Gluten-Free Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

Prep: 15 minCook: 6 min2 servingsmediumAmerican
Gluten-Free Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

Golden crispy french toast sticks made gluten-free and cooked in the air fryer for a quick breakfast treat. Thick gluten-free bread absorbs a simple custard of milk, egg, and vanilla, then crisps up beautifully in just 6 minutes. Perfect for busy mornings, kid-friendly breakfasts, or anyone avoiding gluten who doesn't want to sacrifice that classic french toast experience. The air fryer creates an ideal crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.

VegetarianGluten-FreeNut-Free

Ingredients

2 servings
  • 4 slices gluten-free thick bread
  • ¼ cup milk
    almond milk1:1dairy-freedairy-free

    any non-dairy milk works

    Full guide →
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    almond extract1:1flavor variationadds tree_nuts

    different flavor profile

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Place bread on cutting board and cut into wide strips

  2. 2

    Place bread strips in large shallow bowl

  3. 3

    Whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla in mixing bowl with spout

  4. 4

    Pour milk mixture over bread strips and turn to coat fully

  5. 5

    Let bread sit in mixture for 10-30 minutes

  6. 6

    Preheat air fryer to 375°F

  7. 7

    Place french toast strips on air fryer tray

  8. 8

    Cook for 3 minutes

  9. 9

    Flip strips

  10. 10

    Cook additional 3 minutes until golden brown

  11. 11

    Serve hot with maple syrup and fresh fruit

Tips

Tip 1

Let bread soak longer for more custardy interior - up to 30 minutes creates the best texture.

Tip 2

Cut bread into even strips for uniform cooking and easier flipping in the air fryer.

Tip 3

Preheat the air fryer fully before adding the strips to ensure immediate crisping.

Good to Know

Storage

refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days, reheat in toaster or air fryer

Make Ahead

can soak bread overnight, cook fresh in morning

Serve With

immediately while hot and crispy

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

don't skip soaking time or bread will be dry

Watch

avoid overcrowding air fryer tray for even cooking

Watch

flip gently as gluten-free bread can break easily

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

milk→
almond milk1:1dairy-freedairy-free

any non-dairy milk works

Full guide →

Gluten-Free Swaps

gluten-free bread→
regular bread1:1gluten-free

use any thick bread

General Alternatives

vanilla extract→
almond extract1:1flavor variationadds tree_nuts

different flavor profile

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use regular bread instead of gluten-free?

Yes, any thick bread like brioche or challah works perfectly with this same method and timing.

What if I don't have an air fryer?

Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.

How long do leftovers keep?

Store in refrigerator up to 2 days and reheat in toaster or air fryer to restore crispiness.