Picture this: golden, spiced bread pudding, still warm from the air fryer, filling your kitchen with the cozy scent of cinnamon and vanilla. That’s what you get with my Air Fryer Bread Pudding (Spiced) – a dessert so simple it feels like cheating. I’ve tested this recipe half a dozen times (okay, maybe more – quality control matters!) to nail that perfect balance of crispy edges and custardy centers. The air fryer works its magic here, turning stale bread into something extraordinary in just 20 minutes. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes you want to curl up with a bowl and forget your troubles.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Bread Pudding (Spiced)
Trust me, this isn’t your grandma’s bread pudding (though she’d definitely approve). Here’s why it’s about to become your new obsession:
- Speed demon: Done in 30 minutes flat – no oven preheating marathon!
- Forgiving: Stale bread? Perfect. Messy cubing? Who cares? It all works.
- Breakfast or dessert: Top with maple syrup or ice cream – I won’t judge.
- That crispy magic: The air fryer gives you golden edges that’ll make you swoon.
- Spice hug: Cinnamon and nutmeg wrap you in warmth with every bite.
Seriously, it’s like edible comfort in bowl form.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Bread Pudding (Spiced)
Gather these simple ingredients – chances are you’ve got most in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed (I use whatever’s going stale – brioche’s my favorite!)
- 2 large eggs (room temp blends smoother)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk makes it extra rich)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (dark brown adds caramel notes)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (the star spice!)
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg (freshly grated if you’re fancy)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (the good stuff – skip imitation)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for greasing and flavor)
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional – soak ’em in warm water first if you hate dry raisins)
See? Nothing weird or fancy – just pantry staples ready to become something magical!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry – no fancy gadgets required here! Just grab:
- Your trusty air fryer (obviously!)
- A medium mixing bowl
- A whisk or fork
- A baking dish that fits inside your air fryer basket
That’s it! Now let’s make some magic happen.
How to Make Air Fryer Bread Pudding (Spiced)
Alright, let’s get cooking! This air fryer bread pudding comes together faster than you can say “second helping.” Follow these simple steps for spiced perfection:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first – fire up that air fryer to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grab your baking dish and give it a good butter bath. I like to use my fingers to spread melted butter all over – it’s messy but effective!
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
Now for the magic potion! In a big bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla until it’s all friends. Don’t rush this – you want the sugar completely dissolved and those spices evenly distributed.
Step 3: Combine and Air Fry
Dump in your bread cubes (and raisins if using) and gently fold until every piece is coated in that delicious custard. Let it sit for a minute so the bread can soak up all that goodness. Then transfer to your buttered dish and pop it in the air fryer. In 15-20 minutes, you’ll have golden, puffed-up perfection. The toothpick test never lies – it should come out clean when it’s done!
Pro tip: Check at 15 minutes – air fryers can vary. If the top’s getting too dark, tent with foil. And whatever you do, resist eating it straight from the dish – that molten sugar is sneaky!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bread Pudding (Spiced)
After burning my fair share of bread puddings (oops!), I’ve learned these foolproof tricks:
- Stale bread is your friend – fresh bread turns mushy, but day-old soaks up custard like a dream
- Peek early – start checking at 15 minutes since air fryers run hot
- Sweet tooth? Add an extra tablespoon of sugar – the spices can handle it
- Let it rest – 5 minutes out of the fryer lets the custard set perfectly
Trust me, these little things make all the difference between good and “wow!”
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Listen, I know sometimes you gotta improvise – here’s how to tweak this air fryer bread pudding without losing that magic:
- Milk swaps: Almond or oat milk work great for dairy-free – just skip the low-fat versions
- Bread choices: Brioche makes it decadent, whole wheat adds heartiness, even croissants work (so fancy!)
- Raisin haters: Skip ’em or try dried cranberries for tartness
- Spice adjustments: Add a pinch of cloves for depth or cardamom for something unexpected
The beauty? This recipe bends without breaking – make it yours!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Bread Pudding (Spiced)
Oh honey, this bread pudding shines no matter how you dress it up! For breakfast, I love it warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and fresh berries. Dessert calls for a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top – that hot-cold combo is everything. Feeling fancy? A dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon never disappoints. Honestly? Sometimes I eat it straight from the dish with just a fork – no shame in my game!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Here’s the best part – this air fryer bread pudding tastes just as amazing the next day! Store any leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. When cravings strike, just pop it back in the air fryer at 300°F for 5 minutes – it’ll come out warm and crispy like it’s fresh. No soggy microwave disappointments here!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each serving (based on 1/4 of the recipe): about 280 calories, 10g fat, and 20g sugar. But heads up – these numbers can change depending on your bread type and milk choice. Always check your specific ingredients if you’re counting closely!
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve gotten tons of questions about this air fryer bread pudding – here are the ones that pop up most often:
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale?
Technically yes, but stale bread works WAY better. If you’re in a pinch, toast fresh bread cubes at 300°F for 10 minutes first – it helps them soak up the custard without turning to mush.
Why is my bread pudding dry?
Two likely culprits: overbaking (check early!) or not enough custard. The bread should be swimming in that egg mixture – if it looks skimpy, add an extra splash of milk.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use your favorite GF bread – just cube it and let it sit out to dry for an hour first. The texture comes out surprisingly close to the real deal.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom?
Make sure your air fryer’s preheated, and don’t overcrowd the dish. If you’re still getting sogginess, try a light spritz of cooking spray on the dish bottom before adding the butter.
Can I prep this ahead?
Sure thing! Mix everything (except baking) up to 4 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then air fry when ready. The bread soaks up more flavor this way – bonus!
Share Your Experience
Did you make this air fryer bread pudding? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below or tag me in your photos – nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen creations!
Print
Irresistible Air Fryer Bread Pudding in Just 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and spiced bread pudding made easy in the air fryer. Perfect for a quick dessert or breakfast.
Ingredients
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
- Add bread cubes and raisins (if using), stirring to coat evenly.
- Grease a baking dish that fits in your air fryer with melted butter.
- Pour the mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes until golden and set.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use any type of bread, but stale works best.
- Adjust sugar to taste.
- Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: air fryer bread pudding, spiced bread pudding, easy dessert