Crispy & Healthy Air Fryer French Toast Sticks: Your Go-To Breakfast Solution!

Are you tired of scrambling for a quick, healthy breakfast on busy mornings? Look no further! These Healthy Air Fryer French Toast Sticks are a game-changer. They’re incredibly fast and simple to prepare, making them perfect for even the most hectic schedules. Plus, they’re fantastic for meal prep – just make a big batch, freeze them, and reheat for an effortless breakfast whenever you need it! This recipe is also tailored to be compatible with the 21 Day Fix and Weight Watchers programs. Don’t have an air fryer? No worries, we’ve included easy oven instructions just for you!

This post contains affiliate links for products I’m obsessed with.

Let me tell you, friends, this recipe holds a special place in our home. My daughter, who can be quite the picky eater, absolutely adores these Air Fryer French Toast Sticks. In fact, she declares them her favorite use of our air fryer, hands down!

French toast has always been one of my personal breakfast favorites. However, getting both of my kids to fall in love with it has been a bit of a challenge over the years. They’re usually on board if it comes in a fun, bite-sized form, like my Cinnamon Bun French Toast Cups or my Fruit Topped Mini French Toast Casserole Cups. But traditional French toast? Not so much their thing.

The Unexpected Inspiration: Girl Scout Camp French Toast

The turning point for these French toast sticks came after my daughter and I spent a memorable night at a Girl Scouts Camp one fall. They served the classic, straight-out-of-a-box frozen French toast sticks. And to my surprise, my daughter absolutely *freaking loved them*! She even went so far as to tell my husband that Girl Scout camp had the best food. (A moment that earned a playful eye-roll from me, knowing it was just the magic of convenience and a new setting).

Fast forward to Black Friday, when I decided to treat myself to this fantastic Philips Airfryer. Naturally, I began air frying all sorts of foods, and French toast was high on my list. One crispy bite of my homemade version, and my pickier-than-picky daughter was completely in love! This was a major win for me, though only half a win, as my son still hasn’t quite come around to them. But hey, two out of three isn’t bad when you’re dealing with kid-approved recipes!

Why Air Fryer French Toast Sticks are a Must-Try

Using an air fryer for French toast sticks is a revelation. It delivers an unparalleled crispy exterior while keeping the inside wonderfully soft and tender. Unlike pan-frying, which often uses more oil and can lead to uneven cooking, the air fryer circulates hot air, giving you that perfect golden-brown crispness with minimal oil. This makes them not only healthier but also incredibly convenient.

These sticks are truly versatile. They make for a perfect quick and easy breakfast before school, fueling little minds (and big ones!) for the day ahead. But the real magic happens when you meal prep a batch! I love to make a large quantity, let them cool, and then freeze them. This way, we always have a quick and yummy option ready to reheat whenever the craving strikes or mornings are extra rushed.

Crafting the Perfect Air Fryer French Toast Sticks: A Simple Guide

Making these delicious French toast sticks is incredibly easy, even for beginner cooks. Here’s a detailed breakdown to ensure your success:

Choosing the Right Bread

The foundation of great French toast is good bread. For this recipe, I highly recommend using a sturdy gluten-free whole grain or sprouted grain bread. Why? A hearty, slightly dense bread holds up beautifully to the egg wash without becoming soggy. Soft, airy bread tends to fall apart or become mushy. Look for brands that offer a good texture, ensuring your sticks are robust enough for dipping and air frying.

The Flavorful Egg Wash

The egg wash is where the magic happens! You’ll need:

• Egg: The binder that gives French toast its classic texture.
• Milk: Unsweetened vanilla almond milk is my go-to for a touch of flavor and to keep it dairy-free, but any milk you have on hand will work.
• Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness. Adjust to your preference, and definitely have extra for dipping!
• Cinnamon: A must for that warm, comforting French toast flavor. My daughter loves a lot, so feel free to be generous!
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.

Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and ready to coat your bread slices evenly.

How to Make Air Fryer French Toast Sticks Step-by-Step

It’s so easy to achieve perfectly crispy French Toast Sticks with your air fryer. Follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare your Air Fryer Basket: First, and this is super important, line the bottom of your air fryer basket with parchment paper. This vital step prevents the egg mixture from sticking to the basket and makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Slice the Bread: Take your sturdy bread slices and cut each into 4 equal sticks. This finger-food format is what makes them so much fun and easy to eat.
3. Mix the Egg Wash: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until thoroughly combined.
4. Dip the Bread Sticks: Dip each bread stick into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s well coated on all sides. Gently shake off any excess egg. You want the bread to absorb the flavor, but not be oversaturated.
5. Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the dipped sticks on the parchment-lined air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overcrowd. Overcrowding will steam the French toast instead of crisping it, so you may need to cook in two batches if your air fryer is small.
6. Lightly Spray: Lightly spray the top of the French toast sticks with cooking oil spray. I prefer coconut oil spray for a subtle flavor, but any cooking oil spray works.
7. Air Fry to Perfection: Set your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) and cook for ten minutes. Halfway through (around 5 minutes), flip the sticks and, for even crispier results, remove the parchment paper for the remaining cooking time.
8. Check for Crispiness: Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and your desired level of crispiness. We love ours very crispy, so don’t hesitate to add a minute or two if needed!

Check out this video to see how easy it is to make these delightful Air Fryer French Toast Sticks:

Common Questions & Tips for Success

Will these Air Fryer French Toast Sticks stick to the Air Fryer Basket?

Yes, if you don’t take precautions! I initially tested this recipe without parchment paper, and the egg mixture definitely stuck to the basket, creating a messy situation. That’s why the parchment paper is absolutely key here. It acts as a non-stick barrier and makes for super easy cleanup – a win-win!

Can I freeze these Air Fryer French Toast Sticks for later?

Absolutely! These French Toast Sticks are perfect for meal prepping and freezing. To freeze them, first let them cool completely on a baking sheet. Once cooled, lay the baking sheet flat in the freezer. Once the French toast sticks are completely hard (usually 1-2 hours), transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to a month.

To reheat, you have a few options:

• Air Fryer: Pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
• Microwave: For a super quick reheat, microwave for 30-60 seconds, though they might not be as crispy.
• Oven: Reheat on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes.

They taste just as delicious reheated, making your mornings incredibly convenient!

I don’t have an Air Fryer. Can I make these French Toast Sticks in the Oven?

Yes, you certainly can! While the air fryer gives them an unmatched crispiness, you can definitely achieve delicious results in a conventional oven. I’ve included detailed oven instructions in the recipe card below so everyone can enjoy these healthy French toast sticks.

What are the Portion Fix Container Counts for these Air Fryer French Toast Sticks? What about Weight Watchers Points?

This recipe is designed to be healthy and fit into popular nutrition plans:

• 21 Day Fix Containers: Each serving (as specified in the recipe) counts as 1 Yellow (carb) and 1 Sweetener TSP.
• Weight Watchers Freestyle Points: Each serving counts as 4 points (calculated using gluten-free whole grain bread). Please note that points can vary slightly based on specific ingredients used, so always double-check with your personal tracker.

These counts make it easy to incorporate these delicious French toast sticks into your healthy lifestyle!

Final Thoughts on These Healthy French Toast Sticks

Whether you’re looking for a lightning-fast breakfast, an easy meal prep solution, or a healthy treat that even the pickiest eaters will love, these Healthy Air Fryer French Toast Sticks are an absolute winner. The convenience of the air fryer combined with simple, wholesome ingredients makes them a staple in our kitchen, and I’m confident they’ll become one in yours too. Give them a try, experiment with your favorite toppings, and enjoy the delicious simplicity of this recipe!