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Air Fryer Bread Pudding is a quick and delightful dessert featuring a cinnamon-infused French bread base, perfectly crisped in the air fryer, and customizable with a variety of tempting toppings.
We love making this bread pudding around the holidays. I used to make it in the oven, but as with most things we find that the air fryer is just easier. This is a great dessert to make for your holiday dinner too!
Why You’ll Love It
- Foolproof and Beginner-Friendly: This recipe is a breeze to follow with straightforward steps and minimal ingredients.
- Seasonal Adaptability: Add a sprinkle of nutmeg for a winter vibe or fresh fruits for a burst of summer freshness, ensuring this dessert remains a delightful staple all year round.
- Budget-Friendly Bliss: With basic pantry staples and a handful of optional toppings, this recipe doesn’t cost much to make.
» You might also like these Air Fryer Apple Turnovers and Air Fryer Lava Cake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Milk – Whole milk will work best for this. For a dairy-free option, almond or soy milk can be used.
- Sugar – Granulated white sugar.
- Vanilla Extract
- Egg – If you have dietary restrictions, flaxseed or chia seed eggs can be substituted.
- Cinnamon
- French Bread – Cut into 1-inch pieces. Stale bread works best for this recipe.
For the topping:
- Cinnamon Sugar – Adds sweetness to the crispy top layer.
- Additional Helpful Toppings – ice cream, chocolate chips, berries, caramel sauce, powdered sugar.
Equipment Information
- Air fryer: I use this 4-quart basket-style air fryer. It’s large enough to fit a meal for 4-6. But some things need more space in the air fryer basket, so they cook evenly.
- Ramekins – You will need 4 6-8 ounce ramekins. I used 8 ounce for this recipe and the filling completely filled up all 4 perfectly.
Tips for Making Air Fryer Bread Pudding
- Use stale French bread for better absorption of the custard mixture. If your bread is too fresh, consider toasting it slightly before cubing to achieve that perfect balance of softness and crispiness.
- Use a toothpick or knife to check the center’s doneness. If it comes out clean, the pudding is ready. If not, give it a few more minutes and check again.
- Allow the bread pudding to cool for a few minutes before serving. This lets it set and enhances the flavors. It’s especially important if you’re planning to add cold toppings like ice cream.
- Feel free to experiment with different extracts like almond or rum for a unique twist on the classic vanilla flavor.
- This recipe was prepared in a 1500 watt air fryer.
Why Use an Air Fryer
An air fryer is an incredibly easy way to cook just about anything. You place the food in a fryer-style basket and hot air rapidly circulates all around the food, making the food crisp – much like deep-frying, but without the oil. You can cook anything you’d make in the oven.
- I use a Ninja MaxXL air fryer (pictured left). If you don’t have an air fryer yet, check out these options to find one that fits your needs.
- See reviews and prices for air fryers on Amazon.
- Here’s a printable Air Fryer Cooking Times Cheat Sheet to get you started.
- Click to find more recipes to make in your Air Fryer.
- Learn how to make fun things in the air fryer, like potato wedges, pork belly bites, and chicken wings.
How to Make Air Fryer Bread Pudding
Step 1: Mix the ingredients
Whisk together the first 5 ingredients in a large bowl until well combined. Add the bread to the bowl and stir to combine. Let sit for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Preheat the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 330°F(165°C) for 5 minutes. Spray 4 ramekins with cooking spray.
Step 3: Cook the bread pudding
Spoon the bread pudding evenly into the ramekins. Mix the remaining cinnamon and sugar together and sprinkle over the top of each ramekin.
Bake for 16-18 minutes. The tops should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the middle should come out clean. Allow them sit for a few minutes before serving.
This recipe was prepared in a 1500 watt air fryer.
Serve warm with additional toppings, if desired.
Ninja® Foodi®XL 2-Basket Air Fryer
- 2 independent XL air fryer baskets
- Integrated Foodi® Smart Thermometer
- Cook 2 foods 2 ways that finish at the same time
How to Store & Reheat
Storage:
Refrigeration: Once cooled, store any leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain freshness and prevents drying out.
Reheating:
Air Fryer: For the best results reheat in the air fryer. This method restores the crispiness of the exterior while keeping the inside moist. Air fry at 350°F(176°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Using a microwave is a quick alternative. Heat on medium power in short intervals, checking for the desired warmth. Be cautious to avoid overcooking, as it may lead to a softer texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent the bread pudding from getting too soggy?
Avoid oversaturating the bread during the soaking process. Ensure the custard mixture is well-mixed, and use slightly stale bread for optimal absorption without becoming overly mushy.
Can I skip the topping?
Yes, you can omit the sugar-cinnamon topping for a simpler version. The optional toppings are customizable based on your preferences.
How can I make this recipe more festive for holidays?
Add seasonal touches like nutmeg, cloves, or a splash of rum to the custard for a holiday-inspired twist. Consider topping with festive sprinkles or a dusting of cocoa powder.
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Air Fryer Bread Pudding
Equipment
- 4 6-8 ounce ramekins
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups (296 ml) milk
- 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 2 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) cinnamon
- 3 cups (710 g) french bread cut into 1 inch pieces
For the topping:
- 1 tablespoon (12 g) sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) cinnamon
- ice cream, chocolate chips, berries, caramel sauce, powdered sugar optional
Instructions
- Whisk together the first 5 ingredients in a large bowl until well combined. Add the bread to the bowl and stir to combine. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 330°F(165°C) for 5 minutes. Spray 4 ramekins with cooking spray.
- Spoon the bread pudding evenly into the ramekins. Mix the remaining cinnamon and sugar together and sprinkle over the top of each ramekin.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes. The tops should be golden brown and a toothpick or knife inserted into the middle should come out clean. Let them sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with additional toppings, if desired.
Notes
- Use stale French bread for better absorption of the custard mixture.
- Use a toothpick or knife to check the center’s doneness. If it comes out clean, the pudding is ready. If not, give it a few more minutes and check again.
- Allow the bread pudding to cool for a few minutes before serving. This lets it set and enhances the flavors. It’s especially important if you’re planning to add cold toppings like ice cream.
- Feel free to experiment with different extracts like almond or rum for a unique twist on the classic vanilla flavor.
- This recipe was prepared in a 1500 watt air fryer.
All air fryers have different wattage and may cook at different rates. You may need to adjust the time or temp for the best results.
Nutrition
Angela is a talented home cook and passionate advocate for healthy, flavorful cooking in the air fryer. She shares her favorite air fryer recipes and helpful tips for using this versatile kitchen appliance to create delicious, nutritious meals.
I stirred in a few chocolate chips. The texture was spot on.
Glad you liked it!