Air Fryer Brownies: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to make a variety of dishes, including brownies. Air fryer brownies are a convenient and quick way to satisfy your sweet tooth without heating up the entire house. They are perfect for making a small batch of brownies and can be customised with different ingredients to suit your taste preferences. The cooking time and temperature settings may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, but the basic process involves preparing the brownie batter, pouring it into a suitable pan, and air frying until the brownies are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Air fryer brownies recipe and ingredients

Air fryer brownies are perfect for when you want a small batch of delicious brownies without having to turn on the oven. They are also a great option if you want to avoid heating up your house. You can make these brownies using a variety of ingredients and methods, depending on your preferences. Here is a detailed guide to help you make delicious air fryer brownies:

Ingredients:

• Flour – You can use different types of flour, such as whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, or gluten-free flour. For a gluten-free option, you can use Bob's Red Mill Gluten-free 1-to-1 Baking Flour.
• Cocoa Powder – Dutch-process cocoa powder is recommended for a richer chocolate flavor. If you don't have that, you can use Hershey's Special Dark or natural cocoa powder (regular Hershey's kind). However, using natural cocoa powder may result in cakier brownies.
• Fat – You can use coconut oil, butter, or a combination of both. If you use butter, keep a closer eye on the brownies as they may dry out more quickly. Refined coconut oil is recommended if you don't want a coconut taste in your brownies.
• Sugar – You can use granulated sugar or coconut sugar. It is not recommended to use liquid sweeteners as they can affect the texture of the brownies.
• Egg – The recipe typically calls for one large egg. If you need an egg substitute for vegan brownies, you can try using a vegan brownie recipe or egg replacers, although the texture may vary.
• Chocolate Chips (optional) – You can add chocolate chips to the batter or sprinkle them on top before baking. This adds extra chocolatey goodness to your brownies.

Recipe:

• Prepare the pan – Line a 6" circular cake pan or a 7-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it generously with butter on the bottom and sides.
• Make the batter – In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, and salt (if using). In a separate large mixing bowl, mix the melted fat (coconut oil and/or butter), sugar, and vanilla extract. Once combined, add the egg and stir until just combined.
• Combine dry and wet ingredients – Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until there are almost no streaks of flour left. Be careful not to overmix, as it can incorporate too much air and change the texture of the brownies.
• Add mix-ins (optional) – If desired, fold in 1/4 cup of chocolate chips or your favorite nuts into the batter.
• Preheat the air fryer – Set the temperature to 330-340°F (165-170°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes while you prepare the rest of the batter.
• Bake the brownies – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle mini chocolate chips or nuts on top (if desired). Place the pan in the preheated air fryer and bake for 10-15 minutes. The baking time may vary depending on your air fryer model. The brownies are done when they have formed a thin crust and appear set in the middle.
• Cool and serve – Remove the brownies from the air fryer and let them cool completely before removing them from the pan and cutting them into pieces. You can store them at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate them for a fudgier texture.

Tips:

• It is important to use a pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket without touching the sides to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• The color of the pan can also affect the baking time. Darker or glass pans will bake the brownies more quickly than lighter, shiny aluminum pans.
• It is recommended to stay close to the air fryer and check on the brownies frequently to avoid overcooking.
• To test the doneness of the brownies, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out wet, while a toothpick inserted into the sides should have some moist crumbs but not raw batter.
• You can add mix-ins such as nuts, chocolate chips, or caramel swirls to the batter before baking to customize your brownies.

Air fryer brownies cooking time and temperature

Air fryer brownies are a great alternative to oven-baked brownies, especially if you want a small batch and don't want to heat up your kitchen. The cooking time and temperature for air fryer brownies vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the type of pan you use. Here is a guide to help you achieve perfect brownies in your air fryer.

Air Fryer Temperature:

The general recommendation is to set your air fryer temperature 30 degrees Fahrenheit lower than you would for an oven. Most recipes suggest preheating your air fryer to around 330-350°F (165-175°C) for brownies.

Air Fryer Cooking Time:

The cooking time for air fryer brownies typically ranges from 10 to 25 minutes. However, it's important to note that air fryer models vary, and the cooking time can be affected by factors such as the wattage of your air fryer, the colour and material of your pan, and the thickness of your brownie batter.

Checking for Doneness:

To check if your brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the centre. The brownies are ready when the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. The brownies will continue to cook and set as they cool, so don't overbake them.

Tips for Success:

• Use a smaller pan: A 6-inch or 7-inch pan is ideal for air fryer brownies. If you use a larger pan, you may need to reduce the cooking time.
• Grease your pan: Generously grease your pan with butter or use a non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the brownies.
• Stay close: Keep an eye on your brownies while they're cooking, as air fryer models vary, and you may need to adjust the cooking time.
• Cool completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting and serving. Warm brownies tend to crumble and may be difficult to cut into neat squares.

Air fryer brownies are a convenient and delicious treat. By following the above guidelines for cooking time and temperature, you can achieve perfect, fudgy brownies without turning on your oven. Enjoy experimenting with this fun and easy way to make brownies!

Air fryer brownies cooking tips

Ingredients

Air fryer brownies are made with standard brownie ingredients. You will need:

• Flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
• Cocoa powder (Dutch-processed or natural)
• Fat (coconut oil, butter, or vegetable oil)
• Sugar (granulated, coconut, or brown)
• Egg
• Chocolate chips (optional)

Preparation

First, prepare your batter. Then, preheat your air fryer to 330–350 °F (165–170 °C). Grease a 6–8" round or square cake pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray, and pour in the batter.

Cooking

Place the pan in the air fryer basket and bake for 10–15 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out wet, or with a few moist crumbs, but not raw batter. If the toothpick comes out clean, your brownies are overdone.

Cooling and Storage

Let the brownies cool completely before serving or storing. They can be stored at room temperature for up to four days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week to give them a fudgier texture. You can also freeze them for up to three months.

Air fryer brownies storage

Air fryer brownies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three or four days. They can also be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to two or three months.

To freeze the brownies, remove them from the pan or ramekin and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.

For a fudgier texture, brownies can be refrigerated.

Air fryer brownies variations

Air fryer brownies can be made in many different ways and can be adapted to be gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan. Here are some variations for you to try:

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Brownies

You can make gluten-free and dairy-free brownies by using gluten-free flour and dairy-free chocolate chips. For the fat, use refined coconut oil, which will give your brownies a traditional taste without any hint of coconut.

Vegan Brownies

For vegans, or those with egg allergies, you can make vegan brownies by substituting the eggs with unsweetened applesauce. Use a ratio of 1/4 cup of applesauce for every egg the recipe calls for.

Fudgy and Cakey Brownies

For a mix of fudgy and cakey brownies, use a mix of plain flour and cocoa powder. For a more cakey texture, use natural cocoa powder (such as the regular Hershey's kind). For a fudgy texture, use Dutch-process cocoa powder.

Chocolate Chips and Nuts

You can add chocolate chips to your brownies for an extra melty, chocolatey treat. Alternatively, you can add nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or peanuts for some extra crunch.

Other Mix-Ins

For a unique twist, you can add mix-ins such as candy bar pieces (Snickers, Kit-Kats, or M&Ms), a sprinkle of sea salt, or a chocolate drizzle on top.

Frosting

For an extra special treat, top your brownies with a chocolate fudge frosting.

Other Variations

You can also experiment with different types of flour, such as almond flour or coconut flour, or try adding vegetables like zucchini or applesauce to make your brownies healthier.

Frequently asked questions