Air-Fried Brownie Perfection: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a versatile tool that can be used to make a variety of dishes, including brownies. Air fryer brownies are perfect for when you want a small batch of delicious brownies without having to turn on the oven. They can be made from scratch or using a boxed brownie mix, and the best part is that they are quick and easy to make. The cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, but the general rule of thumb is to reduce the temperature and time by 30 degrees and 20% respectively when baking in an air fryer.

Choosing the right ingredients

Flour

You can opt for all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, or a gluten-free alternative like Bob's Red Mill Gluten-free 1-to-1 Baking Flour. The choice of flour won't affect the taste, but it's important to sift the flour first to remove any clumps.

Cocoa Powder

For a smoother chocolate flavor, go for unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder. If you don't have that, you can use Hershey's Special Dark as a substitute. Natural cocoa powder (regular Hershey's kind) may make your brownies a bit cakier.

Oil or Butter

You can use coconut oil or butter as your fat source. If you prefer your brownies without any coconut taste, go for refined coconut oil. Unrefined coconut oil is an option if you don't mind the coconut flavor. Butter also works, but keep a closer eye on your brownies as they'll dry out more quickly.

Sugar

You can use granulated sugar or coconut sugar. If you want to avoid sugar, you'll need to use a granulated sugar substitute, as liquid sweeteners will affect the texture of your brownies.

Eggs

Eggs are essential in this recipe as they act as a binding agent, contributing to the structure and texture of the brownies. If you need an egg-free option, you can try an egg substitute or go for a vegan brownie recipe.

Mix-ins

Feel free to add some mix-ins to your brownies, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or swirls of caramel. You can also top your brownies with extra chocolate chips or nuts, but they might be harder to slice into neat squares.

Preparing the batter

Gather Your Ingredients:

First, gather all the necessary ingredients for your brownie batter. The specific ingredients may vary depending on the recipe you are following, but typically, you will need flour, cocoa powder, sugar, a binding agent such as eggs or applesauce, a liquid ingredient like oil or butter, and flavourings like vanilla extract. Some recipes may also call for additional mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients, including the flour, cocoa powder, and any other dry flavourings or additives. Sift the ingredients together to remove any lumps and ensure a uniform mixture. Set this mixture aside.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients, such as melted butter or oil, sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs or applesauce. Stir or whisk the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined and you have a smooth, consistent mixture.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can incorporate too much air and alter the texture of your brownies. Mix until there are almost no streaks of flour remaining in the batter.

Add Mix-Ins (Optional):

If you are using mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or candy pieces, gently fold them into the batter now. This step is optional, but it can add a delicious twist to your brownies.

Prepare the Baking Pan:

Generously grease your baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. You can use a 6-inch or 8-inch round cake pan or a square brownie pan that fits your air fryer. Line the pan with parchment paper if desired.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 330-350°F(165-170°C). Let the air fryer run for a few minutes to reach the desired temperature while you prepare the final steps of the batter.

Pour Batter into Pan:

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. If using mix-ins, you can also sprinkle some on top of the batter for added texture and flavour.

Now that your batter is ready, simply place the pan in the preheated air fryer and follow the recommended cooking instructions for your chosen recipe. Remember to adjust the cooking time and temperature based on your air fryer model and the type of baking pan you are using. Enjoy your freshly baked air fryer brownies!

Preheating the air fryer

• First, it is important to note that different air fryer models may have specific instructions for preheating, so be sure to consult your air fryer's manual.
• For most air fryers, you will want to set the temperature to between 330-350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature setting is crucial as it will impact the baking time and the final texture of your brownies.
• Allow the air fryer to preheat for at least 5 minutes before placing your brownie batter in the air fryer. This ensures that the air fryer reaches the desired temperature and maintains a consistent temperature throughout the baking process.
• If you are using a smaller air fryer, you may need to reduce the preheat temperature by about 30 degrees Fahrenheit. This is because smaller air fryers can heat up more quickly and efficiently, and you don't want your brownies to burn.
• Keep in mind that the preheat time and temperature may vary depending on the size and brand of your air fryer, as well as the type of baking pan you are using. Adjustments may be necessary through trial and error to find the perfect preheat settings for your air fryer brownies.
• Be cautious when using glass or ceramic baking pans, as these materials can take longer to heat up and may require a higher preheat temperature. Metal pans, on the other hand, tend to heat up more quickly and evenly.
• It is also important to note that the color of your baking pan can make a difference. Darker pans tend to absorb more heat and may cause your brownies to bake faster, so keep a close eye on them.
• Always preheat your air fryer with the baking pan inside. This helps the pan heat up gradually and prevents thermal shock, which can cause the pan to crack or break.
• Finally, be sure to prepare your brownie batter while the air fryer is preheating so that you can immediately place the batter in the air fryer once it has finished preheating. This helps to ensure that the batter doesn't sit too long and maintains its consistency.

Baking the brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter

Firstly, gather all your ingredients and prepare the brownie batter. This typically includes flour, cocoa powder, a sweetener such as sugar, a binding agent like eggs, and a source of fat like butter or oil. You can also add mix-ins such as chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavour and texture. Simply combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir until you have a smooth, thick batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can incorporate too much air and change the texture of your brownies.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

While you are preparing your brownie batter, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, which is usually around 330-350°F (165-170°C). This step is crucial as it ensures your brownies cook evenly. Most air fryers will take about 5 minutes to preheat.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Pan

It is important to use a baking pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket without touching the sides. A 6-inch or 7-inch round or square pan is ideal. Generously grease the pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent the brownies from sticking. If using a silicone pan, you may need to increase the baking time.

Step 4: Pour the Batter into the Pan

Once your batter is ready and your pan is prepared, simply pour the batter into the pan and smooth out the top. You can also add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts on top at this stage.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

Place the pan into the preheated air fryer and bake for the recommended time, which is usually around 10-15 minutes for a smaller pan, or up to 25-35 minutes for a larger pan. The exact baking time will depend on your air fryer model and the size of your pan, so it is important to keep an eye on your brownies to prevent overcooking. The brownies are done when they have formed a thin crust and appear set in the middle. A toothpick inserted into the centre should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once your brownies are done, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool completely before slicing and serving. This step is important as it allows the brownies to firm up and sets the texture. Enjoy your freshly baked air fryer brownies!

Cooling and storing the brownies

Cooling and storing your brownies is an important step in the brownie-making process. Here are some detailed tips to ensure your brownies cool and store effectively:

Cooling the Brownies:

• Allow the brownies to cool completely before removing them from the pan and cutting into them. This will ensure the brownies firm up and are easier to cut into neat squares or slices.
• Be patient! Although it may be tempting to dive into your freshly baked brownies, allowing them to cool will ensure maximum yumminess and a better texture.
• If you want to speed up the cooling process, you can place the brownies in the refrigerator for a brief period, but do not leave them there for too long, as this may affect their texture.

Storing the Brownies:

• Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. This will keep them fresh and moist.
• For a fudgier texture, you can refrigerate the brownies. They will keep in the fridge for up to a week.
• If you want to freeze your brownies, remove them from the pan and place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
• To reheat the brownies, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or put them back in the air fryer for a short time.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure your brownies stay fresh, moist, and delicious!

Frequently asked questions