Making bread pudding in an air fryer is a clever way to enjoy this classic dessert with less hassle and quicker cooking time. The air fryer crisps up the top for a delightful texture while keeping the inside moist and flavorful. Here’s how to make bread pudding in your air fryer:
Ingredients:
- 6 cups cubed bread (preferably day-old bread like brioche, challah, or French bread)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred for creaminess)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- Butter for greasing the baking dish
Equipment:
- Air fryer
- Air fryer-safe baking dish or a cake pan that fits inside the air fryer basket
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread:
- Cut the bread into approximately 1-inch cubes. If the bread is very fresh, you can toast the cubes slightly in the oven or air fryer to dry them out, which helps them absorb the custard better.
2. Mix the Custard:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
3. Combine Bread and Custard:
- Place the bread cubes in the mixing bowl with the custard. Add the raisins or dried cranberries if using. Gently stir to ensure all the bread is coated with the custard. Let this mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to soak thoroughly.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Grease your air fryer-safe baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Spoon the bread and custard mixture into the greased dish, pressing down lightly to make an even layer.
6. Air Fry:
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) if your model requires preheating.
- Place the dish in the air fryer basket and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set (you can test this by inserting a knife; it should come out mostly clean).
7. Cool and Serve:
- Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
- Serve as is or with a drizzle of vanilla sauce, caramel, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips:
- Air Fryer Size: Make sure your air fryer can accommodate the dish you plan to use. There should be enough space around the dish for air circulation.
- Custard Absorption: Depending on the type of bread you use, you may need to adjust the soaking time so that the bread fully absorbs the custard.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Do not press down too hard on the bread when placing it in the dish, as this can cause the bread pudding to become too dense.
Using the air fryer for bread pudding not only speeds up the cooking process but also adds a delightful texture to the dish, making it a quick and easy dessert option for any day of the week.