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Easy Air Fryer French Toast Sticks Recipe

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An easy recipe for French Toast Sticks in the Air Fryer. With a cinnamon sugar coating, these are ready in minutes with a perfectly crispy exterior and tender on the inside. The perfect answer to a quick breakfast on busy mornings.

You will love this new way to cook French toast with minimal mess and easy clean-up. In fact, the air fryer is perfect for so many dishes, like these easy Air Fryer Apple Crisp, Air Fryer Steak Tips and these scrumptious air fryer steak fries.

Try my other reader favorite breakfast recipes! Prosciutto & Gruyere Quiche with Hash Brown Crust, Orange Scones, Chile Relleno Casserole and don’t forget a steaming cup of Homemade Chai Tea Latte or my White Hot Chocolate for the kiddos — all great options for breakfast.

Why You Will Love this Recipe

  • Air Fryer Fast | Easy air fryer recipes are fast, saving you time in the mornings.
  • Healthy | Since we aren’t pan frying these in oil, or using tons of sugars, these are a much healthier choice for French Toast sticks!
  • Easy Clean-Up | This easy recipe in the air fryer cleans up with minimal effort!
  • Variations | Use stale bread up or choose the bread you like best. Then choose as many fresh toppings as you want. Make it your way!

Simple Ingredients

Ingredients, directions and nutritional information in the printable recipe card at the end of the post.

French Toast Sticks labeled ingredients L-R Vanilla, coconut sugar or cane sugar, brioche, eggs, whole milk and cinnamon.
  • Bread | I like using sturdy brioche bread slices as they absorb up the perfect amount of the egg mixture. Trader Joes has a great brioche for this recipe!
  • Eggs | Dip the bread in this egg mixture to form the perfect crispy golden outside.
  • Milk | I use whole milk, but you can change it to whatever milk you want, even plant-based milks will work.
  • Vanilla | Vanilla extract adds that beautiful vanilla flavor that blends just right with the cinnamon sugar, also try my bourbon vanilla extract.
  • All-Natural Cane Sugar | Organic Cane sugar is not only less processed, but it adds a more molasses sugar flavor. You can also try using brown sugar, sugar-free Monk fruit, or coconut sugar (shown in pictures).
  • Cinnamon | Cinnamon is the stuff of breakfast bread and is one of the classic ingredients in traditional french toast recipes.

Pro Tips

  • Bread that is not super fresh and a bit stale is typically better for French toast. If your bread is really soft, slice it and leave it on a baking sheet while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
  • The cook time and texture might turn out differently depending on the bread you use. 

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast

Almost nothing is like waking up to the fragrance of breakfast cooking in the oven– and this cinnamon sugar french toast will not disappoint.

Although this easy breakfast recipe is made quickly in the air fryer, the fresh flavors will fill the room, inviting the entire family to have a seat at the table.

Step 1 | Prepare the Toast

Start by cutting the fresh loaf of brioche bread into six 1-inch-thick pieces with a sharp serrated edged bread knife. Then cut each slice into thirds, so you have 3 stick slices per piece- that are just perfectly sized for french toast.

How to slice the bread for french toast sticks.

Don’t forget to set the preheat function on your air fryer to 375 F degrees and line your fryer basket with parchment paper or use a little oil spray to coat the basket.

Step 2 | Mix the Egg Dip

Using a medium bowl, crack the eggs, measure the milk and vanilla and add it all into the mixing bowl. Then whisk the egg mixture until thoroughly combined and nice and thick.

Take out another medium mixing bowl to make the cinnamon sugar dip recipe. Measure and mix your sugar and cinnamon in that shallow bowl. 

If your bread slices don’t fit into this bowl evenly so that every inch of the dipped bread is covered in the mixture, there is an easy fix. Transfer some sugar and cinnamon to a shallow dish. That way, you can turn your slice around and cover all sides evenly.

Step 3 | Coating the Bread

Just like when making these air fried raviolis, this is a multi-step process. Line up your bowls to make it as easy as you can. 

Then start coating the toast pieces. Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, ensuring each side is evenly covered in the egg wash. If you don’t mind little hands getting a bit messy, invite the kids to help you with this very kid-friendly recipe!

Then dip the egg-washed bread in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Allowing excess egg mixture to drip, then carefully dip the piece into your cinnamon-sugar mixture and use a spoon to cover all sides thoroughly.

