Great Value French Toast Sticks are a frozen breakfast favorite that turn wonderfully crispy and tender in the air fryer. This method gives you golden, cinnamon-sugar coated sticks with soft, custard-like centers in under 10 minutes, without needing to heat up a skillet or use extra oil. It’s the easiest way to get a warm, satisfying breakfast on the table fast.
Ingredients
- 1 box (about 10 oz / 283 g) Great Value French Toast Sticks (frozen)
- Optional: cooking spray (for extra crispiness)
- For serving: maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 2–3 minutes.
- Place the frozen French toast sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; leave space between each stick so the hot air can circulate. If you have a small basket, cook in batches.
- If you like extra crispiness, lightly spray the sticks with cooking spray (optional).
- Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through (at about 3–4 minutes). Cook until the sticks are golden brown and heated through. For a softer texture, cook for 6 minutes; for extra crunch, go to 8 minutes.
- Carefully remove the sticks from the air fryer using tongs. Let them cool for 1 minute before serving—they are very hot inside.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or your favorite dip.
Tips
- Don’t thaw first: Cook the sticks straight from frozen. Thawing makes them soggy and harder to crisp up.
- Single layer only: Overcrowding the basket traps steam and results in limp, chewy sticks. Cook in batches if needed—it’s worth the extra minute.
- Check early: Air fryer temperatures can vary by brand. Start checking at 6 minutes to avoid burning, especially if your air fryer runs hot.
- Make your own: If you don’t have Great Value brand, any frozen French toast sticks work—just adjust time based on the package instructions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these crispy sticks with a side of fresh berries or a small bowl of yogurt for a balanced breakfast. They’re also great with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert-like treat. For a savory twist, dip them in a little peanut butter or cream cheese.
Variations
- Cinnamon Sugar Dust: While the sticks are still warm, toss them in a mixture of 1 tablespoon sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon.
- Stuffed: If you have time, carefully slice a pocket into each stick and stuff with a thin layer of cream cheese or Nutella before air frying (add 1–2 minutes to cook time).
- Gluten-Free: Look for gluten-free frozen French toast sticks or make your own using gluten-free bread.
- Vegan: Choose a vegan brand or make your own using plant-based milk and egg substitute.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover cooked French toast sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes until hot and crispy. You can also freeze cooked sticks on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months; reheat from frozen at 380°F (193°C) for 5–6 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook these in a basket-style air fryer? Yes, just make sure the sticks are in a single layer and not stacked. If your basket is small, cook in batches.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer? Preheating helps achieve even browning, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip it and add 1–2 minutes to the cook time.
Why are my French toast sticks soggy? Sogginess usually happens when the basket is overcrowded or the sticks are thawed before cooking. Make sure to cook from frozen and leave space between each stick.
Can I use an air fryer oven? Absolutely. Use the same temperature and time, but check at the 6-minute mark since air fryer ovens can cook faster.
Are these safe to eat if undercooked? Since the sticks are pre-cooked before freezing, you only need to heat them through until hot. There is no raw egg or meat, so no specific internal temperature is required, but they should be hot all the way through.
Can I make my own French toast sticks from scratch? Yes! Cut thick bread into sticks, dip in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla, then freeze on a baking sheet. Air fry from frozen at 380°F (193°C) for 8–10 minutes.
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Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes
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