Crispy Frozen French Toast Sticks in Air Fryer
These frozen French toast sticks in air fryer turn out perfectly crispy outside and fluffy inside in just 4 minutes! It's the easiest breakfast hack for busy mornings or when you need to feed hungry kids with minimal effort.
Print Pin Servings: 4 servings (about 12 sticks)
Calories: 210kcal
Cost: $5
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer Basket-style works best for crispiest results
- 1 Silicone tongs or spatula For removing the hot sticks without damaging them
Ingredients
- 12 pieces frozen French toast sticks Any brand works - Great Value, Farm Rich, Eggo, etc.
- 1 spray cooking spray Optional, for extra crispiness
- 1/4 cup maple syrup For serving, real maple syrup recommended
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar Optional, for dusting
- 1/2 cup fresh berries Optional, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 2-3 minutes. I remember how Grandma would always insist on preheating her cast iron skillet before adding French toast, saying 'A hot pan is the secret to a good crust.' The same principle applies to the air fryer – giving it those few minutes to heat up makes all the difference in the final crispiness.
- Open the package of frozen French toast sticks. There's no need to thaw them – they go straight from freezer to air fryer! Grandma would be amazed at this shortcut. She used to wake up an hour early to make French toast from scratch, and here we are making it in minutes without sacrificing that homemade taste.
- Place the frozen French toast sticks in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch or overlap. Grandma always said, 'Give your food room to breathe,' when frying, and it's the same principle here – that space allows the hot air to circulate around each stick for perfect crispiness.
- If desired, lightly spritz the sticks with cooking spray for extra crispiness. This is my little secret that Grandma would have appreciated – she used to brush melted butter on her French toast for that golden color, and this spray does the same thing with much less fuss.
- Cook the frozen French toast sticks for 3-4 minutes at 400°F. I've found that my Ninja air fryer only needs 3 minutes, while other brands might need closer to 4. The sticks should be golden brown and crispy on the outside when done. Grandma taught me to trust my eyes more than the timer – they're ready when they look perfectly golden.
- Halfway through cooking (around the 2-minute mark), open the air fryer and gently shake the basket to ensure even cooking. This reminds me of how Grandma would always flip her French toast at just the right moment to get that perfect golden color on both sides.
- Once they're golden brown and crispy, carefully remove the French toast sticks from the air fryer using silicone tongs or spatula. Arrange them on a plate and serve immediately while hot. Grandma always said, 'The joy of French toast is in that first hot, crispy bite,' and she was so right.
- Serve your crispy air fryer French toast sticks with maple syrup for dipping. If desired, dust with powdered sugar or add fresh berries on the side. Grandma's special touch was always a little cinnamon-sugar mixture sprinkled on top, which works beautifully on these too.
Notes
Grandma's special touch: Try brushing each stick very lightly with melted butter before air frying for an extra-special homemade taste. For picky eaters: Create a 'dipping bar' with different options like peanut butter, chocolate syrup, fruit compote, or yogurt to make breakfast more interactive. Make-ahead tip: You can prepare several batches and keep the first ones warm in an oven set to 200°F while you finish the rest. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet so they stay crispy. Storage: These are best eaten immediately, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 1-2 minutes to restore crispiness. Air fryer variation: If you have homemade French toast that you've frozen, use this same method but reduce cooking time to about 2-3 minutes as they tend to cook faster than commercial brands.
Nutrition
Serving: 85g | Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 320mg | Potassium: 70mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 150IU | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 1.5mg