Are you ready for a breakfast treat that’s easy and fun? My Air Fryer Cinnamon French Toast Sticks are here to make your mornings special. These tasty sticks are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. With simple ingredients and quick steps, you can whip them up in no time. Join me as I guide you through each part of this delicious recipe!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 6 slices of thick bread (like brioche or challah)
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
– Pinch of salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
– Optional: powdered sugar for garnish
Ingredient Alternatives
You can switch up the bread for a fun twist. Try sourdough or whole wheat for a heartier feel. If you want a lighter option, use white bread. Almond milk or oat milk works well instead of regular milk. For a vegan option, use flax eggs. Just mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken.
Tips for Choosing Bread
Choose thick bread for the best results. Brioche or challah gives a soft, rich flavor. It soaks up the batter well. Avoid thin bread, as it may get too soggy. Look for day-old bread if possible. It holds up better when soaked in the egg mixture. Fresh bread works, too, but day-old bread gives a nice texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Bread Sticks
Start with your bread. Use thick slices like brioche or challah. Cut each slice into three equal strips. This makes perfect sticks for dipping. The thicker the bread, the better the texture. Set these aside on a plate. They are ready for the egg batter.
Making the Egg Batter
Grab a large shallow bowl. In it, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1/2 cup milk. Add in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. This gives a nice touch of sweetness. Next, mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg. Don’t forget a pinch of salt! Whisk until everything is well mixed. This batter will coat the bread sticks beautifully.
Coating and Cooking the Sticks
Now it’s time to coat the sticks. Take each bread stick and dip it into the egg mixture. Make sure each stick gets fully coated. Let any extra batter drip back into the bowl. In another shallow bowl, mix 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with an extra teaspoon of cinnamon. Roll each coated stick in this cinnamon-sugar mix. Ensure they are fully covered.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to work in batches. Air fry for about 8-10 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, take them out and let them cool for a bit. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy your tasty treat!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfect Crispiness
To get that perfect crunch, follow these simple steps. First, ensure you cut your bread thick. I love using brioche or challah for this recipe. Next, coat the sticks well in the egg mixture. Let the excess batter drip off. This helps keep them from becoming soggy. Air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. The golden brown color means they’re crispy and ready to eat!
Flavor Enhancements
For added flavor, you can mix in different spices. Try adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the egg mixture. If you love chocolate, add mini chocolate chips to the batter. You can also switch the maple syrup for honey or agave. For a fruity twist, serve with fresh berries or banana slices. These small changes make each bite exciting.
Air Fryer Settings and Adjustments
Every air fryer is a bit different. If your model runs hot, lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C). You might need to cook the sticks a little longer. Always check for doneness by looking for a golden brown color. If you want them extra crispy, cook in batches. Avoid overcrowding the basket. This ensures the hot air can circulate well around each stick.

Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change up the flavor of your Air Fryer Cinnamon French Toast Sticks. Try adding chocolate chips to the egg mixture for a sweet twist. You can also use fresh fruit like sliced bananas or berries. Just add them on top after cooking. If you want a fun fall flavor, mix in pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon. This keeps your breakfast exciting!
Dietary Modifications
If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free bread. Many brands offer tasty options that work well. For a dairy-free version, use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk. You can swap eggs for a flaxseed mixture if you’re avoiding eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for five minutes. This acts as a great egg substitute!
Serving Suggestions
Serve your French toast sticks with maple syrup for dipping. You can also add a side of fresh fruit for a healthy touch. Some people love to sprinkle powdered sugar on top for extra sweetness. Another great idea is to serve them with yogurt for added protein. Get creative and make a fun breakfast plate!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To store leftover French toast sticks, let them cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. For best taste, eat them within this time frame.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat the French toast sticks in your air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will make them crispy again. You can also use a microwave, but they may become soft. If you choose the microwave, heat for about 30 seconds.
Freezing French Toast Sticks
You can freeze French toast sticks for longer storage. Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag. They will keep for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use regular toast instead of thick bread?
Yes, you can use regular toast. However, thick bread gives the best texture. Thick bread holds the batter well and stays soft inside. Regular toast may become too crunchy and dry. If you prefer regular bread, just watch the cooking time closely.
How do I prevent the sticks from sticking together?
To stop the sticks from sticking, lay them out in a single layer. Use parchment paper or a silicone mat in the air fryer. You can also give them a light spray of cooking oil. This will help keep them separate and give them a nice crisp.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Prepare the sticks and coat them with sugar. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, air fry them straight from the fridge. Just add a minute or two to the cooking time for best results.
In this blog post, I covered how to make great French toast sticks. We discussed key ingredients and alternatives, plus tips for choosing the right bread. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation, coating, and cooking. I also offered tips for perfect crispiness and flavor boosts. We explored variations for different tastes and dietary needs, along with storage tips for leftovers. With these insights, you can enjoy delicious homemade French toast sticks any time. Your kitchen just got more fun, and I can’t wait to see what you create!


