Air Fryer Bread Pudding

This Air Fryer Bread Pudding is warm, soft, and perfectly golden with a rich vanilla custard. It’s a delicious way to use day-old bread and makes a comforting dessert or sweet breakfast.

Ingredients

• 4 cups day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (French bread, brioche, or challah)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ½ cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)

Optional Vanilla Sauce

• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Grease a 6-inch round baking pan or an oven-safe dish that fits your air fryer.
2. Place the bread cubes in a large bowl. If using raisins or chocolate chips, stir them in.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and melted butter.
4. Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes and gently stir until all the bread is coated.
5. Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
7. Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3 minutes.
8. Air fry for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
9. Let the bread pudding cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
10. For the vanilla sauce, heat the cream, butter, and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
11. Drizzle the warm vanilla sauce over the bread pudding and serve.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Soaking Time: 10–15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 45–55 minutes

Servings: 6

Tips

• Day-old bread works best because it absorbs the custard without becoming mushy.
• For extra richness, use brioche or challah bread.
• Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or shredded coconut for extra texture.
• Sprinkle the top with a little brown sugar before air frying for a lightly caramelized crust.
• Serve warm with vanilla sauce, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or fresh berries.