Air-Fryer Betty Crocker Brownies: A Tasty Treat?

Air fryers are a quick and convenient way to make brownies from a box mix, and they taste just as good as oven-baked brownies. You can use any brand of boxed brownie mix, such as Betty Crocker, and add your choice of mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. The cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model and the thickness of the brownie mix, but generally, it takes around 15-30 minutes to bake at a temperature of 320-350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Boxed brownie mix in the air fryer

Making boxed brownies in an air fryer is a simple and convenient way to enjoy delicious brownies with minimal effort and time. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving perfect brownies using your air fryer:

Ingredients and Preparation:

• Boxed Brownie Mix: Choose your favourite brand of boxed brownie mix. This typically includes all the dry ingredients such as flour, sugar, and cocoa powder.
• Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent, contributing to the structure and texture of the brownies.
• Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil adds moisture to the batter, ensuring a tender crumb and preventing dryness.
• Water: Water is necessary to hydrate the dry ingredients and create the desired consistency for the batter.
• Optional Mix-ins: You can customise your brownies by adding mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or caramel swirls.

Step-by-Step Process:

• Make the Brownie Batter: Follow the instructions on the box to prepare the brownie batter, mixing all the ingredients well.
• Prepare the Baking Pan: Line a baking pan with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray. You can also use a springform pan for easy removal.
• Spread the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Place the pan in the air fryer basket.
• Air Fry the Brownies: Set your air fryer to the Air Fry setting and cook the brownies at 320-350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the brownies.
• Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool before slicing and serving. You can also add toppings or serve them with ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Tips for the Best Results:

• Use room-temperature eggs for a lighter, fluffier brownie texture.
• Check on your brownies frequently, especially if you have a thicker batch, as they may require a longer cooking time.
• Use a metal pan for faster cooking or a glass dish for a slower, more even cook.
• Line the bottom of your pan with parchment paper or aluminium foil for easier removal and cleaner cuts.
• To prevent overbaking, insert a knife into the centre of the brownies. If it comes out with a few crumbs, they are done as they will continue to cook with residual heat.
• For a gluten-free option, choose a gluten-free brownie mix and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• You can substitute butter for oil in the same quantity specified in the recipe.
• Milk or heavy cream can be used instead of water for a richer flavour.
• If you have an egg allergy, unsweetened applesauce can be used as a replacement. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce for each egg specified in the recipe.

Storage and Serving Suggestions:

• Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for a longer shelf life.
• To freeze brownies, allow them to cool completely, then slice and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months.
• Serve brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of sauce such as hot fudge or butterscotch.
• For a simple yet delicious treat, dust the brownies with powdered sugar before serving.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

Most recipes recommend setting your air fryer to the Air Fry setting and cooking your brownies at 320-350°F (160-177°C) for 12-15 minutes. However, it's important to note that different air fryer models may vary, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature slightly based on your specific air fryer.

For example, one recipe recommends cooking the brownies at 300°F (149°C) for 30 minutes, while another suggests a temperature of 330°F (166°C) and a cooking time of 33 minutes.

It's always a good idea to check on your brownies frequently, especially if this is your first time making them in an air fryer. The thicker the brownie batter, the longer it will take to cook. If you're using a metal pan, your brownies will cook faster than if you're using a glass dish.

To check if your brownies are done, insert a toothpick or knife into the centre. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready. If there is still batter on the toothpick, continue cooking in 3-5 minute intervals until done.

Keep in mind that brownies will continue to cook even after you take them out of the air fryer due to residual heat. They will also firm up and become fudgy as they cool, so it's important to let them rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

How to prepare the brownie mix

Firstly, you will need to gather the necessary ingredients and materials. These include a boxed brownie mix (such as Betty Crocker) eggs, vegetable oil, water, and any desired mix-ins such as chocolate chips or nuts. You will also need a tabletop air fryer and a baking pan that fits comfortably inside it. It is recommended to use a metal brownie pan as it cooks faster than glass dishes. Additionally, you can use parchment paper or aluminium foil on the bottom of your pan for easier removal.

Next, prepare the brownie batter by following the instructions on the box. Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined.

Once the batter is ready, it's time to spread it evenly in the prepared baking pan. Spray the pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Make sure the batter is spread evenly across the bottom of the pan.

Now, it's time to air fry the brownies. Set your air fryer to the Air Fry setting and adjust the temperature to 320-350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the pan in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the brownies and the model of your air fryer, so it's important to keep an eye on them.

After the initial cooking time, check the brownies and adjust the cooking time as needed. You can add more time in small intervals until they are done to your liking. Inserting a knife or a toothpick into the centre is a good way to check their doneness; if it comes out with a few crumbs, they are ready.

Finally, allow the brownies to cool before slicing and serving. This step is important as it allows the brownies to firm up and gives them that desirable fudgy texture. You can also top them with ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

How to prepare the air fryer

To prepare your air fryer for use, start by removing all packaging materials and cleaning all parts and accessories. Place the air fryer on a level, flat, dry surface, at least eight inches away from the wall. Some manufacturers recommend running the air fryer empty for 10 minutes before cooking to let it off-gas. There might be a slightly chemical smell, so it's a good idea to have the vents on or windows open.

When preparing food for air frying, spritz or brush on a light coat of oil, and then add your desired seasonings. If you're reheating food, you can skip the oil altogether. Lightly coat the basket of your air fryer with an oil spray to prevent sticking, then distribute your food in one even layer across the bottom for an even bake.

Tips for the best air fryer brownies

• Use room-temperature eggs for a lighter, fluffier brownie.
• Check on your brownies frequently, especially if you are using a thicker pan, as they will need longer to cook.
• Use a metal pan. Metal pans cook faster than glass dishes, which take longer.
• Use parchment paper or aluminium foil on the bottom of your pan to make it easier to remove the brownies and cut them into pieces.
• Be aware that air fryer brownies will continue to cook after you take them out of the air fryer. They are done when a knife inserted into the centre comes out with a few crumbs attached.
• If you want to avoid your brownies burning, cover them loosely with aluminium foil halfway through the cooking time.

Frequently asked questions