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

Air fryers are a great alternative to baking brownies in the oven. They are quicker, easier, and can be made in small batches. The perfect brownie is gooey and fudgy, with a thin, shiny, and slightly chewy crust. Air fryers can achieve this brownie perfection with the right recipe and tools.

The biggest challenge when making brownies in an air fryer is finding a pan that fits. An 8-inch round cake pan fits in most air fryer baskets, but you can also use a 6-inch or 7-inch square pan. Silicone pans or liners can be used, but the baking time will need to be adjusted.

The general rule of thumb when baking in an air fryer is to reduce the temperature by 30 degrees and cut the time by 20%. For example, if a traditional brownie recipe calls for baking at 350 °F for 20-24 minutes, in an air fryer, you would bake at 320 °F for around 15-20 minutes.

- Preheat your air fryer to 325-340 °F.

- Melt butter and chocolate together in a small pan or in the microwave.

- Whisk eggs, sugar, and a pinch of salt until thickened and creamy.

- Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder, if using.

- Pour in the melted chocolate and butter mixture and gently fold until combined.

- Stir in any desired mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.

- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

- Bake in the air fryer for 15-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

- Remove from the air fryer and allow to cool before slicing and serving.

Choosing the right pan for your air fryer

• Material: Stainless steel or aluminium pans are popular choices as they conduct heat evenly, allowing for even cooking. Non-stick pans are also great as they make cleaning easier and prevent food from sticking to the surface.
• Size and Shape: Choose a pan that fits well in your air fryer, allowing for proper air circulation around the food. Rectangular or square pans are great for roasting vegetables or making lasagnas, while round pans are perfect for baking cakes or pies.
• Depth: Deeper pans are ideal for dishes that require more liquid, such as casseroles or stews.
• Durability: Opt for a pan that is durable and can withstand high temperatures to ensure it lasts for years.
• Oven-Safe: Always use oven-safe dishware in your air fryer. Glass pans can be used, but ensure they are oven-safe and can withstand high temperatures.
• Air Circulation: Ensure that the pan does not block airflow in the air fryer. It should be small enough to allow for proper air circulation but large enough to cook a sufficient quantity of food.
• Heating: Darker pans are preferable as they heat up faster and give a beautiful browning to your food. Shiny baking sheets, on the other hand, will reflect heat, affecting cooking times and potentially leading to uneven cooking.
• Special Pans: There are special pans designed specifically for air fryers, shaped to fit perfectly in the cooking chamber. These pans are great for baking and roasting.

Melting the chocolate and butter

Firstly, you will need to gather your chocolate and butter. For the chocolate, it is recommended to use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips, or a good quality chocolate bar with around 50% cocoa content. As for the butter, it is best to use unsalted butter or margarine. The amount of chocolate and butter you will need may vary depending on the recipe, but a typical ratio is around 1 cup of chocolate chips to 1/4 cup of butter.

Next, you will need a mixing bowl. Add the chocolate and butter to the bowl and place it in the microwave. Set the microwave to melt the ingredients in 30-second bursts. Keep a close eye on the mixture, as chocolate can easily burn. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler by placing the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, making sure the bowl is not in direct contact with the water. Stir the mixture occasionally until the butter has completely melted.

Once the butter has melted, remove the bowl from the microwave or double boiler and leave it to stand for a couple of minutes. This allows the residual heat to gently melt the chocolate. After a couple of minutes, stir the mixture until the chocolate has completely melted and you are left with a smooth, glossy mixture. Set the mixture aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

It is important to note that the melting process may vary depending on your equipment and the specific recipe you are following. Some recipes may call for additional ingredients to be added during this step, such as vanilla extract or oil. Always refer to your specific recipe for the best results.

By following these steps, you will successfully melt the chocolate and butter, creating a delicious base for your air fryer chocolate brownies!

Preparing the batter

Once you have your ingredients, you will need to mix them together to form a batter. This can be done by hand or with an electric whisk. If you are using butter, it is important to melt it before mixing. You will also want to make sure that your eggs are at room temperature to ensure the best texture for your brownies.

Mix your dry ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine your wet ingredients. Once combined, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can affect the texture of your brownies.

Finally, you can add in any mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or nuts, and then your batter is ready to be poured into your prepared pan and baked in the air fryer.

Baking the brownies

Now that you've prepared your brownie batter, it's time to bake those brownies in the air fryer!

Before you add the batter to the air fryer, you'll want to preheat the appliance. Set the temperature to somewhere between 325°F and 340°F (165°C and 170°C).

Once the air fryer is preheated, pour the batter into your chosen pan. If you're using a 6" circular cake pan, you can sprinkle some mini chocolate chips on top of the batter. If you're using ramekins, place them in the air fryer basket.

The baking time will vary depending on the size and type of your pan, and the wattage of your air fryer. As a general rule, the baking time will be around 10-15 minutes in a 6" pan, and 4-5 minutes for ramekins. However, you should keep a close eye on the brownies and be guided by their appearance. The brownies are ready when they have formed a thin crust and appear set in the middle. A toothpick inserted into the centre should come out wet, and a toothpick inserted into the sides should come out with some moist crumbs, but not raw batter.

When the brownies are ready, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool completely before serving or storing.

Storing and serving the brownies

Storing the Brownies:

• Room Temperature: You can store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. This will keep them fresh and ready to serve.
• Refrigerate: For a fudgier texture, you can refrigerate the brownies for up to a week. This will give them a slightly different, but still delicious, consistency.
• Freezing: If you want to keep the brownies for longer, you can freeze them! Cut them into portions and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Serving the Brownies:

• Reheating: For maximum taste and a gooey texture, reheat the brownies for a few seconds in the microwave before serving.
• Toppings: You can top the brownies with extra chocolate chips, nuts, whipped cream, caramel sauce, sprinkles, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
• Cutting: It is important to let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into squares. This will ensure they don't crumble and fall apart. For the neatest pieces, chill the brownies in the fridge before cutting.

Frequently asked questions