Air Fryer Bread Pudding

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Air Fryer Bread Pudding is a warm, comforting dessert made with simple pantry ingredients like white bread, eggs, milk, sugar, and dried currants. It’s soft and custardy inside with a golden, slightly crisp top. Using the air fryer makes it quicker than oven baking while still delivering that traditional homemade taste.

This recipe is perfect for beginners, budget-friendly, and a great way to use leftover bread.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare

  • Uses simple ingredients

  • Ready in about 30 minutes

  • Soft, rich, and comforting

  • Perfect for dessert or tea time

  • Great way to reduce food waste

Bread pudding has been loved for generations because it turns basic ingredients into something warm and special.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Bread Base:

  • 6–8 slices white bread

  • 2–3 tablespoons butter (softened, for spreading)

  • ¼ cup dried currants (or raisins)

For the Custard Mixture:

  • 3 large eggs

  • 2 cups milk (whole milk works best)

  • ½ cup sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but recommended)

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

🥄 Equipment Needed

  • Air fryer

  • Small oven-safe dish that fits inside air fryer

  • Mixing bowl

  • Whisk or fork

  • Butter knife

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

  1. Spread butter on both sides of each slice of bread.

  2. Cut slices into halves or quarters (optional, for easier layering).

  3. Lightly butter your baking dish.

  4. Arrange the buttered bread pieces in the dish, slightly overlapping.

Layering helps create texture—crispy edges and soft centers.

Step 2: Add the Currants

Sprinkle dried currants evenly over the bread layers.

You can gently press some into the gaps so they are spread throughout the pudding. This ensures every bite has sweetness.

If you prefer, you can soak the currants in warm water for 5 minutes first to make them softer.

Step 3: Make the Custard

In a mixing bowl:

  1. Crack 3 eggs.

  2. Add milk.

  3. Add sugar.

  4. Add vanilla extract and cinnamon (if using).

Whisk until fully combined and slightly frothy.

The custard should look smooth and pale yellow.

Step 4: Pour Over the Bread

Slowly pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the bread.

Make sure:

  • All bread pieces are soaked.

  • Press gently with a spoon to help absorption.

Let it sit for 5–10 minutes so the bread absorbs the liquid properly.

This step ensures the pudding turns soft and custardy instead of dry.

Step 5: Air Fry

  1. Preheat air fryer to 160°C (320°F) for 3–5 minutes.

  2. Carefully place the dish inside the air fryer basket.

  3. Cook for 25 minutes at 160°C (320°F).

Check at 20 minutes:

  • The top should be golden brown.

  • The center should be set but slightly soft.

If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the remaining time.

Step 6: Cool Slightly & Serve

Remove carefully (dish will be hot).

Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up.

Serve warm.

🍽 Serving Ideas

You can enjoy bread pudding:

  • Plain and warm

  • With custard sauce

  • With whipped cream

  • With vanilla ice cream

  • Drizzled with caramel sauce

  • Lightly dusted with powdered sugar

For breakfast, it pairs beautifully with tea or coffee.

🔥 Texture Guide

When perfectly cooked:

  • Top: golden and slightly crisp

  • Inside: soft, moist, custard-like

  • Bottom: lightly caramelized

If too soft → cook 3–5 minutes longer.
If too dry → next time use more milk.

💡 Tips for Best Results

1️⃣ Use Slightly Stale Bread

Day-old bread absorbs custard better.

2️⃣ Don’t Skip Butter

Butter adds richness and flavor.

3️⃣ Let It Rest Before Cooking

Soaking time makes it creamy.

4️⃣ Don’t Overcook

Overcooking makes it rubbery.

🌟 Flavor Variations

You can easily customize this recipe:

Cinnamon Raisin Version

Add extra cinnamon and nutmeg.

Chocolate Version

Add chocolate chips instead of currants.

Apple Bread Pudding

Add thin apple slices between layers.

Orange Twist

Add orange zest to custard.

Rum Flavor

Add 1 tablespoon rum (for adults).

🧊 Storage Instructions

  • Store in refrigerator up to 3 days.

  • Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid.

  • Reheat in air fryer for 3–5 minutes or microwave for 1 minute.

❄️ Can You Freeze It?

Yes!

  • Let cool completely.

  • Wrap tightly.

  • Freeze up to 2 months.

Reheat in air fryer until warm.

📊 Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250–300

  • Protein: 8g

  • Carbs: 35g

  • Fat: 10–12g

(Varies depending on sugar and milk used.)

🧁 Why Air Fryer Works So Well

The air fryer:

  • Circulates hot air evenly

  • Creates crispy golden top

  • Cooks faster than oven

  • Uses less energy

It’s perfect for small desserts like this.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Using too little milk (makes it dry).

  2. Skipping soaking time.

  3. Cooking at too high temperature.

  4. Overcrowding the air fryer.

  5. Using a dish too deep (center may stay uncooked).

👩‍🍳 Beginner-Friendly Notes

If this is your first time:

  • Follow measurements exactly.

  • Don’t rush soaking time.

  • Check doneness by inserting a knife in center—it should come out mostly clean.

🍞 The History of Bread Pudding

Bread pudding started as a way to avoid wasting stale bread. Over time, it became a beloved comfort dessert worldwide. Every country has its version—some use spices, some add fruits, others serve with sauces.

This air fryer version keeps the traditional taste but makes it quicker and easier for modern kitchens.

🌡 How to Know It’s Done

The pudding is ready when:

  • The center jiggles slightly but isn’t liquid.

  • The top is golden brown.

  • A knife inserted comes out mostly clean.

It will continue setting as it cools.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Bread Pudding is simple, comforting, and delicious. With just bread, eggs, milk, sugar, and currants, you create a warm dessert that feels homemade and special.

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