The Best Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks

There’s something magical about the combination of cinnamon, sugar, and warm, fluffy French toast. Air fryer cinnamon sugar French toast sticks take this classic breakfast treat to a whole new level of convenience and deliciousness. With a crispy exterior, soft interior, and the perfect sweet coating, these sticks are ideal for both adults and kids alike. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make and cook up in just minutes!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step to create these irresistible French toast sticks, and we’ll provide tips and tricks to make the process even easier. Whether you’re serving them as a quick breakfast, a snack, or a fun addition to brunch, air fryer cinnamon sugar French toast sticks will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this recipe! Here are a few of the standout features:

• Crispy and Golden: The air fryer gives the French toast sticks a perfect golden, crispy crust while maintaining a soft and fluffy center. You won’t need to worry about flipping the sticks or managing a pan full of oil.

• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and a cook time of around 10 minutes, these French toast sticks are a fast and hassle-free breakfast or snack option.

• Perfect for Dipping: The sticks are the perfect size for dipping in maple syrup, fruit compote, or even chocolate sauce for a decadent treat.

• Customizable: The recipe can be easily modified to suit dietary preferences, whether that’s using dairy-free alternatives or adjusting the level of sweetness.

• Kid-Friendly: Kids love to dip and eat these fun French toast sticks. They’re a great way to get the little ones involved in the kitchen, too!

Now, let’s dive into how you can make these air fryer cinnamon sugar French toast sticks yourself.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks

This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• Bread: Thick slices of bread, like Texas toast or challah, work best. The thick slices will ensure the French toast sticks are soft on the inside but crispy on the outside. You can also use regular sandwich bread if that’s all you have on hand.

• Eggs: Eggs act as the binding agent that soaks into the bread and helps create that classic French toast texture.

• Milk: Whole milk is ideal for richness, but you can substitute with any milk of your choice, including almond or oat milk.

• Butter: Melted butter adds richness and flavor to the French toast batter. You can also use coconut oil or a plant-based butter for dairy-free options.

• Brown Sugar: For sweetness, brown sugar adds a nice depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.

• Cinnamon: The star of the show! A generous sprinkle of ground cinnamon gives the French toast sticks that signature warm, spiced flavor.

• Vanilla Extract: This adds a lovely aromatic sweetness to the batter.

• Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• Granulated Sugar: This is the base of the cinnamon sugar coating.

• Ground Cinnamon: Combine with sugar to create that irresistible cinnamon-sugar crunch.

 

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks

To make sure your air fryer cinnamon sugar French toast sticks turn out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:

• Use Thick Bread: The thicker the bread, the better the French toast sticks will hold up in the air fryer. Thick slices like Texas toast or brioche give the sticks the perfect texture.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the crispiest French toast sticks, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leave space around each stick so the hot air can circulate and cook them evenly.

• Customize the Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Add fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries, drizzle with chocolate syrup, or sprinkle with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness.

• Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better, making the sticks fluffier and more flavorful.

• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of brown sugar or cinnamon in the batter. You can also skip the cinnamon sugar coating if you want a more savory flavor.

Variations and Customization for Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks

Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe for air fryer cinnamon sugar French toast sticks, it’s time to explore some fun variations and tips for customizing this dish to suit your taste. Here are some great ideas to elevate your French toast sticks and make them your own.

1. Stuffed French Toast Sticks

For a decadent twist, you can stuff your French toast sticks with cream cheese, Nutella, or your favorite fruit filling. This adds an extra layer of flavor and makes the sticks even more indulgent.

How to Make:

• Spread a thin layer of cream cheese or Nutella on a slice of bread before slicing it into sticks.

• Make sure to seal the edges of the bread tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.

2. Fruit-Infused French Toast Sticks

If you’re looking to add some freshness, consider infusing your air fryer cinnamon sugar French toast sticks with fresh fruit. Sliced strawberries, bananas, or even blueberries can be placed inside or on top of the bread before cooking.

How to Make:

• Simply layer thin slices of your favorite fruit between the slices of bread before dipping them in the egg mixture.

• Alternatively, top the French toast sticks with fresh fruit after they’re done cooking.

3. Savory French Toast Sticks

For a savory version, skip the cinnamon sugar and instead sprinkle the French toast sticks with herbs and cheese. Add a touch of garlic powder and some fresh parsley to give them an extra flavor boost.

How to Make:

• Use a mixture of milk, eggs, and a pinch of salt. Skip the sugar and cinnamon.

• Sprinkle some grated cheese (cheddar or parmesan) and herbs like thyme or rosemary before air frying for a savory, crispy treat.

4. Coconut-Crusted French Toast Sticks

For a tropical flair, coat the French toast sticks with shredded coconut after dipping them in the egg mixture. The coconut adds a rich texture and flavor, perfect for those who love a bit of sweetness with their savory dishes.

How to Make:

• After dipping the bread in the egg mixture, press it into shredded coconut to coat all sides.

• Air fry as usual for a crispy, coconut-covered version of French toast.

5. Vegan Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks

For those following a plant-based diet, making vegan cinnamon sugar French toast sticks is easy! You just need to swap out the eggs and milk for vegan-friendly alternatives.

How to Make:

• Use almond milk or coconut milk as a substitute for regular milk.

• Replace the eggs with a flax egg or chickpea flour mixture.

• For the cinnamon sugar coating, use plant-based butter or coconut oil to help the sugar adhere.

 

Storing and Reheating Your Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks

If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), you can store and reheat your air fryer cinnamon sugar French toast sticks to enjoy later.

Storing Leftovers:

1. Cool Completely: Allow the French toast sticks to cool completely before storing them.

2. Refrigeration: Place the sticks in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

Reheating:

• To bring back that crispy texture, pop the French toast sticks back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.

• You can also reheat them in the oven by placing them on a baking sheet and heating at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Freezing:

For longer storage, freeze the cinnamon sugar French toast sticks.

1. Freeze Individually: Lay the cooked and cooled sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour.

2. Store in a Bag: Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

3. Reheat from Frozen: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until crispy and heated through.

 

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Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks Recipe Card

Ingredients:

• 6 slices Texas toast or thick-cut bread

• 4 large eggs

• 1/4 cup milk (or dairy-free milk)

• 3 tbsp melted butter

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

• For coating:

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bread: Slice the bread into 3 sticks per slice. If you are using thicker bread like Texas toast, make sure the slices are around 1-1.5 inches thick.

2. Make the Batter: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

3. Dip the Bread: Dip each bread stick into the egg mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Let the excess batter drip off.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the basket with oil.

5. Air Fry the Sticks: Arrange the dipped bread sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

6. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While the French toast sticks are cooking, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Once the sticks are done, remove them from the air fryer and immediately coat them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

7. Serve: Serve the cinnamon sugar French toast sticks warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream. Enjoy!

Notes:

• Bread Options: Texas toast, challah, or brioche work best for a thick, fluffy texture. You can use regular sandwich bread if that’s all you have.

• Topping Variations: Feel free to add fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra treat.

• Vegan Alternative: Use almond milk or oat milk in place of dairy milk and a flax egg as a substitute for regular eggs to make this recipe vegan.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 7-8 minutes

Total Time: 12-13 minutes

Method: Air Fryer

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 sticks (2 servings, 3 sticks each)

Calories: 250 kcal per serving

Yield: 2 servings