The Ultimate Quick Air Fryer Christmas Pudding

Christmas is almost here, and I have a secret to share that will change your holiday forever! Usually, making a traditional Christmas pudding takes all day. You have to steam it on the stove for hours while your windows get all foggy. But what if I told you that your air fryer could do the same job in a fraction of the time? This recipe is my favorite way to get that classic holiday flavor without the long wait.

This air fryer Christmas pudding is dark, rich, and incredibly moist. It is packed with juicy raisins, warm spices like cinnamon, and a hint of citrus. When you take your first bite, it feels like a warm hug. It has a beautiful, deep brown color and looks just like the ones you see in fancy holiday magazines. It’s a perfect mix of sweet fruit and cozy spices that makes everyone feel right at home.

Traditionally, these puddings have been around for hundreds of years in places like the UK. People used to make them weeks in advance and steam them for eight hours! While I love tradition, I also love being able to play with my family instead of watching a pot boil. This recipe is special because it keeps all those old-fashioned flavors but uses a modern kitchen “miracle” to make it easy for anyone to bake.

In this post, I’m going to show you exactly how to make this festive dessert. We will go over the simple ingredients you need, the best way to “steam” it in the air fryer, and some fun ways to serve it to your guests. Whether you are a pro chef or just starting out, you can totally make this pudding!

General Information

Particulars	Details
Preparation Time	15 min.
Cook Time	50 min.
Total Time	65 min.
Yields	6 servings
Difficulty	Easy
Total Calories	380 kcal (Per Serving)
Cuisine	British

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you think Christmas pudding is too hard to make, think again! Here is why this air fryer version is going to be your new favorite holiday tradition:

• Saves So Much Time: Instead of steaming for 6 to 8 hours, this version is ready to enjoy in less than one hour!
• Perfect Texture: The air fryer creates a moist, tender center that isn’t soggy, giving you that perfect cake-like feel in every bite.
• Uses Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of the spices and pantry staples in your kitchen right now.
• Foolproof for Beginners: You don’t have to worry about a pot boiling dry on the stove; the air fryer stays at a steady temperature the whole time.
• Smells Like Christmas: As it cooks, your entire house will smell like cinnamon, cloves, and sweet fruit—it’s better than any holiday candle!

What You’ll Need to Make Air Fryer Christmas Pudding

The magic of this recipe is how it turns simple pantry staples into a fancy holiday treat. You don’t need fancy equipment—just a small bowl or pudding basin that fits inside your air fryer basket!

• Mixed Dried Fruit and Peel – This is the heart of the pudding! A mix of raisins, sultanas, and currants gives it that classic chewy texture. If you don’t like peel, you can just use more raisins.
• Fresh Breadcrumbs – These help keep the pudding light and soft rather than heavy like a brick. You can make your own by pulsing a few slices of white bread in a blender.
• Self-Raising Flour – This gives our pudding a little bit of lift so it stays fluffy. (If you only have all-purpose flour, just add a half-teaspoon of baking powder!)
• Dark Brown Sugar – This is what gives the pudding its deep, dark color and a taste like caramel. Light brown sugar works too, but the pudding will be a bit paler.
• Butter – Traditionally, people use something called “suet,” but cold, grated butter is much easier to find and tastes delicious.
• Egg and Orange Juice – The egg binds everything together so it doesn’t fall apart, while the orange juice adds a bright, zesty flavor and keeps the fruit moist. You can also use apple juice or even a splash of brandy for a more grown-up version.
• Christmas Spices – A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger (often called “Mixed Spice”) creates that wonderful holiday aroma.

How to Make This Dish: Step-by-Step Guide

This is the fun part! Making a Christmas pudding in the air fryer is so much easier than the old-fashioned way. You don’t need a giant pot of boiling water—just your trusty air fryer and a small bowl.

