Can You Make Brownies in the Air Fryer Discover How

Yes, you can make delicious brownies in the air fryer—it’s a quick, easy method that delivers fudgy, evenly cooked treats in under 20 minutes. With the right pan and temperature settings, your air fryer transforms into a mini convection oven for perfectly gooey brownies every time.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can! Air fryers bake brownies quickly with crispy edges.
• Prep matters: Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
• Adjust time: Cook 15-20 mins, checking early to avoid over-baking.
• Small batches work best: Use 6-8 inch pans for even, thorough cooking.
• No preheating needed: Save time by baking immediately at 325°F.
• Texture tip: Expect fudgy centers with slightly crisp tops—perfect balance!

Can You Make Brownies in the Air Fryer? Let’s Find Out!

Picture this: You’re craving rich, fudgy brownies—but your oven’s on the fritz, or you just don’t want to wait 30 minutes for it to preheat. Enter the air fryer, your kitchen’s unsung hero. It’s fast, energy-efficient, and perfect for small-batch treats. But can you make brownies in the air fryer? The short answer: Absolutely. The long answer? Well, it’s a little more nuanced. Like any kitchen hack, air fryer brownies come with their own quirks, tricks, and delightful surprises. I’ve tested this method more times than I care to admit (my coworkers are now my official brownie tasters), and I’m here to spill all the details.

Whether you’re an air fryer newbie or a seasoned pro, this guide will walk you through how to make brownies in the air fryer—from choosing the right pan to troubleshooting common issues. We’ll cover everything from fudgy vs. cakey textures to how to avoid overcooking. So grab your favorite cocoa powder, and let’s turn your air fryer into a dessert-making machine.

Why Air Fryer Brownies Are a Game-Changer

Speed and Efficiency: No Oven, No Problem

Let’s be real: Waiting for an oven to preheat is a buzzkill. Air fryers heat up in 3–5 minutes, cutting your total baking time by nearly half. For example, traditional brownies take 25–30 minutes in an oven. In an air fryer? 12–15 minutes, depending on your model. This is a lifesaver when you need a quick dessert fix or want to impress guests with minimal effort.

Energy Savings and Portability

Air fryers use up to 75% less energy than ovens, making them eco-friendly and cost-effective. Plus, they’re compact—perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or camping trips (yes, portable air fryers exist!). No more heating up your entire kitchen on a hot summer day.

Small-Batch Perfection

Love brownies but hate leftovers? Air fryers are ideal for baking small batches (6–8 servings). No more stale brownies lingering in your fridge. You can make just enough for a cozy night in—or a solo indulgence (no judgment here).

Choosing the Right Tools and Ingredients

Picking the Perfect Pan

Not all pans are air fryer-friendly. Here’s what to look for:

• Material: Use oven-safe, non-stick pans (e.g., silicone, ceramic, or metal with a non-stick coating). Avoid glass (it can shatter due to rapid temperature changes).
• Size: Your pan should fit in the air fryer basket with 1–2 inches of clearance on all sides for airflow. A 7-inch round pan or a 6-inch square pan works for most models.
• Depth: Opt for a pan that’s 2–3 inches deep. Too shallow? Brownies will cook too fast. Too deep? They’ll be undercooked in the center.

Pro tip: Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal. No more brownie casualties!

Ingredients: Fudgy vs. Cakey

Air fryers circulate hot air, which can dry out baked goods. To achieve fudgy brownies, tweak your ingredients:

• Butter: Use melted butter (not oil) for richness.
• Eggs: Add an extra egg yolk for moisture.
• Cocoa powder: Dutch-processed cocoa gives a deeper flavor.
• Flour: Reduce flour by 1–2 tablespoons to avoid a cakey texture.
• Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture (and a caramel-like depth).

For cakey brownies, stick to a traditional recipe but reduce cooking time by 2–3 minutes to prevent drying.

Essential Air Fryer Settings

Most air fryers have a “bake” or “air fry” setting. Use:

• Temperature: 325°F (160°C) for fudgy brownies; 350°F (175°C) for cakey.
• Time: Start with 12 minutes. Check at 10 minutes with a toothpick.
• Racks: If your air fryer has multiple racks, bake on the middle rack for even heat.

Step-by-Step Guide to Air Fryer Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

Grease your pan and line it with parchment paper. Preheat the air fryer to 325°F (160°C) for 3 minutes. While it heats, mix your ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113g) melted butter
• 1 cup (200g) sugar
• 2 eggs + 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup (30g) cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (60g) flour
• 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips (optional)

Tip: Melt butter and sugar together in a bowl, then let cool slightly before adding eggs. This prevents scrambling.

