Cut your bread into sticks by cutting the slices lengthwise into three pieces. Repeat until you have about 12-15 long breadsticks. Set aside.

In a 2 cup measuring cup or bowl, combine the eggs, half and half, sugar, vanilla, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt. Give the mixture a whisk with a fork or small whisk until thoroughly combined.

Slowly drizzle the melted butter into the egg and half and half mixture, whisking the entire time. This will help prevent big lumps from forming once the melted butter hits the cold egg mixture.

Once the custard is thoroughly combined, pour it into a shallow pie plate.

At this point, you want to set your air fryer to 360º and preheat for 5 minutes. After preheating, spray the basket with cooking spray.

Working with one stick at a time, quickly dip one side of the bread into the custard and then flip to coat the other side. Use a fork to lift the bread out of the egg mixture and drain off any excess liquid. Immediately add the French toast stick to the air fryer basket.

Repeat this process until your fry basket has a single layer of custard dipped breadsticks. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Do not overcrowd.

Air fry the French toast at 360º for 8-10 minutes, flipping after 5 minutes. The sticks are done when the exteriors are golden brown, feel crisp to the touch, and the middle of each stick is not soggy.

Repeat the dipping and frying process until all the French toast sticks are cooked through.

Transfer to a plate and serve with warm maple syrup.