Air Fryer Brownies Recipe

Let me tell you, baking in an air fryer was something I was initially skeptical about. I mean, brownies? In that little contraption? My oven has always been my trusted friend for all things sweet and gooey. But with the summer heat blazing and my oven radiating enough warmth to rival the sun, I started looking for alternatives. That’s when I stumbled upon the magic of air fryer brownies. And honestly? I’m converted. My family, notorious brownie connoisseurs, were initially dubious too. “Air fryer brownies? Sounds…weird,” my teenager grumbled. Fast forward twenty minutes, and silence descended upon the kitchen, broken only by satisfied murmurs and the clinking of forks on plates. These air fryer brownies are not just good; they’re unbelievably fudgy, perfectly chocolatey, and ready in a fraction of the time it takes to bake them in a conventional oven. The crispy edges contrasting with the molten, gooey center is simply divine. This recipe has become a weekly staple in our house, and I’m thrilled to share the secret to these incredibly easy and utterly delicious air fryer brownies with you. Prepare to be amazed at how quickly you can satisfy your chocolate cravings with this game-changer recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Perfect Air Fryer Brownies

To create these decadent air fryer brownies, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, proving that you don’t need complex components to achieve brownie perfection. Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient and why it plays a crucial role in making these brownies irresistible:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter: Butter is the foundation of rich flavor and moist texture in brownies. Unsalted butter is preferred as it allows you to control the saltiness of the recipe. It also contributes to that melt-in-your-mouth fudgy texture we all crave. Ensure your butter is unsalted to avoid overly salty brownies, and for best results, use high-quality butter.
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar: Sugar not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the brownie’s texture. Granulated sugar helps create those desirable crackly tops and contributes to the overall moistness. It balances the bitterness of the chocolate and provides the necessary structure to the brownies.
• 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder is the heart of the chocolate flavor. Unsweetened cocoa powder provides a deep, rich chocolate taste that’s essential for classic brownies. Using unsweetened cocoa allows you to control the sweetness and achieve a balanced chocolate flavor. For a richer, more intense chocolate flavor, consider using Dutch-processed cocoa powder, although regular unsweetened cocoa works perfectly well.
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt: Salt is a crucial flavor enhancer in baking. It balances the sweetness, intensifies the chocolate flavor, and prevents the brownies from tasting flat. Don’t skip the salt; it plays a vital role in bringing all the flavors together. Regular table salt or fine sea salt will work perfectly.
• 2 Large Eggs: Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients together and adding richness and structure to the brownies. They contribute to the chewy texture and help create a cohesive batter. Using large eggs ensures the correct ratio of wet to dry ingredients.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the brownies, adding a touch of warmth and complexity. It complements the chocolate beautifully and elevates the taste. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor; avoid imitation vanilla as it can have a slightly artificial taste.
• 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour: Flour provides the structure for the brownies. All-purpose flour works perfectly for brownies, creating a tender yet slightly chewy texture. Be careful not to overmeasure the flour, as too much flour can result in dry, cakey brownies. Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife, rather than scooping directly from the bag.
• Optional Add-ins (Chocolate Chips, Nuts, etc.): This is where you can get creative! Chocolate chips, chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), or even chunks of your favorite candy bars can be added to the batter for extra flavor and texture. These add-ins are entirely optional but can elevate your brownies to the next level. Consider semi-sweet chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor dimension. For nuts, walnuts and pecans are classic choices, but feel free to experiment with almonds, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations:

• Dairy-Free Brownies: To make these brownies dairy-free, substitute the butter with a good quality vegan butter stick. Ensure it’s a stick butter, not spreadable, for the best texture. You can also use coconut oil, but it will impart a slight coconut flavor.
• Gluten-Free Brownies: For gluten-free brownies, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that is formulated for baking. Many excellent gluten-free blends are available in supermarkets now.
• Dark Chocolate Brownies: For a more intense dark chocolate flavor, you can replace a portion of the unsweetened cocoa powder with melted dark chocolate. About 2 ounces of melted dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) would be a good addition.
• Espresso Brownies: Enhance the chocolate flavor with a teaspoon of instant espresso powder added to the dry ingredients. This will deepen the chocolate taste without making the brownies taste like coffee.
• Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies: Swirl peanut butter into the batter before air frying for a delicious peanut butter and chocolate combination. Warm peanut butter slightly to make it easier to swirl.

