Air Fryer Box Brownies: Perfect Timing For Delicious Treats

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to ovens for baking brownies, especially in small batches. They are also a great option for those who want to avoid heating up their entire kitchen. The versatility of air fryers allows for customisations such as adding chocolate chips, nuts, or swirls of caramel to the brownie batter. The cooking time for box brownies in an air fryer varies depending on the wattage of the air fryer and the type of pan used. On average, it takes around 20 to 25 minutes to bake box brownies in an air fryer, but this may need to be adjusted based on the specific air fryer and pan used.

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 your air fryer to 330°F (165°C) and letting it run for about 5 minutes, you are creating the perfect environment for your brownie batter to bake evenly. This step is especially crucial if you want to achieve that desirable thin, shiny, and slightly chewy crust on your brownies.

While some recipes suggest a temperature of 320°F for 20 minutes, setting your air fryer to 330°F (165°C) and baking for 25 minutes is recommended for that perfect brownie texture. This extra bit of time and temperature ensures that your brownies are baked all the way through without drying them out.

Once the air fryer is preheated, you can place your batter-filled pan inside and set the timer for 25 minutes. During this time, your brownie batter will transform into a delicious, gooey treat. The heat from the air fryer will cause the batter to rise and cook, resulting in a fudgy, cakey, or chewy texture, depending on your preference.

After 25 minutes, open the air fryer and check on your brownies. They should have a smooth, shiny top and feel set at the edges. To ensure they are fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter, your brownies are ready. If not, you can bake them for an additional 5 minutes until done.

Remember, every air fryer is different, and wattage can vary, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you're using a silicone pan, for instance, you'll likely need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time. Always let your brownies cool before slicing to ensure they hold their shape.

Use a 7 round dark cake pan for baking

To bake brownies in an air fryer using a 7-inch round dark cake pan, you should first prepare your pan by generously greasing it with butter on the bottom and all sides. Set the pan aside. Next, preheat your air fryer to 330°F (165°C) and let it run for about 5 minutes while you prepare the brownie batter.

For the batter, you can either make your own mix or use a boxed brownie mix. If you are making your own, add your dry ingredients—all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt—to a large bowl and stir until combined. Then, add your wet ingredients—melted butter, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract—and stir until you have a smooth, glossy batter. If you are using a boxed brownie mix, simply follow the instructions on the box.

Once your batter is ready, spoon it into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Place the pan in your preheated air fryer and bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. If you want a firmer texture, add 3-5 minutes to the cooking time. To prevent the brownies from burning, you can loosely cover them with aluminum foil halfway through the cooking time.

When the brownies are done, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool in the pan before removing and cutting. The brownies will continue to cook from the residual heat of the pan, so if they seem a little undercooked, let them sit in the pan for an additional 3-5 minutes.

You can customize your brownies by adding mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or swirls of caramel. Simply fold them into the batter gently before pouring it into the baking pan. You can also decorate your brownies with sprinkles or colored frosting.

Check on your brownies every 5 minutes

When making brownies in an air fryer, it is important to keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn. Air fryers vary in their wattage, so cooking times may differ between machines. Checking your brownies every 5 minutes is a good way to monitor their progress and prevent overcooking.

When you check on your brownies, look for a smooth, shiny top and edges that feel set. You can also insert a toothpick into the middle of the brownie to test if it is cooked. If the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter, your brownie is ready. If there is still wet batter on the toothpick, continue cooking for another 5 minutes and check again.

If you are concerned about the top of your brownies burning, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil halfway through the cooking time. This will protect the surface while allowing the brownies to continue cooking evenly.

It is also important to remember that the brownies will continue to cook from the residual heat of the pan, even after you have removed them from the air fryer. If the brownies seem a little undercooked, leave them in the pan for an additional 3-5 minutes before cutting and serving.

By checking on your brownies regularly and keeping an eye on their progress, you can ensure that they are cooked to perfection and avoid overcooking or burning.

Cover with aluminium foil halfway through to prevent burning

When making brownies in an air fryer, it's important to prevent them from burning on the top. To do this, cover them loosely with aluminium foil halfway through the cooking time. This will help protect the surface of the brownies while allowing them to continue cooking evenly.

You can line your baking pan with aluminium foil or parchment paper before pouring in the batter. This makes it easier to remove and cut the brownies after they've finished cooking. However, if you're using a springform pan, you can simply undo the sides and lift the brownie off the bottom of the pan onto a serving dish.

If you're using a silicone pan, you'll likely need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time. Air fryers vary in wattage, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. It's recommended that you check on your brownies every 5 minutes to monitor their progress.

Additionally, the type of brownie mix you use may impact the cooking time. Thicker brownie mixes may require longer cooking times to ensure that the brownies are cooked through.

Use room temperature eggs for fluffier brownies

When making brownies in an air fryer, it is important to follow the instructions on the box and adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. Typically, you will need to mix the dry brownie mix with eggs, vegetable oil, and water. However, to make fluffier brownies, it is recommended to use room-temperature eggs. Room-temperature eggs will make your brownies less dense and give them a lighter texture.

To prepare the batter, start by mixing together the melted oil, sugar, and vanilla extract. Once combined, add the eggs one at a time, stirring after each addition until just combined. It is important not to overmix at this stage. Next, add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until there are almost no streaks of flour remaining. You can also add mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or caramel swirls, if desired.

After preparing the batter, line a 6-inch or 7-inch metal pan with parchment paper or aluminium foil. You can also simply grease the pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Make sure the pan fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket without touching the sides. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring it is spread evenly.

Set your air fryer to the Air Fry setting and cook at 320-360 degrees F for 12-30 minutes, depending on your air fryer model, the thickness of your brownies, and the type of pan used. Metal pans cook faster than glass dishes, so keep that in mind when adjusting the cooking time. To prevent the brownies from burning, cover them loosely with aluminium foil halfway through the cooking time.

To check if your brownies are done, insert a knife or toothpick into the centre. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, your brownies are ready. It's important to note that the brownies will continue to cook even after you take them out of the air fryer due to residual heat. Let the brownies cool slightly before enjoying.

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