Air Fryer Bread Pudding

• Bread - I prefer using soft Italian, French, Brioche, or Challah bread. I don't recommend crusty baguettes because they don't have sufficient time to soften and absorb the custard during the short 15-minute air frying process.
• Milk and cream - I prefer using mostly whole milk with a ¼ cup of heavy cream for added richness. However, you can also use a total of 1 ¼ cups of whole milk and omit the heavy cream if desired.
• Eggs - It helps the custard set like in mango clafoutis.
• Butter - Just 2 tablespoons for melted butter adds richness and flavor.
• Raisins - As the air fryer bread pudding cooks, the raisins plump and soften, imparting a natural sweetness and a burst of chewy texture.
• Flavorings - I use vanilla extract and ground cinnamon as in sweet potato pie recipe.

Best bread for bread pudding

The best bread is usually a day-old or slightly stale bread with a dense or firm texture that can absorb the custard without disintegrating completely.

Some popular bread choices for bread pudding include softer Italian bread like the one used for air fryer garlic brea, homemade dutch oven bread, brioche or challah, raisin or cinnamon bread.

You can also use standard supermarket sandwich bread, burger buns, hot dog buns, or avocado dinner rolls for this recipe.

Not recommended

Very crusty breads like baguttes, like the one used for goat cheese crostini or seeded whole grain breads, because the because they don't have sufficient time to soften and absorb the custard during the short air frying process.

Variations

• Skip raisins and use semi sweet chocolate chips like in banana mug cake.
• Experiment with spices like nutmeg, cloves, cardamom or pumpkin pie spice like in pumpkin mug cake.
• Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts like for air fryer oatmeal.
• Replace some of the milk with coconut milk and sprinkle shredded coconut along with raisins.
• A splash of alcohol such as bourbon, rum, brandy or Grand Marnier adds depth and richness.

5.Layer half of the bread cubes in the cake pan, then sprinkle half of the raisins.

6. Pour approximately half of the egg mixture evenly over this layer.

7. Add the remaining bread and raisins, then pour the remaining custard evenly over the top.

8. Use the back of a spoon, gently press the bread into the liquid.

Tip: Raisins on the surface tend to brown quickly during air frying. If you find too many raisins on the surface, gently press them into the mixture to prevent over-browning.

9. Cook for 11 to 13 minutes in a preheated 350 degree air fryer or the top gets a deep golden color.

How to serve?

Air fryer bread pudding is traditionally served warm like the healthy apple crumble, shortly after it's been cooked. The warmth of the pudding topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes an irresistible treat.

It is a outstanding served with a sauce such as vanilla custard sauce, chocolate sauce, or rum sauce. I like this sauce recipe from thespruceeats.com

However, some people also enjoy at room temperature or chilled. When chilled, the pudding can set further and may have a slightly firmer texture like the mango mousse, compared to when served warm.

A light sprinkling of powdered sugar, cinnamon, or cocoa powder lightly over the top for a finishing touch. A garnish with mint or fresh berries add a pretty touch.

It can also be a comforting breakfast or brunch dish, especially when drizzled with maple syrup and fresh fruit, like the air fryer french toast.

Storage and reheating

• Fridge - Cool the pudding to room temperature, then tightly cover or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Yes, you can freeze your bread pudding. Transfer the cooled pudding to a air tight container and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thawing and Reheating: When ready to eat, thaw frozen pudding in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in microwave until warmed through.

Make in advance

To prep your pudding in advance, assemble it in the pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day.

When you're ready to cook, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before air frying according to instructions.

Helpful tips

• Bread - Use a soft Italian or French loaf, brioche or challah.
• To use soft bread - If using soft loaves such as white sandwich bread, burger buns, hot dog buns, or dinner rolls, place the cubed bread on a baking sheet and let it air dry for a few hours before air frying.
• Beat the eggs - I prefer to lightly beat the eggs before mixing with milk. This helps the eggs to be thoroughly combined.