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Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

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Thick-cut bread slices cut into sticks, dipped in a cinnamon-vanilla custard, and air fried until golden and crispy outside with a custardy center. Ready in about 8 minutes and perfect for dipping in maple syrup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices thick-cut bread (brioche, Texas toast, or challah works best)
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream (optional but makes them richer)
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Cooking spray
  • Powdered sugar for serving
  • Maple syrup for dipping

Instructions

  1. Cut each slice of bread into 3 sticks by cutting from edge to edge in thirds. Use thick-cut bread — thin sandwich bread gets soggy too quickly and falls apart.
  2. In a shallow bowl or baking dish, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth with no streaks of egg.
  3. Working in batches, dip each bread stick into the egg mixture for about 15 seconds per side. Lift out and let any excess drip off — the bread should absorb some custard but not become waterlogged.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Spray the basket with cooking spray and arrange the sticks in a single layer with a little space between each one. Spray the tops with cooking spray.
  5. Air fry at 375°F for 7 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying the tops again. They are done when golden brown on both sides.
  6. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately with maple syrup, warm berry sauce, or yogurt for dipping.

Notes

Bread tip: Slightly stale or day-old bread is ideal — it absorbs the custard without getting waterlogged. Brioche and challah produce the richest result; Texas toast is a reliable everyday option.

Avoid sogginess: Dip for 15 seconds per side maximum and do not overcrowd the basket — overcrowding causes steaming instead of crisping.

Freezing: Cool completely, freeze in a single layer for 2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag. Keeps up to 2 months.

Reheating from frozen: Air fry at 350°F for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping once — no thawing needed. Refrigerated leftovers reheat at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes.

Find it online: https://airfrycentral.com/air-fryer-french-toast-sticks-kid-favorite-done-fast/