Dinner

Deep Fried French Toast Recipe

ByZoe Lane May 3, 2026May 3, 2026

Introduction

Deep Fried French Toast offers a crispy, golden exterior with a soft, custardy inside—an irresistible twist on the classic breakfast favorite. Perfect for a weekend treat, this indulgent recipe combines rich flavors and textures that delight every bite.

Five slices of golden brown French toast are arranged in a line on a smooth white plate, each slice showing a crisp, toasted texture with a light dusting of sugar. On the side of the plate, there is a small mound of white granulated sugar and a single bright orange physalis with greenish papery leaves around it. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 slices thick bread (such as brioche or challah)
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Powdered sugar (for serving, to taste)
Maple syrup (for serving, to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
Step 2: Pour the egg mixture into a shallow dish. Dip each slice of thick bread into the mixture, ensuring both sides are coated without soaking through.
Step 3: In another shallow dish, place the flour. Dip each soaked slice of bread into the flour, shaking off any excess to create a light coating.
Step 4: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet or deep fryer over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Step 5: Carefully place the coated bread slices into the hot oil in batches, frying until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 6: Once cooked, remove the French toast from the oil with tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 7: Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup.

Tips & Variations

Use thick, sturdy bread like brioche or challah to prevent sogginess during dipping and frying.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or orange zest to the egg mixture.
Try dipping the fried French toast in cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar for a sweet crunch.
To keep batches warm while frying, place finished pieces on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F or 90°C).

Storage

Store leftover deep fried French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or a skillet over medium heat for a crisp finish. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crisp.

How to Serve

A row of five thick, golden-brown slices of toasted bread with a slightly crispy texture is arranged diagonally on a white plate, each slice showing a mix of light yellow and darker golden to brown spots on the top surface. To the right side of the slices, there is a small heap of fine white sugar and a bright orange physalis fruit with its dried papery leaves partially peeled back. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread besides brioche or challah?

Yes, you can use other thick breads such as Texas toast or sourdough, but softer breads may absorb too much batter and not hold up well during frying.

Is deep frying necessary, or can I pan-fry this instead?

Deep frying ensures a uniform, crispy crust on all sides, but pan-frying with enough oil to cover at least half the slice can work as a substitute if deep frying is not an option.