Air Fryer French Toast Sticks Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">8 slices thick-cut bread (brioche or challah preferred)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 large eggs</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml milk</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml heavy cream</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp ground cinnamon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ tsp ground nutmeg</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Cooking spray or 15g melted butter</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For serving: maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries (optional)</li></ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Shallow wide bowl for egg mixture</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Tongs</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>If using fresh bread, allow it to sit out for about 30 minutes to slightly dry out (this helps it absorb the custard mixture without becoming soggy). For already dried bread, proceed to the next step. Cut each slice of bread into 3-4 strips, depending on the size of your bread.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a shallow, wide bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until completely combined. The heavy cream adds richness that helps create that perfect custard-like interior.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for about 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking and proper crisping from the start.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Working in batches, dip each bread stick into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for about 5-10 seconds per side. The bread should absorb some custard but not become completely soggy. Let any excess mixture drip off.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with cooking spray or melted butter. Arrange the soaked bread sticks in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch each other. This ensures proper air circulation and even crisping.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Cook at 180°C for 4 minutes, then flip the sticks using tongs, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they're golden brown and crispy on the outside. The interior should reach at least 70°C to ensure the egg mixture is fully cooked.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Transfer the cooked french toast sticks to a serving plate and repeat with remaining bread until all pieces are cooked. If making a large batch, you can keep the finished sticks warm in an oven set to 120°C.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Serve immediately while hot and crispy. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve with maple syrup for dipping. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the soft, custardy interior is best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer!</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>To freeze for later: Allow cooked sticks to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, place frozen sticks in the air fryer at 180°C for 2-3 minutes until heated through and crispy again.</li></ol>