Air Fryer Bread and Butter Pudding

Every time I make this Air Fryer Bread and Butter Pudding, it transports me back to my childhood. I can still picture my grandmother in her cozy kitchen, her hands busy spreading butter on slices of bread while a warmth of sweet aromas wafted through the air. This dessert wasn’t just a dish; it was a tradition, a staple at family gatherings, and a way to bring everyone together. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its deliciousness but also in the memories it evokes. I remember how we would gather at the table, each of us claiming a slice, waiting eagerly for that first warm bite. I can promise you that once you try it, you will feel the same warmth and comfort that filled my grandmother’s kitchen all those years ago!

How to make Air Fryer Bread and Butter Pudding

Ingredients:

To get started, let’s gather our ingredients. This recipe is wonderfully simple, requiring just a few staples you might already have in your pantry!

• 2 slices of frozen sliced white bread: The heart of this dish! Using frozen bread helps soak in all that delicious custard mixture.
• Butter: A generous spread on the bread adds richness and flavor.
• Raisins: These little gems bring a lovely sweetness and chewiness to the pudding.
• Sugar: Just a sprinkle to balance out those raisins and add a hint of sweetness.
• 1 egg: Provides structure and richness to our custard.
• Milk (just less than half a pint): The creamy base for our custard which gives it that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Note: If you don’t have specific ingredients on hand, don’t worry! You can swap out the raisins for other dried fruits like cranberries or even chocolate chips if you’re feeling indulgent.

Cooking Steps:

Now that we have everything, let’s walk through the process of creating this delightful pudding together!

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients on your kitchen counter. It’s helpful to have everything ready to go!

2. Take your frozen bread, and using a butter knife, spread a generous amount of butter on 3 sides of each slice. This step is essential as the butter will add that creamy richness we love!

3. Next, chop the buttered bread into squares. Don’t worry about making them perfect; they don’t have to be uniform. The more rustic, the better!

4. Grab a shallow dish and pop those bread squares in. As you layer them in, generously spread raisins throughout and sprinkle sugar as you go. You want those sweet little bites to be evenly distributed!

5. Now it’s time for the custard! In a jug, beat one egg, and then pour in your milk. Mix it up well until it’s nicely combined.

6. This is where the magic happens! Slowly pour the egg and milk mixture over the bread squares, ensuring it all gets soaked up. This step is essential; you want the bread to absorb as much liquid as possible for a moist pudding.

7. Preheat your air fryer to 160°C (that’s about 320°F if you’re working with Fahrenheit). This temperature is key to getting that perfect texture without drying it out. Trust me!

8. Once it’s preheated, pop your dish in the air fryer and cook it for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as air fryers can vary in how they cook.

9. When it’s done, you’ll be greeted with a beautifully risen bread pudding that is lightly golden on top. The smell? Oh, it’s heavenly!

10. Let it sit for a minute or two before serving; this allows it to set just a bit. You can serve it warm, which is when it’s at its best.

Why I Love Making This Dish:

What truly makes this dish special to me is not just the taste but the memories tied to it. Each bite brings me warmth and reminds me of days spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, surrounded by love and laughter. I cherish those moments and enjoy sharing this tradition with my own family now.

You know, cooking is not only about feeding the body but also about nourishing the soul. Sharing this bread and butter pudding during family get-togethers or quiet evenings with a cup of tea has become a cherished routine. Watching my loved ones savor each bite fills my heart with joy!

What You’ll Need:

Before we dive into making this, let me share a couple of tools you’ll find helpful:

• An air fryer: This nifty appliance is an absolute game-changer! If you don’t have one yet, I highly recommend it for making quick and easy meals.
• A shallow dish: You’ll want a dish that fits comfortably in your air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• A sharp knife: For cutting the bread easily.

Step-by-Step Guide:

So, let’s go through those steps together once more:

1. Gather everything.
2. Butter the bread on three sides.
3. Cut into squares.
4. Layer in a shallow dish with raisins and sugar.
5. Beat the egg and mix in the milk.
6. Pour the egg-milk mixture over the bread.
7. Preheat the air fryer to 160°C.
8. Cook for about 15 minutes.
9. Let it cool slightly before serving.
10. Enjoy the warmth and love in every bite!

Tips for Perfect Results:

Now, for some personal tricks that I’ve picked up over the years:

• Make sure your bread is really well buttered. This will ensure maximum flavor!
• Don’t rush the soaking process. Let that custard really soak into the bread for a creamy texture.
• If you like a little crunch, consider topping the pudding with a sprinkle of brown sugar before cooking. It adds a lovely crispness!

Serving Suggestions and Sides:

This dish is delightful on its own, but if you want to elevate it even more, consider serving it with some whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me, the contrast of warm pudding and cold ice cream is divine! You could also pair it with a simple cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.

Leftovers:

Now, if you’re anything like me, you might be lucky enough to have some leftovers. Here’s how to store them:

• Let the pudding cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for up to three days.
• When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply pop it back in the air fryer for a few minutes to warm it up. You can also reheat slices in the microwave, but it might be a little softer that way.

FAQ Section:

• Can I use different types of bread?
  Absolutely! While I love using white bread for its softness, you could easily substitute it with brioche or challah for a rich flavor.

• What if I don’t have an air fryer?
  No worries! You can bake it in your conventional oven at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes instead.

• Can I add spices to the mix?
  Oh, yes! A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg will add a lovely warmth to the custard, just like my grandmother used to do.

• Is this recipe good for special occasions?
  You bet! It’s simple yet incredibly comforting, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners.

As I wrap this up, I just want to say how excited I am for you to try out this Air Fryer Bread and Butter Pudding. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience, a way to bring warmth and sweetness into your home. As you prepare it, think of all the lovely moments it can create at your table, just like it did for me.

This dish has become a favorite in my house, and I’m so thrilled for you to enjoy it as well. I know you’ll love it as much as I do! Please let me know how it turns out, and I can’t wait to hear if your family asks for seconds, just like mine does every time. Happy cooking!