|

Air Fryer Brownies Recipe

ByLily
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 4 reviews

There’s something incredibly satisfying about whipping up a batch of brownies that come together quickly and turn out perfectly fudgy every single time — and that’s exactly what you get with this Air Fryer Brownies Recipe. I love how it’s not just fast but also super easy, letting you enjoy rich chocolatey goodness without heating up your whole kitchen or waiting forever. Whether you’re craving a last-minute dessert or want to impress guests without breaking a sweat, this recipe is your new best friend.

What I especially adore about this Air Fryer Brownies Recipe is how versatile it is. You can tweak it to be gluten-free or dairy-free without losing any of the deliciousness, and the air fryer gives the brownies that beautifully crisp top with a soft, fudgy center. Trust me, once you try brownies cooked this way, you’ll be reaching for your air fryer more often than your oven!

🖤

Why This Recipe Works

  • Quick & Efficient: The air fryer cuts down baking time drastically without sacrificing texture.
  • Fudgy Texture Made Easy: The unique heat circulation creates that perfect thin crust with a moist center.
  • Adaptable Ingredients: Use gluten-free or dairy-free swaps with no extra fuss, making it great for dietary needs.
  • Minimal Cleanup: Baking in a small pan inside your air fryer means less mess and fewer dishes.
A close-up view of several thick chocolate brownies placed on white parchment paper over a wooden board. Each brownie is dark brown, dense in texture, and dotted with melted milk chocolate chips on top. The brownies have a moist, soft inside visible at the edges, with some chocolate chips slightly melted in the center. A small piece of dark chocolate lies next to the brownies on the parchment paper. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Air Fryer Brownies Recipe keeps things simple but delicious, combining pantry staples with just a few tricks to bring out the best chocolate flavor and moist texture. I always appreciate how using whole wheat or gluten-free flour options means you don’t have to compromise on taste or texture.

  • Whole wheat flour / Gluten-free baking mix: Provides structure and boosts the brownie’s nutritional profile; choose your favorite based on dietary preference.
  • Dutch-process cocoa powder: Offers deeper, richer chocolate flavor and a smooth texture – always sift it if lumpy for best results.
  • Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
  • Coconut oil or unsalted butter: Melted and slightly cooled to create moist, tender brownies with a silky mouthfeel.
  • Granulated sugar or coconut sugar: Sweetens and adds tenderness – I’ve found coconut sugar adds a lovely caramel note.
  • Vanilla extract: A small splash that elevates the overall flavor profile.
  • Large egg: Binds ingredients together and helps with the airy yet fudgy texture.
  • Chocolate chips: Mixed in and sprinkled on top for melty, gooey pockets of chocolate — can never have too much!
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about the Air Fryer Brownies Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I usually add a handful of chopped nuts to the batter for a bit of crunch, but you could try swapping in some espresso powder to punch up the chocolate or add dried fruit for natural sweetness.

  • Variation: I once used almond butter instead of coconut oil and it gave the brownies a subtle nutty flavor that was incredible — definitely worth trying if you want to switch things up.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Using coconut oil and dairy-free chocolate chips works seamlessly, making these brownies just as rich and fudgy.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Baking Mix makes it so convenient to bake these brownies for friends with gluten sensitivities.
  • Seasonal Twists: Toss in some peppermint chips or a pinch of cinnamon for festive flair around the holidays.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Dry Ingredients

Line a 6-inch circular cake pan with parchment paper – this makes lifting out the brownies a breeze after baking. In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and ready to fold into the wet mixture later.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, combine your melted coconut oil (or butter), sugar, and vanilla extract. Once well mixed, crack in the egg and stir just until everything is incorporated – don’t overdo it here. Overmixing at this stage can toughen the brownies, and we definitely want them tender!

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet bowl, stirring gently until just a few streaks remain. Add in your chocolate chips and fold those in carefully too. This step is crucial because overmixing activates gluten and could make your brownies cakier instead of fudgy.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat the air fryer to 340°F (170°C) to get things ready. Pour your batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top for that gorgeous melty finish. Bake for 10–14 minutes – watch for a thin crust forming on top and a set middle. Remember, a toothpick should come out with moist crumbs but not raw batter. The brownies will firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!

Step 5: Cool & Enjoy

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting. This is the hardest part for me because they smell so good fresh out of the air fryer! Storing them uncovered at room temp keeps that beautiful crust, while refrigerating firms them up for a fudgier bite.

