Ella Walter
Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for much more than just frying. They can also be used to bake, and one popular item people like to bake in an air fryer is brownies. Air fryer brownies are perfect for when you want a small batch of brownies without having to turn on the oven. They are also quick and easy to make, with most recipes taking under 30 minutes to cook. Air fryer brownies can be made traditionally or with substitutions for dietary requirements, such as gluten-free or dairy-free options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Flour | Whole wheat, all-purpose, gluten-free, or self-rising |
| Type of Cocoa Powder | Dutch-process, Hershey's Special Dark, or natural cocoa powder |
| Type of Oil/Butter | Refined or unrefined coconut oil, or butter |
| Type of Sugar | Regular, light brown, or monk fruit sugar |
| Additional Ingredients | Chocolate chips, walnuts, pecans, white chocolate chips, fresh berries, sprinkles, or coconut flakes |
| Pan Type | Metal, silicone, or glass |
| Pan Size | 6-inch or 7-inch round cake pan |
| Pan Preparation | Buttered and lined with parchment paper |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 330°F (165°C) |
| Air Fryer Cooking Time | 10-25 minutes, depending on the air fryer and pan type |
| Cooling Time | Allow to cool completely before serving or storing |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days, or in the fridge for up to a week |
| Freezing | Place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag and freeze for up to two months |
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What You'll Learn
Ingredients and preparation
Air fryers are a great way to make a small batch of brownies without having to turn on the oven. The perfect brownie has a thin, shiny, slightly chewy crust and a gooey, fudgy middle.
Ingredients:
- Butter
- Chocolate chips
- Sugar (regular or light brown) or a sugar substitute
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Flour (all-purpose), whole wheat, gluten-free, or coconut flour
- Cocoa powder (Dutch-process or natural)
- Salt
- Optional: walnuts, pecans, or other nuts; white chocolate chips; fresh berries; sprinkles; coconut flakes; mini marshmallows
Preparation:
First, prepare a 6-inch round cake pan by buttering it and lining it with parchment paper. Place the chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and melt in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between until smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the butter and chocolate using a double boiler by placing a bowl over a saucepan of simmering water.
Next, add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture and whisk until smooth. In a separate bowl, sift and stir together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Then, combine the wet and dry mixtures, stirring until well combined and with no dry pockets of flour. If using, stir in additional chocolate chips or other mix-ins of your choice.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Preheat your air fryer to 330°F (165°C). Place the pan in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-25 minutes, checking to see if the top has a crackly appearance, the edges are set, and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter). For a less fudgy centre, cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. The brownies will continue to set as they cool. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour with added xanthan gum.
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Cooking times and temperatures
The cooking time and temperature for your brownies in an air fryer will depend on the type of brownie you want to make. For example, if you want a gluten-free brownie, you should use gluten-free flour with added xanthan gum. The cooking time will also depend on the wattage of your air fryer, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
If you are making a standard brownie, preheat your air fryer to 330°F (165°C) and bake for 25 minutes. You should then check the brownies – they should have a smooth, shiny top and feel set at the edges. Insert a toothpick into the middle of the brownie; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter), your brownies are ready. If not, cook for a further five minutes and check again.
If you are making a smaller batch of brownies, you can bake them for 10 minutes in a greased 6-inch round cake pan. For a less fudgy centre, cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. If you prefer a firmer texture, add another 3-5 minutes to the cooking time before cooling.
If you are cooking at high altitude, you may need to adjust the cooking time. One source recommends cooking for seven minutes in the air fryer and then microwaving for two minutes. Check the brownies and microwave again if needed.
It is important to note that you should not let the brownies cool in the air fryer basket, as the heat from the base will overcook them.
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Gluten-free and dairy-free options
If you're looking for a gluten-free and dairy-free brownie recipe to make in your air fryer, you're in luck! There are a few simple recipes that can be made in a small batch, so you don't have to worry about leftovers.
