Air-Fried Pudding: A Quick, Easy Treat

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to make a variety of dishes, including pudding. From bread pudding to Yorkshire pudding, and even black pudding, there are many sweet and savoury options to choose from. With its ability to circulate hot air, the air fryer creates a gorgeously golden-brown exterior while maintaining a soft and creamy interior – perfect for that ideal pudding texture!

Choosing the right bread

Freshness

You don't need to use fresh bread for air fryer bread pudding. In fact, slightly stale or day-old bread is often preferred. This is because stale bread has a drier texture and can absorb the custard more effectively without turning soggy. If you're using fresh bread, you can let it air dry for a few hours before using it.

Type of Bread

Softer breads like Italian, French, Brioche, or Challah are ideal for bread pudding. They have a denser texture that can soak up the custard without falling apart. These breads also have a rich, buttery flavour that complements the pudding. However, if you're using crusty baguettes, make sure they have enough time to soften and absorb the custard, or they might remain hard even after cooking.

You can also use standard supermarket sandwich bread, burger buns, or hot dog buns. These softer loaves work well, but it's best to let them air dry a bit first to enhance their absorption.

Gluten-Free Options

If you have a gluten allergy or intolerance, you can easily make gluten-free bread pudding. Choose gluten-free bread as your base and proceed with the recipe as usual. This way, everyone can enjoy a delicious treat without worrying about allergies.

Raisins or No Raisins?

Raisins are a classic ingredient in bread pudding, and you can certainly include them. However, if you're not a fan of raisins or want to mix things up, you can skip them. You can even experiment with other mix-ins like semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruits like sultanas or apricots.

In conclusion, the key to choosing the right bread for air fryer bread pudding is considering its freshness, type, and ability to absorb the custard without disintegrating. So, don't be afraid to experiment with different breads and mix-ins to find your perfect combination!

Preparing the batter

Once you have your ingredients, it's time to start mixing. For bread pudding, tear the bread into small pieces or cubes. You can remove the crusts if you prefer. Soak the bread in milk for about 10 minutes. If you're making a chocolate pudding, melt some chocolate and stir it into the milk. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, milk, and any other flavourings you're using, such as vanilla extract or cinnamon. You can also add cream for extra richness. For Yorkshire pudding, simply combine the flour, milk, eggs, and salt in a mixing bowl.

Make sure you mix the ingredients until you have a smooth and thin batter. This will ensure your pudding rises properly in the air fryer. For bread pudding, add the bread cubes to the egg mixture and toss to coat. Let the mixture stand for about 15 minutes. For Yorkshire pudding, let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax, resulting in a lighter and crispier pudding.

Your batter is now ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the pudding-making process. It ensures that your pudding achieves the perfect rise and crispy texture. Set your air fryer to a high temperature of around 350-400°F (180-200°C) and let it preheat for about 4-5 minutes.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the pudding batter by mixing the dry and wet ingredients in separate bowls and then combining them to form a smooth and thin batter. It is crucial to achieve a smooth consistency, as it ensures that your pudding rises evenly in the air fryer.

Once the batter is ready, it is recommended to let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a lighter and crispier pudding. During this time, you can clean up your kitchen or prepare any accompanying dishes or toppings, such as ice cream, honey, raisins, coconut, or chocolate.

After the batter has rested, it is important to prepare your air fryer basket by greasing it with cooking spray or lining it with greased ramekins or a cake pan. This step ensures that your pudding doesn't stick to the basket and helps it release easily once cooked.

By preheating your air fryer, you create the ideal environment for your pudding to cook evenly and achieve the desired texture. So, don't skip this step and adjust your air fryer to the recommended temperature to ensure the best results for your delicious pudding!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making pudding in an air fryer vary depending on the type of pudding you are making. Here are the cooking times and temperatures for some different types of puddings:

Bread Pudding

Bread pudding is typically cooked in an air fryer at around 325°F to 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes. However, some recipes may recommend a higher temperature of 400°F for a shorter period of time. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the desired level of doneness. For a crispy top, you can sprinkle sugar on the pudding before air frying.

Yorkshire Pudding

To make Yorkshire pudding in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 400°F for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect rise and crispy texture. The cooking time will depend on the size of the pudding and the specific air fryer model. As a general guideline, start with an initial cooking time of 8-10 minutes, and then adjust as needed. After the initial cooking time, gently flip the pudding and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes or until the desired color and puffiness are achieved.

Black Pudding

When cooking black pudding slices in an air fryer, preheat the appliance if required. Dry the slices thoroughly and brush them with oil. Place the slices in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them. Cook at 200°C for about 12 minutes. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the slices.

Mocha Pudding Cakes

Although a specific temperature is not mentioned, the cooking time for mocha pudding cakes in an air fryer is around 12 to 15 minutes.

Serving suggestions

Bread Pudding

Bread pudding is best served warm, shortly after it's been cooked. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or custard sauce, chocolate sauce, or rum sauce. You can also serve it at room temperature or chilled, which will give it a slightly firmer texture. For a finishing touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar, cinnamon, or cocoa powder on top, or garnish with mint or fresh berries. It can also be served as a comforting breakfast or brunch dish, especially when drizzled with maple syrup and fresh fruit.

Yorkshire Pudding

Yorkshire pudding pairs wonderfully with roast beef, gravy, and vegetables. You can also experiment with various fillings and toppings, such as caramelized onions, sausages, or a dollop of creamy horseradish sauce.

Black Pudding

Black pudding slices are best served with a traditional cooked breakfast, packed into breakfast rolls, or added to meals as a protein-packed snack or side. Here are some specific serving suggestions:

• Make eggs benedict with a twist by swapping the ham for black pudding. Stack a slice on top of a toasted English muffin or bagel, top with a poached egg, and drizzle with hollandaise sauce.
• Create a fancy starter or canape by stacking black pudding slices with caramelised apple slices. Add slices of crispy pork belly for a heartier meal.
• Serve with air-fried scallops and a strong salad leaf like rocket/arugula and a balsamic vinegar glaze for a classic flavour combination.

Frequently asked questions