Cooking Techniques
Airfryfeast
Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Pudding
By Airfryfeast Test KitchenReviewed by Airfryfeast Editorial TeamPublished May 7, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026
American
30 mins
air-fryer-friendlyvegetarianeasysweetsnackablefamily-friendlycomfort-food30-minutes-or-lessbudget-friendly
Enjoy this warm and cozy Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Pudding—an easy, quick fall dessert combining rich pumpkin puree and sweet chocolate chips into a perfectly crisp yet tender bread pudding. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a budget-friendly, family-friendly treat perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth any night of the week.
Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Total
30 min
Servings
6
Difficulty
easy
Cuisine
American
Ingredients
Servings
6
- 4 cups day-old bread cubes (preferably brioche or challah)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Butter or non-stick spray, for greasing the baking pan
Instructions
-
Lightly grease a 6-inch round or similarly sized oven-safe baking dish that fits inside your air fryer basket.
-
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
-
Add the day-old bread cubes to the custard mixture and gently fold until all the bread is coated. Let soak for 5 minutes to fully absorb the custard.
-
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the bread mixture.
-
Transfer the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
-
Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3 minutes.
-
Place the baking dish in the air fryer basket and cook for 18-22 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
-
Carefully remove the bread pudding from the air fryer and let it cool for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the custard to set and enhances the flavors.
-
Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.
Customize this Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Pudding to suit dietary needs or ingredient availability with these substitutions:
- Bread: Use gluten-free bread if needed; stale sourdough or sandwich bread works well too.
- Pumpkin Puree: Substitute canned sweet potato or butternut squash puree for a similar texture and flavor profile.
- Dairy: Swap whole milk and heavy cream with coconut, almond, or oat milk plus coconut or cashew cream for dairy-free or vegan versions.
- Eggs: Replace with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg) for a vegan alternative.
- Sugar: Use maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar as natural sweeteners.
- Chocolate Chips: Opt for vegan or dairy-free chocolate chips to maintain dairy-free suitability.
- Grease: Use coconut oil or plant-based spray in place of butter for vegan preparation.
These replacements preserve the cozy, sweet essence while accommodating various diets.
Air Fryer Model Notes
Cooking times and results can vary depending on your air fryer model. Here are important notes for making Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Pudding:
- Size & Basket Shape: Use a 6-inch round or similar baking dish that fits comfortably without overcrowding. Smaller air fryers require smaller pans to ensure even cooking and crispness.
- Heating & Airflow: Air fryers differ in heating elements and fan speeds; models with stronger airflow may cook faster. Begin checking doneness around 18 minutes and adjust time accordingly.
- Temperature Accuracy: Air fryer temperatures may vary. Using an oven thermometer helps avoid overcooking or undercooking the delicate custard.
- Manual Settings Recommended: Baking presets may not yield ideal results—set manual temperature control to 320°F (160°C) for best texture and flavor.
By tailoring cooking time to your air fryer model and monitoring closely, you'll achieve a golden, crisp top with a tender custard center every time.
Crispiness Control
Balancing a crisp top with a moist custard center is key for this air fryer dessert. This recipe is tagged air-fryer-friendly, easy, family-friendly, and comfort-food. Try these tips to control crispiness:
- Maximize Crispiness: Increase air fryer temperature to 330°F (165°C) for the last 3–5 minutes. Brushing melted butter on top before cooking adds a golden, crunchy finish.
- For a Softer Top: Cook consistently at 320°F (160°C), checking doneness at 18 minutes. Tent loosely with foil midway to reduce browning.
- Even Crisping: Ensure bread cubes are thoroughly soaked and spread evenly. Avoid overcrowding the basket to maintain proper airflow.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the pudding cool 5 minutes post-cooking; this firms the custard and enhances texture contrast.
Adjust these variables to customize the perfect crispness while enjoying the warm, spiced pumpkin and sweet chocolate flavors.
Reheat In The Air Fryer
Reheat leftovers easily in your air fryer for a warm dessert with a crisp top. Follow these steps:
- Preheat air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3 minutes.
- Portion bread pudding into a suitable oven-safe dish or ramekin that fits your basket; avoid stacking portions.
- Heat for 5–8 minutes, checking at 5 minutes to ensure even warming without drying out the custard.
- Rest the pudding for 1 minute after reheating before serving.
Tip: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra indulgence. Reheat portions individually if warming multiple servings.
What To Serve With This In The Air Fryer
Pair this rich and spiced Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Pudding with light, complementary sides cooked in the air fryer or easily prepared for a complete fall dessert experience:
- Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Chips: Thinly sliced apples dusted with cinnamon and sugar, air fried until crispy for a fresh contrast.
- Air Fryer Spiced Pecans: Warm pecans tossed with cinnamon and nutmeg provide crunchy texture and a hint of spice that complements the pumpkin flavors.
- Vanilla or Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Not air fried, but adding a dollop of lightly spiced whipped cream adds creamy indulgence.
- Air Fryer Roasted Pears: Pear halves air fried with honey and cinnamon for juicy sweetness that pairs beautifully with this dessert.
Complete your cozy meal with a warm drink like spiced apple cider or herbal tea.
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