You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up Air Fryer Cottage Pudding – it’s become my go-to dessert when I need something warm and comforting FAST. This old-fashioned treat gets a modern twist with the air fryer’s magic, ready in under 30 minutes from bowl to spoon. My grandma used to bake hers for hours, but I love how this version keeps all that cozy vanilla flavor while the wait time down to practically nothing. Trust me, once you try this simple, sweet pudding cake steaming hot from the air fryer, you’ll understand why it’s my weeknight lifesaver!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Cottage Pudding
This recipe checks all the boxes for the perfect easy dessert:
- Ready in under 30 minutes – faster than preheating my oven!
- Uses ingredients I always have in my pantry
- Creates that perfect tender-crumb texture every time
- Tastes like grandma’s recipe without all the fuss
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you – that basic flour, sugar and vanilla combo transforms into something magical in the air fryer. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people ask “Wait, this only has seven ingredients?” while going back for seconds.
Faster Than Oven Baking
My traditional oven-baked version takes nearly an hour – the air fryer gets it done in 20 minutes flat. That quick cook time means warm pudding whenever the craving hits!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cottage Pudding
Here’s everything you’ll need for this simple yet magical dessert – I bet you’ve got most of these in your kitchen already!
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 tsp baking powder (make sure it’s fresh!)
- 1/4 tsp salt (I use fine sea salt)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (the good stuff!)
See? Nothing fancy – just honest ingredients that work together beautifully. The melted butter should be warm but not hot when you mix it in, or it might scramble the egg. Learned that the hard way!
How to Make Air Fryer Cottage Pudding
This couldn’t be simpler – just follow these easy steps and you’ll have warm, comforting pudding cake in no time!
Mixing the Batter
First, grab your favorite mixing bowl – I use my grandma’s old yellow Pyrex one because it feels right for this recipe. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar until they’re completely combined. In another bowl (or just a big measuring cup), mix the milk, egg, melted butter and vanilla. Now here’s the key: pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir JUST until everything comes together. A few lumps are totally fine – overmixing makes tough pudding! The batter should look thick but pourable, like pancake batter.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
While you’re mixing, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) – about 5 minutes does the trick. Grease your baking dish really well (I use butter or cooking spray) and pour in the batter. Slide it into the air fryer basket carefully – it’ll be hot! Set your timer for 15 minutes first. When it beeps, do the toothpick test – poke the center and if it comes out clean, you’re golden. If not, add 2-3 more minutes. The top should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed. Oh, and that amazing vanilla smell? That’s how you know it’s working!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cottage Pudding
After making this dozens of times (yes, I have a problem), here are my foolproof tips:
- Check early: Start testing at 15 minutes – air fryers vary wildly! Better underdone than overbaked.
- Leave room to rise: Only fill your baking dish 2/3 full or you’ll have pudding overflowing everywhere (ask me how I know).
- Butter swap: Out of butter? Coconut oil works beautifully and adds a subtle tropical note.
- Temperature matters: Cold ingredients don’t blend well – take that milk and egg out 30 minutes before mixing.
Follow these and you’ll get that perfect tender crumb every single time!
Air Fryer Cottage Pudding Variations
This basic recipe is like a blank canvas – here’s how I love to jazz it up when I’m feeling fancy:
- Chocolate chip delight: Fold in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips – they melt into gooey pockets of happiness
- Berry burst: Gently swirl in fresh blueberries or raspberries before baking
- Cinnamon swirl: Mix 1 tbsp sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon and sprinkle over the batter
- Serve with: Warm custard sauce, vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream
The possibilities are endless – this pudding cake welcomes all your creative twists! If you are looking for other quick dessert ideas, check out these air fryer donut holes.
Storing and Reheating
This pudding keeps beautifully at room temperature for 2 days (just cover it tightly). For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in foil – they’ll stay perfect for months! To reheat, pop them in the air fryer at 300°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Easy as pie – or should I say pudding? For more great air fryer dessert inspiration, see this guide on air fryer chocolate lava cake.
Air Fryer Cottage Pudding FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend – just add an extra tablespoon of milk since GF flours tend to absorb more liquid.
What size baking dish fits?
A 6-inch round or small square dish works best – you want about 1-1.5 inches clearance from your air fryer basket walls.
Why did my pudding sink?
Usually means underbaking – next time test with a toothpick and give it those extra few minutes if needed. Also, don’t peek too early!
Nutritional Information
Nutritional values are estimates and vary based on ingredients used. Per serving (1 slice): 220 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated), 35g carbs, 4g protein. Not too shabby for such a comforting dessert! Understanding the role of baking powder in quick breads can help ensure a good rise, as detailed in many baking guides.
Try This Air Fryer Cottage Pudding Tonight!
Don’t just take my word for it – whip up a batch of this easy dessert and taste the magic for yourself! I’d love to hear how yours turns out. Did you add chocolate chips? Try it with berries? Snap a photo of your steaming hot pudding cake and tag me – nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen successes. Now go grab that air fryer and let’s get baking!
Print
“Delicious Air Fryer Cottage Pudding in Just 20 Minutes”
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious cottage pudding made in the air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
- Add milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir until combined.
- Pour batter into a greased baking dish that fits in the air fryer.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can add chocolate chips or berries to the batter.
- Serve with whipped cream or custard.
- Check doneness early as cooking times vary by air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American