Air-Fried Brownies: A Quick, Easy Treat?

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for more than just frying. They can also be used for baking, and one popular dessert that can be made in an air fryer is brownies. Air fryer brownies are a quick and convenient way to satisfy your chocolate cravings without having to turn on the oven. With an air fryer, you can make a small batch of brownies that are fudgy, gooey, and perfect for when you don't want to heat up the entire house. While the cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your air fryer, the process is relatively simple and can result in delicious, indulgent treats.

Air fryer brownies recipe

Air fryers are incredibly versatile, and you can even use them to make brownies! This is a great option if you don't have an oven or if you want to make a small batch of brownies without heating up your entire house. Plus, you can get awesome results and achieve brownie perfection with the right recipe and tools.

Ingredients

• Butter
• Chocolate/cocoa powder
• Eggs
• Flour
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Baking soda
• Oil
• Applesauce
• Water
• Chocolate chips (optional)

You can also add some mix-ins like walnuts, fresh berries, sprinkles, or white chocolate chips. If you want to make your brownies extra chocolatey, you can use bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips.

Method

Now, let's get into the method for making air fryer brownies:

• Preheat your air fryer. Different recipes suggest different temperatures, ranging from 160°C to 360°F (180°C/350°F, 325°F, 330°F/165°C, and 165°C are some specific suggestions).
• Prepare your pan. You can use a 6-inch or 7-inch round or square cake pan, or you can use ramekins if you want to make individual brownies. Grease your pan or ramekins with butter or baking spray, and line it with parchment paper if desired.
• Melt the butter and chocolate. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second bursts or over a low heat on the stove. Let the mixture cool slightly.
• In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. You can also add baking soda if you're using it.
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients: oil, applesauce, water, vanilla extract, and eggs. Mix until you have a thick brownie batter.
• Fold in your mix-ins of choice, such as chocolate chips or walnuts.
• Pour the batter into your prepared pan or ramekins.
• Bake the brownies. Depending on the recipe and your air fryer, baking times can vary from 4-5 minutes for ramekins to up to 40-45 minutes for a pan. The ideal baking time seems to be around 25 minutes, but this will depend on your air fryer's wattage and the type of pan you're using. You can check if your brownies are done by inserting a toothpick into the centre; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
• Let the brownies cool before slicing. If you slice them while they're still warm, they may crumble and be harder to cut.

Tips

• If you're using a silicone pan, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
• Don't let the brownies cool in the air fryer basket, as they may overcook.
• You can store leftover brownies at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for longer. You can also freeze them for up to two months.
• If you want to deepen the chocolate flavor, add a bit of instant espresso powder or coffee to your batter.

Air fryer brownies cooking time

Air fryer brownies are a quick and convenient way to make a delicious dessert without turning on the oven. The cooking time for brownies in an air fryer can vary depending on several factors such as the wattage of the air fryer, the type of pan used, and the desired level of doneness.

Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer before adding the brownie batter. The preheating temperature is typically around 330°F (165°C), although some recipes suggest higher temperatures of up to 360°F. The cooking time for brownies in an air fryer can range from as little as 11 minutes to as long as 45 minutes or even an hour. It's important to keep an eye on the brownies and adjust the cooking time as needed to avoid overcooking or undercooking.

For example, one recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 330°F and then baking the brownies for 25 minutes. After this time, the brownies should have a smooth and shiny top with set edges. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. If the brownies are not quite baked, they can be cooked for an additional five minutes.

Another recipe suggests a shorter cooking time of 15 minutes at 330°F. The brownies are considered done when the top has a crackly appearance, the edges are set, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a fudgy batter consistency. This recipe emphasizes the importance of allowing the brownies to cool fully before slicing, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.

It's worth noting that the type of pan used can also affect the cooking time. For instance, if a silicone pan is used, the baking time may need to be increased by 5-10 minutes. Additionally, cooking times may vary depending on factors such as altitude and the thickness of the pan.

