If you’ve ever craved French toast with a perfectly crisp edge and soft, custardy center, you’re going to be obsessed with this Air Fryer French Toast! It’s a total breakfast game-changer—quick, simple, ridiculously delicious, and perfect for busy mornings or lazy brunches alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s unbelievably fast: From start to finish, Air Fryer French Toast comes together in about 12 minutes—perfect for any morning rush!
- Every bite is perfectly crispy and fluffy: The air fryer works magic by creating a golden exterior without sacrificing the pillowy-soft center we all love.
- Minimal mess and easy cleanup: Skip the stovetop splatter and griddle monitoring—the air fryer does all the work for you, hands-free.
- Customizable for everyone: Kids and grown-ups alike adore these French toast sticks, and you can easily adapt them to suit your mood or pantry!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s celebrate the beauty of simplicity! Each ingredient in this Air Fryer French Toast recipe plays a key role—giving you that soft, rich, and fragrant bite you crave. Here’s what you’ll need and why it deserves a spot in your mixing bowl.
- Texas toast (6 slices): This thick, fluffy bread soaks up the custard without falling apart—ideal for French toast sticks with crisp edges and a tender bite.
- Large eggs (4): Eggs provide structure and that signature creamy texture as they set while cooking.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Milk thins the egg mixture into a luxurious custard and helps the flavor soak into every crumb.
- Melted butter (3 tablespoons): Butter gives a rich finish, adding flavor and helping the toast brown beautifully in the air fryer.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Brown sugar adds just the right hint of sweetness with a subtle caramel note.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Cinnamon infuses that irresistible, cozy warmth into each bite—don’t skip this!
- Pinch of salt: Salt is the unsung hero, balancing the sweetness and rounding out all the flavors.
Variations
This Air Fryer French Toast recipe is just begging to be personalized! Whether you want to tweak it for dietary needs or have some fun with flavors, there are so many ways to make these French toast sticks uniquely yours.
- Dairy-free delight: Swap the milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use dairy-free butter to keep things creamy without the dairy.
- Gluten-free swap: Use your favorite gluten-free sandwich bread or Texas toast for a snack everyone can enjoy.
- Go fruity: Whisk a bit of orange zest into the egg mixture, or layer the finished sticks with sliced bananas or berries.
- Extra indulgence: Add a splash of vanilla extract, a touch of nutmeg, or even a sprinkle of powdered cocoa to the custard base for a decadent twist.
How to Make Air Fryer French Toast
Step 1: Prep the Bread
Start by slicing your Texas toast into three even strips per slice. This turns your French toast into satisfying, dippable sticks—perfect for little hands, brunch platters, or lunchboxes.
Step 2: Make the Custard
Whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and that tiny pinch of salt in a shallow dish. Make sure everything is well combined; you want the brown sugar and spices to flavor every bite!
Step 3: Dip the Bread
Quickly dip each slice into the custard, making sure it’s coated on all sides but not over-soaked (no soggy sticks allowed!). Shake off the excess and get ready for the air fryer magic.
Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Spritz your air fryer basket with oil spray, then arrange the bread sticks in a single layer, leaving a little breathing room around each one. Set your air fryer to 380°F and cook for about 7 minutes, or until your Air Fryer French Toast is irresistibly golden and crisp at the edges.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer the hot French toast sticks to a plate, dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and dive right in while they’re wonderfully warm. Don’t forget to try one before the rest disappear!
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer French Toast
- Bread Matters: Use bread that’s at least a day old, if possible—it absorbs the custard best and yields crispier, less soggy sticks.
- Don’t Crowd the Air Fryer: Arrange the sticks in a single layer with space between them for thorough airflow and even browning.
- Keep ’Em Warm: If you’re making a big batch, keep cooked sticks warm in a low oven (200°F) while you finish the rest.
- Flavor Boost: Add a touch of vanilla extract or orange zest to the custard for an aromatic twist your guests will rave about.
How to Serve Air Fryer French Toast
Garnishes
Dress up your Air Fryer French Toast sticks with a classic dusting of powdered sugar for a hint of sweetness and a gorgeous finish. Maple syrup is a must for dipping or drizzling—and a handful of fresh berries, sliced bananas, or even a dollop of whipped cream can make breakfast feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair your French toast sticks with a side of breakfast sausage or crispy bacon for a hearty, satisfying meal. Fresh fruit salad or Greek yogurt on the side creates a lovely balance with the warm, sweet flavors of your main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun brunch spread, serve the Air Fryer French Toast in a basket lined with parchment, or stand the sticks upright in a mason jar for a playful, snackable centerpiece. For kids, arrange the sticks into smiley faces or shapes—breakfast art is always a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Air Fryer French Toast sticks keep beautifully for a quick breakfast later. Cool them completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days—they’ll stay soft but satisfying.
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly! Arrange cooled sticks on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then pop them in a zip top bag. Squeeze out the air, seal, and store for up to three months—future-you will thank you!
Reheating
To reheat, toss the frozen or refrigerated sticks into your air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. They’ll come out as crispy and delicious as when they were freshly made—no soggy microwave toast here!
FAQs
-
Can I use a different type of bread for Air Fryer French Toast?
Absolutely! While Texas toast is wonderfully thick and fluffy, you can use brioche, challah, whole wheat, or even gluten-free sandwich bread. Just avoid thin or super soft sliced bread, as it may not hold up as well to the custard dip.
-
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
It depends on your model. Some air fryers work best when preheated, while others don’t require it. For best results and even browning, I recommend preheating for a few minutes if your machine suggests it.
-
Can I make Air Fryer French Toast ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the French toast sticks in advance, cool them completely, and store in the fridge or freezer. Reheat in the air fryer when ready to serve—they’ll be just as crispy and tasty as when fresh.
-
How do I prevent my Air Fryer French Toast from getting too soggy?
A quick dip in the custard (not a long soak!) and using sturdy, slightly stale bread helps keep the sticks crisp and firm. Also, air fry in a single layer with a bit of space to allow proper airflow all around.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new breakfast favorite, give this Air Fryer French Toast a try! It’s fun, fuss-free, and guaranteed to brighten up your morning—whether you’re serving a crowd or savoring a cozy plate all to yourself. I hope you love every cinnamon-scented bite!
PrintAir Fryer French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 18 sticks 1x
- Category: Air Frying
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Craving French toast but want a quicker, easier way to make it? Try this delicious Air Fryer French Toast recipe! Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and ready in no time.
Ingredients
Texas Toast:
- 6 slices Texas toast
Egg Mixture:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Slice Bread: Cut each piece of bread into 3 slices.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: Whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a shallow dish.
- Prep Air Fryer: Spritz the air fryer basket with oil spray.
- Dip Bread: Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, then place in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook: Air fry at 380°F for 7 minutes until golden brown and cooked.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with powdered sugar and maple syrup.
Notes
- This recipe yields 18 French toast sticks, easily adjustable for smaller or larger batches.
- Leftovers freeze well; freeze on a sheet pan for 1 hour, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 French Toast Sticks
- Calories: 481 kcal
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 622mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 280mg