Air-Fried Chocolate Brownies: A Tasty Experiment

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to make a variety of dishes, both savoury and sweet. One such sweet dish that can be made in an air fryer is chocolate brownies. Air fryer brownies are a convenient and quick way to make a small batch of brownies without having to turn on the oven. The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the model of the air fryer, but the general process involves preparing the brownie batter, pouring it into a greased pan or ramekins, and air frying for around 15-25 minutes. The result is a delicious treat with a fudgy or cakey texture that can be customised with various mix-ins such as nuts, chocolate chips, or other ingredients of your choice.

Air fryer brownies recipe and ingredients

Ingredients:

• Butter or margarine
• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Eggs
• Sugar
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Chocolate chips
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract
• Unsweetened applesauce
• Water or milk

Recipe:

• Prepare your air fryer by preheating it to 325-350°F.
• Grease your baking pan (around 6-8 inches) with butter or margarine and set aside.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
• Add the wet ingredients: oil, applesauce, water or milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until you have a thick brownie batter.
• Fold in your choice of mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or berries.
• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth out the top.
• Place the pan in the preheated air fryer and bake for 10-15 minutes.
• Check if the brownies are done by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
• Remove the brownies from the air fryer and let them cool before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• You can use a round or square cake pan, or even ramekins, depending on what fits your air fryer.
• If you're using a silicone pan, you may need to increase the baking time by a few minutes.
• Don't let the brownies cool in the air fryer basket, as they will continue to cook and may overcook.
• You can melt the butter and chocolate in a microwave or a double boiler.
• Feel free to add your own mix-ins or toppings, such as nuts, chocolate chips, or caramel sauce.

How to make air fryer brownies

Ingredients

• Butter
• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Eggs
• Sugar
• Salt
• Baking powder
• Vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil
• Chocolate chips (optional)

Method

• Prepare your baking pan: Grease a 6-8 inch square or round cake pan with butter. You can also line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to easily lift the brownies out of the pan later.
• Preheat your air fryer: Set the temperature to between 325-350°F and let it run for about 5 minutes.
• Make the batter: In a large bowl, mix together your flour, cocoa powder, sugar, butter, eggs, vegetable oil, salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Stir until the batter is thick and well-combined. You can also add in your favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips, nuts, or caramel bits.
• Pour the batter: Add the batter to your prepared baking pan and smooth out the top.
• Air fry: Place the pan in the preheated air fryer and bake for 15-45 minutes. The baking time will depend on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on the brownies. They are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
• Cool and serve: Remove the brownies from the air fryer and let them cool in the pan before removing and cutting. You can top them with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or ice cream.

Tips:

• If you're using a silicone pan, you may need to increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
• You can melt the butter and chocolate in a double boiler instead of the microwave.
• Don't be afraid to open the air fryer and check on your brownies—it won't affect their texture.
• If you want a deeper chocolate flavor, add a touch of instant espresso powder or coffee to the batter.

Air fryer brownies cooking time

The cooking time for air fryer brownies varies depending on the air fryer model, the type of pan used, and the desired level of doneness. Here are some general guidelines and tips for achieving the perfect cooking time for your air fryer brownies:

Factors Affecting Cooking Time

• Air Fryer Model: Different air fryer brands and models can vary significantly in cooking times, even among the best brands. It's recommended to start checking the brownies for doneness earlier than the suggested time and adjust as needed.
• Pan Type and Size: The type and size of the pan used can also affect the cooking time. For example, using a dark or glass pan may result in faster baking compared to lighter, shiny aluminum pans. Silicone pans may require a longer baking time. It's important to ensure that the pan fits properly in the air fryer basket.
• Desired Doneness: The level of doneness can vary from fudgy and gooey to cakier and crispy. Adjusting the cooking time can help achieve the desired texture. For a fudgy texture, remove the brownies from the air fryer when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but is not wet. For a cakier texture, bake until the toothpick comes out mostly clean.

General Cooking Time Guidelines

• Most air fryer brownie recipes suggest a cooking time between 10 to 15 minutes for a standard 6-inch round or square pan. However, it's important to monitor the brownies and adjust the time as needed based on the factors mentioned above.
• For smaller ramekins or baking in batches, the cooking time may be shorter, around 4 to 5 minutes for individual brownies.
• When using an oven-safe dish or pan that doesn't fit directly into the air fryer basket, such as an 8-inch pan, the cooking time may be longer, around 10 to 25 minutes.

Tips for Optimal Cooking

• Preheating: Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the brownie batter.
• Temperature: Reduce the temperature by about 30 degrees Fahrenheit compared to a conventional oven recipe. The suggested temperature for air fryer brownies is typically between 325°F to 350°F.
• Doneness Test: The best way to determine if your brownies are cooked to your desired level of doneness is to use a toothpick or skewer and insert it into the center of the brownies. For fudgy brownies, the toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet. For cakier brownies, aim for the toothpick to come out mostly clean.
• Cooling: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting and serving. This helps them set and prevents crumbling.

Air fryer brownies storage

Air fryer brownies can be stored at room temperature for up to four or five days, depending on the recipe. They can also be refrigerated to extend their shelf life or to give them a fudgier texture. Some recipes suggest that brownies can be kept in the fridge for up to a week.

If you want to keep your brownies for even longer, they can be frozen. First, remove them from the pan or ramekin and place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to two or three months.

To serve, warm the brownies in the microwave or air fryer for a few seconds.

Air fryer brownies tips

Baking Pans

When making brownies in an air fryer, it's important to use a smaller pan than you would typically use in an oven. A 6-inch or 7-inch round or square cake pan is ideal, as it fits nicely into most air fryer baskets. If you're using a silicone pan, be aware that the baking time may need to be increased by 5-10 minutes. Additionally, if you're unable to find a metal pan that fits your air fryer, an 8-inch round cake pan can be used, but the baking time will need to be adjusted accordingly. Ramekins or other small air fryer-safe dishes can also be used, but the brownies may have a gooier centre.

Temperature and Timing

Air fryer brownies typically bake at a temperature between 325°F and 350°F. The baking time can vary depending on the size and type of pan used, as well as the wattage of your air fryer. For a 6-inch or 7-inch pan, bake the brownies for around 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out mostly clean or with a few moist crumbs. For an 8-inch pan, the baking time may need to be increased to around 25-35 minutes. It's important to keep an eye on the brownies and adjust the timing as needed, as air fryers can vary significantly in their cooking times.

Ingredients

The ingredients for air fryer brownies are similar to those for traditional brownies, but there are a few adjustments that can be made to ensure the best results. Here are some tips for choosing and preparing your ingredients:

• Use a good quality dark cocoa powder (unsweetened) for a deeper chocolate flavour.
• If using butter, allow it to come to room temperature before melting to avoid seizing when mixed with other ingredients.
• If you're short on time, you can melt the butter and chocolate together in the microwave in 30-second intervals until smooth.
• When mixing the batter, be careful not to overmix, as this can incorporate too much air and affect the texture of the brownies.
• If desired, you can add mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. However, adding extra ingredients may make the brownies harder to slice into neat squares.

Cooling and Storage

Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing to ensure they hold their shape. Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to two months.

Frequently asked questions