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Crispy Air Fryer French Toast Bites Easy Recipe with Vanilla Custard Dip

air fryer french toast bites - featured image

These crispy, bite-sized French toast pieces are air fried to perfection and served with a smooth vanilla custard dip, making for a quick, easy, and delicious breakfast or snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices thick-cut white or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
  • For the Vanilla Custard Dip:
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Cut 6 slices of thick bread into 1-inch cubes. Let fresh bread cubes sit out for about 15 minutes to dry slightly.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and combined.
  3. Gently toss the bread cubes in the custard mixture, coating each piece but not soggy. Let soak for 5 minutes.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Place soaked bread cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Brush or spray with melted butter.
  6. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even browning.
  7. To make the vanilla custard dip: whisk 3 egg yolks, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until pale and thick.
  8. Heat 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup milk in a saucepan until just simmering.
  9. Slowly pour hot cream into egg mixture while whisking constantly, then return to pan.
  10. Cook over low heat, stirring until custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  11. Remove from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste.
  12. Dust French toast bites with powdered sugar and serve warm with the vanilla custard dip.

Notes

Use slightly stale bread for better soaking without sogginess. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness. Brush bites with melted butter before air frying for extra flavor. Cook custard dip on low heat with constant stirring to avoid scrambling eggs. Shake air fryer basket halfway through cooking for even browning.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast bites, air fryer, vanilla custard dip, breakfast, brunch, crispy French toast, easy recipe