🥐 Extra-Crispy Air-Fried Croissant French Toast Sticks 🍓

Using a sharp serrated knife, slice each croissant vertically into thick, uniform thirds to create sturdy “french toast sticks.” Day-old, slightly stale croissants are highly recommended because their collapsed cell structure prevents them from absorbing too much liquid custody.

In a wide, shallow bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, whole milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until completely smooth and aerated. In a second wide dish, combine the finely crushed cornflake crumbs and light brown sugar to create your outer armor matrix.

Take a croissant stick and submerge it in the egg custard for exactly 2 seconds per side. Do not let it soak. Immediately transfer the wet stick into the crushed cornflake sugar mixture. Use your fingers to press the crispy crumbs firmly onto all sides, sealing the buttery laminated edges completely. Repeat for all sticks.

Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Arrange the coated croissant sticks in a strict single layer inside the basket, ensuring clear perimeter gaps between each baton. Give the tops a generous micro-mist of cooking oil spray or melted butter. Air fry for 6–7 minutes, gently flipping them over at the 4-minute mark.

The high-speed dry air will rapidly crystallize the brown sugar and toast the cornflake shield. They are officially done when the exterior looks deeply golden-brown and feels completely unyielding. Let them rest for 1 minute to lock down the crunch matrix. Serve hot with a dust of powdered sugar and plenty of maple syrup!