Air Fryer Brownies: Perfect Timing For Chocolatey Treats

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to baking brownies in an oven. They are perfect for making a small batch of brownies without having to turn on the oven and heat up the entire house. The time it takes to bake brownies in an air fryer depends on the wattage of the air fryer, the type of pan used, and the thickness of the brownie. On average, brownies baked in an air fryer take between 4 and 25 minutes to cook.

Preheat the air fryer at 330°F (165°C) and bake for 25 minutes

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the brownie-making process. By setting the temperature to 330°F (165°C) and letting it run for about 5 minutes, you create the ideal environment for your brownie batter to bake evenly. This preheating step ensures that your air fryer reaches the desired temperature before the batter is introduced, promoting consistent cooking.

Once preheated, it's time to bake your brownies. Depending on the wattage of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time. The standard baking duration for brownies in an air fryer is around 25 minutes at 330°F (165°C). However, if you're using a silicone pan, consider adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time to compensate for the different cooking properties of the material.

During the baking process, it's a good idea to keep an eye on your brownies. Check on them every 5 minutes to gauge their progress and prevent overcooking. The ideal brownie has a smooth, shiny top and feels set at the edges. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the centre of the brownie. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter, your brownies are ready.

If, after 25 minutes, your brownies still seem undercooked, you can cook them for an additional 5 minutes. Remember, the cooking time can vary based on the wattage of your air fryer and the type of pan you use. Metal pans, for instance, tend to cook faster than glass dishes.

Once the brownies are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely before slicing. This cooling period is crucial, as slicing warm brownies can cause them to crumble and be difficult to cut. If you want neat slices, it's best to chill the brownies before cutting them.

Use a 6-inch 8-inch pan and adjust the baking time

When making brownies in an air fryer, it is recommended to use a 7-inch pan or smaller. If you are using a 6-inch pan, line it with parchment paper and preheat the air fryer to 340 °F (170 °C). The brownies will take around 14 minutes to bake but keep a close eye on them and check that they are not burning. A toothpick inserted into the sides of the brownies should come out with some moist crumbs, but not raw batter.

If you are using an 8-inch pan, preheat the air fryer to 330°F (165°C). Bake the brownies for 25 minutes. The brownies should have a smooth, shiny top and feel set at the edges. If they are not quite baked, cook for a further five minutes. If you are using a silicone pan, you will likely need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

The color of the pan you use also makes a difference. If you bake brownies in a dark or glass pan, they will radiate more heat and bake more quickly than lighter, shiny aluminum materials.

It is important to note that various air fryer models will bake at different rates, so some bake times may vary. The bake time provided is a guideline, and you should check on your brownies frequently to avoid burning them.

Check the brownies with a toothpick or skewer

When baking brownies in an air fryer, it is important to check if they are cooked through but still slightly fudgy in the centre. This can be done by inserting a toothpick or a skewer into the middle of the brownie. If the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter, then the brownie is done. However, if the toothpick comes out with wet batter, the brownie needs to be cooked for a few more minutes.

Different air fryers have different wattages, and this can affect the cooking time. Therefore, it is important to keep a close eye on the brownies while they are cooking and adjust the time accordingly. For example, if you are using a silicone pan, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time. Additionally, metal pans cook faster than glass dishes, so it is recommended to use a metal pan for more even and faster cooking.

It is also worth noting that the thickness of the brownie will affect the cooking time. Thicker brownies will take longer to cook than thinner ones. To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to cover the brownies loosely with aluminium foil halfway through the cooking time. This will help to protect the surface while allowing the brownies to continue cooking.

Finally, it is important to let the brownies cool completely before slicing them. If you slice the brownies while they are still warm, they will crumble and be harder to cut. For the neatest pieces, it is recommended to chill the brownies before cutting them.

Melting the butter and chocolate in a double boiler or microwave

Air fryers are perfect for making a small batch of brownies without heating up the entire house. The general rule of thumb is to reduce the temperature and time for baking in the air fryer. Typically, you should reduce the temperature by 30 degrees and cut the time by 20%. For example, if you are baking brownies in a conventional oven at 350 °F (175 °C) for 10-14 minutes, you should adjust the temperature to 320 °F (160 °C) and bake for 8-11 minutes in an air fryer.

Now, let's talk about melting the butter and chocolate, a key step in making delicious brownies. You can use a double boiler or a microwave for this process, and each method has its advantages.

Using a Double Boiler

The double boiler provides indirect heat to melt the butter and chocolate gently and evenly. It is a simple and foolproof method that requires a few kitchen tools you may already have. Here's how you can do it:

• Finely chop the chocolate into small, uniform pieces. This helps the chocolate melt more quickly and evenly.
• Use a metal or heat-proof bowl that fits comfortably over a saucepan. The bowl should not be too small or too large for the saucepan.
• Fill the saucepan with about 1 inch of water and bring it to a simmer. Make sure the water level is not too high, so the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water.
• Place the butter and chocolate in the bowl and set it over the saucepan. The steam from the simmering water will gently melt the ingredients.
• Stir the mixture periodically until the butter has melted and the chocolate is almost completely melted. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn or melt unevenly.

Using a Microwave

The microwave is the quickest and easiest way to melt butter and chocolate. It only requires one bowl, and you can achieve smooth and evenly melted chocolate in a short time. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Finely chop the chocolate into small, uniform pieces. This ensures even melting and prevents burning.
• Place the chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
• Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. This prevents overheating and promotes even melting.
• Continue microwaving and stirring until the mixture is mostly melted, with only a few tiny pieces remaining. This should take around 1.5 minutes in total.
• Let the mixture sit at room temperature for a minute or two. This allows the residual heat to melt the remaining chocolate pieces.
• Stir the mixture until smooth and fully incorporated.

Adding toppings and storing leftovers

You can add toppings to your brownies before baking them in the air fryer. For example, you can sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top of the batter before placing the pan in the air fryer. You can also add your favorite nuts, such as walnuts, to the brownie mixture before baking. If you want to get creative, you can cut slits on top of the brownie after it's finished baking and add some mini marshmallows.

When it comes to storing your air fryer brownies, it is recommended to let them cool completely before covering and storing them. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, which will also give them a fudgier texture.

It's worth noting that the type of pan you use can impact the baking process. If you use a dark or glass pan, your brownies will radiate more heat and bake more quickly than if you use a lighter, shiny aluminum pan. Additionally, certain Air Fryer models will bake at different rates, so some adjustments to the baking time may be necessary.

Air fryer brownies are a convenient and delicious treat, especially when you don't want to turn on the oven or make a large batch. With the ability to add various toppings and store leftovers, you can enjoy these brownies for several days.

Frequently asked questions