Can I Make Brownies in an Air Fryer Discover the Perfect Recipe

Yes, you can make delicious, fudgy brownies in an air fryer—it’s faster and more energy-efficient than using a traditional oven. With the right recipe and timing, your air fryer delivers perfectly moist, evenly cooked brownies in under 20 minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can make brownies in an air fryer with the right pan and timing.
• Use a small, oven-safe dish that fits your air fryer basket snugly.
• Preheat the air fryer for even baking and consistent texture.
• Reduce temperature by 25°F compared to conventional oven recipes.
• Check doneness early—air fryers cook faster than ovens.
• Avoid overmixing batter to keep brownies fudgy, not dense.
• Let cool before slicing for clean cuts and perfect presentation.

Can I Make Brownies in an Air Fryer? The Answer Might Surprise You

Let’s be honest—brownies are the ultimate comfort food. That rich, fudgy, chocolatey bite hits the spot whether you’re curled up on a rainy day or hosting a last-minute get-together. But what if I told you there’s a way to make brownies faster, with less mess, and using an appliance you already love—your air fryer?

Yes, you read that right. You can make brownies in an air fryer, and the results can be surprisingly delicious. I first tried this out of sheer curiosity after seeing a viral TikTok video. I was skeptical—how could a device known for crisping fries and reheating pizza possibly handle delicate, gooey brownies? But after a few trials (and a few slightly overcooked batches), I cracked the code. Now, I’m here to share everything I’ve learned so you can skip the mistakes and jump straight to that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth brownie.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Brownies? The Benefits You Didn’t Know

Faster Baking Time

One of the biggest perks? Speed. Traditional brownies take 25–35 minutes in the oven. In an air fryer, you can have them ready in 12 to 18 minutes. The hot air circulates more efficiently, cutting down on preheating and overall cooking time. This is a game-changer for those “I need chocolate now” moments.

Energy Efficiency

Air fryers use less energy than ovens. Since they’re smaller and heat up faster, they’re ideal for single servings or small batches. If you’re baking for one or two people, why fire up a whole oven? Your air fryer heats up in 2–3 minutes, making it a greener, more cost-effective option.

Even Heat Distribution (With a Caveat)

Air fryers circulate hot air around food, which usually means more even cooking. However, this works best when you use the right size pan. A pan that’s too large can block airflow, leading to uneven browning. I learned this the hard way when my first batch had a crispy edge and a raw center. Lesson learned: size matters.

No Need to Preheat (Usually)

While some recipes recommend preheating, many air fryer brownie batches work just fine without it. This saves time and energy. Just pour the batter, set the timer, and go. Perfect for busy parents, students, or anyone juggling a million things.

Pro Tip: If your air fryer has a “bake” or “cake” setting, use it. It’s often optimized for desserts and prevents over-browning.

What You Need: Equipment and Ingredients for Air Fryer Brownies

Essential Tools

Before you dive in, make sure you have the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Air fryer-safe pan: A 6-inch round cake pan, silicone mold, or small metal pan that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. Avoid glass (it can crack due to rapid temperature changes).
• Parchment paper or non-stick spray: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Spatula: For scraping every last bit of batter.
• Oven mitts: Even small pans get hot fast.

Ingredients for Classic Fudgy Air Fryer Brownies

This recipe makes 6–8 brownies and is perfect for a 5.8-quart air fryer (like the Instant Vortex or Ninja Foodi). Adjust quantities if your air fryer is smaller or larger.

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I use Dutch-processed for deeper flavor)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, but highly recommended)

Optional Add-Ins

• Chopped walnuts or pecans
• White chocolate chips
• Espresso powder (1/4 tsp for extra depth)
• Sea salt flakes (for a salted brownie finish)

Note: Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing leads to tough brownies—no one wants that.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Brownies in an Air Fryer (No Fuss!)

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Cut a round of parchment paper to fit the bottom of your pan. Lightly grease the sides with butter or non-stick spray. This ensures easy removal after baking. Trust me, you don’t want to wrestle with a stuck brownie.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mix. Gently stir in chocolate chips. The batter should be thick but pourable—like brownie batter should be.

Step 3: Pour and Level

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove air bubbles. This helps prevent cracks on the surface.

Step 4: Air Fry Like a Pro

Place the pan in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 320°F (160°C). Why 320°F? Higher temps can burn the edges before the center cooks. This lower temp ensures even baking. Set the timer for 15 minutes.

At 12 minutes, check the brownies. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re done. If it’s still gooey, cook in 2-minute increments. Every air fryer is different, so don’t rely solely on the timer.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This helps them set. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely before slicing—this prevents crumbling. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but patience pays off.

My Experience: My first batch was overcooked because I set it to 350°F. The edges were rock-hard, and the center was just edible. Lesson: lower and slower wins the brownie race.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them (Learn from My Errors)

Overcooking the Edges

Problem: The edges are dry and crispy, but the center is undercooked.

Solution: Use a lower temperature (320°F) and check early. If your air fryer runs hot, reduce the time by 2–3 minutes. You can also cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil halfway through to shield the edges.

Using the Wrong Pan

Problem: The pan is too large, blocking airflow, or too small, causing overflow.

Solution: Measure your air fryer basket. A 6-inch pan is ideal for most models. If using a silicone mold, ensure it’s rigid enough to hold shape. Avoid flimsy ones that collapse when you move the basket.

