There’s something about winter that makes us crave warm, comforting flavors that smell like childhood: butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and the faint, boozy-sweet hug of eggnog. If you grew up sneaking spoonfuls of warm custard or stealing the crusts off holiday French toast, this Air Fryer Bread Pudding with Eggnog Sauce will feel like coming home.

It’s the kind of dessert you want at a family holiday dinner, a cozy Christmas morning, or plated up for a festive party where people linger and talk over dessert. Best of all — it’s easy, forgiving, and super photogenic for Pinterest and Instagram

Air Fryer Bread Pudding is a classic bread-and-custard dessert reimagined for the air fryer. Cubes of day-old bread are soaked in a spiced custard, studded with raisins or chocolate (your call), then cooked until the edges are crisp and the middle is soft and custardy.

The twist here is a silky homemade eggnog sauce poured over the warm pudding — rich, nutmeg-kissed, and utterly holiday-appropriate. The air fryer speeds things up and gives the top a delicate crust that’s hard to achieve in a full-size oven without drying out the pudding.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Bread Pudding?

Speed: Air fryers cook food faster than regular ovens because they move hot air around more efficiently. Great when you have a schedule for your vacation.

Texture: The air fryer makes the edges crispy while keeping the center soft, which is a nice contrast.

Portion control: For dinner parties, make individual ramekins or a small dish to cut down on waste.

Saves energy: You don’t have to heat up your whole kitchen, which is useful when you have a lot of food to cook for the holidays.

Plating that stops the show: Individual portions look great when served warm with sauce on top.

Air Fryer Bread Pudding with Eggnog Sauce

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Video

Ingredients

  

For the bread pudding

• 6 cups day-old bread cubed (French bread, challah, brioche, or even croissants)
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half for richer custard
• 1 cup heavy cream or substitute with more milk for a lighter version
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar optional — adds depth
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg plus more for garnish
• ½ cup raisins chopped dried cranberries, or chocolate chips (optional)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted (tossed with bread for richness)
• Pinch of salt

For the Eggnog Sauce

• 1 cup eggnog store-bought or homemade
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg plus a pinch to finish
• 1 –2 tbsp dark rum or brandy optional — adds warmth and holiday flair

Method

 

Preparing the Bread and Custard Mixture

1. Prep the bread: Cut bread into 1-inch cubes. If bread is fresh, toast cubes on a sheet for 8–10 minutes at 300°F to dry slightly — this helps them absorb custard. If bread is day-old, you’re good to go.
2. Toss with butter: Place bread cubes in a large bowl. Drizzle melted butter and toss so some pieces are lightly coated — this promotes caramelization.
3. Make the custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated and brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.

   Taste (it should be noticeably sweet and warmly spiced).
4. Combine: Pour custard over bread cubes, fold in your choice of add-ins (raisins, cranberries, or chocolate chips). Press gently so bread absorbs the mixture. Let sit 10–20 minutes (or refrigerate up to 4 hours) to soak.

Air Frying the Bread Pudding

1. Preheat air fryer: Preheat to 325°F (some air fryers don’t need preheat; check your manual).
2. Use an oven-safe dish or individual ramekins that fit your air fryer basket.
3. Fill dishes: Spoon soaked bread mixture into buttered ramekins or a small baking dish. Leave a little room at the top (custard will puff slightly).
4. Air fry: Cook at 325°F for 12–18 minutes for small ramekins, 18–25 minutes for a larger dish.
5. Check for a set center (a slight jiggle is okay). Internal temperature should reach about 165°F if you want to be precise.
6. Finish: If the top is browning too quickly, tent with foil and continue cooking. The edges should be golden, the center soft and custardy.
7. Rest: Let cool 5 minutes before unmolding or serving.

Homemade Eggnog Sauce Recipe

1. Combine: In a small saucepan, whisk together eggnog, heavy cream, and brown sugar over medium heat.
2. Simmer: Bring to a gentle simmer — do not boil. Stir constantly for 3–4 minutes until slightly reduced.
3. Finish: Remove from heat, whisk in butter, vanilla, nutmeg, and the rum or brandy (if using).
4. Taste and adjust sweetness. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
5. Serve: Drizzle warm sauce over warm bread pudding just before serving. Garnish with a light sprinkle of nutmeg or chopped toasted pecans.
6. Tip for thickening: For a thicker sauce, whisk 1 tsp cornstarch into 1 tbsp cold milk to make a slurry.
7. Then stir into the simmering sauce and cook until thickened. Alternatively, reduce sauce a little longer over low heat.

Video

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Bread: Use sturdy bread with a little chew. Brioche or challah gives ultra-rich results; day-old sourdough gives a tangy contrast; croissants make it extra decadent. For vegans, use a sturdy vegan brioche or challah alternative.

Dairy: Swap whole milk + heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and a vegan butter to make the pudding dairy-free.

Eggnog Sauce: Use non-alcoholic eggnog for family events. If you want to avoid alcohol entirely, skip the rum; flavor will still be rich and festive.

Sweeteners: Replace sugar with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener (adjust amounts to taste).

Add-ins: Dried cranberries + orange zest is an excellent festive combo; chocolate chips make it party-kid friendly.

Want to level up your holiday spread? Try our Crescent Roll Pizza Rolls — cheesy, flaky, and ridiculously addictive. They’re the ultimate party crowd-pleaser!

What are the Benefits of Bread Pudding?

Ready for a party and easy to make ahead of time: Make the bread soaked in custard the day before and keep it covered in the fridge. Then, just before guests arrive, air fry it for a last-minute fresh dessert.

The caramelized edges and shiny eggnog sauce look great in pictures, which is great for social media shares and higher click-through rates, which raises RPM.

Diet-friendly: It can be easily changed to fit gluten-free or vegan diets (see variations).

Comforting and nostalgic: Strong emotional pull (important for engagement and time on page), which helps ads and search ranking.

Do check our party special pizza rolls with crescent rolls for next party

Is Air Fryer Bread Pudding Healthier Than Traditional?

Compared to baking a large tray in the oven, the air fryer may use slightly less energy and can help avoid overbaking (which sometimes requires more butter or toppings to compensate). But nutritionally, bread pudding is an indulgent dessert — rich in eggs, cream, and sugar.

You can lighten it by using lower-fat milk, reducing sugar, adding more fruit, or using whole-grain bread. For the holidays, a balance between indulgence and portion control works best: serve small ramekins with a modest sauce drizzle.

Don’t miss our 3-Ingredient Crispy Zucchini Chips — light, crunchy, and made effortlessly in your air fryer. They’re the perfect guilt-free snack for the season!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Air Fryer Bread Pudding

Not soaking the bread: The bread needs to soak up the custard. Less soaking means a dry center.

Using bread that is very fresh and soft without drying it out: Fresh bread can get mushy; lightly toast it to dry.

Too many things in the basket: Cook in batches or use smaller ramekins to make sure everything cooks evenly.

Cooking at too high a temperature will cause the top to brown while the center stays soft. Stay at about 325°F.

Pouring cold sauce on a cold pudding: For the best texture and mouthfeel, warm the sauce and pudding together.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store: Put plastic wrap over the cooled pudding or move it to a container that doesn’t let air in. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three to four days.

Reheat: In the air fryer, reheat each serving at 325°F for 3 to 5 minutes, or until warm. You can also microwave it for 45 to 60 seconds, but the air fryer keeps the top crispy.

Freezing: Pudding without sauce freezes well in airtight containers for up to two months. Put it in the fridge overnight to thaw, then heat it up in the air fryer.

Variations on Air Fryer Bread Pudding with Eggnog Sauce

Chocolate-Bourbon Bread Pudding: You can use chocolate bread or add chocolate chips. Use bourbon instead of rum.

Cranberry-Orange: Add dried cranberries and orange zest for a festive touch.

Apple and Maple: Add diced apples that have been cooked in a pan with cinnamon and a little maple syrup.

To make a Pumpkin Spice Twist, remove some of the spices and add pumpkin pie spice. After that, add a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree.

For vegans, the custard base should be firm vegan bread, silken tofu, non-dairy milk, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Use coconut cream instead of butter to make it richer.

If you’re gluten-free, use GF brioche or GF sandwich bread. Also, make sure that any extras, like chocolate, are also gluten-free.

Nutritional Information and Serving Suggestions For Bread Pudding

Approximate per serving (small ramekin): 300–450 calories, depending on richness and sauce amount. Serving suggestions:

• Serve warm with a modest drizzle of eggnog sauce and a sprinkle of toasted pecans.
  
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla or rum-raisin ice cream for an ultra-decadent holiday dessert.
  
• Present in individual ramekins for parties — top with a cinnamon stick for a classy holiday touch.

Frequently Asked Questions For Bread Pudding

1. Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time for a holiday party?

Yes — prepare through the soak stage up to 24 hours in advance and keep covered in the fridge. When guests arrive, pop ramekins in the air fryer for 12–18 minutes and finish with warm eggnog sauce. This saves time and gives you a freshly baked texture.

2. What’s the best bread to use for the creamiest pudding?

Rich breads like brioche, challah, or French brioche yield the creamiest custard because of their fat content. For a lighter pudding, use day-old sourdough or sandwich bread. Croissants create a very decadent, flaky result.

3. Is eggnog sauce safe for kids or pregnant guests?

If you use store-bought pasteurized eggnog or a cooked homemade eggnog sauce (heated well), it’s considered safe because pasteurization or heating kills harmful bacteria. Avoid raw, unpasteurized ingredients when serving children or pregnant guests. If serving alcohol, offer an alcohol-free version for those who prefer it.

4. My air fryer varies in size — how do I adjust cooking time?

Smaller air fryers heat quickly. For individual 8–10 oz ramekins, start checking at 10–12 minutes. For larger 1.5–2 cup dishes, expect 18–25 minutes. Look for set edges and a slightly jiggly center. Tent with foil if the top browns too fast.

5. Can I use stale bread or fresh bread?

Stale (day-old) bread is ideal because it soaks custard without disintegrating. If your bread is fresh, dry it in a low oven (300°F for 8–12 minutes) or toast cubes in the air fryer briefly.

6. How do I make this dessert lighter without losing flavor?

Use 2% milk instead of heavy cream, reduce brown sugar by a third, and add fruit (apples or pears) to boost fiber and bulk. Use a smaller serving size and pair with plain Greek yogurt or a modest scoop of light ice cream.

7. My sauce is too thin — how to thicken it?

Make a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water/milk), stir into warm sauce, and cook for 1–2 minutes. Alternatively, simmer longer over low heat to evaporate some liquid. Remember, sauces thicken as they cool.

Looking for more holiday desserts to impress your guests? Our homemade Gingerbread cheesecake bars recipe is a must-try — soft, spiced, and made to steal the spotlight at your Christmas party.