Use This Fast, Efficient Air Fryer French Toast Recipe When You’re Short On Time
You won’t believe how quick and easy it is to make air fryer French toast.
The first time I made French toast in the air fryer, it was mostly out of desperation. We were deep into a North Florida summer, and the thought of standing over the stove flipping slices in a hot skillet just wasn’t gonna happen. My husband was craving French toast, though, and I had a loaf of Texas toast that needed using up. So I figured, why not toss it in the air fryer and see what happens?
Turns out, it was the best thing I could’ve done. Those slices came out perfectly golden and crisp, almost like churros on the outside and warm bread pudding on the inside. I added a little cinnamon sugar while they were still hot, and from that moment on, we were hooked. Now I make these French toast sticks for quick weekday breakfasts or lazy weekend brunches. They’re fast, delicious, and they don’t heat up the whole kitchen.
Why This Air Fryer French Toast Recipe Works
Air fryer French toast is having a moment for good reason. It checks all the boxes for busy folks who still want a warm, comforting breakfast.
Instead of babysitting a skillet and flipping one slice at a time, you can pop several pieces into the air fryer at once and go about your morning while they cook. The air fryer circulates hot air around the bread, so you get that crisp edge on all sides, without soaking the bread in grease or worrying about burning it.
It’s also great for anyone cooking in smaller batches. If you’re just making breakfast for one or two people, this saves time and cleanup. Plus, there’s something fun about eating French toast in stick form. My little twist—coating the toast with cinnamon sugar right after cooking—gives it that extra bit of crunch and flavor, like a breakfast churro.
Whether you’re cooking for kids, brunch guests, or just treating yourself, air fryer French toast delivers every time.
Ingredients For Air Fryer French Toast
Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of these golden French toast sticks:
- 6 slices of thick bread (Texas toast, brioche, or challah)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk or cream
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Cooking spray or melted butter (for greasing the air fryer basket)
- Optional: cinnamon sugar (for tossing after air frying)
You can use any bread you like, but thick-cut bread holds up best in the air fryer. Day-old or slightly stale bread is perfect. It soaks up the custard without falling apart.
Whole milk makes a rich custard, but you can also use cream or a non-dairy milk if you prefer. Don’t skip the vanilla and cinnamon. They add that warm, familiar flavor that makes French toast so comforting.
And if you really want to make it special, mix up some cinnamon sugar to toss the toast in right after it comes out of the air fryer.
Step-by-Step Instructions For Air Fryer French Toast
- Cut your bread into sticks. Each slice should make about 3 sticks. If you prefer traditional slices, leave them whole.
- Make the custard. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Dip the bread. Quickly dip each piece into the custard mixture. Don’t soak too long or it may get soggy. Let excess drip off.
- Arrange in the air fryer. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with melted butter. Place the bread in a single layer with a little space between each stick.
- Cook. Air fry at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The toast should be golden and crisp on the outside.
- Optional cinnamon sugar finish. While still hot, toss the sticks in a cinnamon sugar mixture (1/4 cup sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon).
- Serve immediately. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve with syrup or fresh fruit.
The air fryer may cook slightly faster or slower depending on your model, so check for doneness around the 8-minute mark.
How to Serve Air Fryer French Toast
Air fryer French toast is versatile and easy to pair with all your favorite breakfast fixings. You can keep things simple with syrup and berries or go all out for a brunch-style platter.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Classic style: Serve with warm maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and fresh berries.
- Kid-friendly: Offer small bowls of syrup or fruit dip for dunking. Add a side of scrambled eggs or sausage links.
- Fancy brunch: Top with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Serve with bacon and mimosas.
Because the toast is cut into sticks, it’s easy to serve as finger food or build a breakfast board with lots of dipping options. I’ve even taken these on the road for early morning baseball games or packed them in a thermos for car trips.
However you serve them, these air fryer French toast sticks are always a hit.
How To Store & Reheat Air Fryer French Toast
If you have leftovers—or want to make a batch ahead of time—you can easily store and reheat your air fryer French toast.
Let the cooked French toast cool completely before storing. This helps prevent sogginess.
- Refrigerate: Place cooled sticks in an airtight container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, lay the sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for about 2 months.