Opening the Basket Too Often

Problem: You keep checking, which drops the temperature and extends cooking time.

Solution: Use the window (if your air fryer has one) or peek only once at the 12-minute mark. Resist the urge to open it every 2 minutes—it’s like opening the oven door during baking.

Not Letting Them Cool

Problem: Brownies fall apart when sliced.

Solution: Cool for at least 20 minutes. For best results, let them sit for 1 hour. The chocolate chips re-solidify, making clean cuts easier.

Forgetting Parchment Paper

Problem: Brownies stick to the pan, making removal a nightmare.

Solution: Always use parchment or a silicone liner. It’s a small step that saves big frustration.

Bonus Tip: If your brownies are too fudgy (i.e., undercooked), pop them back in for 1–2 minutes. If they’re too cakey, reduce the next batch’s time by 2 minutes.

Customize Your Brownies: Flavor Variations and Dietary Twists

Gluten-Free Brownies

Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend (like Bob’s Red Mill). The texture is nearly identical, and they’re just as fudgy. I’ve made these for friends with celiac disease, and they couldn’t tell the difference.

Dairy-Free/Vegan Brownies

Use vegan butter (like Earth Balance) and flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg). Replace chocolate chips with dairy-free ones. The result? Rich, chocolatey, and totally plant-based. My vegan roommate gave them a 10/10.

Mint Chocolate Brownies

Add ½ tsp peppermint extract to the batter. Top with crushed candy canes or Andes mints. Perfect for holidays or a refreshing twist.

Espresso Brownies

Mix 1 tsp instant espresso powder into the dry ingredients. It enhances the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee. A favorite among chocolate lovers.

Cookie Dough Brownies

Press chunks of edible cookie dough (made with heat-treated flour and no eggs) into the batter before baking. The result? A decadent, two-in-one dessert. Warning: highly addictive.

Fruit-Infused Brownies

Fold in dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped apricots. For a fresh twist, top with a layer of raspberry jam before baking. The acidity cuts through the richness beautifully.

My Favorite Combo: Dark chocolate + sea salt + walnuts. The salt brings out the sweetness, and the nuts add crunch. A little goes a long way.

Performance Comparison: Air Fryer vs. Oven Brownies

To see how air fryer brownies stack up, I did a side-by-side test using the same recipe in both appliances.

Factor	Air Fryer Brownies	Oven Brownies
Baking Time	12–18 minutes	25–35 minutes
Preheating	Not required (or 2–3 minutes)	10–15 minutes
Energy Use	Low (smaller appliance)	High (large oven)
Texture	Fudgy center, slightly crisp edges (if overcooked)	Evenly fudgy, consistent texture
Cleanup	Easy (small pan, no oven mess)	Moderate (baking sheet, oven residue)
Best For	Small batches, quick treats, energy-saving	Large batches, even baking, traditional texture

The verdict? Air fryer brownies win for speed, convenience, and small servings. Oven brownies are better for large gatherings and consistent results. But for a cozy night in or a midnight craving, the air fryer is a fantastic option.

Real Talk: My oven brownies had a slightly better crumb structure, but the air fryer version was just as chocolatey and satisfying. The difference wasn’t enough to make me switch back full-time.

Final Thoughts: Should You Make Brownies in an Air Fryer?

So, can you make brownies in an air fryer? Absolutely. And not just “kind of”—you can make really good brownies. The key is adjusting your expectations and technique. It’s not a one-to-one swap with oven baking, but with a few tweaks, the results are impressive.

Air fryer brownies are perfect for:

• Single servings or small portions
• Quick desserts (no preheating!)
• Energy-conscious bakers
• Those without ovens (like dorm rooms or RVs)

They’re not ideal if you’re making a tray for 20 people. But for everyday treats, they’re a revelation. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze—just wash one small pan instead of a baking sheet and oven racks.

I’ve made air fryer brownies for birthdays, movie nights, and even as homemade gifts (packaged in cute boxes with a ribbon). They’re always a hit. And the best part? No one believes they came from an air fryer—until I show them the pan.

So go ahead. Dust off your air fryer, grab those ingredients, and give it a try. You might just discover your new favorite way to bake brownies. And if you mess up the first batch? No worries. I did too. That’s how we learn. Happy baking—and even happier eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make brownies in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make delicious brownies in an air fryer! The circulating hot air cooks them evenly, creating a fudgy interior with a slightly crisp top—just like oven-baked brownies.

What’s the best air fryer brownie recipe?

The perfect air fryer brownie recipe uses melted chocolate, butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and cocoa powder. Cook at 320°F (160°C) for 15–20 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

Do I need to adjust cooking time for air fryer brownies?

Yes, air fryers cook faster than ovens. Reduce the time by 30–50% compared to traditional baking—start checking at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Can I use a metal or silicone pan in the air fryer for brownies?

Absolutely! Use a small metal or silicone pan that fits your air fryer basket. Lightly grease it to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after cooking.

Why are my air fryer brownies dry?

Overcooking is the most common cause. Air fryers dry out food faster, so monitor closely and remove brownies when a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).

Can I make boxed brownie mix in an air fryer?

Yes! Boxed brownie mix works great in an air fryer. Follow the package instructions but reduce cooking time by 25% and check for doneness early.