Air Fryer Bread Pudding is a quick and easy way to make this classic dessert without turning on the oven. The air fryer helps create a golden, crispy exterior with a warm and custardy interior. Here’s a simple recipe for Air Fryer Bread Pudding:
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of day-old bread (brioche, challah, or French bread work best)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer pudding)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (or granulated sugar)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup raisins or other dried fruit (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread:
- Tear or cut the bread into bite-sized pieces. If your bread is fresh, toast it lightly in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to make it a little more firm and dry, which will help it soak up the custard mixture.
2. Make the Custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), salt, and melted butter until well combined.
3. Assemble the Bread Pudding:
- Add the torn bread pieces to the custard mixture and stir gently to coat the bread. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, allowing the bread to soak up the custard.
- If you’re adding raisins or nuts, mix them in with the bread mixture.
4. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a little melted butter to prevent sticking.
- Transfer the bread pudding mixture into a small baking dish or oven-safe bowl that fits in your air fryer basket. A 6-inch round or square dish works well.
5. Cook the Bread Pudding:
- Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
- Place the dish into the air fryer basket and cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check the bread pudding after about 12 minutes and cover it loosely with foil if it’s browning too quickly.
6. Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the bread pudding from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Optionally, top with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Tips:
- Bread Choice: Day-old bread works best for bread pudding because it’s drier and will soak up the custard better. You can also use croissants, bagels, or even leftover cinnamon rolls for a different twist.
- Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with add-ins like chocolate chips, chopped fruit (apples, pears), or even a splash of bourbon for a more decadent flavor.
- Texture: If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, you can bake it a little longer. For a softer, more custardy pudding, reduce the cook time slightly.
- Serving Suggestions: Bread pudding is wonderful with a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce.
This Air Fryer Bread Pudding is a great way to use up leftover bread while making a warm, comforting dessert in a fraction of the time! Enjoy!