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Air Fryer Bread Pudding: A Twist on a Classic Dessert

Bread pudding is a beloved classic in many households, cherished for its comforting flavours and the way it transforms stale bread into a delightful dessert. While the traditional oven-baked method is tried and tested, the advent of air fryers has introduced a new, quicker, and more energy-efficient way to prepare this scrumptious treat. In this article, we’ll explore how to make air fryer bread pudding, offering a modern twist to a cherished favourite.

Ingredients

For the Pudding:

• 4 cups of stale bread (French bread, brioche, or even leftover hot cross buns work beautifully)
• 2 cups of milk (whole or semi-skimmed)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup of sugar (caster sugar is ideal)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• A pinch of salt
• ½ cup of raisins or sultanas (optional)

For the Serving:

• A drizzle of warm custard or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• A dusting of icing sugar (optional)

Method

1. Prepare the Bread: Begin by tearing the stale bread into bite-sized pieces and placing them in a large mixing bowl. If you’re using leftover croissants or buns, their buttery richness will add a delightful flavour.

2. Make the Custard Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Ensure all the sugar is dissolved.

3. Combine Ingredients: Pour the custard mixture over the bread pieces and gently fold them together until all the bread is soaked. If you’re adding raisins or sultanas, fold them in at this stage. Allow the mixture to sit for about 15-20 minutes to let the bread absorb the custard.

4. Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 160°C (320°F). While it’s heating, lightly grease a suitable baking dish or the air fryer basket, ensuring it has enough height to accommodate the pudding.

5. Transfer and Cook: Pour the soaked bread mixture into your baking dish or the air fryer basket, spreading it evenly. Carefully insert it into the air fryer and cook for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on the pudding as it cooks; you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on your air fryer model. It should be golden brown and set in the centre.

6. Cool and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the pudding from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving. If desired, dust with icing sugar for a touch of elegance.

7. Pairing Suggestions: Serve warm with a generous drizzle of custard or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm pudding and cold custard is a delightful experience. For an extra touch, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top for some crunch.

Conclusion

Air fryer bread pudding is not only a wonderful way to reduce food waste by using up stale bread, but it also offers a quick and easy dessert solution for anyone craving something comforting and indulgent. The air fryer’s ability to create a beautifully crispy top while keeping the inside soft and custardy makes it an excellent kitchen tool for this recipe.

So, the next time you find yourself with leftover bread, skip the traditional oven and try your hand at this air fryer variation. It’s bound to become a favourite in no time!

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