French toast sticks are a classic breakfast staple that everyone loves. They are crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and perfect for dipping in syrup. While traditionally cooked in a skillet or griddle, using an air fryer can make the process even easier. In this article, we will walk you through a quick and simple recipe on how to cook French toast sticks in an air fryer.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you get started, let’s make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. You will need:
1. Bread: Choose a bread that is thick and sturdy, such as Texas toast or brioche. These types of bread hold up well in the air fryer and give you that perfect golden crust.
2. Eggs: You will need about 4 large eggs to make the batter for the French toast sticks. Eggs are essential for binding everything together and creating that delicious custard-like center.
3. Milk: Use about 1 cup of milk to add moisture to the batter. You can use any type of milk you prefer, whether it’s whole milk, almond milk, or even coconut milk for a twist of flavor.
4. Vanilla extract: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter to enhance the overall taste and aroma of your French toast sticks.
5. Cinnamon: To spice things up, sprinkle some ground cinnamon into the batter. This will give your French toast sticks a warm and comforting flavor.
6. Cooking spray: To prevent the French toast sticks from sticking to the basket of the air fryer, lightly coat it with cooking spray.
7. Syrup and toppings: Finally, don’t forget to have some maple syrup and your favorite toppings on hand, such as fresh berries or powdered sugar, to serve alongside your delicious French toast sticks.
Prepare the French Toast Sticks
Now that you have gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to prepare the French toast sticks.
1. Cut the bread: Start by cutting your bread into strips, about 1 inch wide. You can make them as long as you prefer, but keep in mind that shorter sticks are easier to handle and cook more evenly.
2. Make the batter: In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Make sure to beat the eggs until they are frothy to achieve a light and airy texture.
3. Dip the bread sticks: Dip each bread strip into the batter, allowing it to soak for a moment on each side. Ensure that the bread is fully coated with the batter to get that satisfyingly custardy interior.
Air Fryer Cooking Method
With the French toast sticks all prepared, it’s time to fire up your air fryer and cook them to perfection.
1. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes. Preheating ensures a consistent cooking temperature and helps create that desired crispy exterior.
2. Arrange the sticks: Lightly coat the basket of your air fryer with cooking spray. Arrange the bread sticks in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other. If necessary, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
3. Cook the sticks: Place the basket in the air fryer and cook the French toast sticks for about 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model.
4. Serve and enjoy: Once the French toast sticks are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Serve them warm with maple syrup and your favorite toppings.
Tips and Variations
Here are some additional tips and variations to make your air-fried French toast sticks even tastier:
1. Add a Crunchy Coating:
After dipping the bread sticks in the batter, roll them in crushed cornflakes, oats, or crushed nuts for an extra crunchy texture.
2. Go Savory:
Skip the vanilla extract and cinnamon in the batter, and instead, add a pinch of salt and some herbs and spices like garlic powder, paprika, or even grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Sweeten the Batter:
If you have a sweet tooth, add a tablespoon of sugar or a sweetener of your choice to the batter for an extra touch of sweetness.
4. Make Ahead and Freeze:
You can prepare a large batch of French toast sticks in advance and freeze them. After cooking, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container for up to a month. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through.
5. Experiment with Toppings:
Get creative with your toppings! Try sliced bananas, chopped nuts, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce to take your French toast sticks to the next level.
Conclusion
Cooking French toast sticks in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic breakfast treat. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have deliciously crispy and golden French toast sticks ready to serve in no time. Whether you prefer a sweet or savory twist, this air fryer recipe is versatile and customizable to suit your taste buds. So, grab your favorite bread and give this recipe a try for a hearty and satisfying breakfast the whole family will enjoy.