1. Prep Your Pudding Basin: Start by greasing a 1-pint (600ml) pudding basin or a heat-proof glass bowl with plenty of butter or cooking spray. Make sure it fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket before you start!
2. Mix Your Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the 1 ½ cups of dried fruit, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, ½ cup of flour, ½ cup of sugar, and all those yummy spices. Give it a good mix so the fruit is coated in flour.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients: Stir in the grated butter, beaten egg, orange zest, and orange juice. Mix everything together until it looks like a thick, sticky batter. If you have time, let the mix sit for 30 minutes so the breadcrumbs soak up all the flavors, but you can skip this if you’re in a hurry!
4. Fill and Cover: Spoon the mixture into your greased bowl and press it down firmly with the back of a spoon. Cover the bowl tightly with a piece of aluminum foil. Make sure the edges are tucked in well so the air doesn’t blow the foil off.
5. Cook to Perfection: Place the bowl into the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 320°F (160°C) and cook for 45 to 50 minutes.
6. Check for Doneness: Carefully remove the foil (watch out for steam!) and poke a toothpick or skewer into the center. It is done when the toothpick comes out clean and the top feels firm to the touch.
7. Rest and Serve: Let the pudding sit in the bowl for at least 10 minutes before turning it upside down onto a plate. This helps it keep its shape so it looks beautiful for your holiday dinner!

How to Store, Reheat, and Freeze

One of the best things about Christmas pudding is that it actually tastes better the next day! Here is how to keep yours fresh:

• Storage: Once the pudding is completely cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: You can freeze this pudding for up to 3 months. Wrap it in a double layer of foil and place it in a freezer bag. To eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
• Reheating: To get that “just cooked” texture, put the pudding back in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 5-8 minutes. You can also microwave a slice for 30-45 seconds, but be careful not to overcook it, or it might get tough!

Variations to Try

Want to change things up? Here are a few ways to make this recipe your own:

• Vegan Version: Swap the butter for a vegan butter alternative and use a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) instead of the chicken egg.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free self-raising flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious!
• Tropical Twist: Instead of traditional mixed fruit, use dried pineapple, mango, and shredded coconut. Swap the orange juice for pineapple juice for a sunny holiday flavor.
• Chocolate Chip: If you aren’t a big fan of dried fruit, use a mix of half raisins and half dark chocolate chips. Kids love this version!

What To Serve With This Dish

A Christmas pudding is even better when it has a “partner” on the plate!

• Warm Custard: This is the most classic choice. Pour thick, creamy vanilla custard over the top while the pudding is hot.
• Brandy Butter or Whipped Cream: A dollop of sweetened whipped cream or traditional brandy butter adds a wonderful richness.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold ice cream melting against the warm, spicy pudding is a dream come true!
• A Festive Garnish: To make it look professional, place a small sprig of holly (just for decoration!) or a few red berries on top before serving.

Helpful Pro Tips and Tricks

• Don’t Overfill: Leave about an inch of space at the top of your bowl. The pudding will puff up a little bit as it cooks!
• Grate Your Butter: It sounds strange, but grating cold butter into the flour makes the texture much lighter.
• Check Your Bowl: Make sure your bowl is “oven-safe” or “heat-proof.” Glass, ceramic, or metal bowls usually work great in the air fryer.
• Soak the Fruit: If you have time, soak your dried fruit in the orange juice overnight. It makes the fruit extra plump and juicy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pudding ahead of time?

Yes! You can make it a few days early. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it when you are ready for dessert. The flavors actually get deeper and better after a day or two.

What if I don’t have a pudding basin?

No problem! You can use any small, deep oven-safe bowl. Even a large coffee mug can work for individual portions, though you will need to reduce the cooking time to about 15-20 minutes.

Why did my pudding turn out dry?

This usually happens if it is cooked for too long or if the foil wasn’t tight enough. Make sure the foil is sealed well to trap the moisture inside while it “steams” in the air fryer.

Last Bites

Making a Christmas pudding doesn’t have to be a scary, all-day project. Using an air fryer is a total game-changer! It gives you all the cozy, spicy, and sweet flavors of a traditional holiday dessert but leaves you with more time to spend with the people you love. I hope this recipe brings a little extra magic to your holiday table this year. Give it a try—your family will be so impressed that you “steamed” a pudding in under an hour!

Print