Using an air fryer, you can quickly and easily cook the most delicious French toast sticks. Perfect for a quick breakfast, these air fryer French toast sticks look absolutely delightful and taste amazing. The best part? They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and ready in no time at all. If you’re looking for a fun and tasty way to start your day, this recipe is a must-try!
Ⅰ. Time Overview
Here’s a quick overview of the time you’ll need to prepare this delicious breakfast:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Ⅱ. Ingredients Needed
Gather the following ingredients to make your air fryer French toast sticks:
- Bread:We love using sliced brioche for this recipe. It has a slight sweetness and a soft texture that absorbs the egg and milk mixture beautifully. Brioche adds a rich flavor that enhances the overall taste of the French toast sticks.
- Eggs:Eggs are essential for giving the French toast its crispy texture. When the bread slices are dipped in beaten eggs, they develop a deliciously crispy outer layer when cooked in the air fryer.
- Milk:You can use any type of milk for this recipe. 2% dairy milk works well, or you can opt for plant-based milk like unsweetened almond milk or oat milk. The milk helps to create a smooth and creamy mixture that soaks into the bread.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of sweetness and a lovely aroma.
- Cinnamon: Gives the French toast sticks a warm and comforting flavor.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall taste and balances the sweetness.
Ⅲ. Equipment Needed
To make air fryer French toast sticks, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Air Fryer: Essential for cooking the French toast sticks to perfection. The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, making it crispy without the need for excess oil.
- Mixing Bowl: For whisking the eggs, milk, and seasonings together.
- Baking Paper: To line the air fryer basket if needed. This helps to prevent the French toast sticks from sticking to the basket and makes cleanup easier.
- Cooking Spray: To prevent the baking paper from sticking and to ensure the French toast sticks don’t stick to the basket.
Ⅳ. How to Make Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
Follow these steps to create perfect air fryer French toast sticks:
1. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. This mixture will give the French toast sticks their delicious flavor and crispy texture.
2. Prepare the Bread:
Cut the slices of brioche into sticks, typically three or four sticks per slice. This makes them easy to handle and perfect for dipping into the egg mixture.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the French toast sticks cook evenly and become crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside.
4. Dip the Bread:
Quickly dip each bread stick into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s coated but not soaked. Brioche is soft and absorbs the mixture quickly, so don’t leave it in too long. This helps to prevent the bread from becoming too soggy.
5. Line the Air Fryer Basket:
Line the air fryer basket with baking paper if your bread is slightly wet. Spray the paper with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step ensures that the French toast sticks come out perfectly cooked and easy to remove.
6. Cook the French Toast Sticks:
Place the dipped bread sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. This results in perfectly cooked French toast sticks that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Ⅴ. Tips for Perfect Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
Here are some additional tips to ensure your French toast sticks turn out perfectly every time:
1.Don’t Soak the Bread Too Long:
Brioche is soft and absorbs the egg mixture quickly. If soaked too long, it might start to fall apart. Dip the bread quickly and ensure it’s coated but not soaked.
2.Use Baking Paper:
If your bread is a bit wet, line the air fryer basket with baking paper to prevent the liquid from dirtying the bottom. Spray the paper with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This makes cleanup easier and ensures the French toast sticks don’t stick to the basket.
3.Don’t Preheat with Baking Paper:
Preheat the air fryer first, then carefully place the baking paper in the basket, spray it, and add the French toast sticks. This prevents the baking paper from catching fire. Ensure the baking paper is weighed down by the French toast sticks to prevent it from floating and creating a fire hazard.
4.Try Different Breads:
While we love the rich and sweet flavor of brioche, you can use other sliced bread for this recipe. If using a denser bread like sourdough, soak it in the egg mixture for a longer time. This allows the egg mixture to penetrate the bread, resulting in a deliciously crispy French toast stick.
Ⅵ. Conclusion
Not only are these air fryer French toast sticks quick to make, but they also offer a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. You can enjoy the crispy, golden goodness of French toast sticks without the need for excessive oil.Enjoy your French toast sticks with a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or your favorite toppings!
