Air Fryer Pudding: A Quick, Easy Treat?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their versatility and convenience. While many associate air fryers with cooking crispy foods like fries, they can also be used to make delicious desserts such as puddings. In fact, you can make a variety of puddings in an air fryer, including bread pudding, rice pudding, and even black pudding. Air fryer bread pudding, in particular, has gained a lot of popularity, with people sharing their recipes and experiences online. It is known for being a quick, easy, and affordable dessert that can be customized with various toppings and ingredients. Similarly, air fryer rice pudding is also possible, resulting in a creamy and evenly cooked dessert.

Characteristics and Values

Bread pudding

Yes, you can cook bread pudding in an air fryer! It is a quick, easy, and delicious dessert that can be made in under 30 minutes. The air fryer gives the pudding a golden crisp top and a soft and creamy inside.

To make bread pudding in an air fryer, you will need a few simple ingredients: bread, eggs, milk, sugar, and butter. You can also add various toppings and mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, raisins, cinnamon, or vanilla extract, to customize the pudding to your taste. The best bread to use is slightly stale bread with a dense or firm texture, such as Italian, French, brioche, or challah.

• Grease a 6-inch round cake pan or baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
• In a separate bowl, mix eggs, milk, sugar, and butter until well combined. You can also add cinnamon, vanilla, or other flavorings to the mixture.
• Rip or cube the bread into small pieces and place them into the greased pan or dish.
• Pour the egg mixture over the bread, ensuring that all the pieces are coated. You can also sprinkle mix-ins like chocolate chips or raisins on top.
• Let the bread pudding sit for a few minutes to allow the bread to absorb the mixture.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F/180°C.
• Place the pudding into the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick or knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Remove the pudding from the air fryer and let it set for about 10 minutes. You can dust the top with icing sugar or add a scoop of ice cream on top.

Rice pudding

To make rice pudding in an air fryer, you will need a few key ingredients: rice, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon/nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. You can use any type of rice, such as long-grain or jasmine rice, and whole milk is recommended for a creamier pudding, although almond or coconut milk can also be used for a twist. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and yield loose grains of rice.

Next, combine the rinsed rice with the rest of the ingredients in a bowl and stir well to ensure all the ingredients are mixed evenly. For an extra indulgent twist, you can add dried fruit steeped in spiced rum. Transfer the mixture to a heatproof dish or bowl that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket, and lightly grease the container to prevent sticking.

Preheat your air fryer to around 320°F/160°C for a few minutes, and then place the dish with the rice pudding mixture into the air fryer basket. Cook for around 30-40 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and the quantity of rice pudding. Check the pudding's surface after about 20 minutes, and if it's browning too quickly, cover it with foil. The pudding is ready when it is creamy and the rice is cooked through.

The air fryer's even heat distribution ensures that your rice pudding turns out creamy and perfectly cooked, and you can enjoy a delicious dessert without the lengthy cooking times and complicated techniques of traditional methods.

Black pudding

When cooking black pudding in an air fryer, it is important to slice the black pudding into pieces that will fit in the air fryer. There is no need to preheat the air fryer, and the cooking time is typically between 6 and 12 minutes, depending on the desired crispiness and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to brush the slices with a little oil before placing them in the air fryer to ensure a crispy exterior. During the cooking process, the black pudding may need to be flipped halfway through for even cooking.

For those who prefer their black pudding with a crispy texture, grilling is an option. The black pudding slices can be placed directly on a fine grill or on a piece of foil if the grill grid is large. They should be cooked for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning occasionally.

Another method is to pan-fry the black pudding in a little oil, which adds a rich and tempting flavour to fry-ups and brunch dishes. The black pudding should be cooked for 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through and crispy around the edges.

Toppings and flavourings

Bread pudding is a versatile dessert that can be customised with various toppings and flavourings. For a simple option, a scoop of ice cream on top of the hot bread pudding, drizzled with honey, is a great choice. You can also add raisins, coconut, or chocolate to your bread pudding for a more indulgent treat. If you're feeling adventurous, try mixing in some peanut butter or butterscotch chips, dried cranberries, or fresh fruit.

When making bread pudding, you can use any type of bread, but sturdier options like Texas Toast, brioche, challah, or French bread are recommended. Gluten-free bread can also be used if needed. As for the liquid base, milk is commonly used, but heavy cream or dairy-free alternatives like almond, coconut, or oat milk can also be substituted. To add extra flavour, vanilla extract, cinnamon, or nutmeg can be mixed into the pudding.

For those who enjoy single-serving desserts, air fryers are perfect for making individual portions of bread pudding. Simply divide the mixture into ramekins or small heatproof dishes and follow the same cooking instructions. This way, you can easily customise each serving with different toppings and flavourings to suit everyone's tastes.

Rice pudding is another dessert that can be made in an air fryer and customised with various toppings and flavourings. Popular choices include a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For an extra kick, a splash of rum can be added to the rice pudding. Like bread pudding, rice pudding can also be made dairy-free by using alternative milk options.

Reheating pudding

There are several other methods to reheat pudding. In the oven, wrap individual portions in foil and reheat for 10-15 minutes, or place the whole dish in the oven for 30-45 minutes. If you are short on time, you can use a microwave, but be sure to check the pudding regularly and stir it to avoid overcooking.

Another option is to use a grill. Place the pudding slices on a piece of foil, wrap them up, and grill for 10-15 minutes. Finally, you can reheat pudding using a slow cooker by placing it in the cooker with a little milk or cream. Heat on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions