Air Fryer Brownie Baking Time: How Long Is Enough?

Baking brownies in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious dessert without heating up the whole kitchen. Air fryer brownies are perfect for when you want a small batch and don't want to turn on the oven. They are also a great option for college students as all you need is a tabletop air fryer. This method cuts the baking time in half and there is no need to preheat the oven. You can expect crispy and crackly brownies on top and soft and gooey brownies in the centre.

How to make boxed brownies in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Boxed Brownie Mix
• Eggs
• Vegetable Oil
• Water
• Mix-ins (optional): chocolate chips, nuts, caramel swirls, etc.

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Baking pan
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Medium bowl
• Spoon or rubber spatula

Method

• Make the brownie batter according to the instructions on the box and mix well.
• Prepare a baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it with cooking spray.
• Pour the batter into the pan and spread it evenly.
• Place the pan in the air fryer basket.
• Set your air fryer to the Air Fry setting and cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes.
• After 15 minutes, check the brownies and add more time as needed. It is recommended to put them in at 5-minute intervals and check until done.
• Allow the brownies to cool before slicing.

Tips

• Use room-temperature eggs for a lighter, fluffier brownie.
• Check on your brownies frequently. Thicker brownies will cook longer in the air fryer.
• Use a metal pan for faster cooking.
• Use parchment paper or aluminium foil on the bottom of your pan for easier removal.
• Air fryer brownies will continue to cook after you take them out. If a knife inserted comes out with a few crumbs, they are done.

How to make brownies from scratch in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 (1-ounce) squares unsweetened baking chocolate, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
• 1 teaspoon powdered sugar, or to taste (optional)
• 1/4 cup extra goodies (e.g. chocolate chips, chopped nuts)

Method:

• Grease and flour an 8x8-inch square pan or a 7-inch baking pan.
• Sift flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt together in a bowl.
• Beat 2 eggs, 1/2 cup of sugar, and butter together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
• Add in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract.
• Stir in the flour mixture until just incorporated, then fold in the walnuts.
• Preheat your air fryer to 320-330°F.
• Spread the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
• Place the pan in the air fryer basket and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Remove from the air fryer and allow to cool completely in the pan before removing and cutting into squares.

Tips:

• For a shiny and thin crust, whip the eggs and sugar until frothy and bubbly before adding the chocolate.
• Use European-style butter with a higher fat content (82-84%) for a shinier crust.
• For a fudgy texture, remove the brownies from the air fryer after 15 minutes, let them rest for 5 minutes, then bake for another 10-15 minutes.
• Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal, or use a springform pan.
• Various air fryer models will bake at different rates, so adjust the baking time as needed.
• For a smaller batch, cut the recipe in half and use a 7-inch pan.

Tips for achieving a fudgy texture

Air fryers are a convenient way to make brownies without turning on the oven. They can produce brownies with a perfect fudgy texture. Here are some tips to achieve that:

Use the right size pan

It is important to use a baking dish or pan that fits comfortably into your air fryer basket without overcrowding. This ensures even cooking and allows the brownies to bake correctly. A 6" or 7" pan is ideal for most air fryers.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating the air fryer is crucial for creating an optimal cooking environment. It ensures that the brownies start baking immediately, resulting in more consistent results. Set the temperature to 325°F (160°C) or 330°F and let it preheat for a few minutes.

Grease the pan

Greasing the baking dish or pan with butter or cooking spray prevents the brownies from sticking. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal.

Monitor cooking time

Keep a close eye on the brownies towards the end of the cooking time to prevent overbaking. Air fryer models vary, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. As a rule of thumb, reduce the temperature and time for baking in the air fryer by 30 degrees and 20% respectively compared to a traditional oven.

Check for doneness

To achieve a fudgy texture, it is important not to overbake the brownies. Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies to check for doneness. It should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter.

Let them cool

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the brownies set and firm up, making them easier to cut into neat squares.

Experiment with ingredients

To enhance the fudgy texture, use semi-sweet chocolate with 50-65% cocoa content. Higher or lower cocoa percentages will require adjustments to the sugar in the recipe. Additionally, use European-style butter with a higher fat content (82-84%) to promote a shiny crust.

How to create a shiny, crinkly top on brownies

Ingredients

• 1 cup (8oz/225g) butter (melted)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (coconut or canola)
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (6 1/4oz/177g) dark brown sugar
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (8 1/4oz/227g) white sugar
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (5oz/142g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (4oz/115g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ cups (9oz/255g) roughly chopped bittersweet chocolate

Method

Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (163°C). In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, oil, and both sugars. In a separate bowl, whip up the eggs by themselves and then add them to the other wet ingredients. Mix until the eggs are just combined. Add the vanilla and salt, then whisk until evenly combined.

Over the same bowl, sift in the flour and cocoa powder. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Then, fold in half of the chocolate chunks.

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, then smooth the top. Generously top with the remaining chocolate chunks. Place the pan in the preheated air fryer and bake for 15 minutes.

Remove the pan from the air fryer and let it sit on the kitchen counter for 5 minutes. Return the pan to the air fryer and bake for another 10-15 minutes.

Tips for a Shiny, Crinkly Top

• Use European-style butter with 82-84% fat content. The higher fat content will help develop a shiny crust.
• Whip the eggs and sugar until frothy and bubbly. This will contribute to a shiny crust as it helps the sugar dissolve, forming a meringue-like layer on top of the brownies.
• Use room-temperature eggs for a lighter, fluffier brownie.
• Don't overmix the batter once the eggs go in!

How to prevent brownies from burning in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great alternative to baking brownies in the oven. However, it can be tricky to get the timing right, and brownies can burn quickly. Here are some tips to prevent brownies from burning in an air fryer:

• Use the right size pan: A 7-inch pan is recommended for baking brownies in an air fryer. If your pan is too large, the brownies may burn or cook unevenly.
• Adjust the temperature: When baking in an air fryer, it is generally recommended to reduce the temperature by 30 degrees Fahrenheit compared to an oven. For brownies, set the temperature to around 325-340 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Check frequently: Due to differences in air fryer models, baking times can vary significantly. Stay close to the air fryer and check on your brownies often to prevent burning.
• Cover with foil: If the top of your brownies starts to burn, loosely cover them with aluminium foil halfway through the cooking time. This will protect the surface while allowing the brownies to continue cooking.
• Use the right ingredients: Some ingredients can affect how quickly your brownies cook. For example, using butter instead of coconut oil may require a shorter cooking time as butter dries out more quickly.
• Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter can incorporate too much air, leading to a change in texture and possibly affecting cooking time.
• Check with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the centre of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, your brownies are done. Be aware that the brownies will continue to cook a little as they cool.

Frequently asked questions