Step 2: Mix and Pour

Whisk wet ingredients (butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla) until smooth. Sift in dry ingredients (cocoa, salt, flour) and fold gently. Overmixing = tough brownies. Fold in chocolate chips last. Pour batter into the pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake and Monitor

Place the pan in the preheated air fryer. Bake at 325°F for 12–15 minutes. Start checking at 10 minutes: Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not batter), they’re done. Do not overbake! Air fryers cook faster than ovens.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Let brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes (this sets them). Lift them out using the parchment paper. Slice with a warm, sharp knife for clean edges. Serve with ice cream, berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Overcooking: The #1 Air Fryer Brownie Killer

Air fryers are fast. A minute too long can turn fudgy brownies into hockey pucks. Always check early. If your brownies are too dry:

• Reduce cooking time by 1–2 minutes next batch.
• Lower the temperature to 320°F (160°C) for a gentler bake.
• Add a tablespoon of milk or cream to the batter for extra moisture.

Undercooked Centers or Cracked Tops

Cracks happen when the top sets too fast while the center is still baking. To fix:

• Cover the pan with foil for the first 8 minutes, then remove it to let the top brown.
• Use a lower temperature (325°F instead of 350°F).

Sticking to the Pan

Even with parchment, brownies can stick. Always grease the pan first, then line it. If your pan has a non-stick coating, avoid metal utensils when cutting.

Uneven Cooking

Air fryers circulate air, but hot spots can occur. Rotate the pan halfway through baking if your model doesn’t have even heat distribution.

Flavor Variations and Creative Twists

Classic Fudge Brownies

Stick to the recipe above, but double the chocolate chips. Add a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor (trust me, it works).

Peanut Butter Swirl

After pouring the batter, dollop 1/4 cup peanut butter on top. Swirl with a knife. Bake as usual. Warning: Addictive.

Cookie Dough Brownies

Mix 1/2 cup edible cookie dough with 1/4 cup flour (to make it safe). Press it into the batter before baking. The result? A brownie-cookie hybrid that’s pure magic.

Espresso Brownies

Replace 2 tablespoons of water/milk with espresso. The caffeine kick pairs perfectly with the chocolate.

Toppings Galore

Get creative with toppings:

• Salted caramel drizzle
• Toasted walnuts or pecans
• White chocolate chunks
• Fresh berries

Data Table: Air Fryer Brownie Cooking Times by Model

Air Fryer Model	Pan Size	Temperature	Time (Minutes)	Notes
Cosori (5.8 qt)	7-inch round	325°F	12–14	Preheat for 3 mins; check at 10 mins
Ninja (4 qt)	6-inch square	325°F	13–15	Rotate pan halfway
Instant Vortex (6 qt)	7-inch round	320°F	11–13	Use foil for first 8 mins
Dash (2 qt)	5-inch round	325°F	10–12	Small batch only
Philips (4.1 qt)	6-inch square	325°F	12–14	Check at 10 mins

Final Thoughts: Are Air Fryer Brownies Worth It?

After countless batches (and a few near-disasters), I can confidently say: Yes, you can make brownies in the air fryer—and they’re fantastic when done right. The key is understanding your air fryer’s quirks and tweaking the process to suit it. No, they won’t perfectly replicate oven-baked brownies (the texture is slightly more “dense” due to rapid cooking), but that’s part of their charm. Air fryer brownies are faster, more energy-efficient, and perfect for small batches.

But here’s the real takeaway: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different pans, temperatures, and flavors. Maybe you’ll discover a new favorite combo (mint chocolate chip, anyone?). And if a batch goes sideways? No biggie. Even “failed” brownies make great trifle layers or milkshake mix-ins.

So, the next time you’re craving brownies, skip the oven. Your air fryer is ready to deliver warm, gooey, chocolatey goodness in half the time. Just remember: Check early, trust your instincts, and savor every bite. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make brownies in the air fryer?

Yes, you can make brownies in the air fryer! It’s a quick and efficient way to achieve fudgy, gooey brownies with a slightly crisp top, all in under 20 minutes.

What’s the best way to make air fryer brownies?

Use a small oven-safe pan or silicone mold that fits your air fryer basket. Pour in your brownie batter, preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C), and cook for 12–15 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

Do air fryer brownies taste different from oven-baked ones?

Air fryer brownies have a similar rich flavor but cook faster due to the concentrated hot air. The texture is often fudgier with a delicate crust, making them a delicious twist on the classic recipe.

How long does it take to make brownies in the air fryer?

Most air fryer brownie recipes take 12 to 18 minutes at 320°F (160°C), depending on your air fryer model and desired doneness. Always check with a toothpick for moist crumbs to avoid overbaking.

Can I use a boxed brownie mix in the air fryer?

Absolutely! You can use a standard boxed brownie mix and follow the air fryer instructions. Just adjust the cooking time and ensure your pan fits snugly in the air fryer basket.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for brownies?

Yes, preheating the air fryer for 3–5 minutes ensures even cooking and consistent results. This step helps the brownies rise properly and prevents a soggy texture.