Published:
Jun 8th 2022
by 
Nutritionally reviewed by 
Last updated: Aug 25th 2025
This Air Fryer Bread Pudding is a delightful dessert that combines a crispy golden top with a soft, fluffy interior. Utilizing the air fryer method, this dish not only cooks faster but also retains moisture, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent finish.
If you're looking for more air fryer meal ideas, check out our comprehensive guide to air fryer meal prep.
This Air Fryer Bread Pudding is not only quick to prepare but also delivers a delightful contrast of textures—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It's the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you're gluten-free or simply craving a comforting treat. Plus, using the air fryer ensures a faster cooking time without compromising flavor.
Key nutrients
- Protein: from eggs and milk — helps build and repair body tissues.
- Calcium: from whole milk and heavy cream — supports bone and dental health.
- Fiber: from gluten-free bread, raisins, and currants — aids in digestion and promotes fullness.
- Antioxidants: from orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom — may help protect cells from damage.
- Healthy fats: from eggs, milk, and butter — provide energy and support cell function.
Why it matters
- Protein and calcium are important for growth and maintenance of bones and muscles.
- Fiber can help with digestive regularity and satiety.
- Antioxidant-rich spices may contribute to overall wellness.
Balance & portion
Aim for a balanced plate (vegetables, protein, smart carbs). Choose portions that fit your needs.
What to watch
- Saturated fat — cream, butter, and whole milk add richness but also increase saturated fat content.
- Naturally occurring sugars — dried fruits add sweetness but also raise sugar content even without added sugar.
Make it even better
- Use low-fat dairy to reduce saturated fat if desired.
- Add chopped nuts or seeds for extra fiber and healthy fats.
- Serve with fresh fruit to boost vitamin and mineral intake.
- Portion mindfully, especially if adding toppings like ice cream or sauce.
General nutrition information only; verify labels and consult a healthcare professional for personal advice.
References
- CDC — Nutrition - For general nutrient roles and healthy eating guidance
Best fit
- Gluten Free: Uses gluten-free bread, suitable for those avoiding gluten.
- Diabetic Friendly: Uses sugar-free sweetener instead of added sugar.
Use with caution / avoid
- High Saturated Fat: Contains whole milk, heavy cream, and butter; limit if reducing saturated fat.
- Egg Content: Not suitable for egg-free diets; avoid if allergic or limiting eggs.
- Dried Fruit Sugar: Raisins and currants add natural sugars; consider portion size for blood sugar management.
Helpful modifications
- Use low-fat milk and skip heavy cream to reduce saturated fat content.
- Replace butter with a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Reduce or omit dried fruit to lower natural sugar content.
- Choose a plant-based milk and egg substitute for a vegan option.
Pair with: Fresh fruit salad or a small serving of unsweetened Greek yogurt for added fiber and protein.
General nutrition information only; verify labels and consult a healthcare professional for personal advice.
Contains: Milk, Egg.
-
Milk
Where it appears: Whole milk, heavy cream, unsalted butter.
Swap: Use unsweetened almond or oat milk and plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
-
Egg
Where it appears: Large eggs.
Swap: Replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a commercial egg replacer.
Notes are based on the listed ingredients; always verify brand labels and local regulations. Swaps may require adjusting cook time and steps; the original recipe isn’t tailored to substitutions.
References
- FDA — Food Allergies - For information on the major food allergens in the US.
- Food Allergy Research & Education - For egg allergy guidance and substitution ideas.
Clean
- Wash hands with soap and water before handling ingredients.
- Clean all bowls, utensils, and air fryer parts before use.
- Wipe surfaces after cracking eggs to avoid contamination.
Separate
- Keep raw eggs away from ready-to-eat foods and toppings.
- Use separate utensils for raw and cooked ingredients.
Cook
- Bake bread pudding until a knife comes out clean from the center.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F.
Chill
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
- Store bread pudding in a sealed container and consume within 3 days.
References
- CDC — Food Safety - General food safety practices and safe egg handling.
- FoodSafety.gov — Safe Minimum Cooking Temperatures - For recommended egg dish temperatures.
- Bread pudding transforms leftover bread into a rich, comforting dessert with a custardy center and crisp top.
- Using an air fryer speeds up cooking and helps create a golden, crunchy crust without drying out the inside.
- Classic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth to each bite of this dessert.
- Raisins and currants provide bursts of natural sweetness and chewy texture throughout the pudding.
Name & origins
Bread pudding is enjoyed in many regions, with variations found in American, British, and other European cuisines.
