Air Fryer Brownies

WRITER BYCassie

POSTEDDecember 17, 2020

These irresistible air fryer brownies are so quick and easy to make. They're small batch chocolate brownies that make the perfect amount for two people. Chewy, fudgy and delicious!

We absolutely adore chocolate brownies in my house, but we really can't be trusted with a full batch of them. In fact, if I could, I'd make a whole batch just for myself! However, my dietitian tells me it's a bad idea. So, I stick to small batches for special occasions when the whole family can enjoy.

Thanks to my air fryer, these homemade brownies cook in under 30 minutes without heating the whole house. They're perfect for 2 or 3 people (okay, probably just 2, unless you're really good at self-control!).

They turn out soft, chewy, and fudgy. Basically you can cook them in two mini loaf pans or one regular-size loaf pan, depending on what you have on hand and what will fit in your air fryer.

Don't have any air fryer? No worries! I've included oven instructions in the tips section below.

New to air frying? Be sure to get your free printable Air Fryer Cooking Chart filled with cooking times & temperatures for all your favourite foods, plus tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your air fryer.

CAN YOU MAKE BROWNIES IN AIR FRYER?

YES! This is a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious brownies at home. And although they're not exactly the same in taste as box brownies, they're pretty darn close.

The prep time is under 6 minutes with standard pantry ingredients. Additionally, they air fry beautifully and make for the ultimate homemade dessert.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS BROWNIE RECIPE

Here's why I love this air fryer brownie recipe and why you'll love it too:

Brownie recipes are such a treat. Stating the obvious, but these mouth-watering brownies are super gooey and chocolatey. Enjoy them as the perfect brownie dessert for your sweet cravings along with your favorite ice cream. Indulgence at its finest!
Quick and easy. In a mere 30 minutes from start to finish (including prep time), you'll find yourself savouring this delicious sweet. Also no fancy ingredients or equipment are necessary.
Perfect for the whole family. Additionally, teenagers LOVE this chocolate chips brownie recipe (I mean who can blame them). This recipe makes for a timeless dessert that'll please even the pickiest of connoisseurs."

INGREDIENTS

Here's what you'll need to make these small batch brownies in the air fryer (full measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this post)...

Butter
White Sugar
Brown Sugar
Cocoa Powder
Vanilla
Egg
All Purpose / Plain Flour
Chocolate Chips
Optional - Milk chocolate chunks or chunks of your favourite chocolate bar mixed in for extra chocolate-y goodness.

HOW TO MAKE BROWNIES IN AIR FRYER?

Line 2 mini loaf pans or 1 regular sized loaf pan with baking paper.

Place butter, brown sugar, white sugar and cocoa powder in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 20 second batches, stirring well after each time, until butter is melted and well combined.

Add vanilla and stir to mix through. Set bowl aside for a minute to allow to cool slightly.

Mix in the egg, then add flour and mix well until combined.

Fold in the chocolate chips (and the optional chocolate chunks if using).

Evenly divide the mixture across each small pan (or just pour into the 1 loaf pan if that's what you are using) and then, set your air fryers in standard cook mode. Bake in the air fryer basket at 160°C/320°F for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with only a few fudgy crumbs attached.

Let brownies cool in the loaf pan for 10 minutes. Then, remove brownies and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

HOW LONG TO COOK BROWNIES IN AIR FRYER?

Keep in mind that baking times may vary between air fryers, even more so than in ovens.

Your air fryer pan plays an important role. A dark or glass pan radiates more heat and reduces baking time compared to shiny aluminium materials.

If this is the first time cooking air fryer brownies, I suggest staying close to the air fryer and checking them frequently. Unlike cheesecake, you don't have to worry about brownies cracking if you open the air fryer early.

Once baked, make sure you let the brownies cool completely. Otherwise, you'll be left with a gooey mess that's impossible to portion. Take notes of your baking time so that it's easier next time you make that recipe.

TIPS FOR THE BEST AIR FRYER BROWNIES RECIPE

Here are some key recipe tips to achieve delectable brownies:

Consider your air fryer's shape and size. When baking brownies don't use a round cake pan or tins that won't fit in your air fryer basket.
Chocolate chunks are optional but highly recommended. Additionally, grab your favorite chocolate bar, cut it into small chunks, and fold it through. This will add to the chocolate intensity for a savory delight
Use a double boiler instead of a microwave. If you don't want to use a microwave to stir melted butter and chocolate, place a bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, and stir until everything melts nicely. Make sure the bowl isn't touching the boiling water.

WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE AN AIR FRYER?

No air fryer? No problem! You can make air fryer brownies in the oven.

Bake at 160°C/320°F for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached and enjoy this mouth-watering treat at home.

AIR FRYER BROWNIES VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

What I love about this recipe is that it can be easily adjusted to different diets:

Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour instead of an all-purpose flour. This version isn't chalky or gritty. On the contrary, air fryer gluten-free brownies turn out pretty scrumptious and much healthier. Alternatively, you can opt for whole-wheat flour.
Sugar-free: Cut the white sugar from this recipe and opt for a powdered sugar substitute or coconut sugar instead. If neither of these options suits you, use granulated sugar (not liquid).
Butter-free: If you don't want to use butter, opt for refined coconut oil for a coconut brownie flavour. Alternatively, you can use olive oil or canola oil.

HOW TO SERVE DELICIOUS AIR FRYER BROWNIES?

For the ultimate finger-licking experience, I like to dust my brownies with sugar or pair them with luscious vanilla ice cream. Another top choice is whipped cream and colourful sprinkles for a timeless touch.

Also consider adding some mix-ins such as fresh berries, toasted walnuts, white chocolate, caramel bits, or flavoured baking chips. These will elevate your brownies for a delightful burst of texture and flavour.

For a fun twist, add a touch of coffee or espresso powder to your brownies. This will add a deeper chocolate flavour promising a culinary masterpiece.

HOW TO STORE AIR FRYER BROWNIES?

Storage: Once brownies are ready, remove them from the pan and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Leftovers: Keep any leftover brownies covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you'd like to prolong this time, store them in an airtight container in your refrigerator.