To reheat:
- In the air fryer: Heat at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes until warm and crisp again.
- In the microwave: Heat on a microwave-safe plate in 20-second bursts. The texture will be softer.
If you plan to freeze a batch for meal prep, leave off the cinnamon sugar coating until after reheating so it doesn’t get sticky.
Substitutions & Variations For Air Fryer French Toast
This recipe is super flexible, so you can tweak it to fit your needs or use up whatever you have on hand.
- Different breads: Try sourdough, Hawaiian rolls, or gluten-free bread. Just adjust the soaking time depending on density.
- Dairy-free: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk in the custard. Swap melted coconut oil or vegan butter to grease the basket.
- Egg-free: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water per egg as a binder.
- Savory version: Skip the sugar and cinnamon, and use herbs, parmesan, or garlic powder in the custard. Serve with marinara or hot sauce.
- Flavor twists: Add a pinch of nutmeg, orange zest, or a splash of rum extract for a different flavor profile.
Play around with toppings too. A drizzle of peanut butter, a handful of chocolate chips, or a spoonful of jam can give the French toast a whole new feel.
8 FAQs About Air Fryer French Toast
Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this air fryer French toast recipe.
What kind of bread works best for air fryer French toast?
Thick-cut bread like Texas toast, brioche, or challah works best. It holds up to the custard without falling apart and gets nice and crisp in the air fryer. Slightly stale bread is ideal because it soaks up the mixture without turning soggy.
Can I make air fryer French toast without eggs?
Yes, you can use an egg substitute. Mix cornstarch with water or use a commercial egg replacer. You’ll still get a nice coating and good flavor, though the texture will be a bit different.
How do I keep air fryer French toast from getting soggy?
Don’t soak the bread too long in the custard. A quick dip is all you need. Also, be sure to preheat the air fryer and leave space between the pieces so air can circulate and crisp them evenly.
Can I freeze air fryer French toast?
Absolutely. Let the pieces cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a bag. Reheat in the air fryer to bring back the crisp texture.
What temperature should I use for French toast in the air fryer?
375°F works best for most air fryers. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. If your air fryer runs hot, start checking around the 7-minute mark.
How do I prevent air fryer French toast from sticking?
The key to preventing sticking is to lightly grease your air fryer basket or rack with a neutral oil or cooking spray. I prefer using an oil sprayer, as it distributes the oil more evenly.
How long does air fryer French toast take to cook?
Generally, air fryer French toast cooks in about 8-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C), but this can vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your bread. Keep a close eye on it.
What are some good toppings for air fryer French toast?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Classic toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries are always a hit. You could also add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
I especially love a drizzle of honey or a dusting of extra lemon zest. Some macerated berries would be divine too! Bon appétit!
Fast, Efficient Air Fryer French Toast
This air fryer French toast is crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and comes together fast with no stovetop required. Perfect for quick weekday mornings or cozy weekend brunches. Tossed in cinnamon sugar for an irresistible churro-style finish!
Ingredients
- 6 slices thick bread (Texas toast, brioche, or challah)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk or cream
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Cooking spray or melted butter (for greasing)
- Optional: cinnamon sugar (1/4 cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon) for coating
- Optional: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries for serving
Instructions
- Cut bread into sticks (about 3 per slice) or leave whole if preferred.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Quickly dip each bread piece into the custard, letting excess drip off.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket. Arrange bread in a single layer.
- Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Optional: toss cooked French toast sticks in cinnamon sugar while warm.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Use slightly stale bread for best texture.
For dairy-free: use almond, oat, or coconut milk and skip butter.
Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.
Freeze cooked sticks on a sheet tray, then store in bags for up to 2 months.
Try These Recipes Next
If this French toast hit the spot, here are three more irresistible options to explore:
- Challah French Toast Recipe – Thick-sliced challah turns perfectly golden with a custard soak and buttery sear.
- Coffee Creamer French Toast – Made with flavored creamer for a shortcut to rich, sweet flavor.
- French Toast Sticks Recipe – Kid-friendly, dunkable, and freezer-ready.
Each one offers a different way to enjoy French toast, whether you love classic simplicity or crave something unexpected.