Making Brownies In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can make brownies in an air fryer! They're a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious brownies at home. The prep time is under 6 minutes and you can use standard pantry ingredients.

Air fryer brownies are perfect for when you want a small batch of brownies and don't want to turn on the oven. They're also great if you want to avoid heating up the whole house.

The cooking time for air fryer brownies is generally between 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the recipe and your air fryer model. It's important to note that air fryer pans can affect baking time, with darker or glass pans radiating more heat and reducing baking time compared to shiny aluminium materials.

You can make air fryer brownies with different types of flour, such as all-purpose flour, gluten-free flour, almond flour, or coconut flour. You can also customise your brownies by adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or caramel bits.

So, if you're craving some brownies but don't want to use your oven, give air fryer brownies a try! They're a convenient and tasty treat.

Air fryer brownies vs. oven-baked brownies

Air fryer brownies are a quick and convenient way to make a small batch of brownies without having to turn on the oven. They are perfect for when you want a quick dessert without heating up the whole house. Here is a comparison between air fryer brownies and oven-baked brownies:

Temperature and Time:

• Air Fryer Brownies: Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to around 325°F to 350°F. The baking time varies depending on the air fryer model, but it typically ranges from 10 to 20 minutes for a 6-inch pan. For smaller ramekins, the baking time can be as short as 4-5 minutes.
• Oven-Baked Brownies: The oven temperature for baking brownies is usually set at 350°F. The baking time can range from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the pan and the desired doneness.

Pans and Batch Size:

• Air Fryer Brownies: Air fryer brownies are typically baked in smaller pans, such as 6-inch or 7-inch round or square pans, or in individual ramekins. The smaller batch size is ideal for a quick dessert for a small group.
• Oven-Baked Brownies: Traditional oven-baked brownies can be made in larger pans, such as 9x13-inch pans, resulting in a larger batch. However, you can also adjust the recipe for a smaller batch if desired.

Texture and Taste:

• Air Fryer Brownies: The texture of air fryer brownies can vary depending on the recipe and baking time. They can be fudgy, gooey, or cakey. The taste can also vary based on the type of chocolate and cocoa used. Some recipes produce a more intense chocolate flavor than others.
• Oven-Baked Brownies: Oven-baked brownies can also have different textures depending on the recipe and baking time. They can be fudgy, chewy, or cakey. The taste can be customized by using different types of chocolate and mix-ins, such as nuts or chocolate chips.

Pros and Cons:

• Air Fryer Brownies: The main advantage of air fryer brownies is the convenience of making a small batch without heating up the entire oven. They are quick, easy, and perfect for portion control. However, the baking time and temperature can vary significantly between different air fryer models, so experimentation may be needed to get consistent results.
• Oven-Baked Brownies: Oven-baked brownies offer more flexibility in terms of batch size and allow for a more even bake due to the consistent heat distribution in an oven. However, they may take longer to bake and can heat up the kitchen, especially during the warmer months.

In conclusion, both air fryer brownies and oven-baked brownies have their advantages. Air fryer brownies are ideal for small batches, quick desserts, and avoiding heating up the kitchen. Oven-baked brownies offer more flexibility in batch size and are suitable for making larger quantities. Experiment with both methods to see which one works best for your preferences and equipment.

The best type of pan to use

You can use a round or square cake pan, a loaf pan, or even a silicone baking tray. If your pan is larger than the recommended size, you may need to cut the recipe in half. If you're using a dark or glass pan, keep in mind that these materials radiate more heat and will reduce the baking time.

Additionally, it's important to grease your pan generously with butter or another suitable substance to prevent the brownies from sticking. You can also line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

How to create a fudgy texture

To create a fudgy texture, you can use cocoa powder, butter or coconut oil, and granulated sugar or coconut sugar.

• Use Dutch-process cocoa powder for a smoother chocolate flavor. If you don't have that, you can use Hershey's Special Dark as a substitute. Using natural cocoa powder (the regular Hershey's kind) may make your brownies a bit cakier.
• If you want to avoid any coconut taste in your brownies, use refined coconut oil instead of unrefined coconut oil. Butter also works great, but keep a closer eye on the brownies as they will dry out more quickly.
• Use granulated sugar or coconut sugar. If you want to use a liquid sweetener instead, be aware that this may affect the texture of your brownies.
• Don't overmix the batter! Overmixing incorporates too much air into the batter, which can change the texture of your brownies.
• The color of your pan can also affect the fudginess of your brownies. Darker or glass pans will radiate more heat and bake your brownies more quickly than lighter, shiny aluminum pans.
• If you want to make your brownies even fudgier, you can refrigerate them after they've cooled.

How to create a shiny and thin crust

To create a thin and shiny crust on your brownies, follow these steps:

• Prepare your 7-inch or 8-inch baking pan by generously greasing it with butter on the bottom and all sides. You can also use a 6-inch round pan, which fits perfectly in most air fryers. Set aside.
• Preheat your air fryer to 330-340°F (165-170°C) and let it run for about 5 minutes while you prepare the brownie batter.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. You can sift the flour and cocoa powder first to remove any lumps.
• Add the wet ingredients: melted butter or oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and any mix-ins such as chocolate chips or nuts. Stir until you have a thick and smooth batter with no dry pockets of flour.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top.
• Place the pan in the preheated air fryer and bake for 15-25 minutes. The baking time may vary depending on the size and type of pan you use, as well as the wattage of your air fryer.
• To check if the brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. The brownies will continue to cook a little as they cool.
• Remove the pan from the air fryer and let the brownies cool completely before removing them from the pan and cutting them into squares.

By following these steps, you will achieve a thin and shiny crust on your air fryer brownies. Enjoy your delicious treat!

The best type of chocolate to use

The type of chocolate you use in your brownies can make or break the dessert. Here are some tips to help you choose the best chocolate for your air fryer brownies:

• Cocoa Powder: Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-processed, for a smoother and more intense chocolate flavour. If you can't find Dutch-processed cocoa, Hershey's Special Dark is a good alternative. Natural cocoa powder (like regular Hershey's) can make your brownies cakier.
• Chocolate Chips: Use high-quality chocolate chips for a more indulgent experience. Ghirardelli's 60% Cacao Bittersweet Baking Chips or Enjoy Life's Dark Chocolate Morsels are excellent choices.
• Dark Chocolate: If you want to take your brownies to the next level, add some roughly chopped dark chocolate. This will create pockets of gooey chocolate and make your brownies even fudgier.
• Milk Chocolate: While dark chocolate is more common, you can also use milk chocolate for a sweeter brownie. Just be aware that not all types/brands will melt smoothly.
• White Chocolate: For a creative twist, consider adding white chocolate chips to your brownies. This will create a delicious flavour contrast.

Frequently asked questions