Posted by Bread pudding is a timeless dessert that combines simple ingredients to create a rich, flavorful, and satisfying treat. By using an air fryer, you can make a perfectly crisp-topped bread pudding in just 20 minutes, making this recipe a go-to for busy days or last-minute dessert cravings. It’s crispy on top, delightfully soft and jiggly on the inside, and can be customized with a variety of toppings. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explore every detail to ensure your air fryer bread pudding turns out just right.
Why Choose Air Fryer Bread Pudding?
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this recipe:
- Quick and Easy: With only a few ingredients and a 15-minute cook time, this recipe is fast and beginner-friendly.
- Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are basic kitchen staples, so it’s an inexpensive dessert to whip up.
- Customizable: You can enhance the flavor by adding your favorite toppings such as ice cream, honey, raisins, coconut, or chocolate chips.
- Healthier Option: Using an air fryer reduces the need for excess butter or oil, making this dessert a lighter alternative to traditional baked bread pudding.
Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Bread Pudding
To make this easy dessert, you’ll only need four basic ingredients, which you probably already have on hand:
- Eggs: They help bind everything together and add a rich, custardy texture.
- Milk: This adds moisture and creaminess to the pudding, making it soft and flavorful.
- Sugar: The sweetness is essential to balance out the savory flavors of the eggs and bread.
- Bread (Toast): Bread is the foundation of the pudding. Stale bread or lightly toasted slices work best because they absorb the egg mixture better.
Ingredient Variations for Added Flavor
While this simple four-ingredient recipe is delicious on its own, you can experiment with additional ingredients to elevate the flavor and texture:
- Vanilla Extract: Adding a teaspoon of vanilla to the egg mixture gives the pudding a fragrant, sweet aroma.
- Cinnamon or Nutmeg: A sprinkle of warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can add depth to the dessert.
- Raisins or Dried Fruits: Fold in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for a chewy texture and fruity flavor.
- Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes add a tropical twist to your bread pudding.
- Chocolate Chips: For a decadent variation, mix in some chocolate chips before air frying.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Air Fryer Bread Pudding
Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect air fryer bread pudding:
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Gather your ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of milk
- 3-5 tablespoons of sugar (depending on your sweetness preference)
- 2 slices of toast
Optional toppings can include ice cream, honey, powdered sugar, or any of the variations mentioned above.
2. Make the Egg Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Mix thoroughly until the sugar dissolves, and the eggs are fully incorporated. You can adjust the amount of sugar based on how sweet you prefer your dessert. If you’re adding any spices or vanilla extract, now is the time to do it.
3. Prepare the Bread
Take the slices of toast and rip them into 1.5-inch pieces. It’s important to use toasted bread or stale bread because it absorbs the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy. You want the bread to retain some structure so it bakes into a lovely, spongy pudding.
4. Soak the Bread
Once the bread is torn, add it to the bowl with the egg mixture. Gently toss the bread pieces to ensure each piece is soaked thoroughly. Allow the bread to sit for a few minutes, ensuring it absorbs the liquid, which will help create the custard-like texture inside the pudding.
5. Transfer to the Air Fryer Dish
Place the soaked bread pieces into an air fryer-safe container or baking dish. Make sure to spread the pieces evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of sugar over the top. This sugar will caramelize and create a crispy, golden crust on top as it cooks.
6. Air Fry the Bread Pudding
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, place the dish inside the air fryer and cook for 15 minutes. Depending on your air fryer model, you may want to check the pudding halfway through to ensure even cooking.
7. Check for Doneness
After 15 minutes, check the bread pudding. It should be golden and crispy on top, with a slight jiggle in the center. If the top isn’t browned enough for your liking, you can add a couple more minutes to get that perfect crisp.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Once done, carefully remove the pudding from the air fryer. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. You can top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of honey, or dust it with powdered sugar for extra sweetness. The combination of warm, custardy bread pudding with cold ice cream is a delightful experience!
Air Fryer Bread Pudding Topping Ideas
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream on top will make the pudding even more indulgent.
- Honey Drizzle: For an extra layer of sweetness, drizzle some honey on top.
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a classic, sweet touch.
- Fresh Fruit: Strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas can add a refreshing, fruity balance.
- Nut Crunch: Add some chopped almonds or pecans for a crunchy texture.
Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Bread Pudding
- Use Stale or Toasted Bread: Fresh bread may become too soggy, so it’s better to use bread that’s a day or two old or lightly toasted.
- Don’t Overfill the Dish: Ensure your air fryer container is not overfilled so that the pudding cooks evenly. It’s better to use a shallow dish.
- Watch the Cook Time: Every air fryer model varies slightly in temperature and timing. Keep an eye on the pudding towards the end of the cooking time to avoid over-browning.
Health Benefits of Air Fryer Bread Pudding
This dessert, while indulgent, can offer some surprising health benefits:
- Eggs: Provide high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Milk: A great source of calcium and vitamin D, essential for bone health.
- Customizable Sweetness: You can control the amount of sugar, making it as light or as sweet as you prefer.
- Lower Fat: Since the air fryer requires no additional oils, this version of bread pudding is lighter than traditional baked versions that require butter or heavy cream.
Air Fryer Bread Pudding
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 2
Calories: 279 kcal
Ingredients:
- 2 Eggs
- 1 cup Milk
- 3-5 tablespoons Sugar
- 2 slices Toast
- Optional Toppings: Ice cream, Honey drizzle, Powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Whisk together eggs, milk, and 3 tablespoons of sugar until well combined.
- Tear the toast into 1.5-inch pieces and soak them in the egg mixture.
- Transfer the soaked bread into an air fryer-safe dish and sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of sugar on top.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until golden and crispy on top.
- Serve warm, topped with ice cream, honey, or powdered sugar.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 279 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Total Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.01 g
- Cholesterol: 193 mg
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Potassium: 310 mg
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Sugar: 31 g
- Vitamin A: 574 IU
- Vitamin C: 0.2 mg
- Calcium: 217 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
