Bread Pudding is a timeless comfort dessert, and the air fryer makes it wonderfully quick and easy to prepare. Soft cubes of white bread soak up a rich vanilla custard while sweet currants add bursts of fruity flavor in every bite. As it cooks, the top turns lightly golden while the inside stays soft, creamy, and perfectly spiced.
This classic dessert is a great way to use leftover bread and transform simple pantry ingredients into something warm and comforting. The air fryer cooks bread pudding faster than a traditional oven while still creating that signature custardy center and lightly crisp top. White bread works especially well because it absorbs the custard beautifully without becoming too dense.
Currants add a subtle sweetness and chewy texture that pairs perfectly with cinnamon, vanilla, and buttery bread. You can enjoy this dessert plain or dress it up with whipped cream, caramel sauce, powdered sugar, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s equally delicious served warm for dessert or chilled for a sweet breakfast treat.
Air Fryer Bread Pudding is perfect for cozy evenings, holiday gatherings, or whenever you want a homemade dessert without much effort. The warm aroma of vanilla and cinnamon filling the kitchen makes this recipe feel nostalgic and comforting, while the air fryer keeps preparation simple and convenient.
Ingredients
- 4 cups white bread, cubed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/3 cup currants
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread and melted butter. Toss gently to coat.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes and gently stir until the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Fold in the currants and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased air fryer-safe baking dish or pan.
- Air fry for 15–18 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set but still soft.
- Carefully remove the bread pudding and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm.
Tips
- Slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs more custard.
- Do not overcrowd the baking dish; the pudding needs room to puff slightly.
- Cover loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly.
- Add raisins or chopped nuts if you don’t have currants.
- For richer flavor, substitute half-and-half or cream for part of the milk.
- Let the bread soak for several minutes before cooking for a softer texture.
- Serve with caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat briefly in the air fryer or microwave.
Nutrient Facts
Approximate per serving
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Cholesterol: 75mg