Air fryer brownies cooling and slicing

Once your brownies are baked, it's important to let them cool down before slicing. If you slice the brownies while they are still warm, they will crumble and be harder to cut. Be patient and allow them to cool down in the pan before removing and cutting. The brownies will continue to bake as they sit in the pan and will firm up as they cool.

Different recipes suggest different baking times for brownies in the air fryer. Some sources recommend baking the brownies for 25 minutes at 330°F (165°C), while others suggest 10-14 minutes at 340°F (170°C) or 30 minutes at 360°F. It's important to note that air fryers vary in wattage, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you use a silicone pan, you will likely need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

To test if your brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. The toothpick should come out with some moist crumbs, but not wet batter. If the toothpick comes out with batter, the brownies need to be baked for a few minutes longer.

Once your brownies have cooled, you can slice them into squares. It is recommended to store brownies in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week to give them a fudgier texture.

Air fryer brownies mix-ins

Air fryers are a great alternative to baking brownies in the oven. They are perfect for when you want a small batch of brownies and don't want to heat up the entire kitchen. Plus, you can get awesome results with a fudgy, flaky texture and a slightly chewy crust.

When it comes to mix-ins for your air fryer brownies, there are several options to consider. Firstly, it's important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the wattage of your air fryer, so adjust accordingly. Now, let's dive into some mouth-watering mix-in ideas:

Peanut Butter Swirl

Add a generous swirl of peanut butter to your brownie batter before baking. Simply heat the peanut butter for a few seconds to soften it, then swirl it into the batter. This mix-in is a great way to add a creamy, nutty flavour to your brownies.

Extra Chocolate

If you're a chocoholic, consider adding extra chocolate chips or chunks to your brownie batter. You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or a combination of both. This mix-in will take your brownies to the next level of indulgence.

Walnuts or Other Nuts

Chopped walnuts are a classic addition to brownies. They provide a crunchy texture and a boost of flavour. Alternatively, you can experiment with other nuts like pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces before mixing them into the batter.

Marshmallows

Mini marshmallows can be added to the brownie batter or used as a topping. If using them as a topping, cut slits on the top of the brownie after baking and place the marshmallows inside. The marshmallows will melt slightly and create a delicious, gooey treat.

Creative Combinations

Feel free to get creative and combine multiple mix-ins. For example, you could add chocolate chips and walnuts or marshmallows and crushed pretzels. The possibilities are endless! Just remember to add the mix-ins in moderation to avoid overloading the batter.

Air fryer brownies vs oven-baked brownies

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to conventional ovens, and they can be used to make brownies that are just as tasty. Air fryer brownies are perfect for when you want a small batch of brownies and don't want to turn on the oven, especially during hot weather. They are also a good option if you want to avoid heating up your entire house.

The process of making brownies in an air fryer is similar to that of an oven. You prepare the brownie batter by mixing the ingredients, such as flour, cocoa powder, sugar, butter, eggs, and chocolate, and then bake it. However, there are a few key differences to note. Firstly, air fryers have smaller baskets, so you will need to use a smaller pan or bake in batches. Secondly, air fryers vary in wattage and model, so the baking time may differ, and you may need to adjust it accordingly. It is recommended to check on your brownies frequently to avoid overcooking them. Additionally, the type of pan you use can impact the baking time. Darker or glass pans will bake brownies more quickly than lighter, shiny aluminum pans.

The ideal brownie has a thin, shiny, slightly chewy crust and a gooey, fudgy middle. Air fryer brownies can achieve this perfection with the right recipe and tools. The baking time for air fryer brownies typically ranges from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the model and wattage of the air fryer. It is important to preheat the air fryer before baking and to allow the brownies to cool before slicing them.

On the other hand, oven-baked brownies offer the advantage of being able to bake a larger batch in a single go. The baking time for oven-baked brownies is generally shorter, ranging from 10 to 14 minutes at a temperature of 350°F (175°C). However, the main difference lies in the cooking mechanism. Ovens use radiant heat to cook food, while air fryers circulate hot air around the food, resulting in a more even cook. This difference in cooking method can lead to variations in the texture and taste of the brownies.

Frequently asked questions