Have you ever thought about making a perfect pudding using just an air fryer? This dessert, a classic on Brazilian tables, can be prepared in a practical, quick way without needing to turn on the oven or worry about the traditional water bath. The air fryer, known for its versatility, makes the process simpler, perfect for those looking for hassle-free recipes.
Ingredients
Before starting, gather the necessary ingredients for the pudding and the caramel:
For the pudding:
- 3 large eggs (preferably at room temperature).
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk (395g).
- 2 cans of whole milk (use the condensed milk can as a measuring tool).
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional but adds aroma and flavor).
For the caramel:
- 1 cup of granulated sugar.
- 1/2 cup of hot water.
Tip: Ensure all ingredients are fresh, especially the eggs, as they impact the pudding’s texture and flavor.
Necessary Equipment
Have the right tools and equipment on hand to avoid surprises:
- A medium or large air fryer.
- A small pudding mold that fits inside the air fryer basket (molds about 16 cm in diameter are ideal).
- A pan to caramelize the sugar.
- A blender or whisk to mix the ingredients.
- Aluminum foil to cover the mold and protect the pudding during cooking.
- Tongs or heat-resistant gloves to handle the hot mold.
Step 1: Preparing the Caramel
The caramel is the base of the pudding. Follow these steps carefully to avoid burning the sugar:
- Place a pan over medium heat and add the granulated sugar.
- Stir occasionally with a silicone or wooden spoon until the sugar starts to melt and turns golden.
- Caution: Do not let the caramel darken too much, as it may develop a bitter taste.
- Once the sugar is completely melted, carefully add the hot water. Be cautious of the steam, which can cause burns.
- Stir until the caramel is smooth and uniform.
- Immediately pour the caramel into the mold, rotating it to spread the caramel along the sides. Set aside to cool while preparing the pudding.
Step 2: Preparing the Pudding
Now it’s time to create the creamy mixture that will be the star of the dessert:
- In a blender, combine the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, and whole milk.
- Blend for 2–3 minutes, or until the mixture is completely smooth and free of any egg smell.
- Tip: For a lighter pudding, strain the mixture before pouring it into the mold to remove the egg membrane.
- If desired, add vanilla extract and blend for a few more seconds to incorporate.
- Once the caramel in the mold has cooled, gently pour the pudding mixture into the mold to avoid air bubbles.
Step 3: Cooking in the Air Fryer
This is where the magic happens! The air fryer will cook the pudding efficiently without needing a water bath.
- Cover the mold with aluminum foil, sealing the edges well to prevent hot air from drying out the pudding.
- Preheat the air fryer to 160°C (320°F) for 5 minutes. If your air fryer doesn’t have a temperature setting, use the default setting.
- Carefully place the mold in the air fryer basket.
- Set the timer for 30 minutes. During this time, the pudding will cook slowly, achieving the ideal texture.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and check the consistency with a toothpick. If it’s still too soft, return the mold to the air fryer for an additional 10–15 minutes without the foil to lightly brown the top.
Step 4: Cooling and Unmolding
Patience is key in this step, as the pudding needs to cool completely before being unmolded without breaking.
- Remove the mold from the air fryer carefully and let it cool at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours (ideally overnight).
- To unmold, run a thin knife along the edges of the mold and invert it onto a large plate. The caramel should flow over the pudding, creating the perfect topping.
Additional Tips for a Perfect Pudding
- To avoid bubbles in the pudding, blend the ingredients at low speed and pour the mixture slowly.
- If your mold doesn’t fit in the air fryer, use a smaller mold or individual ramekins.
- The pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining its texture and flavor.
Benefits of Making Pudding in the Air Fryer
- Time-saving: No need to preheat a large oven or use a water bath.
- Convenience: The air fryer is compact and easy to handle.
- Efficiency: Heat is evenly distributed, ensuring perfect cooking.
- Preserved flavor: The pudding remains creamy and retains its original taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the pudding in individual pots in the air fryer?
Yes, just use heat-resistant glass or ceramic pots that fit in the air fryer basket.
2. Why does my pudding have bubbles?
This happens when the mixture is over-beaten or poured too quickly into the mold. Blend at low speed and pour gently.
3. Can I replace the sweetened condensed milk with another option?
Yes, you can use homemade or sugar-free condensed milk, but the flavor and texture may vary.
4. The caramel hardened in the mold. What should I do?
This is normal before adding the pudding mixture. During cooking, the air fryer’s heat will melt the caramel again.
5. Do I need to grease the mold before making the pudding?
No, the caramel acts as a non-stick layer.
