Tiffany Haney
Air fryers are a great way to make bread pudding. The air fryer's hot air cooks the pudding to a golden-brown exterior while maintaining a soft and creamy interior. The best bread to use for bread pudding is slightly stale bread with a dense or firm texture that can absorb the custard without disintegrating. The pudding can be served warm or chilled, and it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 15-30 minutes |
| Bread | Stale, day-old, cubed, gluten-free, brioche, challah, Italian, French, croissant, white sandwich bread, burger buns, hot dog buns, dinner rolls, Texas toast |
| Toppings | Ice cream, honey, raisins, coconut, chocolate, chocolate chips, nuts, peanut butter or butterscotch chips, dried cranberries, fresh fruit, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, cardamom, pumpkin pie spice, chopped pecans or walnuts, shredded coconut, alcohol (bourbon, rum, brandy, Grand Marnier), powdered sugar, cocoa powder, mint, fresh berries |
| Milk | Vanilla almond milk, regular cows milk, whole milk, heavy cream |
| Sugar | Dark brown sugar, light brown sugar, granulated white sugar, confectioners' sugar |
| Other ingredients | Eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, whipped cream |
What You'll Learn
What is the best bread to use for bread pudding?
The best type of bread to use for bread pudding is a slightly stale, dense loaf that can stand up to the rich custard without falling apart. This could be French bread, Texas toast, brioche, challah, sourdough, Italian bread, or even hot dog or hamburger buns.
If you don't have stale bread, you can make fresh bread stale by popping it in the toaster, cutting it into cubes, and baking it in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes. You don't want to burn it or turn it brown, just remove as much moisture as possible.
Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs: Quick, Easy, Delicious
You may want to see also
Can I make bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can make bread pudding ahead of time. In fact, it is recommended to let the pudding sit overnight to ensure the perfect texture. This is because the bread acts as a sponge and absorbs the custard. If you are using fresh bread, cube it and wait as long as possible before soaking it in the milk mixture. The minimum time for the bread to soak is 30 minutes, but it can be left for up to 24 hours.
If you are making the pudding in an air fryer, the process is very similar. You can prepare the pudding in advance, assemble it in the pan, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. When you are ready to cook it, let it sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before placing it in the air fryer.
Air-Fryer Shrimp Chips: Quick, Crunchy, and Crispy!
You may want to see also
How long does bread pudding last?
Bread pudding is best served warm, shortly after it's been cooked. However, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the greatest results, consume the pudding within 2 days, as the moisture loss will be less visible. To store, let the pudding cool down to room temperature, then cover or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate.
Bread pudding can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Before freezing, ensure the pudding has completely cooled down, then wrap it in plastic wrap twice and place it in an airtight container or bag.
When ready to eat, thaw the frozen pudding in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature before reheating. Reheat in the microwave until warmed through, or in the oven/toaster oven if you want the top to be crispy.
Air Fryer Egg Poaching: The Perfect Timing
You may want to see also
What can I add to bread pudding?
Bread pudding is a versatile dessert that can be customised with a variety of mix-ins and toppings. Here are some ideas for ingredients you can add to your bread pudding:
Fruits and Nuts
Raisins are a classic addition to bread pudding, and other dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, and candied citrus peel can also be used. Fresh fruits such as berries or chopped apples can add a refreshing touch. For a crunchy texture, consider adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts.
Chocolate
Chocolate chips or chopped-up candy bars can be mixed into the bread pudding for a sweet and indulgent treat. For a more subtle chocolate flavour, use chocolate bread as your base.
Spices
Cinnamon and nutmeg are commonly used in bread pudding, but feel free to experiment with other spices like cardamom, cloves, or pumpkin pie spice.
Liquors
A splash of alcohol, such as brandy, rum, bourbon, or Grand Marnier, can add depth and richness to your bread pudding.
Dairy
Bread pudding is often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, but you can also mix in some cream cheese or mascarpone for an extra creamy texture.
Sweeteners
Honey and maple syrup are excellent natural sweeteners that can be drizzled on top of your bread pudding. You can also experiment with different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or coconut sugar, to add depth of flavour.
Air Fryer Magic: Heating Sandwiches to Perfection
You may want to see also
Can I eat bread pudding hot or cold?
Bread pudding is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed either hot or cold, depending on your preference.
Some people prefer to eat bread pudding hot, straight out of the air fryer, as it has a warm and comforting taste. The warmth of the pudding topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for an irresistible treat.
However, others may choose to eat it cold, as it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Chilling the pudding can cause it to set further, resulting in a slightly firmer texture.
Additionally, bread pudding can be frozen and then thawed and reheated in the microwave or air fryer when you're ready to eat it.
So, whether you enjoy it hot or cold, bread pudding is a delicious treat that can be customised to your liking!
Frying Egg Rolls: Air Fryer Magic
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to use a sturdy bread such as Texas Toast, Brioche, Challah, or French Bread.
Yes, you can add chocolate chips, nuts, peanut butter or butterscotch chips, raisins, dried cranberries, and dried or fresh fruit.
Yes, you can use regular cow's milk, but you may need to add an additional 1/4 cup of brown sugar for sweetness.
Four 4-ounce ramekins are recommended for this recipe.
