Air Fryer French Toast Sticks Recipe

Gluten-free bread: Essential for making this recipe gluten-free, providing the base for the French toast sticks.

Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and gives the French toast its rich texture.

Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the egg mixture, ensuring the bread is well-coated.

Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor to the French toast sticks.

Cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy note that complements the sweetness of the dish.

Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the egg mixture, enhancing the overall flavor.

To ensure your French toast sticks are evenly cooked and crispy, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This allows hot air to circulate around each bread stick, giving you a perfectly golden brown finish. If necessary, cook in batches to maintain the best texture.

• gluten-free bread - Substitute with gluten-free brioche: Gluten-free brioche will give a richer, more buttery flavor and a slightly softer texture, making the French toast sticks more indulgent.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. This is a great vegan alternative that will help bind the ingredients together.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in this recipe, providing a slightly nutty flavor without compromising the texture.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract can add a unique, sweet flavor that complements the cinnamon and sugar in the recipe.

• cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding a more complex flavor profile to the French toast sticks.

• sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener that has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the French toast sticks.

• Allow the French toast sticks to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Place the cooled French toast sticks in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If stacking, use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing.

Freezing Guidelines

1. Flash Freeze: Arrange the cooled French toast sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until the sticks are firm.
2. Transfer to Freezer Bag: Once frozen, transfer the French toast sticks to a resealable freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
3. Label and Date: Label the bag with the date and contents. French toast sticks can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating Instructions

• From Refrigerator: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket and heat for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
• From Freezer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen French toast sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket and heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until hot and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Pair with fresh berries or a side of yogurt for a balanced breakfast.
• For a decadent twist, dip in chocolate sauce or caramel syrup.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover French toast sticks in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.

• For a quick microwave method, place the French toast sticks on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, checking for warmth.

• If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the French toast sticks on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are warmed and slightly crispy.

• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil. Place the French toast sticks in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are heated through and have a nice, crispy exterior.

• Air fryer: This is the main appliance used to cook the French toast sticks, ensuring they become golden brown and crispy.

• Knife: Used to cut each slice of bread into 3 sticks.

• Mixing bowl: Used to whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar.

• Whisk: Essential for thoroughly mixing the egg mixture to ensure even coating on the bread sticks.

• Tongs: Useful for dipping the bread sticks into the egg mixture and placing them in the air fryer basket.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the milk and sugar accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the vanilla extract and cinnamon precisely.

• Plate: Handy for holding the bread sticks before and after they are cooked.

• Spatula: Useful for flipping the bread sticks halfway through the air frying process to ensure even cooking.

Pre-mix the egg mixture: Prepare the egg mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. This way, you can quickly dip the bread sticks in the morning.

Use stale bread: Slightly stale gluten-free bread absorbs the egg mixture better and crisps up nicely in the air fryer.

Batch cooking: Cook multiple batches of French toast sticks and freeze them. Reheat in the air fryer for a quick breakfast.

Organize your workspace: Set up a dipping station with the egg mixture and a plate for the coated bread sticks to streamline the process.