💡

Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Overmix the Batter: I learned this the hard way—overmixing toughens brownies, so fold gently until just combined.
  • Use Parchment Paper for Easy Removal: It saves cleanup time and keeps the brownie’s crust intact when you lift it out.
  • Watch the Bake Time Closely: My air fryer tends to run hot, so I start checking at 10 minutes to avoid dry brownies.
  • Let Brownies Cool Completely: They firm up significantly as they cool, helping you slice clean, neat squares.

How to Serve Air Fryer Brownies Recipe

The image shows two dark brown, thick, soft brownies stacked on each other on a white plate. The top brownie has melted chocolate chips scattered across its rough and moist surface. In the background, there is another white plate with a single brownie, slightly blurred. All items rest on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping these brownies with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt—it balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor beautifully. Sometimes, I add a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate touch or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

These brownies are fantastic served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with fresh berries for a light contrast. For a cozy combo, a cup of strong coffee or a creamy hot chocolate pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to cut them into small bite-sized squares and serve on a pretty platter with edible flowers or mint leaves for a pop of color. Another fun idea is drizzling warm caramel or chocolate sauce on top just before serving to up the wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps the crust crisp and the inside moist but not soggy. If I know I won’t finish them quickly, refrigeration is my go-to for a fudgier, denser texture.

Freezing

Freezing is a great option! I wrap individual brownie squares tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. They keep well for about 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature or in the fridge.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers warm, I pop a brownie in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or warm them in the air fryer at a low temperature for 2-3 minutes. This refreshes their fudgy texture without drying them out!

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-process for this Air Fryer Brownies Recipe?

    Yes, you can use regular cocoa powder, but Dutch-process cocoa gives the brownies a smoother, less acidic, and richer chocolate flavor. If you substitute, your brownies might taste a bit tangier but still delicious.

  2. How do I know when the air fryer brownies are done?

    Look for a thin crust on the surface and set edges. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. Remember, they’ve got to firm up as they cool, so err on the side of underbaking slightly.

  3. Can I double the recipe to make a larger batch?

    You can double the batter, but you’ll likely need to bake in batches or use a larger pan that fits your air fryer. Keep an eye on the bake time and adjust as needed since thicker brownies take longer to cook through.

  4. Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

    This version uses egg and butter/coconut oil, so it’s not vegan as-is. However, you could experiment with egg substitutes like flax eggs and vegan butter or oil to make it vegan-friendly. I haven’t tried those swaps myself yet, but many bakers have success with them.

  5. What’s the best way to reheat leftover brownies?

    Gently warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or air fry at a low temperature to revive the fudgy texture without drying out. Avoid overheating so they don’t become tough or chewy.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Air Fryer Brownies Recipe has become one of my go-to indulgences when I want something quick, comforting, and foolproof. Its simplicity and speed don’t skimp on the chocolate satisfaction – in fact, the air fryer makes the whole experience kind of magical. I can’t recommend giving it a try enough; once you do, you’ll find yourself craving air fryer brownies more often than you’d expect!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Air Fryer Brownies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 4 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Total Time: 24 minutes
  • Yield: 6 brownies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

These Air Fryer Brownies are fudgy, rich, and quick to make using the air frying method. Made with cocoa powder, whole wheat or gluten-free flour, and chocolate chips, they bake perfectly in just 10 minutes for a delicious treat without using the oven.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, or 1/3 cup Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-free Baking Mix for gluten-free
  • 1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted if lumpy
  • 1/16 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup + 2 teaspoons coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg

Add-ins

  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips
  • Mini chocolate chips to sprinkle on top

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan: Line a 6-inch circular cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of brownies.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir well and set aside.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the melted coconut oil or butter with sugar and vanilla extract until combined. Add the egg and stir just until combined.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until nearly no flour streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to maintain fudgy texture. Fold in 1/4 cup chocolate chips gently.
  5. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 340 degrees Fahrenheit (170 degrees Celsius) for even baking.
  6. Cook Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top. Air fry for 10 to 14 minutes until a thin crust forms and the brownies appear set but centers remain slightly moist.
  7. Check Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out wet. Sides will show moist crumbs but not raw batter. The brownies will firm up as they cool outside the air fryer.
  8. Cool and Store: Let brownies cool completely in the pan before covering. Store at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to achieve a fudgier texture.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil and dairy-free chocolate chips.
  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough brownies.
  • If you don’t have a 6-inch pan, use a similar-sized oven-safe pan that fits your air fryer basket.
  • For extra fudginess, refrigerate brownies after cooling.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 brownie
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 60 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg

You Might Also Like These Recipes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star