Step 5 | Into the Air Fryer

It is time to place the bread slices in your Air fryer and repeat until you have filled up all the available space in the air fryer basket. Now, it is essential to have room to turn them over and for them not to stick together. So, most likely, you will have to work in batches.

Also, as indicated on the recipe card, you will want to turn the toast pieces over halfway through the cooking time. Cook until the French toast is a gorgeous golden brown.

Then repeat the steps listed above until you have finished with all the bread slices you need for your sweet and crispy French toast recipe.

French toast sticks inside Ninja foodi air fryer.

Step 6 | Top and Serve

Serve the air fryer French toast sticks immediately while they are warm and perfectly crispy golden. (Or lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 275 degree oven to keep warm)

Place them on the plate and top with your choice of fresh toppings. Honestly, the options are only as limited as your imagination and taste preference.– Go crazy!

Oven Instructions

Proceed through all of the steps, and lay cinnamon sugar coated French toast sticks on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and then bake for 13 minutes, then turn and bake for another 13 minutes until golden, crispy and cooked through.

Air fried french toast sticks on plate.

Ways to Serve

Try fresh honey, sweet powdered sugar, rich maple syrup, nut butters, Homemade whipped cream, fresh fruit, apple butter, Greek yogurt, and or fresh berries. 

Oh, and you should try my strawberry syrup and blueberry syrup for a fun twist, or go over-the-top decadent and drizzle a little of this buttery vanilla sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This recipe would be perfectly paired with my Mock Eggs Benedict or a serving of Homemade Creamy Greek Yogurt and this fresh and fun Tropical Fruit Salad.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar French Toast sticks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you air fry frozen french toast sticks?

You sure can! Preheat air fryer to 375-400 F degrees. Place frozen french toast sticks uncrowded on the air fryer tray and spray lightly with a little spray oil. Bake for 3-6 minutes until crispy and hot. Serve immediately.

Can you toast toast in an air fryer?

Yes! Place desired number of slices, uncrowded in the air fryer basket. Set air fryer temperature to 400 degrees and air fry or toast for 3-5 minutes, depending on desired darkness of the toast.

Why is my French Toast not crispy?

This is one of those times when stale bread is best, fresh bread is worst. Stale bread soaks up the egg and milk mixture slower, allowing you to fry your french toast nice and crispy on the outside, soft and warm on the inside. Fresh bread absorbs your custard mixture too quickly. So go ahead, use that day or two old bread for your French Toast!

Can you use Pam cooking spray in your air fryer?

No. You should never use Pam or any cooking spray which contain propellents or additives which will harm the non-stick surface of the air fryer. So stick with pure spray oils, I like this Avocado spray oil the best.

How to Keep Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Warm

Turn your regular oven onto a warm setting and take out a baking sheet. Line the sheet with a parchment paper liner for easy cleanup. Now, place cooked slices on the baking sheet on one layer and place it in the oven until every piece of bread is air fried.

How to Make your Own Frozen French Toast Sticks

Dip and cinnamon sugar coat the bread sticks, laying them on a parchment lined baking sheet for 1 hour until firm. Then transfer frozen French Toast sticks to an airtight container or baggie. Freeze up to 3 months. Then take them to the fryer anytime you are ready, you might need a few extra minutes.

French toast sticks on plate with fork, maple syrup and cream and berries.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Bread Options | There are plenty of thick sliced bread options you can choose from. Use French bread, whole wheat bread (though it will be soggier), Challah, Texas toast or your favorite bread. Just be sure to watch the time when using different bread types, making sure it comes out perfectly crisp.
  • Milk | Use whole milk, other percentages of milk, plant-based milks — even half and half or heavy cream for even richer French toast sticks.
  • Spices | Add some pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon.
  • Sugar | Change the sugar to your taste! I used healthier coconut sugar for my first try (loved it), also used Monk fruit sugar replacement and cane sugar, too all delicious. Try brown sugar as well.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers? Store your extra pieces of French toast in an airtight container or a ziplock bag to enjoy over the coming mornings. Up to 5 days in the fridge and 3 months frozen.

You can also freeze the cinnamon toast sticks before you place it in the air fryer for a pre-prepped and super easy best french toast anytime you desire.

To reheat, just air fry the bread slices for half the time, top, and enjoy!

Air fried french toast with cinnamon and sugar.

More Cinnamon Breakfast Recipes for You 

More Great Options for Breakfast

Plate of french toast sticks that were air fried, for pinning.

