Air-Fried Box Brownies: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

Yes, you can make box brownies in an air fryer! This is a great option if you want a small batch of brownies without having to turn on the oven and heat up your entire kitchen. The process is simple: prepare the brownie batter according to the package instructions, place the batter into a pan that fits in your air fryer, and cook at a temperature of around 300-350°F for 12-30 minutes. You can also get creative and add your own mix-ins to the batter, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or swirls of caramel. So, if you're craving some freshly baked brownies but don't want to deal with the oven, give this convenient air fryer method a try!

Boxed brownie mix ingredients and measurements

Boxed brownie mixes typically include all the dry ingredients you'll need, such as flour, sugar, and cocoa powder. However, you will also need to add a few extra ingredients to create the batter. Here are the ingredients and measurements for a standard box brownie mix:

• 1/2 cup of melted butter or vegetable oil
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup of milk or buttermilk
• 2 large eggs at room temperature
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
• 1/4 cup of cocoa powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of espresso powder or instant coffee (optional)

You can also add mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or caramel swirls to customise your brownies and enhance their flavour and texture.

When making brownies in an air fryer, it is important to follow the instructions on the box and adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. Additionally, using a metal pan can reduce the baking time, while glass dishes may take longer.

Step-by-step preparation method

Step 1: Prepare the brownie batter

Firstly, prepare the brownie batter according to the instructions on the box. Make sure you have all the necessary ingredients, which typically include the boxed brownie mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. You can also add some mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or caramel swirls, if desired.

Step 2: Prepare the baking pan

Line a baking pan with parchment paper or aluminium foil, or simply grease it with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will ensure the brownies don't stick to the pan and make it easier to remove them later.

Step 3: Spread the batter

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, ensuring it is spread evenly across the bottom of the pan. Place the pan inside the air fryer basket.

Step 4: Air fry the brownies

Set your air fryer to the correct temperature and time settings. The temperature should be around 320-360 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer, but generally, it should take around 12-15 minutes.

Step 5: Check the brownies and adjust timing

After the initial cooking time, carefully check on the brownies. If they need more time, put them back in for additional 5-minute intervals until they are done to your liking.

Step 6: Cool and serve

Once the brownies are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool before slicing and serving. You can also add some toppings or serve them with a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!

Tips:

• Use room-temperature eggs for a lighter, fluffier brownie texture.
• Thicker brownies will generally take longer to cook.
• Metal pans conduct heat better than glass dishes, so baking times may vary depending on the type of pan used.
• Parchment paper or aluminium foil at the bottom of your pan can make it easier to remove the brownies and cut them into portions.
• Keep an eye on your brownies to prevent overcooking or burning. You can cover them loosely with aluminium foil halfway through the cooking process if needed.
• You can also add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or caramel swirls directly into the batter before baking.

Pans to use in an air fryer

When making brownies in an air fryer, it is important to use the right type of pan to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning. Here are some options for pans that can be used in an air fryer:

Metal Baking Pans:

Metal pans are suitable for air frying, and they conduct heat efficiently, resulting in faster cooking times. Metal pans come in various sizes and shapes, such as square, round, or rectangle, to fit different air fryer models.

Glass Baking Dishes:

Glass dishes are safe to use in an air fryer, but they may require longer cooking times compared to metal pans. Glass is a good option if you want to monitor the browning of your brownies.

Silicone Baking Trays:

Silicone trays are a good alternative if you want to avoid using metal or glass. They are flexible, reusable, and easy to clean. However, ensure that the silicone trays are oven-safe and can withstand the temperature of your air fryer.

Aluminum Foil:

Using aluminum foil is a convenient option, especially if you don't want to deal with the cleanup afterward. You can shape the foil to fit your air fryer basket and even create foil packets for cooking individual portions.

Air Fryer-Specific Accessories:

There are also specific accessories designed for air fryers, such as crisper trays, baskets, and silicone liners, which can be purchased separately. These accessories are typically non-stick and designed to fit specific air fryer models, so be sure to check compatibility before purchasing.

