30-Minute Air Fryer Pumpkin French Toast Sticks
These crispy-outside, custardy-inside French toast sticks combine the warm flavors of pumpkin and fall spices in an easy air fryer format. Thick brioche bread is dipped in a spiced pumpkin custard, coated with cinnamon sugar, and air fried until golden. Perfect for weekend breakfast, brunch entertaining, or as a fun finger food for kids. The air fryer creates a perfectly crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender and creamy.
Ingredients
- 4 slice Brioche Bread, or similar thick cut style breadthick challah or Texas toast1:1
similar thickness
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoon canned pumpkin
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- 1
Grease air fryer tray with cooking spray and set aside
- 2
Slice bread into strips, about 4 strips per bread slice
- 3
Mix cinnamon and sugar and set aside
- 4
Whisk together pumpkin, egg, milk, sugar and spices until well combined
- 5
Dip bread strips into egg mixture and shake off excess
- 6
Sprinkle dipped strips with cinnamon sugar
- 7
Working in batches, place bread strips into air fryer basket and cook on air fry setting, turning halfway through
- 8
Repeat until all French toast sticks are cooked
- 9
Plate, serve, and enjoy
Tips
Use thick-cut brioche or challah bread for the best texture and absorption of the pumpkin custard mixture.
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - cook in batches to ensure even browning and crispness on all sides.
Serve immediately while hot with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or additional cinnamon sugar for dipping.
Good to Know
Best served immediately. Leftover sticks can be stored in refrigerator for 2 days and reheated in air fryer for 1-2 minutes.
Bread can be sliced and custard mixture prepared up to 1 day ahead. Assemble and cook when ready to serve.
Serve immediately while hot with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit. Great with coffee or hot chocolate.
Common Mistakes
Don't soak bread too long in custard mixture to avoid soggy, falling-apart sticks
Don't skip turning halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
similar thickness
similar flavor profile
FAQ
Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of brioche?
Yes, but use thick-cut bread like Texas toast. Regular thin sandwich bread will become too soggy and may fall apart during cooking.
Can I make these ahead and reheat later?
These are best fresh, but you can reheat leftover sticks in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 300°F to restore crispness.
What if I don't have an air fryer?
You can bake these in a 400°F oven for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or cook them in a skillet with butter over medium heat.