between them. You may need to cook in batches.

6. Air fry the sticks

Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 5 minutes. Flip the sticks with tongs, then cook for another 3-5 minutes, until golden brown and crisp on the outside.

7. Serve and enjoy

Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with maple syrup, jam, or a dusting of powdered sugar. They are best hot.

How to Store Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes design inspiration

Tips & Tricks

• Do not soak the bread too long – about 10 seconds per side is enough. If it soaks too much, it will fall apart.
• Cut the bread into thick slices, about 2.5 cm (1 inch). Thinner slices dry out in the air fryer.
• Arrange the sticks in a single layer with space between them. Overcrowding makes them steam instead of crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Delicious Variations

Cinnamon sugar

Toss the warm sticks in a mix of 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for a crunchy coating.

Chocolate hazelnut

Spread a thin layer of chocolate hazelnut spread on the bread before cutting into sticks, then soak and cook as directed.

Berry cream cheese

Mash a few berries with cream cheese and spread on the bread before making the sticks – a fruity twist.

Give these a try on your next slow morning. They are quick enough for a weekday but special enough for a weekend treat. If you make them, let me know how they turn out in the comments below.

Air Fryer French Toast Sticks – Crispy 15-Minute Breakfast

Crispy air fryer French toast sticks with a custardy center, ready in 15 minutes. Easy, beginner-friendly, and perfect for busy mornings.

10 minPrep time15 minCook time6Servings285 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 6 thick slices of brioche or challah bread (about 250g)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Cooking spray or oil for the air fryer basket

📋 Instructions

1. 1Slice the bread — Cut each slice of bread into 3-4 sticks, about 2.5 cm (1 inch) wide. If the crust is very hard, you can trim it off, but it is not necessary.
2. 2Make the custard — In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined. Make sure the sugar is dissolved.
3. 3Soak the sticks — Dip each bread stick into the custard for about 10 seconds per side. Let the excess drip off. Do not soak too long or the bread will get mushy.
4. 4Preheat the air fryer — Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes. This helps the sticks crisp up evenly.
5. 5Arrange in the basket — Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the soaked sticks in a single layer, leaving a little space between them. You may need to cook in batches.
6. 6Air fry the sticks — Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 5 minutes. Flip the sticks with tongs, then cook for another 3-5 minutes, until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
7. 7Serve and enjoy — Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with maple syrup, jam, or a dusting of powdered sugar. They are best hot.

👨🍳 Chef's Note: If you don't have heavy cream, just use extra milk. The sticks will be a little lighter but still delicious.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Breakfast

RecipesCooker10 minutes15 minutes25 minutes

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 12g protein · 22g carbs · 9g fat