I haven't had Tonga Toast as I'm not a fan of bananas, but I have the recipe for WL's French Toast that is very similar - but with blueberries. That one doesn't call for deep frying, but wants you to fry it in a pan with butter. I skip the butter & just spray my non-stick pan with olive oil. We quite like the results, although I can't compare the taste as it was too long in between the real & having it here.
I kind of doubt that anything or than actual deep frying will give you that deep fried taste. For us it's just a matter of what you're used to and/or how much you're willing to compromise. We deep fry nothing & if we have it when we're out it's too heavy for us. I say go for just a bit of oil in the pan & try it that way once. You may find you like it.
Just in case you're interested, here's the recipe for the Blueberry FT.
FRENCH TOAST
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
1 loaf French bread (~8 oz)
1 c fresh blueberries
2 c milk
3 large eggs
¼ c sugar
¼ tsp vanilla extract
¼ c sugar
¼ tsp cinnamon
2 Tbl butter or margarine
Cut French bread diagonally into eight 1½” slices. Cut a 2” long slit 1” deep in top of each slice to form a pocket. Divide 1 cup fresh blueberries into 8 portions; fill pockets with berries.
Whisk together milk, eggs, sugar & vanilla in large bowl. Combine sugar & cinnamon in cup. Set both aside.
Soak bread slices in egg mixture 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Meanwhile, melt ½ butter in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook 4 bread slices until golden, turning once, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to platter; cover and keep warm. Wipe skillet. Repeat process with remaining butter & bread. Transfer French toast to serving plates; sprinkle tops with cinnamon-sugar. Serve with maple syrup, if desired.
Servings: 4