Easy French Toast Sticks
Crunchy, cinnamon-sugared sticks made from ordinary sandwich bread that are perfect for dipping, quick to prepare, and kid-approved.
I make these Easy French Toast Sticks whenever I want a weekend-brunch vibe without fuss—or when the kids demand something they can dunk. They need four basic pantry staples, an air fryer, and about 10 minutes of hands-on time. If you like the idea of portable, less-mess breakfasts, you might also enjoy the baked twist in these baked French toast muffins.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe hits a sweet spot: fast, forgiving, and kid-approved. It turns ordinary sandwich bread into crunchy, cinnamon-sugared sticks that are perfect for dipping. Because it’s made in the air fryer, you get crisp edges without deep frying, and cleanup is minimal.
Why else make it?
- Fast: About 6–8 minutes in the air fryer and just a few minutes to prep.
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple staples you likely already have.
- Portable and snackable: Great for kids, lunchboxes, or a casual brunch spread.
- Versatile: Easy to dress up with toppings or make into smaller bite-size pieces.
How this recipe comes together
A quick overview so you know what to expect:
- Whisk a simple custard of eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Cut bread into sticks and dunk each piece in the custard so it soaks just enough.
- Coat lightly with cinnamon-sugar.
- Air fry in a single layer until golden and crisp, flipping once.
This short workflow keeps the inside tender and the outside crunchy—no soggy centers, no sticky mess.
What you’ll need
- 4 slices of bread (day-old or slightly stale bread holds up best)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or any unsweetened plant milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing the air fryer basket
- Maple syrup or other dipping sauce for serving (optional)
Ingredient notes and swaps:
- Use brioche, challah, or Texas toast for a richer result; plain sandwich bread keeps it light.
- Swap the granulated sugar for coconut sugar or brown sugar for deeper flavor.
- For gluten-free, use a sturdy gluten-free loaf. For dairy-free, use almond or oat milk.
If you prefer smaller party bites, try the cinnamon-roll inspired version in these cinnamon-roll French toast bites.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Cut each bread slice into 3–4 sticks, depending on how thick you like them.
- Dip each bread stick into the egg mixture, turning to coat all sides. Don’t soak too long—about 2–3 seconds per side for sandwich bread.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the sugar and a pinch more cinnamon.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with butter or cooking spray.
- Place the dipped bread sticks in a single layer in the basket, leaving space for air to circulate.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix evenly over the bread sticks.
- Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until sticks are golden brown and crisp. Thicker bread may need the full time.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, jam, or a chocolate-hazelnut dip.
Quick timing tip: work in batches if your air fryer is small. Overcrowding makes them steam instead of crisp.
01Ingredients
Main ingredients
02Method
- Preparation
- Cooking
Tap a step when it's done. The next one lights up.
0 OF 10 DONE03Recipe notes
- 01Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezer: Flash-freeze sticks on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes.
How did it turn out?
No ratings yet. Tap a star to be the first.
Snap a photo and tag @recipe_smoke1 so I can see how yours came out.
Best ways to enjoy it
- Classic: Serve with warm maple syrup and a pat of butter.
- Fruit-forward: Plate with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Kid-approved dips: Yogurt mixed with honey, apple butter, or chocolate spread.
- Brunch board: Add sausage links, scrambled eggs, and sliced fruit for a crowd-pleasing spread.
- Make it a sandwich: Thread several sticks onto a skewer and dip as finger food at parties.
Plating idea: fan sticks on a long platter with small ramekins of dips and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for texture.
Storage and reheating tips
Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Flash-freeze sticks on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes.
Reheating best method: Air fryer (or toaster oven) at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to restore crispness. Microwave will make them soft; use that only if short on time.
Food safety: refrigerate within two hours of cooking and reheat to steaming hot before serving.
Creative twists
- Stuffed sticks: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese or jam on bread before stacking and slicing for filled centers.
- Savory version: Omit the sugar, add a pinch of salt and herbs, and serve with a savory dip.
- Spiced sugar: Mix brown sugar, nutmeg, and a little orange zest into the topping for autumnal flavor.
- Vegan: Replace eggs with a mixture of 1/4 cup chickpea flour + 1/2 cup plant milk + 1/2 teaspoon vanilla for a vegan custard.
- Dessert upgrade: Dust with cocoa powder and serve with whipped cream for a treat.
Your questions answered
How long does this take from start to finish?
A: Expect about 12–15 minutes total: 3–5 minutes prep and 6–8 minutes cooking per batch.
Can I bake these in the oven instead of an air fryer?
A: Yes. Arrange on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
Will this work with gluten-free or low-carb bread?
A: Use a sturdy gluten-free loaf for best results. Low-carb bread can be drier—reduce soak time and watch closely while cooking.
Can I make these ahead for a crowd?
A: Cook them shortly before serving and keep warm in a 200°F oven on a rack for up to 20 minutes. For larger groups, keep batches warm and crisp by reheating briefly in the air fryer.
Conclusion
These Easy French Toast Sticks are a reliable go-to for quick breakfasts, snackable brunches, or kid-friendly gatherings. For more ideas, check out French Toast Sticks – Emily Bites and my Air Fryer French Toast Sticks. Enjoy the crunch—and the dipping.
Breakfast
Breakfast
Breakfast
