Air-Fried Brownies: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Making brownies in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth without having to turn on your oven. This method is perfect for those who don't have an oven or are simply obsessed with their air fryers. The best part? You can make a small batch of delicious brownies that are perfectly fudgy and cakey.

Choosing the right pan for your air fryer

When it comes to choosing the right pan for your air fryer, there are several factors to consider. Here are some guidelines to help you select the best pan for your needs:

• Size and Shape: Opt for a pan that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket without touching the heating element or obstructing airflow. Air fryers come in different shapes and sizes, so choose a pan that is compatible with your specific model. Consider the depth and shape of the pan based on the recipes you plan to make. For example, shallow pans are suitable for roasting vegetables, while deeper pans are ideal for casseroles.
• Material: Look for heat-resistant materials like stainless steel, aluminum, or silicone, which can withstand the high temperatures of air fryers without warping or melting. These materials are durable and conduct heat efficiently.
• Non-Stick Coating: A non-stick coating simplifies food release and makes cleaning easier. Look for high-quality, PFOA-free non-stick surfaces that are durable.
• Versatility: Choose a pan that offers versatility in terms of cooking methods and compatibility with your oven. Some pans come with removable handles, allowing them to double as baking dishes. Grill pans with raised ridges are great for adding grill marks to foods like chicken and vegetables.
• Easy to Clean: Look for dishwasher-safe pans to make cleanup more convenient. Non-stick surfaces also make cleaning easier, but be sure to follow the care instructions to prolong the lifespan of the pan.
• Heat Resistance: Ensure that the pan can handle the high temperatures of air fryers, typically up to 400°F (200°C) or higher.
• Compatibility: Check if your air fryer brand offers compatible accessories or sets that include baking pans, grill racks, and other accessories designed specifically for your model. This ensures a perfect fit and optimal cooking results.
• User Reviews: Before purchasing, read user reviews and ratings to get insights into the performance and durability of specific air fryer-safe pans. Real-life experiences can help you make an informed decision.
• Dark, Non-Stick Baking Sheets: Darker pans heat up faster and promote even browning. Look for non-stick options with lower sides to promote airflow.
• Air Fryer Baskets: These come with most air fryer ovens and are perforated for optimal air circulation. They allow excess oil to drip away, keeping your food crispy.
• Cast Iron Skillets: Cast iron pans are slow to heat up but retain heat beautifully, making them ideal for searing meats. Just be cautious as they can burn delicate foods.
• Silicone Baking Pans: Silicone pans are flexible, heat-resistant, and suitable for baking cakes, muffins, and desserts in the air fryer.
• Stainless Steel or Aluminum Pans: These pans are durable, handle high temperatures well, and are great for roasting vegetables, cooking meats, and making casseroles.

Melting the butter and chocolate

For a microwave, it is important to be careful during this step as chocolate can easily burn. It may seem like it is taking a long time to melt at first, but then it will suddenly melt all at once.

Once the butter and chocolate are melted, set the mixture aside to cool slightly before adding the other ingredients. This will prevent the chocolate from seizing when the other ingredients are added.

Creating the batter

To create the batter for your brownies, you will need a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a spatula. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer if you have one, but it is not necessary.

First, melt your butter and chocolate in a mixing bowl. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, or over a low heat in a small pan on the stove. If using the microwave, be careful not to burn the chocolate. Once melted, leave the mixture to stand for a few minutes, then stir again to ensure the chocolate is completely melted. Set the mixture aside.

Next, use your whisk to beat together the sugar, vanilla, and eggs in a separate bowl. Keep whisking until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is frothy.

Now, stir the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Sift in the flour and cocoa powder, and stir until you have a smooth, glossy, thick batter with no dry pockets of flour. If you are adding any extra ingredients, such as nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in gently at this stage.

Your batter is now ready to be poured into your prepared baking pan.

Adjusting the temperature and time

Temperature Control:

Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer between 320°F to 330°F (approximately 160°C to 165°C) for about 5 minutes before adding your brownie batter. This ensures even cooking and helps the brownies bake properly.

Baking Time:

The baking time for brownies in an air fryer can vary depending on the model and wattage of your air fryer, as well as the size and type of baking pan used. The general rule of thumb is to reduce the standard oven baking time and temperature by a small amount when using an air fryer. Here are some specific guidelines:

• For a 7-inch pan, a baking time of around 15 minutes is often sufficient. However, it is important to check the brownies with a toothpick to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness. The toothpick should come out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
• If using an 8-inch pan, the baking time may need to be adjusted. Some recipes suggest a baking time of 25 minutes for an 8-inch pan, but it is important to keep an eye on the brownies to avoid overcooking.
• Silicone pans may require a longer baking time, typically an additional 5-10 minutes, compared to metal pans.
• Glass dishes tend to take longer to bake than metal pans, so keep that in mind when choosing your baking pan.
• Always keep an eye on your brownies and adjust the time as needed. Check the brownies regularly, especially after the initial baking time, to ensure they don't overcook or burn.

Additional Tips:

• It is important to note that air fryers vary in wattage, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Check your specific air fryer model's guidelines or experiment with a few batches to find the perfect timing for your brownies.
• To prevent overbrowning or burning, you can loosely cover the brownies with aluminium foil halfway through the cooking time. This will protect the surface while allowing the brownies to continue cooking evenly.
• If you are using a boxed brownie mix, follow the package instructions for the best results, but be prepared to adjust the time based on your air fryer's performance.
• The thickness of your brownie batter will also impact the cooking time. Thicker batters may require a longer cooking time, so check your brownies frequently and adjust the time as needed.
• When in doubt, it is better to underbake your brownies slightly, as they will continue to cook and firm up as they cool.

By following these temperature and time adjustments, you can ensure that your air fryer brownies turn out perfectly fudgy, cakey, or somewhere in between, depending on your preference!

Adding toppings

Nuts

Nuts are a classic brownie topping and can add a crunchy texture and extra flavour to your brownies. Some options include walnuts, almonds, peanuts or pecans. You can chop them up and sprinkle them on top of your brownies, or mix them into the batter before baking.

Chocolate Chips

Chocolate chips are another popular choice for brownie toppings. You can use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips, or even chop up your favourite chocolate bar and sprinkle it on top. If you're feeling extra indulgent, you can drizzle melted chocolate on top of your brownies for a decorative touch.

Sea Salt

A sprinkle of sea salt on top of your brownies can enhance the chocolate flavour and create a sweet and savoury contrast. This is a great option if you're looking for a sophisticated touch to your dessert.

Caramel

Caramel is a perfect pairing with chocolate, and there are a few ways you can incorporate it into your brownies. You can swirl caramel into the brownie batter before baking, or drizzle caramel sauce on top of your finished brownies. For an extra indulgent treat, try making homemade salted caramel sauce to drizzle over your brownies.

Ice Cream

For a restaurant-style dessert, serve your warm brownies with a scoop of ice cream on top. Vanilla bean ice cream is a classic choice, but you could also experiment with other flavours like peppermint or pecan.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of homemade whipped cream can add a light and airy contrast to the rich, fudgy texture of your brownies. For an extra touch, top the whipped cream with a cherry.

Powdered Sugar

A dusting of powdered sugar is a simple way to add a touch of sweetness and elegance to your brownies. It's also a great option if you're looking for a less indulgent topping.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of toppings to find your favourite!

Frequently asked questions