Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice French Toast Sticks Recipe
Golden French bread sticks transformed into fall-flavored perfection with pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a custard coating. The air fryer creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and custardy. Perfect for weekend breakfast or holiday brunch, these hand-held treats offer all the comfort of traditional French toast with autumn spice convenience. Kids love the stick format, making this ideal for family gatherings or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced into sticks
- 2 large eggs
- ⅝ cup milk
- 1 ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 ½ tablespoon pumpkin puree
- 1 ½ tablespoon butter, unsalted and melted
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- 1
Slice bread into sticks about 2 inches wide and 5 inches long
- 2
Preheat air fryer
- 3
Combine eggs and milk in large bowl, whisk in cinnamon, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and pumpkin puree until well mixed
- 4
Dip each bread stick into egg mixture, coating completely
- 5
Place coated sticks in air fryer basket
- 6
Air fry for 5 minutes
- 7
Flip sticks over and drizzle with melted butter
- 8
Air fry for additional 5 minutes until golden brown
- 9
Remove from air fryer and dust with powdered sugar before serving
Tips
Cut bread sticks evenly for consistent cooking and golden browning throughout.
Let coated bread sit briefly before air frying to help custard penetrate better.
Serve immediately while exterior is crispy and interior stays warm and custardy.
Good to Know
Store leftovers covered in refrigerator up to 2 days. Reheat in air fryer at 350F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
Bread sticks can be cut and custard mixture prepared night before. Dip and cook fresh for best texture.
Serve immediately with maple syrup, additional powdered sugar, or whipped cream while exterior is crispy.
Common Mistakes
Avoid oversaturating bread to prevent soggy texture that won't crisp properly.
Don't overcrowd air fryer basket to ensure even air circulation and browning.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this with regular sandwich bread?
Yes, but use thick-cut bread and reduce cooking time slightly as thinner bread cooks faster than French bread.
What if I don't have pumpkin pie spice?
Mix 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, and pinch of cloves as substitute.
How long do leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator up to 2 days. Reheat in air fryer to restore crispiness rather than microwave.