The Simple Secret to the Best French Toast You’ll Ever Make

French toast has always been one of those magical recipes that instantly transforms a quiet morning into something special. The scent of vanilla and cinnamon, the soft custard-soaked bread turning golden in the pan.

I love that it’s so easy to customize—whether I’m using leftover bread or grabbing a fresh loaf of brioche. You can keep it classic with a drizzle of maple syrup, or make it special with a spoonful of mixed berry compote. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of magic, served alongside a homemade pumpkin spice latte and some cottage cheese eggs, it makes an ordinary morning feel like a Sunday.

Close up of air fryer French toast slices on a white plate, with berries and powdered sugar topping — Easy Air Fryer French Toast. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A close up image of croissant French toast topped with blueberries and raspberries. — Croissant French Toast Bake. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Baked French Toast

You can make French toast the classic way by placing the custard-soaked bread on a buttery skillet, or bake it as individual slices or as a casserole, and make it more special.

For an easy twist, broil custard-soaked slices on a sheet pan until golden, or prepare an overnight croissant French toast casserole—just soak, chill, and bake in the morning for a cozy breakfast. You can even top it with a bit of brown butter for extra richness!

Get the Recipe: Croissant French Toast Bake

French Toast Sticks

French toast sticks always take me back to those drive-thru breakfasts—warm, crispy, and a little too easy to love. Most fast-food versions are made from thick bread strips that get dunked, battered, and deep-fried, just like fries.

The frozen ones at the grocery store are par-fried too, so they crisp up fast. But at home, I use the air fryer instead—it gives them that same golden crunch without all the grease.

You can also bake them or, better yet, make them from scratch by slicing thick bread into strips and cooking them just like classic French toast for a homemade version that tastes way better than anything from a box.

Get the Recipe: Frozen French Toast Sticks in Air Fryer

Two slices of French toast on a white plate with a brown rim, being cut with a fork and knife. — Easy Air Fryer French Toast Recipe. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Air Fryer French Toast

Using an air fryer is a lighter way to make French toast—it reduces the amount of fat that you need, but still get that perfectly crisp, golden crust.

You can pop in frozen French toast or make your own from scratch. Just make sure to shake off any excess custard so it doesn’t drip through the basket.

For homemade French toast, cook it at 375°F for about 3 to 5 minutes per side, until it’s beautifully golden with a delicate crunch.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer French Toast