Air-Fried Brownies: Baking Them Right

Air fryers are one of the most popular kitchen appliances of recent years, and they can be used for more than just meat and vegetables. You can also make desserts in an air fryer, including brownies. Air fryer brownies are perfect if you don't want to make a whole batch or don't want to heat up your house by turning on the oven. They're quick and easy to make, and you can make them traditionally or gluten-free and dairy-free.

Air fryer brownies recipe and ingredients

Air Fryer Brownies: Ingredients and Recipe

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 entire house.

Ingredients:

• Flour – You can use all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, or a gluten-free flour blend.
• Cocoa Powder – Use unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably a good quality dark cocoa powder.
• Fat – You can use butter, margarine, coconut oil, or another type of oil. If using coconut oil, choose refined coconut oil for a more neutral flavour.
• Sugar – Granulated sugar or light brown sugar can be used. You can also substitute coconut sugar or another granulated sugar alternative.
• Eggs – This is necessary for binding the ingredients together.
• Flavourings – Vanilla extract or paste is commonly used, but feel free to experiment with other extracts like orange or almond.
• Chocolate Chips – These are optional but can be mixed into the batter or sprinkled on top before baking.

Recipe:

• Prepare your pan – Grease a 7-inch or 8-inch square or round baking pan with butter or cooking spray. You can also line the pan with parchment paper.
• Preheat your air fryer – Set the temperature to between 330-340°F (165-170°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.
• Make the batter – In a large bowl, mix together your dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, and salt, if using). In a separate bowl, mix together the melted fat and sugar until combined. Then, add the eggs and any flavourings and mix well. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until you have a thick, smooth batter.
• Add batter to the pan – Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. If desired, sprinkle some chocolate chips on top.
• Bake the brownies – Place the pan in the preheated air fryer and bake for 15-25 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. The baking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them.
• Cool and serve – Remove the brownies from the air fryer and let them cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Tips:

• If you're using a silicone pan, you may need to increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
• You can check on the brownies as often as you like without affecting their texture.
• For a fudgier texture, store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How to bake brownies in an air fryer

Baking brownies in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to make a delicious dessert without heating up your oven. Here is a simple guide on how to bake brownies in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, gluten-free, or alternative)
• Cocoa powder (unsweetened or Dutch-processed)
• Eggs
• Sugar (white granulated, light brown, coconut, or alternative)
• Vanilla extract
• Chocolate chips (semi-sweet, dark, or alternative)
• Salt
• Baking powder (optional)
• Vegetable oil (optional)

Optional toppings and add-ins:

• Nuts (walnuts, pecans, or roasted peanuts)
• Extra chocolate chips
• M&Ms
• Reese's Pieces
• Flaked coconut
• Freeze-dried raspberries
• Crushed Oreos
• Peanut butter

Equipment:

• Air fryer
• 6-inch, 7-inch, or 8-inch round or square cake pan (metal, silicone, or glass)
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula
• Whisk
• Parchment paper

Method:

• Prepare your cake pan by greasing it generously with butter and lining it with parchment paper. Set aside.
• In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate and butter are fully melted and smooth.
• Add sugar, egg(s), and vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture and whisk until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. If using baking powder, add it to the dry ingredients.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until well combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
• If desired, stir in any additional mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or nuts.
• Preheat your air fryer to 330°F (165°C-170°C).
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
• Place the pan in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-25 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the brownies. It should come out with a fudgy batter consistency, and the top should have a crackly appearance.
• Remove the pan from the air fryer and place it on a wire cooling rack to cool completely before cutting and serving.

Tips:

• If you prefer crispy edges on your brownies, use a metal pan instead of silicone.
• When handling the air fryer, use heat-safe silicone baking mitts or tongs as it can get very hot.
• Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting and serving. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
• For a less fudgy center, cook the brownies for an additional 3-5 minutes.
• Store leftovers at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze individually wrapped brownies for up to 3 months.

Air fryer vs oven for baking brownies

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance in recent years , and they can be used for more than just meats and veggies. You can also make desserts, including brownies that are fudgy, gooey, and delicious.

Air Fryer vs. Oven for Baking Brownies

Baking brownies in an air fryer is a great option if you don't want to turn on your oven and heat up the entire house, especially during the hot summer months. Air fryers are also perfect for making a small batch of brownies, usually enough for 4 people, whereas oven recipes often yield a larger batch. Additionally, air fryers can be a faster and more convenient option for baking brownies, as they don't require preheating and can be ready to use in just a few minutes.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when choosing between an air fryer and an oven for baking brownies. One of the main challenges is finding a pan that fits your air fryer, as most air fryers have smaller dimensions than a standard oven. You may need to use a smaller pan, such as a 6-inch or 7-inch pan, or even ramekins, which can affect the yield and texture of your brownies.

