Air-Fried Bread Pudding: A Quick, Easy Treat

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, and it turns out you can use them to make bread pudding! This may come as a surprise to some, but it is possible to make this delicious dessert in an air fryer, and it only takes about 15-30 minutes. Not only is it quick, but it's also easy to make with simple ingredients and is a great way to use up stale bread. You can even add your own twist with ingredients like chocolate, cinnamon, or vanilla. So, if you're looking for a tasty treat that won't heat up your kitchen, air fryer bread pudding might be the perfect choice.

Bread options: Italian, French, Brioche, Challah, or gluten-free

Bread pudding is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of breads. When it comes to making bread pudding in an air fryer, you have several bread options to choose from, including Italian, French, brioche, challah, or even gluten-free bread. Here's a more detailed look at each option:

Italian Bread: Using soft Italian bread is a popular choice for air fryer bread pudding. It has a dense or firm texture that can absorb the custard without falling apart. Italian bread also adds a delicious flavour to the pudding.

French Bread: French bread, similar to Italian bread, is often recommended for air fryer bread pudding. It has a soft texture that works well in the air fryer. It provides a nice base for the custard and other flavours in the pudding.

Brioche: Brioche bread is another excellent option for air fryer bread pudding. It adds a rich flavour and texture to the pudding. Brioche is slightly sweeter and more buttery than other breads, making the pudding indulgent and delicious.

Challah: Challah bread is a type of soft egg bread that is often braided and has a golden crust. It is a popular choice for bread pudding due to its soft texture and ability to absorb the custard. Challah adds a rich and slightly sweet flavour to the pudding.

Gluten-Free: If you have a gluten allergy or intolerance, you can also make air fryer bread pudding with gluten-free bread. Gluten-free bread options have become widely available, and you can choose from a variety of options, such as rice bread, oat bread, or quinoa bread, to make your pudding.

No matter which bread you choose, the key is to use slightly stale or day-old bread. This is because stale bread has a firmer texture that can better absorb the custard without turning mushy. Additionally, you can cut the bread into cubes or rip it into pieces, depending on the desired texture for your pudding.

Milk and cream: whole milk with heavy cream for richness

Bread pudding is a traditional dessert made with slightly stale bread and custard. It is a versatile dish that can be made in an air fryer and can be served with ice cream, honey, raisins, coconut, or chocolate.

For the milk and cream mixture, you can use a combination of whole milk and heavy cream. The ratio of milk to cream can vary depending on your preference for richness. For example, you can use a 50/50 mix of whole milk and heavy cream, or you can use mostly whole milk with just a 1/4 cup of heavy cream for added richness.

If you want to make a larger batch, you can increase the amount of milk and cream while maintaining the same ratio. This will ensure that your bread pudding has a consistent texture and taste, even when scaled up.

When making bread pudding, it is important to use slightly stale or day-old bread. This is because stale bread has a denser or firmer texture that can better absorb the custard without falling apart or disintegrating. Softer breads, such as Italian, French, brioche, or challah, are good options, but crusty baguettes may not have enough time to soften during the short air frying process.

Flavourings: cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and dried fruit

Cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and dried fruit are all popular flavourings for bread pudding made in an air fryer. Cinnamon and vanilla are the most commonly used spices, with nutmeg mentioned less frequently. Cinnamon is often added to the egg and milk mixture, while vanilla is added to the egg mixture in either extract or syrup form. Cinnamon can also be sprinkled over the top of the pudding before serving.

Dried fruit is also a popular addition to bread pudding. Raisins are the most commonly used, with the heat of the air fryer causing them to plump up and soften, imparting a natural sweetness and chewy texture. Other dried fruits such as sultanas, dried cranberries, apricots, and mixed dried fruit are also used. Fresh fruit can also be used, including bananas and blueberries.

Toppings: ice cream, honey, coconut, chocolate, or custard

Bread pudding is a versatile dessert that can be topped with a variety of sweet treats. Here are some ideas for toppings and serving suggestions for your air-fried bread pudding:

Ice cream

A popular choice, ice cream can be served as an accompaniment to the hot pudding, or it can be melted and used as a sauce. Vanilla ice cream is a great option, as it will add a sweet, comforting flavour to the dish.

Honey

Honey can be drizzled over the pudding, adding a sweet, sticky glaze. It can also be used as a replacement for sugar in the egg mixture, creating a rich, golden pudding.

Coconut

Toasted coconut flakes can be sprinkled over the pudding before serving, adding a crunchy texture and a subtle, nutty flavour.

Chocolate

Chocolate chips can be added to the mixture before baking, or a chocolate sauce can be drizzled over the pudding before serving.

Custard

Bread pudding is often served with custard, which can be infused with spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. The custard can be poured over the bread cubes before baking, creating a rich, creamy pudding.

There are many ways to customise your air-fried bread pudding, and these toppings can be combined or adapted to suit your taste.

Storing: can be frozen for up to 2 months and reheated

Bread pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months and reheated. To freeze the pudding, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw the pudding in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Bread pudding can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking. It can also be frozen and then thawed and reheated, making it a convenient option for meal prep or making in large batches.

The versatility of bread pudding is one of its many appeals, as it can be made with simple, readily available ingredients and customized with various toppings and mix-ins. It is a great way to use up stale or leftover bread, and its cooking method in the air fryer adds to its convenience, as it requires less time and energy compared to traditional ovens.

The ability to store, freeze, and reheat bread pudding without compromising its taste and texture makes it an excellent option for those who want to enjoy a delicious dessert or treat without spending excessive time in the kitchen.

Frequently asked questions