Air fryer bread pudding: 7 reasons to fall in love

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 2, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my latest kitchen obsession: air fryer bread pudding! This delightful dessert is not only ridiculously easy to whip up but also incredibly comforting. Imagine rich, warm bread pudding that’s perfectly golden and slightly crispy on the outside, while being soft and gooey on the inside. It’s like a warm hug in dessert form! I love how the air fryer makes this classic treat a breeze to prepare, down on cook time while still delivering all that dreamy flavor. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a fancy gathering, this air fryer bread pudding is sure to impress everyone at the table. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients List

To make this scrumptious air fryer bread pudding, you’ll need the following ingredients:

4 cups of stale bread, cubed
2 cups of milk
3 large eggs
1 cup packed sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/2 cup of raisins (optional)

Be sure to use day-old bread for the best texture – it really makes a difference! And don’t worry if you don’t have raisins on hand; they’re totally optional, but they do add a lovely burst of sweetness. Let’s get ready to whip up this delightful dessert!

How to Prepare Air Fryer Bread Pudding

Preparing this air fryer bread pudding is a straightforward process that will have your kitchen smelling heavenly in no time! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert that everyone will adore.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your air fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). This step is crucial for ensuring that your bread pudding cooks evenly.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
Add the bread: Gently fold in the cubed stale bread. Make sure every piece is well coated with the egg mixture. This is where the magic happens – the bread will soak up all that delicious liquid!
Incorporate the raisins: If you’re using raisins, now’s the time to fold them into the mixture. They’ll add a delightful sweetness and texture that complements the bread pudding beautifully.
Prepare your baking dish: Grease a baking dish that fits comfortably in your air fryer. This helps prevent sticking and makes for a smooth removal later.
Transfer the mixture: Pour the bread pudding mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy; it’ll come together perfectly as it cooks!
Air fry: Place the baking dish in the air fryer basket and cook for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it cooks; you want it to be set in the middle and golden brown on top.
Check for doneness: To test if it’s ready, gently press the center with your finger. It should feel springy, not wet. If it’s still jiggly, give it a few more minutes.
Cool and serve: Once done, let it cool slightly before serving. This will help it set a bit more and make it easier to slice. Serve warm, and if you’re feeling indulgent, top it with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!

And there you go! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have the most delightful air fryer bread pudding ready to be enjoyed. It’s such a comforting dessert, perfect for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This air fryer bread pudding is a true game changer in the dessert world! Here are just a few reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for it:

Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip this up in no time. Perfect for those last-minute dessert cravings!
Flavor Explosion: The combination of warm bread, creamy milk, and aromatic spices creates a dessert that’s bursting with flavor. Each bite is a cozy hug!
Perfectly Cooked: The air fryer gives you that golden, crispy top while keeping the inside delightfully soft and custardy. It’s a texture dream!
Versatile: You can easily customize it by adding your favorite fruits, nuts, or even a splash of liqueur. Make it your own!
Minimal Clean-Up: Thanks to the air fryer, you won’t have to deal with a mountain of pots and pans. Less mess means more time to enjoy your delicious creation!

Trust me, once you try this air fryer bread pudding, it’ll become a go-to dessert in your home!

Tips for Success

Ready to take your air fryer bread pudding to the next level? Here are some pro tips to ensure it turns out absolutely perfect every time!

Use the Right Bread: Stale bread is key! It soaks up the custard without turning mushy. French bread or challah works wonderfully for a richer flavor and texture.
Don’t Skip the Soaking: Allow the bread to soak in the egg mixture for at least 10 minutes before cooking. This helps every piece absorb that luscious custard goodness.
Check Your Air Fryer: Air fryers can vary in temperature, so keep an eye on your bread pudding as it cooks. If it’s browning too quickly, lower the temperature slightly and extend the cooking time.
Serve with Style: For an extra touch, drizzle some caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar on top before serving. It’s all about those finishing touches!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a show-stopping air fryer bread pudding that everyone will rave about!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk numbers! This air fryer bread pudding is not just a delicious treat; it’s also quite manageable when it comes to nutritional values. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving:

Calories: 300
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 150mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But overall, it’s a delightful dessert that you can enjoy without too much guilt! Perfect for sharing with friends and family!

FAQ Section

Can I use fresh bread instead of stale?

While you can use fresh bread in a pinch, I highly recommend sticking with stale bread for the best results. Fresh bread tends to absorb the custard too quickly, which can lead to a mushy texture. Stale bread has a firmer texture that soaks up the liquid without turning into a soggy mess, giving you that perfect, custardy bread pudding consistency!

What can I serve with air fryer bread pudding?

Air fryer bread pudding is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it even more! Consider serving it with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar also add a lovely touch of color and flavor!

How do I store leftovers?

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), let the bread pudding cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it should stay good for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you find yourself with any leftover air fryer bread pudding (which is pretty rare!), you’ll want to store it properly to keep it delicious. First, let the bread pudding cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert!

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is a breeze! You can either pop individual portions in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds or reheat them in the air fryer for around 5 minutes at 320°F (160°C). This will give you that lovely warm, slightly crispy texture that we all love. Just keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your comforting treat all over again!