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Air Fryer Bread Pudding: A Delightful Dessert

Bread pudding is a timeless classic that has warmed hearts and homes for centuries. Traditionally baked in an oven, this dish is comforting and versatile, often made from leftover bread soaked in a rich custard mixture. With the rise of modern kitchen appliances, the air fryer has emerged as a popular method to prepare this delightful dessert, offering a quicker and often healthier alternative. In this article, we’ll explore how to make bread pudding in an air fryer, the benefits of this method, and some variations to tantalise your taste buds.

Why Use an Air Fryer?

Using an air fryer to make bread pudding has several advantages:

1. Faster Cooking Time: Air fryers circulate hot air rapidly, significantly reducing cooking time compared to traditional baking methods.

2. Crispier Texture: The air fryer produces a beautifully crisp top, reminiscent of the traditional oven-baked version but with a shorter cooking duration.

3. Energy Efficient: Air fryers consume less energy than ovens, making them a more environmentally friendly option for cooking.

4. Easy Cleanup: Many air fryer baskets are non-stick and easy to clean, which means less time spent on washing up.

A Simple Air Fryer Bread Pudding Recipe

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe to prepare bread pudding in your air fryer:

Ingredients

• 4 slices of stale bread (preferably brioche or challah)
• 2 large eggs
• 300ml milk
• 75g sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Optional add-ins: raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread: Cut the stale bread into cubes, about 2.5cm in size. Stale bread works best as it will absorb the custard mixture without becoming too soggy.

2. Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

3. Combine: Gently stir the bread cubes into the custard mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10-15 minutes to let the bread absorb some of the custard.

4. Add Optional Ingredients: If you wish to include raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts, fold them into the mixture at this stage.

5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 160°C (320°F) for approximately 5 minutes.

6. Transfer to Air Fryer Basket: Grease a baking dish that fits inside your air fryer, or use a non-stick baking pan. Pour the bread mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.

7. Cooking: Place the dish into the air fryer basket and cook for about 15-20 minutes. Check for doneness; the pudding should be set and slightly golden on top. If needed, return to the air fryer for an additional 5 minutes.

8. Cool and Serve: Once cooked, allow the bread pudding to cool for a few minutes before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer bread pudding is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it further with various accompaniments:

• Custard or Cream: A drizzle of warm custard or double cream enhances the richness.

• Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.

• Sauces: A drizzle of caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or even a splash of fresh berry compote adds an enticing flavour dimension.

Variations to Try

1. Chocolate Bread Pudding: Add cocoa powder to the custard mixture and replace some of the bread with chocolate croissants for an indulgent treat.

2. Fruit and Nut Bread Pudding: Incorporate fresh fruits like apples or pears along with chopped nuts for added texture and flavour.

3. Maple Pecan Bread Pudding: Swap sugar for maple syrup and add pecans for a delicious twist.

Conclusion

The air fryer offers a fantastic and efficient way to enjoy bread pudding, making this classic dessert accessible even to those with a busy lifestyle. By following this simple recipe and experimenting with different variations, you can delight your family and friends with this heartwarming dessert in no time. Whether you prefer it dripping with custard or served à la mode, air fryer bread pudding is sure to become a favourite in your household. So, gather those leftover bits of bread and create a deliciously satisfying treat today!