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If you love warm, cozy desserts that feel like a hug in a bowl, you’re going to fall hard for this Air Fryer Cranberry Bread Pudding. It’s sweet, soft, and slightly tart thanks to the cranberries — and it bakes up beautifully in the air fryer in under 15 minutes.
This was my go-to recipe during the holidays when I had leftover bread and no time for complicated baking. It uses simple pantry staples, comes together in minutes, and makes individual servings that feel extra special.
The custard soaks into the bread cubes, the dried cranberries plump up just enough, and the whole thing turns golden and puffy in the air fryer. Serve it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for a magical finish.
Perfect for a holiday brunch, a chilly weeknight dessert, or when you need something sweet and comforting fast. Let’s dive in!
🥕 Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you need to make this cozy cranberry bread pudding:
- 3 cups cubed bread – Use slightly stale bread like brioche, challah, or white sandwich bread. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
- 1 cup milk – Whole milk gives the richest custard, but any milk works.
- 1 egg – Helps bind the pudding.
- 1/4 cup sugar – Adds just the right sweetness.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries – Brings a tart, chewy contrast to the creamy custard.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Dash of vanilla or cinnamon
- Orange zest for brightness
- A handful of white chocolate chips
Dietary Swaps:
- Use dairy-free milk like oat or almond
- Gluten-free bread for a GF version
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and sugar.
- Stir in the cubed bread and dried cranberries. Let sit 5 minutes to soak. Pro Tip: Gently stir once or twice to make sure all bread gets coated.
- Divide mixture into greased ramekins or small oven-safe bowls.
- Place ramekins in the air fryer basket, spaced evenly.
- Air fry at 320°F for 12–15 minutes, until puffed and golden, and the center is set.
- Cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using fresh bread – Slightly stale bread holds custard better.
- Skipping the soak – It helps the bread absorb all that creamy flavor.
- Overfilling ramekins – Leave a little room to rise.
- Not checking at 12 minutes – Every air fryer cooks slightly differently.
🎨 Variations & Add-Ons
- Orange-Cranberry – Add 1/2 tsp orange zest and a splash of vanilla.
- Holiday Spice – Mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of clove.
- Apple-Cranberry – Add a few chopped apple pieces.
- Nutty Twist – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top.
- Cranberry White Chocolate – Add white chocolate chips for extra richness.
📦 Make Ahead & Storage
- Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 12 hours before baking.
- Storage: Store cooked pudding in the fridge for 3 days.
- Reheat: Air fry at 300°F for 3–5 minutes or microwave until warm.
- Tip: Add a splash of milk when reheating to keep it soft.
🥗 Nutrition Highlights
Around 180–200 calories per serving. Can be made dairy-free and gluten-free.
Air Fryer Cranberry Bread Pudding
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
- Whisk together milk, egg, and sugar.
- Add bread and cranberries. Let soak 5 minutes.
- Divide into greased ramekins.
- Air fry 12–15 minutes until set and golden.
- Cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
Estimated Calories: ~180–200 per serving
This air fryer cranberry bread pudding is everything you want in a cozy dessert — creamy, warm, and full of sweet-tart cranberry goodness. It’s quick, customizable, and a total crowd-pleaser. If you make it, tag me so I can see your version! And for more comfort dessert ideas, check out my Air Fryer Baked Apples — another fall favorite that smells just as amazing.
