Air fryer bread pudding delivers restaurant-level custard texture in just 15 minutes. After testing dozens of techniques from top food blogs, this method consistently produces pudding that’s perfectly golden outside and silky-smooth inside with minimal kitchen heat.
Perfect Air Fryer Bread Pudding Recipe
This streamlined approach works because the air fryer’s circulating heat creates an ideal custard-setting environment while developing that coveted golden-brown top in record time.
Ingredients
- 4 cups day-old bread, cubed (brioche, challah, or French bread preferred)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- ⅓ cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
Substitution Notes: Use almond milk for dairy-free option, or swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped pecans.
Instructions
- Prep the custard base: In a large bowl, whisk eggs until light and foamy. Add milk, cream, sugar, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until sugar completely dissolves.
- Soak the bread: Add bread cubes to custard mixture, gently stirring to coat every piece. Let sit for 5 minutes to absorb flavors. Press down lightly with spoon to ensure full saturation.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in raisins or chocolate chips if using.
- Prepare for air frying: Spray a 6-inch round baking dish or 4 individual ramekins with cooking spray. Spoon mixture evenly, pressing gently to eliminate air pockets.
- Air fry to perfection: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes until top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Rest and serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow custard to set properly.
Recipe Card:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Air Fryer Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
- Difficulty: Easy
Air Fryer Settings & Tips for Bread Pudding
Temperature & Timing Guide
Standard 4-6 Quart Air Fryers: 350°F for 12-15 minutes
Compact 2-3 Quart Units: 325°F for 14-16 minutes (longer time, lower temp)
Large 8+ Quart Models: 360°F for 10-12 minutes
Doneness Indicators: Top should be golden brown with slight jiggle in center when gently shaken. Toothpick test should show moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Pro Tips for Extra Custardy Results
The Stale Bread Secret: Day-old bread absorbs custard better than fresh. If using fresh bread, toast cubes in air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 300°F first to remove excess moisture.
Perfect Custard Ratio: The 4:1 ratio of milk to cream creates ideal richness without being too heavy. After testing various combinations, this produces the silkiest texture.
Temperature Control: Never exceed 360°F – higher temps cook the outside too quickly before the center sets, resulting in burnt edges and raw middles.
Avoid These Mistakes: Don’t skip the 5-minute soaking time, never overcrowd the dish (bread should lay somewhat flat), and resist opening the air fryer door during the first 10 minutes.
Serving & Storage for Air Fryer Bread Pudding
Best Sauce Pairings
Classic Vanilla Custard Sauce: Warm 1 cup milk with ¼ cup sugar, whisk in 2 egg yolks and 1 tsp vanilla until thickened.
Quick Bourbon Caramel: Melt 3 tbsp butter, add ⅓ cup brown sugar and 2 tbsp bourbon, simmer until smooth.
Simple Maple Drizzle: Warm pure maple syrup with a splash of cream for instant elegance.
Chocolate Ganache: Heat ½ cup cream, pour over 4 oz chopped dark chocolate, stir until glossy.
Perfect Side Dishes
Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples: Slice 2 apples, toss with cinnamon and cook 8 minutes at 350°F – ready exactly when pudding finishes.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The temperature contrast between warm pudding and cold ice cream creates an irresistible experience.
Fresh Berry Compote: Briefly warm mixed berries with honey for a bright, acidic counterpoint.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration: Store covered up to 4 days. Individual portions maintain better texture than large pieces.
Freezing: Wrap individual servings in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze up to 3 months.
Air Fryer Reheating: Place cold pudding in air fryer at 330°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through. This restores the crispy top better than microwaving.
Make-Ahead Strategy: Assemble bread pudding completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before air frying. Let sit at room temperature 15 minutes before cooking.
Conclusion
This air fryer method delivers perfectly custardy bread pudding every time. The secret is the precise temperature control that ensures golden exteriors and silky interiors in half the time of traditional oven methods.