Having these ingredients ready and measured out will make the brownie-making process even quicker and smoother, ensuring you can enjoy warm, fudgy air fryer brownies in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Brownie Perfection

Making air fryer brownies is surprisingly simple and incredibly quick. Follow these easy step-by-step instructions to create fudgy, delicious brownies in your air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare Your Air Fryer and Baking Pan

• Preheat your air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Preheating is crucial for even cooking and helps the brownies cook properly.
• Grease your baking pan: Select an oven-safe baking pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket or drawer without touching the heating element. A 6-inch or 7-inch round or square pan usually works well in most standard air fryers. Grease the bottom and sides of the pan generously with butter or cooking spray. You can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to easily lift the brownies out later. This is highly recommended for easy removal and clean-up.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

• Melt the butter: In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, melt the 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter. You can melt it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted. Alternatively, you can melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat on the stovetop. Be careful not to overheat or boil the butter.

Step 3: Combine Sugar, Cocoa Powder, and Salt

• Add sugar, cocoa powder, and salt to the melted butter: To the melted butter in the bowl, add the 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
• Whisk to combine: Whisk these dry ingredients into the melted butter until well combined and smooth. The mixture will be slightly thick and pasty at this stage. Ensure there are no lumps of cocoa powder remaining. This step helps to bloom the cocoa powder in the warm butter, enhancing its flavor.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract

• Add eggs one at a time: Crack one large egg into the mixture and whisk until fully incorporated. Then, add the second large egg and whisk again until the batter is smooth and glossy.
• Stir in vanilla extract: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter and stir to combine. The batter will now be thinner and more liquid.

Step 5: Add Flour

• Gently fold in the flour: Add 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the flour into the batter until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher brownies. Mix until the flour streaks disappear, and the batter is smooth.

Step 6: Add Optional Mix-ins (if using)

• Stir in your desired mix-ins: If you are adding chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins, gently fold them into the batter until evenly distributed. Be mindful not to overmix at this stage.

Step 7: Pour Batter into Prepared Pan

• Pour batter into the prepared pan: Pour the brownie batter evenly into your greased and (optionally) parchment-lined baking pan. Spread the batter out to ensure it’s evenly distributed in the pan.

Step 8: Air Fry the Brownies

• Place pan in air fryer: Carefully place the baking pan with the brownie batter into the preheated air fryer basket or drawer.
• Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 18-22 minutes: Air fry the brownies at 320°F (160°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. The cooking time can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size/depth of your baking pan. Start checking for doneness around 18 minutes and adjust the time as needed. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to dry brownies.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

• Let cool slightly in the pan: Once the brownies are done, carefully remove the pan from the air fryer and let it cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes. This allows the brownies to set up slightly and makes them easier to cut.
• Slice and serve: After cooling slightly, slice the brownies into squares. If you used parchment paper, you can lift the brownies out of the pan using the overhang and then slice them.
• Serve warm: Air fryer brownies are best enjoyed warm when they are fudgy and gooey. Serve them as is, or with your favorite toppings (see serving suggestions below).

Following these instructions will guide you to perfectly cooked, fudgy, and incredibly delicious air fryer brownies every time. The air fryer creates a wonderful crusty edge while keeping the inside wonderfully moist and gooey – the perfect brownie texture!

Nutrition Facts for Air Fryer Brownies (per serving)

Please note that the nutrition information provided below is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands, portion sizes, and any added mix-ins. This information is based on the recipe as written, divided into 9 servings.

Serving Size: 1 brownie square (approximately 1/9th of the batch)

Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown per Serving:

• Total Fat: 14-18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8-10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5-8g
• Cholesterol: 60-70mg
• Sodium: 100-150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30-35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1-2g
  • Sugars: 25-30g
• Protein: 3-4g

Important Considerations:

• Serving Size: These nutrition facts are based on cutting the brownies into 9 equal squares. Smaller or larger servings will adjust the nutritional values accordingly.
• Ingredient Variations: Adding nuts, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins will increase the calorie, fat, and carbohydrate content.
• Homemade vs. Store-bought: Compared to many store-bought brownies, these homemade air fryer brownies offer control over ingredients and potentially lower levels of preservatives.
• Moderation: Like all desserts, air fryer brownies are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Disclaimer: This nutritional information is for general guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice. For precise nutritional information, you can use online nutrition calculators and input the specific brands and amounts of ingredients you use in this recipe.

Preparation Time for Air Fryer Brownies

One of the best things about air fryer brownies is how quickly they come together! Here’s a breakdown of the preparation time:

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
  • This includes gathering ingredients, melting butter, mixing the batter, and preparing the baking pan. The simplicity of the recipe keeps prep time minimal.
• Cook Time (Air Fryer): 18-22 minutes
  • The air frying process itself is quick, significantly faster than baking in a conventional oven. The exact cook time might vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and desired level of fudginess.
• Cooling Time: 10-15 minutes (recommended before slicing)
  • While you can technically eat them straight out of the air fryer (carefully!), allowing them to cool slightly makes them easier to slice and handle, and allows the texture to set up a bit more.

Total Time (from start to finish): Approximately 40-50 minutes

This quick total time makes air fryer brownies perfect for satisfying sudden dessert cravings or whipping up a treat when you’re short on time. Compared to traditional oven-baked brownies which can take upwards of an hour including preheating and baking time, air fryer brownies are a significantly faster option, especially ideal for warmer days when you want to avoid heating up your entire kitchen with the oven. Enjoy delicious, fudgy brownies in under an hour!

How to Serve Your Delicious Air Fryer Brownies

Air fryer brownies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways! Whether you prefer simple and classic or want to get a little fancy, here are some delicious serving suggestions:

Classic & Simple:

• Warm and Plain: The simplest and arguably most satisfying way to enjoy these brownies is warm, straight from the pan (after cooling slightly, of course!). Their fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor are perfect on their own.
• With a Glass of Milk: A cold glass of milk (dairy or non-dairy) is the quintessential pairing for brownies. The coolness of the milk complements the warm, rich brownies perfectly.
• With Coffee or Tea: For a more sophisticated pairing, enjoy your brownie with a cup of hot coffee or tea. The slight bitterness of coffee or tea balances the sweetness of the brownie beautifully.

Elevated & Indulgent:

• With Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is a classic brownie topping. The contrast of warm brownie and cold ice cream is heavenly, and the vanilla flavor enhances the chocolate.
• With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy sweetness that complements the richness of the brownies. You can even add a dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings on top of the whipped cream.
• With Chocolate Sauce: For the ultimate chocolate lover, drizzle warm chocolate sauce over your brownies. This intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds extra decadence.
• With Caramel Sauce: Caramel and chocolate are a match made in heaven. A drizzle of salted caramel sauce adds a sweet and salty element that is incredibly delicious with brownies.
• With Berries: Fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries add a touch of freshness and tartness that cuts through the richness of the brownies. They also add a beautiful visual appeal.

Fun & Creative:

• Brownie Sundaes: Create individual brownie sundaes by topping warm brownies with ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, sprinkles, and cherries. Let everyone customize their own sundae!
• Brownie Parfaits: Layer brownie pieces with yogurt or pudding, fresh fruit, and granola in glasses to create delicious and visually appealing parfaits.
• Brownie Milkshakes: Blend brownie pieces with milk and ice cream to create a decadent brownie milkshake. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for extra indulgence.
• Brownie Crumble Topping: Crumble leftover brownies and use them as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or oatmeal for a delicious brownie-flavored crunch.

Serving Tips:

• Serve Warm: Brownies are generally best served warm when they are at their fudgiest and most flavorful.
• Reheat if Needed: If your brownies cool down, you can gently reheat them in the air fryer for a minute or two at a low temperature (around 250°F/120°C) to warm them up.
• Garnish for Presentation: Even simple garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, or a few fresh berries can elevate the presentation of your brownies.

No matter how you choose to serve them, these air fryer brownies are sure to be a hit. Their rich chocolate flavor and fudgy texture make them a crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion!

Additional Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Brownies

To ensure your air fryer brownies turn out perfectly fudgy and delicious every time, here are 5 essential tips to keep in mind:

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the brownie batter, especially after adding the flour, can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, cakey brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture. Mix the batter until just combined, and the flour streaks disappear. Gentle folding is key, especially when adding flour and any mix-ins.
2. Use the Right Size Pan: It’s crucial to use a baking pan that fits properly in your air fryer basket or drawer without touching the heating element. Overcrowding the air fryer can hinder proper air circulation and lead to uneven cooking. A 6-inch or 7-inch round or square pan is usually ideal for most standard air fryers. Ensure there’s some space around the pan for air to circulate.
3. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer is just as important as preheating a conventional oven. Preheating ensures that the air fryer reaches the correct temperature before you start cooking, leading to more even cooking and better results. Always preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) before placing the brownie pan inside.
4. Check for Doneness with a Toothpick (But Don’t Overbake): To check if your brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center. You are aiming for fudgy brownies, so the toothpick should come out with moist crumbs attached, not completely clean. If the toothpick comes out wet batter, they need more time. If it comes out completely clean, they are likely overbaked and may be dry. Err on the side of slightly underbaked for fudgy brownies. Start checking for doneness around 18 minutes and adjust the cooking time as needed.
5. Let Brownies Cool Slightly Before Slicing: Resist the urge to slice into the brownies immediately after taking them out of the air fryer. Let them cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes. This cooling time allows the brownies to set up slightly, making them easier to slice cleanly and preventing them from crumbling. They will also continue to cook slightly as they cool.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to consistently making perfect air fryer brownies that are fudgy, delicious, and sure to impress every time!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Air Fryer Brownies

Have questions about making air fryer brownies? Here are answers to some common questions to help you bake with confidence:

Q1: Can I use a different type of cocoa powder?

A1: Yes, you can! This recipe calls for unsweetened cocoa powder, which provides a rich, classic chocolate flavor. However, you can also use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for an even darker and more intense chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa is less acidic and can result in a slightly fudgier brownie. Just use the same amount as the recipe calls for.

Q2: My air fryer runs hot/cold. How do I adjust the cooking time?

A2: Air fryers can vary in temperature accuracy. If you know your air fryer tends to run hot, start checking for doneness a few minutes earlier than the recipe suggests (around 15 minutes). If it runs cold, you might need to add a few extra minutes of cooking time. It’s always best to use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of your air fryer if you are unsure of its accuracy. Pay close attention to the toothpick test – moist crumbs are your goal!

Q3: Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

A3: Yes, you can double the recipe, but you will need to use a larger baking pan that still fits comfortably in your air fryer without overcrowding. You will also likely need to increase the cooking time. Start by adding about 5-10 minutes to the cooking time and check for doneness frequently after that. It might be easier to bake two separate batches in the original pan size if your air fryer is smaller, to ensure even cooking.

Q4: Can I store leftover air fryer brownies?

A4: Absolutely! Leftover air fryer brownies store very well. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Wrap individual brownie squares tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw frozen brownies at room temperature before serving.

Q5: Can I add different toppings or mix-ins to these brownies?

A5: Yes, definitely! This recipe is a great base for customization. Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins like chocolate chips (semi-sweet, dark, milk, or white), chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds), peanut butter chips, toffee bits, or even chunks of your favorite candy bars. You can also add toppings after baking, such as frosting, caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or fresh berries. Get creative and make them your own!

We hope these FAQs address any questions you might have about making air fryer brownies. Now, go ahead and bake up a batch of these incredibly easy and delicious treats and enjoy!

Print