Air Fryer Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe

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Let’s face it—sometimes you don’t have the time (or energy!) to preheat and wait for the oven to work its magic. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Air Fryer Bread and Butter Pudding recipe—a quicker, easier way to bring this nostalgic favorite to life!

How to make Air Fryer Bread and Butter Pudding

Air Fryer Bread and Butter Pudding is a modern, quicker twist on the classic British dessert bread and butter pudding—but instead of baking it in a traditional oven, you cook it in an air fryer.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients:

• 4 slices of bread (brioche, white bread, or any soft bread; day-old bread works well)
• Butter (enough to generously spread on the bread slices; approximately 2–3 tbsp)
• Handful of raisins or other dried fruits (optional, for added texture and flavor)

Custard Mixture:

• 2 large eggs
• 250 ml milk (whole milk preferred for richness)
• 50 ml cream (optional; adds creaminess to the custard; skip if you prefer lighter pudding)
• 50 g granulated sugar (adjust for sweetness)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp cinnamon or nutmeg (optional, for warmth and enhanced flavor)

Optional Garnishes:

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh fruit (e.g., berries)
• Whipped cream

Instructions

1. Butter the bread slices: Spread an even layer of butter on each slice. If using brioche or enriched bread, the extra butteriness naturally boosts the flavor.
2. Cut the bread into shapes: Triangles or squares work best to arrange neatly in your dish (or tear into pieces for a rustic look).
3. Grease a small baking dish or ramekin that fits inside your air fryer basket.
4. Neatly layer the buttered bread slices in the dish, overlapping them slightly. Sprinkle raisins or other dried fruits between layers, if using.
5. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon/nutmeg until fully combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy.
6. Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread layers, ensuring all slices are evenly soaked. Push the bread gently down to help it absorb the liquid (don’t worry if it looks like there’s too much liquid—it will set as it cooks).
7. Preheat your air fryer to 160°C (320°F) for 3–5 minutes.
8. Carefully place the dish inside your air fryer basket.
9. Cook for 12–20 minutes, depending on your air fryer’s model and the size of the dish. Check intermittently for doneness. The top should turn golden and crisp, and the custard should set without being runny.
10. Let the pudding cool for 5 minutes before serving—it will firm up slightly and be easier to scoop.
11. Add garnishes like powdered sugar, whipped cream, fresh fruit, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bread and Butter Pudding

• Use stale bread: Slightly stale bread naturally absorbs the custard mixture better, so if you have day-old bread sitting around, this is the perfect way to use it!
• Don’t overcrowd the dish: Be mindful of the size of your air fryer basket. Select a baking dish that allows even air circulation for proper cooking.
• Check early: Air fryers cook faster than conventional ovens, so check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended cooking time to avoid overcooking.
• Fruit fans, rejoice: Add a twist with different fruits—try sliced bananas, apples, or even blueberries alongside the raisins.
• For extra caramelization: Sprinkle a little brown sugar on the top layer before cooking for a caramelized finish.

Ingredients Substitutes

Sometimes, you might not have all the exact ingredients on hand, or perhaps you’re looking for alternatives to suit dietary restrictions or preferences. Don’t worry—this comforting Bread and Butter Pudding is highly adaptable!

Substitutes for Bread

The type of bread you use plays an important role in the texture and flavor of the pudding. While brioche is the most common choice for its richness, you can easily swap it out.

• Whole Wheat Bread: For a healthier option with more fiber, whole wheat bread works well. It will have a slightly denser texture compared to white bread.
• Sourdough Bread: Adds a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the custard. Cut off the crusts if you prefer a softer texture.
• Gluten-Free Bread: Perfect for those with gluten sensitivities. Opt for gluten-free bread that is slightly stale, so it absorbs the custard well.
• Croissants: Enhance the richness and buttery flavor by using croissants (plain or lightly flavored). Tear them into pieces for a rustic look.
• Pound Cake or Sponge Cake: For an ultra-decadent version, use cake instead of bread. Keep in mind that this will make the dish sweeter, so reduce the added sugar in the custard.
• Challah or Hawaiian Rolls: These slightly sweet breads are excellent alternatives to brioche, offering a soft, pillowy texture.

Substitutes for Butter

Butter is key to that rich, buttery flavor, but there are some good alternatives:

• Margarine: This plant-based spread mimics butter’s texture and flavor. Look for unsalted margarine.
• Coconut Oil: For a dairy-free, vegan-friendly option with a hint of coconut flavor, coconut oil works well. Solidify the oil slightly for easier spreading on the bread.
• Nut or Seed Butter: For a fun twist or added protein, spread almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter on the bread slices instead of traditional butter.

Substitutes for Milk

Milk forms the base of the custard mixture, but you have plenty of substitutions:

• Plant-Based Milks: Swap cow’s milk with almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free or vegan version. Keep in mind that plant-based milks may slightly alter the flavor (e.g., coconut milk is naturally sweeter).
• Half-and-Half or Heavy Cream: Use these for an even creamier custard if you’re aiming for indulgence. Add a splash of water to thin them slightly, if needed.
• Evaporated Milk: A great pantry staple when fresh milk isn’t available. Mix with a bit of water to match the consistency of regular milk.

Substitutes for Cream

While cream is optional in the recipe, it adds richness to the custard. Here are alternatives:

• Coconut Cream: Use this vegan-friendly option for a similarly rich and creamy texture.
• Cashew Cream: Blend cashews with water to make a creamy substitute, especially if you’re aiming for a dairy-free pudding.
• Greek Yogurt: Thin it out with a bit of milk or water for a creamy consistency. It adds a slight tang to the flavor.

Substitutes for Sugar

• Granulated sugar sweetens the custard base, but there are other options:
• Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor to the pudding.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Great natural sweeteners, though they’ll slightly alter the flavor and custard consistency. Reduce the quantity slightly compared to sugar.
• Coconut Sugar: A lower glycemic index option with a subtle caramel taste.
• Stevia, Erythritol, or Monk Fruit Sweetener: Perfect for a low-sugar or keto-friendly version. Adjust the quantity based on the sweetness of the substitute.

Substitutes for Eggs

If you need an egg-free or vegan option, you can modify the custard with these alternatives:

• Chia Seeds or Flax Seeds: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground chia or flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. Let it sit until it forms a gel-like consistency.
• Silken Tofu: Blend ¼ cup of silken tofu for each egg. This works well to stabilize the custard.
• Unsweetened Applesauce: Replace each egg with ¼ cup of applesauce. This will add a slight fruity flavor.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Bread and Butter Pudding is proof that classic desserts can evolve without losing their charm. This recipe is ideal for cozy nights in, last-minute dinner parties, or even as a breakfast treat (yes, pudding for breakfast can be a thing!).

More Pudding Recipes:

• Bread and Butter Pudding with Croissants