I hope you loved this easy breakfast recipe for Air Fryer French Toast Sticks — if you did, would you share your creation on InstagramFacebook and Pinterest? And be sure to comment below!

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Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and comment below the recipe!

Air fryer french toast sticks on plate with berries.

Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

Author: Kathleen Pope
5 from 21 votes
An easy recipe for French Toast Sticks in the Air Fryer. With a cinnamon sugar coating, these are ready in minutes with a perfectly crispy exterior and tender on the inside. The perfect answer to a quick breakfast on busy mornings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 16 minutes
Course Air Fryer, Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 4 -6 servings
Calories 405 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1/2 loaf brioche bread, approx 6 inches long, cut into 1 inch slices
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, or try half and half, heavy cream, different % of milks, or plant-based milks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup all-natural cane sugar, try coconut sugar, monk fruit or your favorite sugar replacement
  • 3/4 tablespoon cinnamon, ground

Instructions
 

  • Cut the loaf of brioche bread into 1-inch-thick slices. Then cut each slice into thirds, so you have 3 thin French toast sticks per piece.
  • Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees F and line your basket with parchment paper.
  • In a medium, shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk and vanilla.
  • In another shallow bowl (large enough to roll the dipped French toast sticks in the cinnamon-sugar mixture), mix together cinnamon and sugar mixture.
  • Dip each piece of Brioche into the egg mixture, making sure it's evenly covered, allowing excess to drip off, then transfer the stick (into the sugar mixture, turning to coat completely.
  • Place on parchment lined baking sheet, continue dipping and coating until you have enough to fill your air fryer, without crowding.
  • Place french toast sticks in preheated air fryer, without crowding and cook for 3 minutes, then turn each stick and cook additional 3-4 minutes. You will probably need to work in batches.
  • Serve immediately served with maple syrup, powdered sugar, honey, whipped cream, berries or whatever you like!

✱ Kathleen’s Tips

Oven Instructions
Proceed through all of the steps, and lay cinnamon sugar coated French toast sticks on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and then bake for 13 minutes, then turn and bake for another 13 minutes until golden, crispy and cooked through.
How to Keep Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Warm
Turn your regular oven onto a warm setting and take out a baking sheet. Line the sheet with a parchment paper liner for easy cleanup. Now, place cooked slices on the baking sheet on one layer and place it in the oven until every piece of bread is air fried.
How to Make your Own Frozen French Toast Sticks
Dip and cinnamon sugar coat the bread sticks, laying them on a parchment lined baking sheet for 1 hour until firm. Then transfer frozen French Toast sticks to an airtight container or baggie. Freeze up to 3 months. Then take them to the fryer anytime you are ready, you might need a few extra minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Bread Options | There are plenty of thick sliced bread options you can choose from. Use French bread, whole wheat bread (though it will be soggier), Challah, Texas toast or your favorite bread. Just be sure to watch the time when using different bread types, making sure it comes out perfectly crisp.
  • Milk | Use whole milk, other percentages of milk, plant-based milks — even half and half or heavy cream for even richer French toast sticks.
  • Spices | Add some pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers? Store your extra pieces of French toast in an airtight container or a ziplock bag to enjoy over the coming mornings. Up to 5 days in the fridge and 3 months frozen.
To reheat, just air fry the bread slices for half the time, top, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 3 sticks Calories: 405 kcal Carbohydrates: 60 g Protein: 11 g Fat: 14 g Saturated Fat: 7 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g Trans Fat: 0.01 g Cholesterol: 216 mg Sodium: 260 mg Potassium: 106 mg Fiber: 1 g Sugar: 39 g Vitamin A: 621 IU Vitamin C: 0.1 mg Calcium: 98 mg Iron: 1 mg

Nutrition Disclaimer

The Fresh Cooky is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Kathleen Pope, The Fresh Cooky.

About Kathleen Pope

Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer

Hi, I’m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen. Read more about Kathleen here.

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40 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    These are perfect to whip up and pop in the freezer to make a quick and filling breakfast for these busy school mornings! Love the apple butter suggestion too – yum!

  2. 5 stars
    I can’t believe I never thought to make French Toast in the air fryer! Brilliant and delicious. Thanks for making breakfast happier in my home.

  3. 5 stars
    I’ve learned so much about using my air fryer using the recipes on your site. This has to be one of our favorites! My granddaughter loves dipping anything and she sure had her share of this one.