Ah, bread pudding. It’s a dish that often reminds me of cozy evenings at home, with its warm, comforting texture and sweet, vanilla-scented aroma filling the air. Often a staple in households, bread pudding seems to have stood the test of time, evolving over the years while still holding onto that nostalgic charm.
But what if I told you there’s a way to whip up this classic dessert in only 15 minutes? Enter the air fryer—my new kitchen hero. Today, I will share my experience and guide you through making air fryer bread pudding that is quick, delightful, and impossibly scrumptious.
Air fryer bread pudding compressed into a quarter-hour is essentially a take on the classic dish but takes advantage of the air fryer’s efficient cooking style.
For those unfamiliar, bread pudding involves stale or leftover bread soaked in a mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, and spices before being baked to perfection. Using the air fryer speeds up that cooking time, creating a dessert that’s ready faster than you can say “where's my spoon?”
Think about it: the same rich flavor and comfort of traditional pudding, but way quicker. This method is like having a time machine for your dessert—you get to enjoy that warm bread pudding without standing over the stove for ages. Who wouldn’t love that?
Let’s face it; life is busy. Between work, family, and everything else, who really has hours to spend in the kitchen? Here are a few reasons you’re going to fall head over heels for this recipe:
For this speedy air fryer delight, here’s what you’ll need:
This is where the magic happens. Let's dive into the detailed steps to whip up this delightful treat.
Start by gathering all your ingredients on the countertop. It’s always easier to have everything at hand. Measure out your milk, sugar, and the eggs into a bowl. Don’t forget to grab your favorite thick-cut bread or brioche. The fresher the bread, the better it absorbs the custard!
In a medium bowl, beat the eggs. Then add the milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar. Whisk until combined. This is where you can really get creative. If you prefer a sweeter dish, feel free to increase the sugar slightly. Taste-testing isn’t just for baking cookies; it works for this mixture too!
Cut your bread into bite-sized cubes. This allows the bread to soak up the custard evenly. It’s also a great way for those pesky corners to get that sweet, sticky coating.
Place the bread cubes into the custard mixture. Gently press them down to ensure they are well-coated and getting that delicious soaking action. Let them rest for about a minute, allowing the bread to absorb the custard.
While the bread is soaking, preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). This is an essential step as it ensures even cooking. If your air fryer has a preheat setting, go ahead and use it.
Carefully place the soaked bread mixture into a greased air fryer-safe dish. Make sure it’s spread evenly. Then, insert it into the air fryer basket. Cook for about 10–12 minutes. Keep an eye on it after the 10-minute mark. You want a lightly golden top and that lovely custardy interior.
Once done, carefully remove the dish (it will be hot!). Let it cool for a minute before serving. Top your air fryer bread pudding with a drizzle of honey, a scoop of ice cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Delicious, right? But let’s not rush things. We’ve got some tips and tricks to ensure your pudding is nothing short of perfect.
Curious about the nutrition behind this sweet indulgence? Here’s a breakdown per serving assuming 2 servings from the recipe:
This quick treat is certainly a crowd-pleaser, and with a few tweaks like using skim milk instead of whole milk, you can adjust the nutrition to your needs.
Absolutely! If by some miracle you have leftovers—though I wouldn’t count on it—you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2–3 days. Just be sure to reheat it gently, either in the air fryer for a few minutes or in the microwave. It might not be quite the same as fresh, but it’ll still be tasty.
Bread pudding is wonderful on its own but is even better when paired with complementary treats. Consider serving it alongside:
Let’s get creative! Here are five variations to try:
There you have it—an easy, quick, and utterly delicious air fryer bread pudding recipe that can be on your table in just 15 minutes. As a food enthusiast and registered dietitian, I truly believe that simple recipes can still bring comfort and joy to our lives.
So the next time you find yourself with some leftover bread or a craving for something sweet, remember this recipe! With endless variations and a delightful taste that invokes nostalgia, this air fryer bread pudding will quickly become a go-to staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
Ah, bread pudding. It’s a dish that often reminds me of cozy evenings at home, with its warm, comforting texture and sweet, vanilla-scented aroma filling the air. Often a staple in households, bread pudding seems to have stood the test of time, evolving over the years while still holding onto that nostalgic charm.
But what if I told you there’s a way to whip up this classic dessert in only 15 minutes? Enter the air fryer—my new kitchen hero. Today, I will share my experience and guide you through making air fryer bread pudding that is quick, delightful, and impossibly scrumptious.
Servings 2
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Serve Immediately: Bread pudding is like a good joke; timing is everything. It’s best enjoyed warm and fresh.
Iris Miller is a registered dietitian and the creator of Friendsgiving Food Ideas, a blog dedicated to festive, accessible recipes that bring people together. Based in Colorado, Iris combines her passion for nutrition and love of celebrations to create crowd-pleasing dishes for holidays and special occasions. Her goal is to make hosting easy, fun, and inclusive for all dietary needs.