When choosing a pan for your air fryer, ensure that it fits comfortably inside the air fryer basket with some space left for proper air circulation. Additionally, consider the height of the pan to avoid it touching the heating element of the air fryer.

Low-carb boxed brownie mix

Making low-carb boxed brownies in an air fryer is a simple and convenient way to enjoy a delicious dessert without the guilt of consuming too many carbs. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving this tasty treat:

Ingredients:

• 1 box of low-carb brownie mix (look for a mix with no sugar-free after-taste)
• 1 tablespoon of softened butter
• Optional: sugar-free whipped cream for topping

Utensils:

2 air fryer spring-form or cake barrel pans

Method:

• Butter your air fryer pans generously and set them aside.
• Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions.
• Divide the brownie batter evenly between the two pans.
• Place one pan into the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Air fry for 30 minutes. If you are using a Ninja Foodi, use the air crisp feature.
• Check the brownie for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the centre. If it comes out clean, the brownie is ready. If not, air fry for a few minutes more.
• Carefully remove the pan from the air fryer and allow the brownie to cool before cutting into portions.
• Repeat the process with the second batch.
• Enjoy your low-carb brownies as they are or with a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream on top!

Notes:

• Greasing the pans well is essential, and it is also important to prevent the batter from splattering on the sides of the pans.
• Different air fryers may vary in cooking times, so keep an eye on your brownies and adjust the timing as needed.
• The brownie mix used in this recipe has 15 grams of sugar alcohol included in the carb count, resulting in only 1 net carb per brownie.

Notes on air fryer brownies

Air fryer brownies are a quick and easy way to make a small batch of brownies without having to turn on your oven. They are also a great option for those who don't have access to a traditional oven, such as college students with a tabletop air fryer.

Ingredients

You can use a boxed brownie mix or make your own brownie batter from scratch. Here are the typical ingredients you will need for each method:

• Boxed Brownie Mix: Boxed brownie mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and optional mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or caramel swirls.
• From Scratch: All-purpose flour, cocoa powder, butter or oil, sugar, eggs, salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract. You can also add mix-ins such as nuts or chocolate chips.

Preparation

Whether you're using a boxed mix or making your own batter, the preparation process is fairly simple:

• Boxed Brownie Mix: Simply follow the instructions on the box to prepare the batter. You will typically need to mix the dry brownie mix with eggs, vegetable oil, and water.
• From Scratch: Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and stir until you have a thick batter.

Cooking

Once your batter is ready, it's time to cook your brownies in the air fryer:

• Pan Preparation: Use a pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket without touching the sides. You can line your pan with parchment paper or aluminium foil for easier removal and cleaning. Grease the pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
• Cooking Time and Temperature: Set your air fryer to the Air Fry setting and cook at 320-360 degrees F for 12-30 minutes. The exact time will depend on your air fryer model, the thickness of your brownies, and the type of pan you are using. Metal pans cook faster than glass dishes.
• Checking for Doneness: To check if your brownies are done, insert a knife or toothpick into the centre. If it comes out with a few crumbs, your brownies are ready. Be aware that air fryer brownies will continue to cook even after you take them out of the air fryer.
• Cooling: Allow the brownies to cool before slicing and serving. This will help them firm up and give them that fudgy texture.

Tips and Variations

• Use room-temperature eggs for lighter and fluffier brownies.
• Check on your brownies frequently, especially if you are using a thicker pan or a glass dish.
• Cover your brownies loosely with aluminium foil halfway through the cooking time to prevent burning.
• You can add mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, caramel swirls, or peanut butter to your batter before baking.
• For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free brownie mix or gluten-free flour with added xanthan gum.
• You can substitute butter for oil in the same quantity.
• You can use milk or heavy cream instead of water.
• If you have an egg allergy, you can use unsweetened applesauce as a replacement. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce for each egg.

Storage

Air fryer brownies can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for extended storage.

Frequently asked questions