Black Pudding in the Air Fryer
Black pudding is a fry-up staple that spits in the pan and sticks to the base if you are not quick. Black pudding in air fryer baskets cooks in 6 to 8 minutes with a crisp edge and a soft, peppery middle, and no fat is needed. The slices come out evenly cooked and easy to turn, so you can focus on the rest of the breakfast.
- Temperature
- 200°C
- Total time
- 12min
- Prep
- 3min
- Servings
- 4
- Core temp
- 75°C
- Per serving
- 190kcal
Why the air fryer works for black pudding
Black pudding in air fryer baskets is much easier than frying it. A pan sticks, spits and breaks up the soft slices when you turn them, while the basket cooks them in hot air that crisps the surface and keeps the middle soft. There is no extra fat to drain, and a single layer of slices takes only a few minutes.
It also saves space on the hob when you are cooking a full English breakfast. Bacon, sausages and tomatoes can share the basket or go in beforehand, and the black pudding goes in last because it needs the shortest time. Look for a firm, well-flavoured black pudding with visible oatmeal for the best texture.
How to make black pudding in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Slice Cut the black pudding into slices about 1 cm thick. Thinner slices crumble and burn, and thicker ones take longer to heat in the centre. Remove any skin if you prefer.
- Preheat Preheat the air fryer to 200 °C for .
- Arrange Place the slices in a single layer in the basket without overlapping. Brush the tops lightly with oil if you like a crisper edge.
- Cook Cook for , turning the slices carefully after , until the edges are crisp and the centre is hot.
- Check Black pudding is usually pre-cooked, but it must be heated until steaming hot all the way through. Check that the centre reaches 75 °C, as the FSA advises for ready-to-heat food. Serve straight away.
Cooking times and temperatures
| Black Pudding | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Black pudding slices, 1 cmTurn halfway | 200 °C | 6–8 min |
| Thick slices, 2 cm | 180 °C | 10–12 min |
| Black pudding from frozen | 180 °C | 10–12 min |
| Battered black puddingSpray the crumb lightly | 190 °C | 8–10 min |
| Black pudding sausages | 180 °C | 10–12 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size of the food and the power of your air fryer. Cooked when the centre reaches 75 °C. See also cooking times and temperatures for all dishes.
Tips
- Chill before slicing. Cold black pudding cuts cleanly into even slices, which cook evenly.
- Keep slices apart. Touching slices steam instead of crisping. Cook in two batches if your basket is small.
- Cook it last. Add it after the bacon and sausages, or cook it alone and keep it warm under foil while the rest finishes.
Serving
The classic plate has black pudding next to bacon, sausages, a fried egg and roasted tomatoes. It also works on toast with a poached egg, or with scallops and apple sauce as a starter. For a lunchtime idea, mash a little into a sandwich with crisp bacon. Air fryer black pudding is also a good partner for scrambled eggs on a slice of toast.
Storing and reheating
Cooked slices keep for up to 2 days in the fridge in a covered container. Reheat them in the air fryer at 160 °C for 3–4 minutes until they are steaming hot all the way through (75 °C in the centre). Uncooked black pudding should be kept in the fridge and used by the date on the pack.
Variations
- Apple and black pudding: Cook apple slices in the basket for 5 minutes at 180 °C and serve with the pudding.
- Crumbed black pudding: Coat the slices in flour, egg and panko for a crunchier outside.
- Black pudding bites: Cut into small cubes, cook for 5–6 minutes at 200 °C and serve with a mustard dip.
Troubleshooting
- The slices crumble in the basket
- They are too thin or too warm. Chill the black pudding for 20 minutes before slicing, cut slices 1 cm thick, and turn them with a spatula rather than tongs.
- The edges burn before the centre is hot
- Lower the temperature to 180 °C and add 2 minutes. Very thin slices burn, so thicker slices are safer.
- The black pudding is dry
- It cooked for too long. Take it out as soon as the edges are crisp, and serve with a fried egg or a bit of sauce to add moisture.
Frequently asked questions
How long does black pudding take in an air fryer?
Slices 1 cm thick take 6–8 minutes at 200 °C, turned halfway. A whole ring cut into thick pieces takes 10–12 minutes at 180 °C.
Can you cook black pudding from frozen in an air fryer?
Yes. Cook frozen slices at 180 °C for 10–12 minutes, turning once, until crisp at the edges and steaming hot in the centre.
Do you need to add oil to air fryer black pudding?
No. Black pudding contains fat, so it crisps without oil. A light brush of oil helps if you want more colour.
Can you air fry battered black pudding?
Yes. Dip slices in flour, beaten egg and breadcrumbs, spray with oil and cook at 190 °C for 8–10 minutes, turning once.
Is black pudding already cooked?
Most shop-bought black pudding is pre-cooked, but check the pack. It still needs to be heated until steaming hot all the way through.
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