Name: Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 slices bread (thick); 1/4 cup custard powder (instant ); 1/4 cup cream (single); 1/4 cup milk; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoon butter (optional); 2 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder; strawberries (optional); maple syrup (optional)

These easy air fryer french toast sticks are made without eggs! Sticks of bread are dipped in an instant custard mix, air fried then tossed in sugar and cinnamon.

Air fryer french toast sticks served in a plate with maple syrup in a dipping bowl

This is the best french toast stick recipe and is a quick alternative to traditional french toast! You can achieve the most delicious french toast sticks with the right amount of crispness with crispy edges and a creamy soft inside.

You can also make these ahead of time, freeze them then enjoy them for a quick breakfast on busy mornings!

I love making desserts and sweet dishes in the air fryer such as this Vegan Burnt Basque Cheesecake and Air Fryer Grilled Pineapple!

Air fryer french toast sticks placed in a plate, topped with fresh strawberries

Ingredients

White bread - stale bread holds the custard better. I used 2 day old bread.

I went for a whole loaf rather than one already slices. This is so I could cut the bread slices to the thickness I wanted. Texas toast is usually thickly cut.

Usually, brioche bread is used but as I want to keep the recipe egg free, I went with white bread which still worked wonderfully.

Use any other leftover bread to make Bread Sauce

Instant custard powder - you can easily find instant custard powder in most home baking sections of supermarkets. This way, you can make an egg free custard which works the same way. Birds is one such brand.

Milk and cream - I used whole milk and heavy cream which helps make the custard mixture thicker

Vanilla extract

For serving:

Sugar - you can use white or brown sugar. I used granulated sugar but you can use confectioners' sugar (icing sugar) too.

Cinnamon powder - to make the cinnamon-sugar mixture

Melted butter - I found that brushing over a little melted butter whilst the bread sticks are still hot helps the sugar to coat even better

Maple syrup

Pro Tips

Type of bread - Stale bread is the best kind of bread as it holds well after being dipped in the custard

Custard consistency - For best results to dip bread, you're looking for a consistency that is runnier than custard - I'd go for a heavy cream consistency

Place sticks with a little gap so that the air can circulate all edges.

Cooking times - times and temperatures can vary based on your air fryer model and size of your french toast sticks.

Serve straight away - Enjoy your air fryer french toast sticks immediately for the best results - they can become more chewy over time.

Air Fryer French Toast Sticks Recipe sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and served with cut strawberries

How to make French Toast Sticks in the Air Fryer

In a shallow bowl, whisk custard powder, milk and cream and vanilla extract until smooth.

french toast custard wet ingredients in a bowl

Slice the bread into 1 inch thick slices then slice further into equal sticks.

Spray the basket of your air fryer with cooking oil spray or brush on the oil.

Dunk the french toast stick into the custard mixture and place in the air fryer basket in a single layer

Bread slices cut in to sticks placed on a wooden chopping board

A female hand is dipping a bread stick in to eggless custard

Custard dipped bread sticks in the air fryer basket

air fryer french toast sticks are in the air fryer basket

a female hand is brushing melted butter on air fryer french toast sticks

A female hand is dipping an air fryer french toast stick no egg into cinnamon sugar

Air Fry at 200 C or 400 degrees f for 10 minutes or until golden brown, flipping over at the half way mark

Brush over melted butter and roll into the cinnamon sugar mixture

Serve immediately.

Air fryer french toast sticks are served with fresh strawberries, coffee and maple syrup

How to Air Fry Frozen French Toast Sticks

Instead of making homemade french toast sticks, you can simply pop frozen ones into the air fryer for an easy breakfast option.

Place the sticks in the air fryer basket and air fryer at 400 F or 200C for around 3-4 minutes or until hot through.

Serving Suggestions

Maple syrup is a winning combination but you can experiment with different dips

Salted caramel dip
Coconut syrup
warmed peanut butter

Fresh fruit such as strawberries, raspberries and blueberries add a pop of colour and flavour.

A scoop of vanilla ice cream would also taste great!

A female hand is dipping air fryer french toast sticks healthy in maple syrup

Storage

French toast sticks are best enjoyed immediately, however, you can store leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat for a minute or so in the oven or air fryer to enjoy them later.

To freeze for later, layer the sticks in parchment paper and freeze in a freezer safe container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until hot through. The texture may change due to the freezing process.

Other Eggless Air Fryer Recipes

Puff Pastry Apple Tart

Breaded Mushrooms

Orange Cranberry Scones

Toasted Ravioli

Mille Feuille Recipe

As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!

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