Another factor to consider is the cooking time and temperature. Air fryers vary in wattage and cooking power, so you may need to experiment with the temperature and timing to get the perfect brownies. Most recipes suggest reducing the temperature by about 30 degrees Fahrenheit and the cooking time by around 20% when compared to a conventional oven. Additionally, it's important to note that air fryers with higher wattage may cook your brownies faster, so it's crucial to keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.

In terms of convenience, both options have their advantages. While an air fryer may save you from heating up the entire oven, an oven allows you to bake a larger batch of brownies in a single go, which can be more efficient if you're baking for a crowd. Additionally, the limited counter space required for an oven is something to consider when deciding between the two appliances.

Tips for Baking Brownies in an Air Fryer

• Use smaller pans or ramekins that fit your air fryer.
• Reduce the temperature and baking time compared to a conventional oven.
• Stay close to the air fryer and check on your brownies frequently to prevent overcooking.
• Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing to ensure neat squares.

Tips for Baking Brownies in an Oven

• Use a standard-sized pan, typically an 8-inch or 9-inch square pan, for even baking.
• Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature to ensure consistent results.
• Check the brownies with a toothpick to ensure they are cooked through but still slightly fudgy in the center.

In conclusion, both air fryers and ovens can be used to bake delicious brownies, each with their own set of advantages and considerations. Choose the option that best suits your needs, keeping in mind the batch size, cooking time, and equipment compatibility. Happy baking!

Air fryer brownie toppings and customisations

There are many ways to customise and top your air fryer brownies to make them even more delicious. Here are some ideas:

Nuts

Walnuts, almonds, peanuts, and other nuts can be added to the brownie batter before baking. For example, Tanya from My Forking Life recommends adding 1/4 cup of walnuts to her air fryer brownie recipe.

Chocolate Chips

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips can be mixed into the batter or sprinkled on top of the brownie batter before baking. For example, Lucy Parissi from Supergolden Bakes uses semi-sweet chocolate chips in her air fryer brownie recipe, and Texanerin Baking's recipe includes the option to add chocolate chips to the batter or sprinkle them on top.

Drizzle

You can drizzle melted chocolate on top of your brownies for an extra indulgent touch.

Sea Salt

A sprinkle of sea salt on top of your brownies can enhance their flavour.

Marshmallows

You can cut slits on top of your brownies and add mini marshmallows, as suggested by Dianne in the comments section of My Forking Life.

Caramel

Caramel swirls can be mixed into the brownie batter, or you can drizzle caramel on top of your brownies as a serving suggestion, as suggested by Fork to Spoon.

Candy

Candy bar pieces, such as Snickers, Kit-Kats, or M&Ms, can be mixed into the batter for a fun and unique twist.

Ice Cream

A warm brownie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is a classic and indulgent dessert. Peppermint or pecan ice cream can also be used for a more unique flavour combination.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of homemade whipped cream and a cherry on top of your brownie will make for a delightful and elegant dessert.

Powdered Sugar

A light dusting of powdered sugar on top of your brownies will give them a delicate and elegant finish.

Fruits

Fresh berries or other fruits can be served on the side or used as a topping to add a touch of freshness to your brownies.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of toppings and customisations to find your favourite air fryer brownie recipe!

Air fryer brownie troubleshooting

Finding the right pan

Finding a brownie pan that fits your air fryer can be challenging. Round cake pans tend to be a safer option as an 8-inch pan fits into most air fryer baskets. If you can find a metal pan that fits your air fryer, that is ideal. Silicone pans can be used, but the baking time will need to be adjusted.

Adjusting the recipe

Air fryers are smaller than conventional ovens, so you may need to cut your brownie recipe in half. The general rule of thumb is to reduce the temperature by 30 degrees and cut the time by 20%.

Melting chocolate and butter

To melt chocolate and butter, you can use a microwave or a double boiler. If using a microwave, melt in 30-second bursts until the butter is melted. If using a double boiler, place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bowl is not in direct contact with the water.

Combining ingredients

Be sure not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to too much air being incorporated into the brownies, changing the texture.

Baking time

Air fryers vary in wattage, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. If using a silicone pan, you will likely need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Testing doneness

A toothpick inserted into the centre of the brownies will come out wet. A toothpick inserted into the sides will have some moist crumbs on it but not raw batter. The brownies will continue to bake as they cool in the pan.

Slicing and storing

Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling. Store brownies in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days or freeze for up to three months.

Frequently asked questions