For a gluten-free and dairy-free brownie, you will need to gather the following ingredients:
- Gluten-free flour (Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-free Baking Mix or a blend containing xanthan gum)
- Dairy-free butter (Country Crock Plant-Based with Avocado Oil, Smart Balance, or Earth Balance)
- Cocoa powder (Dutch-process or Hershey's Special Dark)
- Dairy-free chocolate chips, walnuts, and/or other add-ins of your choice
First, preheat your air fryer to 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, melt your dairy-free butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter with your sweetener of choice, such as granulated sugar and brown sugar. You can also add pure vanilla extract for enhanced sweetness. Next, add in your gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, and any additional mix-ins like walnuts or dairy-free chocolate chips.
Once your batter is prepared, pour it into a ramekin or a small cake pan that will fit in your air fryer. Place the ramekin inside the preheated air fryer and cook for 6-8 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a fudgy brownie with a slightly underdone center, cook for 6 minutes. For a brownie that is cooked all the way through, cook for 8 minutes.
Allow the brownie to sit for 1 minute before enjoying. This recipe is perfect for a single serving or a small batch, so you can easily satisfy your sweet tooth without any leftovers.
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Adding nuts, fruit, and toppings
You can also get creative with toppings. For example, one baker added coconut flakes on top of their brownie batter, while another sprinkled mini marshmallows on top of their baked brownie.
Remember to exercise caution when putting the pan in and out of the air fryer, as it can get very hot. Use a silicone baking mitt rated for high-heat use or a long-handled pair of heat-safe tongs to protect your hands.
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Storing and reheating brownies
When storing brownies, it is important to consider the ingredients used and the length of storage. If your brownies contain perishable ingredients, such as cream cheese, it is best to refrigerate them within two hours. For regular brownies, you can store them in their original baking pan covered with plastic wrap or aluminium foil, or in an airtight container. Ensure they are cooled completely before storing. They will last for 3-4 days at room temperature or 5 days in the fridge.
If you want to store your brownies for longer, freezing is an option. Cut your brownies to size and freeze them on a cutting board or cookie sheet before placing them into a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together. Frozen brownies will keep for 2-3 months.
When reheating brownies, there are several methods you can use, depending on your equipment and desired texture.
If you are using an air fryer, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the brownies in the fryer basket and heat for 2-4 minutes for a single slice, checking often to avoid overheating.
You can also use a toaster oven, regular oven, or convection oven. Preheat to 350°F (180°C) and place the brownies on a baking sheet. Cover with foil if reheating a large slab. Heat for 3-5 minutes for a single slice and 15-20 minutes for a large slab. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want a crispy top.
For a quick reheat, the microwave is an option, but it may affect the texture, making the brownies dry and rubbery. Heat in 15-second intervals on 50% power until they are warm and soft.
Remember, when reheating brownies, it is easy to overcook them, so always keep an eye on them and adjust the timing as needed.
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Frequently asked questions
First, butter a 6-inch round cake pan and line it with parchment paper. Then, melt chocolate chips and butter in the microwave. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract and whisk until smooth. Stir in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, and mix until well combined. If you like, stir in an additional 1/4 cup of chocolate chips or 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. Spread the batter evenly in the pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Preheat the air fryer to 330°F and place the pan in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the top has a crackly appearance, the edges are set, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a fudgy batter consistency.
It takes about 15 minutes to cook brownies in an air fryer. However, cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your air fryer, so it's important to keep an eye on your brownies and adjust the cooking time as needed.
You can use all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour for brownies in an air fryer. If you use gluten-free flour, add xanthan gum to improve the texture.
You can use Dutch-process cocoa powder or natural cocoa powder. Dutch-process cocoa powder will give your brownies a fudgy texture, while natural cocoa powder may make them more cakey.
Your brownies are done when the top is crackly, the edges are set, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with fudgy batter. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, your brownies need to cook longer.
