Name: Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 slices thick bread (Texas toast or brioche works best); 3 large eggs; ½ cup milk (or half-and-half for richness); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons sugar; Pinch of salt; ¼ cup sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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If you’re craving a breakfast that feels like a treat but comes together in minutes, Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks will absolutely thrill you. Imagine each bite: golden and crisp edges revealing tender, custardy bread inside, all enveloped in a sparkling, cinnamon-laced sugar coating. These dunkable delights are family-approved, instantly kid-friendly, and—here’s the best part—freezer and weeknight friendly. Whether you serve them as a weekend breakfast feast or a quick after-school snack, Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks are a guaranteed hit at any table!

Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks is in the simplicity of the ingredients—each one does important work for flavor, color, and texture. Choose quality staples, and you’re already halfway to perfection!

Thick Bread: Texas toast or brioche stands up to soaking and crisps up with the perfect custardy middle.
Large Eggs: They create the rich custard coating that’s essential for classic French toast texture.
Milk (or Half-and-Half): Use milk for lighter sticks or half-and-half for an extra touch of decadence.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, cozy notes that elevate the flavor instantly.
Ground Cinnamon: Brings that signature spice to both the egg dip and the sweet outer coating.
Sugar: Just enough in the custard to sweeten the base, plus more for coating that sparkles on each stick.
Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors beautifully.
Cooking Spray or Melted Butter: Keeps your French toast sticks from sticking and adds delicious flavor.
For Coating – Sugar and Cinnamon: This classic mix gives every stick its irresistible, donut-like finish!

How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks

Step 1: Slice the Bread into Sticks

Start with your thick-cut bread and slice each piece into 3 or 4 even sticks. This is what transforms regular slices into fun, dippable treats that kids (and adults!) can’t resist. Uniform sizes help them cook evenly, so try to keep each stick close in thickness.

Step 2: Mix Your Egg Custard

In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or half-and-half), vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons sugar, and a pinch of salt. This mixture becomes the luscious coating that gives Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks their soft, creamy centers. Whisk until completely smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Dip the Bread Sticks

Quickly dip each stick of bread into the egg mixture, turning to coat all sides just enough to soak in the flavor—but don’t leave them too long, or they might get soggy and difficult to handle. Place the coated sticks on a plate as you go, ready for cooking.

Step 4: Prep the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and give the basket a generous spray of cooking spray or a brush of melted butter. This not only prevents sticking but also helps the outsides achieve that golden, crisp finish we love in Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks.

Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Arrange the dipped sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, keeping a bit of space between each so they brown evenly. You may need to work in batches. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping the sticks halfway through, until they’re deeply golden and crisp on all sides.

Step 6: Toss in Cinnamon Sugar

While the sticks are still sizzling hot, toss them in a bowl of ¼ cup sugar combined with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. The heat helps the coating cling for that sweet, sparkly finish that makes these French toast sticks irresistible!

Step 7: Serve Warm (and Enjoy!)

Pile your Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks on a serving plate and serve right away. They’re at their best warm, perfect for dipping into maple syrup, chocolate sauce, or your favorite sweet spread.

How to Serve Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks

Garnishes

A simple shower of powdered sugar makes these French toast sticks look bakery-beautiful! You can also add fresh berries, a small scoop of whipped cream, flaked toasted coconut, or even a drizzle of warm caramel sauce to take them over the top.

Side Dishes

Pair your Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks with breakfast sausage, crispy bacon, or a vibrant fruit salad for a well-rounded morning meal. For a lighter option, serve alongside Greek yogurt and a handful of granola.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile the sticks high in a basket lined with parchment paper for family-style sharing, or skewer them with fresh berries for a playful brunch platter. For entertaining, serve each stick in a small jar or glass with syrup at the bottom for easy, fun dipping!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks, simply let them cool and place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days—perfect for easy reheating in the morning.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooled sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together, and you can grab just what you need. They keep their flavor and texture beautifully in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To enjoy again, pop refrigerated or frozen sticks straight into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes, until crisp and warmed through. This method revives the original crunch like they’re freshly made!

FAQs

Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of thick bread?

Yes, you can use regular sandwich bread, but thick bread like Texas toast or brioche will hold up better to dipping and air frying. If you use thinner bread, reduce soaking time to avoid sogginess and check for doneness a bit earlier.

Can I make Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the milk or half-and-half for a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk. Brush the air fryer basket with coconut oil or a plant-based butter to keep them from sticking and add a subtle flavor twist.

How can I make them less sweet?

Simply reduce the sugar in both the custard and the final cinnamon-sugar coating, or skip the coating altogether for a more subtle sweetness. You can also serve with plain yogurt for a tangy contrast.

My French toast sticks aren’t getting crispy—what should I do?

Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as good air circulation is key. Also, a light mist of oil or melted butter on the outside of the sticks promotes even browning and crisp texture. Work in batches if needed!

Can I prep Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks the night before?

Yes! You can cut the bread into sticks and mix up the custard in advance. For best results, wait to dip and cook until just before serving so the bread doesn’t get too soft overnight.

Final Thoughts

When you’re ready for a quick, nostalgic breakfast or crowd-pleasing snack, Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks are always a win. Every batch comes out crisp, sweet, and utterly satisfying—perfect for dunking, sharing, or enjoying all to yourself. I can’t wait for you to try these and make them your new breakfast favorite!