Oh my goodness, you have to try this Air Fryer Panettone Bread Pudding! It’s my go-to dessert when I want something fancy but don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen. The air fryer works magic here – it gives you that gorgeous golden crust while keeping the inside wonderfully moist and custardy. And let’s talk about panettone! This Italian holiday bread transforms into the most incredible bread pudding with its built-in fruity sweetness. I always have leftover panettone after Christmas, and this is hands-down my favorite way to use it up. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a dessert that tastes like you fussed all day!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Panettone Bread Pudding
Trust me, this recipe checks all the boxes for the perfect dessert. Here’s why it’s become my absolute favorite:
- Lightning fast: From mixing bowl to table in under 30 minutes – perfect for last-minute guests or sudden sweet cravings!
- Simple ingredients: Just 6 pantry staples transform leftover panettone into something magical.
- Textural heaven: The air fryer gives you crispy golden edges with a luxuriously soft, custardy center.
- Holiday flavors year-round: All the festive taste of panettone without waiting for Christmas morning.
Seriously, once you try this Air Fryer Panettone Bread Pudding, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Panettone Bread Pudding
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dreamy dessert come together:
- 4 cups panettone, cut into 1-inch cubes (stale works best!)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature blends smoother)
- 1 cup whole milk (see notes for substitutions)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Ingredient Notes
Stale panettone absorbs the custard like a dream without getting mushy. If yours is fresh, toast the cubes lightly first. Whole milk gives the richest texture, but 2% works in a pinch. Not a cinnamon fan? Try nutmeg or cardamom instead – both pair beautifully with panettone’s fruity notes!
How to Make Air Fryer Panettone Bread Pudding
Okay, let’s get cooking! This comes together so fast you’ll be amazed. Here’s exactly how I make it:
- Preheat that air fryer! Set it to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up for 5 minutes while you prep everything else. This gives you that perfect even cook from the start.
- Whisk your custard base: In a big bowl, beat the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until it’s all smooth and slightly frothy. Don’t skip the vanilla – it makes all the difference!
- Soak the panettone: Add those beautiful cubed pieces to the custard mixture. Gently fold them in until every piece is coated and happy. Let it sit for 2 minutes – just enough time for the bread to drink up that delicious custard.
- Into the dish it goes: Transfer everything to a greased baking dish that fits in your air fryer basket. I use a 7-inch round one, but anything similar works. Just don’t overfill it!
- Air fry to perfection: Cook for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are crisp and the middle barely jiggles when you shake the dish.
Pro Tips for Perfect Bread Pudding
After making this dozens of times, here are my can’t-miss secrets:
- Press the bread down gently into the custard before cooking – this helps prevent dry spots.
- Always check at 15 minutes! Air fryers vary, and you don’t want to overbake.
- Let it rest 5 minutes before serving – this lets the custard set properly so it’s not runny.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Bread Pudding
Oh, the fun part! This bread pudding is delicious plain, but why stop there? I love dusting mine with powdered sugar for that snowy winter look. A dollop of fresh whipped cream takes it over the top, and if I’m feeling fancy, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce makes it restaurant-worthy. The absolute best? Enjoying it with a strong cup of coffee – the bitter notes cut through the sweetness perfectly. Morning, noon, or midnight, this dessert always hits the spot!
Storing and Reheating Instructions
Here’s the good news – this bread pudding keeps beautifully! Just let it cool completely, then pop it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When those cravings hit again (and they will!), reheat slices in your air fryer at 300°F for about 5 minutes – it’ll taste just-baked with that perfect crispy top. Pro tip: If the edges start getting too dark, cover loosely with foil during reheating. I’ve even frozen individual portions for up to a month – thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Air Fryer Panettone Bread Pudding Nutrition
Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving of this irresistible dessert:
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Sugar | 25g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 110mg |
Note: Nutritional estimates vary depending on ingredient brands and specific panettone used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brioche instead of panettone?
Absolutely! Brioche makes a delicious substitute – just add 1/4 cup extra sugar since it’s less sweet than panettone. The texture will be equally dreamy!
What size baking dish fits in my air fryer?
Most standard air fryers accommodate a 7-inch round or 6×6-inch square dish. Always measure your basket first – you want about 1-inch clearance on all sides.
Can I make this without eggs?
Yes! Swap each egg for 1/4 cup applesauce or mashed banana. The texture will be slightly denser but still wonderfully moist. Add 1 extra tablespoon flour to help it set.
Heavenly 30-Min Air Fryer Panettone Bread Pudding
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy bread pudding made with panettone and cooked in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 4 cups panettone, cubed
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Add panettone cubes and mix until coated.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish that fits in your air fryer.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes until set and golden brown.
Notes
- Use stale panettone for best texture.
- Check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian