There’s something special about a warm, fudgy brownie. The rich chocolate taste and gooey texture make it the perfect treat. But who wants to wait an hour for the oven to heat up? With an air fryer, you can make brownies in a fraction of the time, with less mess. If you’re looking for an easier way to bake brownies, you’re in the right place.
Why We Love This
Quick and Effortless Baking
Baking brownies in an air fryer is a game changer. Gone are the days of preheating the oven and waiting for it to reach the perfect temperature. With an air fryer, you can have fresh brownies in about 20 minutes, which is perfect when you’re craving something sweet but don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen.
Perfect Texture
When it comes to brownies, texture is key. Air fryer brownies deliver the perfect combination of crispy edges and a gooey center. The hot air circulation in the air fryer helps the outer layer crisp up beautifully, while the inside stays moist and fudgy—just the way you want it.
Minimal Cleanup
Let’s face it—cleaning up after baking can be a pain. But with the air fryer, there’s less mess to deal with. You won’t have to worry about scrubbing baking sheets or dealing with excess batter spilling all over the place. A simple greased baking dish or parchment paper does the trick, making cleanup a breeze.
Energy Efficient
Using an air fryer is more energy-efficient than heating up an entire oven, especially when you’re just making a small batch of brownies. It takes less time to preheat and uses less energy, which is both eco-friendly and budget-friendly.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Brownies
Making air fryer brownies requires only a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Brownie Mix – Using a pre-made brownie mix is a great shortcut for making air fryer brownies quickly. It ensures a consistent texture and flavor with minimal effort. You can opt for your favorite mix for the best results.
Eggs – Eggs are essential to bind the ingredients together, providing structure and moisture. They also help create a fudgy texture when baked.
Oil – Oil is used to add moisture and tenderness to your brownies, helping to create that perfect, chewy consistency. Vegetable oil or canola oil works best.
How to Make Air Fryer Brownies
Making brownies in the air fryer is straightforward. Follow these simple steps to get the perfect fudgy brownies:
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Melt the Butter: Start by melting the unsalted butter. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop. Once melted, allow it to cool for a minute.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra burst of flavor.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder to ensure there are no lumps. This will help your brownies stay smooth and even.
Mix It All Together: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make your brownies dense, so stop as soon as the ingredients are fully incorporated. Finally, stir in the milk to achieve a smooth batter.
Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 325°F (160°C) and preheat it for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures the brownies bake evenly.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a small baking dish (or a cake pan) that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. If you prefer easy removal and cleanup, you can line the dish with parchment paper.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
Pour the Batter: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly.
Air Fry: Place the dish in the preheated air fryer and cook at 325°F (160°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Check the brownies for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready!
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Allow the brownies to cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes before slicing them into squares. This will give them time to firm up and become easier to handle. Now, all that’s left is to enjoy your perfectly air-fried brownies!
Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Brownies
Here are some expert tips to make sure your brownies come out perfectly every time:
Don’t Overmix the Batter
While it’s important to fully combine your ingredients, don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in dense and dry brownies. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated, and you’ll have soft, fudgy brownies.
Check Early
Air fryers cook quickly, so be sure to check your brownies at the 12-minute mark. Start testing for doneness early, as cooking times can vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer.
Use Parchment Paper
If you want to make cleanup even easier, line your baking dish with parchment paper. This will allow you to lift the brownies out of the dish without any hassle, and it also prevents sticking.
Experiment with Add-ins
Feel free to get creative! Add in chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter or caramel for a unique twist on your brownies. The possibilities are endless!
Variations on Air Fryer Brownies
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your air fryer brownies! Here are some fun variations to try:
Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
Want to take your brownies to the next level? Try adding a peanut butter swirl! Simply drop spoonfuls of peanut butter onto the brownie batter before cooking, and swirl it in with a knife for a creamy, nutty flavor.
Mint Chocolate Brownies
For a refreshing twist, add a few drops of peppermint extract to your batter and mix in some mint chocolate chips. It’s like having a minty chocolate dessert in every bite.
Vegan Brownies
For a vegan-friendly option, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons of water) and use dairy-free butter. You’ll still get that rich, fudgy texture without the animal products.
Gluten-Free Brownies
If you need gluten-free brownies, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. The result will be just as decadent, but suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Serving Air Fryer Brownies
Now that your brownies are baked and ready, it’s time to serve them! Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your brownie experience:
With Ice Cream: Serve your brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The combination of hot and cold is irresistible.
Topped with Fresh Berries: Add a touch of freshness with some berries like raspberries, strawberries, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
As a Snack: Enjoy your brownies on their own as a quick afternoon treat or a late-night snack.
More brownie recipes you will love!
FAQs About Air Fryer Brownies
1. Can You Make Brownies in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Air fryers are perfect for baking brownies, giving you that crispy exterior and fudgy interior you love.
2. How Long Should I Cook Air Fryer Brownies?
Air fryer brownies typically take about 15-20 minutes at 325°F (160°C). Be sure to check for doneness using a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
3. Can I Use a Brownie Mix in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can! Simply follow the instructions on the brownie mix package, adjusting the cooking time as necessary based on your air fryer model.
4. Can I Bake Air Fryer Brownies Without Parchment Paper?
You can, but parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup much easier. It’s highly recommended for the best results.
5. Why Are My Air Fryer Brownies Dry?
Dry brownies often result from overbaking. Be sure to check your brownies early and remove them as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Air Fryer Brownies
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup milk or water
Instructions
- Melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop. Let it cool for a minute.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl to avoid lumps. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Add milk to achieve a smooth batter.
- Preheat the air fryer to 325°F (160°C) for 3-5 minutes. Grease a small baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the dish.
- Place the dish in the preheated air fryer and cook at 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready!
- Allow the brownies to cool in the dish for 10 minutes before slicing them into squares. Serve and enjoy!