Air Fryer Bread Pudding

Air fryer bread pudding is an easy small-batch dessert made with day-old bread, cinnamon custard, maple syrup, raisins, and vanilla.

The bread soaks up the custard, then cooks in a small baking dish until the top is lightly browned and the center is soft and set. I like this recipe when I want a warm dessert without making a large pan in the oven.

It also works as a cozy Christmas dinner dessert, especially when the oven is already busy, but it is simple enough for any night you want something sweet.

Quick Success Tips

• Use day-old bread. Slightly dry bread soaks up the custard better.
• Toast fresh bread first. Fresh bread can turn too soft unless it is dried out a little.
• Use a dish that fits your air fryer. A 7-inch baking dish works well for this recipe.
• Let the bread soak briefly. A few minutes helps the custard reach the middle of the bread cubes.
• Do not overfill the dish. The custard needs room to set.
• Check the center. The top can brown before the middle is ready.
• Serve warm. Bread pudding tastes best warm with ice cream, vanilla sauce, caramel, or whipped cream.
• Reheat gently. Too much heat can make the bread pudding dry.

Why This Recipe Works

Bread pudding works best with bread that is a little dry because it soaks up the milk, egg, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon without falling apart.

The air fryer heats the small baking dish quickly, so the top browns while the center turns soft and custardy. I like using a 7-inch dish because it fits most basket-style air fryers and keeps the bread pudding thick enough to stay moist.

The maple syrup gives sweetness without needing a separate sugar mixture, and the raisins add little sweet bites throughout the pudding.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• It is a warm small-batch dessert without using the oven.
• It uses simple ingredients you may already have.
• It is a good way to use leftover or day-old bread.
• The air fryer cook time is only about 12 minutes.
• The center turns soft and custardy while the top gets lightly browned.
• It works for cozy nights, holiday dinners, Christmas dessert, or anytime you want something sweet.
• You can serve it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel, or vanilla sauce.

Ingredients You'll Need

**Find the full list of ingredients and exact measurements in the recipe card below.**

• Bread: Day-old bread works best because it absorbs the custard without getting too mushy. Toast fresh bread first when it feels very soft.
• Egg: Helps the custard set as the bread pudding cooks.
• Milk: Any milk can work. Whole milk makes the pudding richer, while lower-fat or plant-based milk keeps it lighter.
• Maple syrup: Sweetens the custard and gives the bread pudding a warm flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the custard.
• Vanilla extract: Gives the pudding classic dessert flavor.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm flavor that makes this feel cozy enough for holidays but simple enough for any night.
• Raisins: Add sweetness and texture. You can leave them out when your family does not like raisins.

 

How to Make Bread Pudding in the Air Fryer

Helpful Tips

• Day-old bread gives the best texture.
• Toast fresh bread before using it so it can absorb the custard better.
• Cut the bread into similar-size cubes so they cook evenly.
• Let the bread sit in the custard for a few minutes before air frying.
• Use a baking dish that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket.
• Check the center before removing the dish from the air fryer.
• Add foil loosely over the top when the bread is browning too fast but the center still needs time.
• Let the bread pudding cool for a few minutes before serving because the custard will be hot.

How Long to Cook Bread Pudding in the Air Fryer

Air fryer bread pudding usually takes about 12 minutes at 360°F.

The top should look lightly browned, and the center should be set but still soft. A clean knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.

Because this recipe has egg in the custard, the center should reach 160°F when checked with a food thermometer.

How to Serve Air Fryer Bread Pudding

Classic dessert: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, vanilla sauce, or caramel sauce.

Cozy topping: Add candied pecans, a sprinkle of cinnamon, powdered sugar, or a few berries before serving.

Holiday dessert: Serve after Christmas dinner, Thanksgiving dinner, or any small holiday meal when you want something warm and comforting.

Simple sweet treat: Make it on a weekend or after dinner when you have leftover bread and want a small dessert without baking a full pan.

Breakfast-style treat: Serve leftovers slightly warm with fruit and a little extra maple syrup.

How to Store and Reheat Bread Pudding

Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

You can also freeze bread pudding in individual portions for 3-4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, or until warm. I like reheating gently so the bread pudding stays soft.

You can also reheat it in the microwave for about 1 minute, or in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Cover loosely with foil when reheating in the oven so the top does not get too crisp.

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