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

Air fryers are a versatile appliance that can be used for more than just frying foods. They can also be used to bake, and one popular baked good that can be made in an air fryer is brownies. Making brownies in an air fryer is a convenient option for those who want a quick and easy dessert without having to turn on the oven.

There are two main ways to make brownies in an air fryer: from a box mix or from scratch. Box mixes are a convenient option as they already contain all the dry ingredients needed, such as flour, sugar, and cocoa powder. To make brownies from a box mix in an air fryer, simply prepare the batter according to the package instructions and pour it into a greased pan that fits in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to a temperature between 320-350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the brownies for around 15-20 minutes, depending on the model of the air fryer.

It is also possible to make brownies from scratch in an air fryer. This involves mixing together wet and dry ingredients, such as flour, cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, and oil, and pouring the batter into a greased pan. The cooking instructions are similar to those for box mix brownies, with a cooking time of around 15-20 minutes at a temperature of around 330-350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Some tips for making brownies in an air fryer include using a smaller pan (around 7-8 inches) to ensure even cooking, greasing the pan well, and checking the brownies frequently during cooking to avoid burning. Additionally, it is important to allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Ingredients and preparation

Making brownies in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth without having to turn on your oven. Here is a list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions to help you make delicious air-fried brownies:

Ingredients:

• Boxed Brownie Mix: Provides all the dry ingredients such as flour, sugar, and cocoa powder. You can also make your own mix from scratch using flour, cocoa powder, sugar, butter, eggs, vegetable oil, salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent, giving structure to the brownie batter and ensuring a moist, chewy texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture to the batter, creating a tender crumb and preventing dryness during baking.
• Water: Necessary to hydrate the dry mix and create the desired consistency for the batter.
• Mix-ins (optional): You can customise your brownies by adding mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or caramel swirls.

Preparation:

• Make the brownie batter: Follow the instructions on the box and mix well. If making the batter from scratch, combine all the wet and dry ingredients in a large bowl and stir until thoroughly mixed.
• Prepare the baking pan: Line a baking pan with parchment paper or aluminium foil, or spray it with cooking spray. A 7-inch or 8-inch square or round pan is ideal, but you can also use silicone liners or small air fryer-safe dishes or molds.
• Spread the batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
• Air fry the brownies: Set your air fryer to the Air Fry setting at 320-350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the pan in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-20 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your brownies, so keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
• Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool before slicing and serving. They will continue to cook and set as they cool. You can also refrigerate them to give them a fudgier texture.

Tips:

• Use room-temperature eggs for lighter, fluffier brownies.
• Check on your brownies frequently, especially if using a thicker pan, as they may need more time to cook.
• Use parchment paper or aluminium foil on the bottom of your pan for easier removal and cleaner cuts.
• Be aware that different types of pans can affect cooking time. Metal pans cook faster than glass dishes.
• To prevent the brownies from burning on top, loosely cover them with aluminium foil halfway through the cooking process.

Air fryer settings and cooking times

When making brownies in an air fryer, it is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, the type of pan used, and the thickness of the brownie batter.

Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to around 320-350°F (165-177°C). The cooking time can range from 12 to 30 minutes, but it is important to keep an eye on the brownies and adjust the time as needed.

For example, one recipe suggests baking the brownies for 25 minutes at 330°F (165°C) in an 8-inch metal pan. However, if you are using a silicone pan, they recommend adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Another recipe recommends baking the brownies for 12-15 minutes at 350°F, checking the brownies frequently and adding more time as needed in 5-minute intervals.

It is also important to note that the brownies will continue to cook and firm up as they cool, so it is best to let them cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips and tricks

• Use room-temperature eggs for a lighter, fluffier brownie.
• Check on your brownies frequently, especially if you are using a thicker pan. The thicker the brownie batter, the longer it will take to cook.
• Be mindful of the type of pan you are using. Metal pans cook faster than glass dishes. Investing in a good metal brownie pan is recommended.
• Use parchment paper or aluminium foil on the bottom of your pan to make it easier to cut and remove the brownies.
• Be aware that air fryer brownies will continue to cook even after you take them out of the air fryer. To check if they are done, insert a knife into the centre; if it comes out with a few crumbs, they are ready.
• If you are making gluten-free brownies, check on them every 5 minutes to monitor how quickly they are cooking.
• You can substitute butter for oil in a 1:1 ratio. For example, if your recipe calls for 1/2 cup of oil, use 1/2 cup of melted butter instead.
• You can also use milk or heavy cream instead of water.
• If you have an egg allergy, use unsweetened applesauce as a replacement. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce for every egg the box recipe calls for.
• To prevent the brownies from burning on top, cover them loosely with aluminium foil halfway through the cooking time.
• If you are adding mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or swirls of caramel, gently fold them into the batter before pouring it into the baking pan.
• To store leftover brownies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate or freeze them for longer shelf life.

Serving suggestions

Ice Cream

A warm brownie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is a classic dessert option. You could also experiment with different ice cream flavours, such as peppermint or pecan, to find your favourite combination.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of homemade whipped cream can be a delicious addition to your brownie. For an extra touch, add a cherry on top!

Drizzle With Sauce

Melt some hot fudge, caramel, or butterscotch sauce and drizzle it over your brownie for an extra indulgent treat.

Powdered Sugar

A light dusting of powdered sugar can be the perfect finishing touch to your brownie. This simple addition provides a subtle sweetness and a beautiful presentation.

Milk

A glass of cold milk is a classic pairing with brownies. It can help balance the richness of the dessert and provide a refreshing contrast.

Tea or Coffee

Your air fryer brownies can also be enjoyed with a hot drink, such as tea or coffee. This combination is perfect for a mid-afternoon treat or a relaxing evening indulgence.

Storage and reheating

Storing and reheating brownies are essential steps to ensure their freshness, moisture, and optimal taste. Here are some detailed guidelines for storing and reheating brownies, specifically focusing on those made in an air fryer:

Storing Brownies:

• Room Temperature Storage:
• For short-term storage, keep the air fryer brownies at room temperature in an airtight container. This method preserves freshness for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual brownie pieces in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in the container.
• You can also leave the uncut brownies in the baking pan, covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Avoid refrigerating brownies, as it can dry them out.
• Refrigeration:
• If you want to store the air fryer brownies for up to a week or prefer them fudgier, refrigeration is recommended.
• Double-seal the brownies to prevent air and food odours from affecting them. First, wrap the cooled brownies tightly with plastic wrap, then with aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight container.
• Brownies with toppings or mix-ins that require refrigeration, such as cream cheese or other dairy products, should be stored in the fridge.
• Freezing:
• Freezing is ideal if you plan to store the air fryer brownies for more than a week or want to bake them ahead of time.
• Cut the brownies into individual servings, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container.
• Label the container with the date, and consume the frozen brownies within three months for the best quality.
• When ready to eat, thaw the frozen brownies at room temperature for about 1-2 hours or leave them in the fridge overnight.

Reheating Brownies:

• Oven:
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the brownies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Heat the brownies for 10-15 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• For a crisp exterior, cover the brownies with foil while reheating.
• For extra moisture, sprinkle a few drops of water on top of the brownies before reheating or brush the tops with melted butter.
• Microwave:
• Place a brownie on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.
• Heat the brownie in 10-15 second intervals, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• For multiple brownies, increase the heating time slightly and space them apart on the plate.
• Air Fryer:
• Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
• Place the brownies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
• Heat for 2-3 minutes, then check if they have reached the desired warmth.
• For a slightly crisp exterior and a soft interior, this method works well.
• For extra indulgence, add a small pat of butter on top of each brownie before reheating.

Frequently asked questions