Technique tidbit
The air fryer’s circulating heat quickly browns the top while gently setting the custard, preventing sogginess.
Before you start
- Gather all ingredients and equipment for smooth preparation.
- Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking.
- Use stale bread for better absorption of the custard.
During cooking
- Look for a golden brown top to indicate perfect texture.
- Check doneness by inserting a knife; it should come out clean.
- Avoid over-soaking the bread to prevent sogginess.
Make-ahead & storage
- Prepare the custard mixture and bread ahead; store separately.
- Reheat in the air fryer for a crispy texture.
Common mistakes
- Using fresh bread → opt for stale bread for best results.
- Not preheating the air fryer → always preheat for even cooking.
Serve with
- Vanilla ice cream or a scoop of whipped cream for a creamy finish.
- A fresh fruit salad to add a refreshing contrast.
- Warm caramel or chocolate sauce drizzled on top for extra indulgence.
Toppings & textures
- Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
- A sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of orange zest for added flavor.
Occasions
- Perfect for family gatherings, holiday meals, or cozy weeknight desserts.
Substitutions
- If you lack gluten-free bread, use brioche or challah for a richer flavor and softer texture.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with almond or coconut milk.
- Swap sugar-free sweetener for regular sugar or brown sugar for a sweeter taste.
Variations
- Add chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a modern twist that enhances sweetness.
- Try using spices like cardamom or ginger for a unique flavor profile in this recipe.
Refrigerate
- Allow to cool completely before placing in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3 days for best quality and safety.
Freeze
- Freezing not recommended as the texture may become soggy upon thawing.
Reheat
- Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through.
- For a crispy texture, avoid covering while reheating.
Repurpose ideas
- Transform into a breakfast dish by serving with yogurt and fresh fruit.
- Use as a base for a trifle layered with whipped cream and berries.
- Gluten-Free Bread: Provides the base of the pudding while keeping it gluten-free.
- Eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the custard.
- Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess and moisture to the bread pudding.
- Sugar-Free Sweetener: Keeps the dessert sweet without added sugar.
- Vanilla Extract & Spices: Adds depth of flavor and warmth to the dessert.
- Orange Zest: Provides a fresh citrusy note that complements the sweetness.
- Raisins & Currants: Adds a chewy texture and natural sweetness to each bite.
Can bread pudding be made in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make bread pudding in an air fryer. It will create a golden crisp topping, and the bread pudding won't dry out since it is cooked in half the time it would take to bake it in the oven.
Why is my bread pudding watery?
Your bread pudding may be watery because there was not enough bread to absorb the egg and milk mixture.
How do you know when bread pudding is cooked?
Bread pudding is cooked when a metal knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Alternatively, to test the doneness of bread pudding, you can use a thermometer. Bread pudding is done once it has a temperature of 160 °F.
Is it necessary to refrigerate bread pudding?
Yes, leftover bread pudding must be refrigerated. Bread pudding contains milk and eggs, making the pudding a moist environment for bacteria to thrive. Always refrigerate leftover bread pudding.
What is an air fryer safe dish?
An air-fryer-safe dish is any oven-safe, heat-resistant container that fits in your air-fryer basket—think metal, ceramic, oven-safe glass, or silicone—and still allows airflow. Avoid plastic or anything not rated for oven temps; for this recipe, a ~6-inch casserole that fits your model works well.
Time & Serves
Ingredients
2 Large Eggs
1 cup Whole Milk
1/4 cup Heavy Cream
5 tablespoons Sugar-Free Sweetener
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon Ground Cardamom
1 tablespoon Orange zest
2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted & cooled
Non-stick Cooking Spray
4 cups Gluten-Free Bread, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
1/3 cup Raisins
1 cup Currants
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I made this Bread Pudding…
I made this Bread Pudding today and it turned out great. I used day old Cinnamon Rolls from the bakery instead of regular bread. I did not use Raisins due to diet restrictions. I used a cup of reconstituted powdered no-fat milk product from Augason Farms that tastes like fresh whole milk, adding 1/4 cup of whipping cream for richness. I kept the remainder of the ingredients the same as the recipe, but increased the sugar to 6 tablespoons. I fashioned a folded strap from aluminum foil the lift the cake pan in and out of the Air Fryer Basket. We loved the crispy, but tender top crust, and the pudding like consistency of the bread filling. We poured heavy cream on top of the warm pudding; HEAVEN! I highly recommend this recipe. Note: I did not have to "preheat for 15 minutes." I baked the pudding for about 20 minutes.