Can You Make Brownies in a Air Fryer The Surprising Truth

Yes, you can make delicious brownies in an air fryer—it’s faster than an oven and delivers a perfectly fudgy texture with a slightly crisp top. With the right timing and a greased or lined basket, your air fryer transforms into a compact dessert powerhouse, ideal for small batches and quick cravings.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can bake brownies in an air fryer with great results.
• Use oven-safe pans that fit your air fryer basket perfectly.
• Reduce temperature by 25°F to prevent over-baking or burning.
• Check doneness early—air fryers cook faster than conventional ovens.
• Line the pan properly to ensure easy removal and clean edges.
• Experiment with timing for fudgy vs. cakey brownie textures.

Can You Make Brownies in an Air Fryer? The Surprising Truth

Let’s be honest: brownies are the ultimate comfort food. That rich, fudgy, chocolatey goodness is hard to resist. But what if you don’t have an oven? Or maybe you’re craving a small batch and don’t want to heat up your entire kitchen? That’s where the air fryer comes in. I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. Could this countertop wonder really replace my beloved oven for baking brownies? After testing, tasting, and yes, even burning a few batches, I’ve got the answers—and they might surprise you.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who just wants a quick dessert fix, this guide is for you. We’ll explore whether you can actually make brownies in an air fryer, how to do it right, and what to expect in terms of texture, flavor, and convenience. Along the way, I’ll share tips from my own kitchen experiments, including the mistakes I made so you don’t have to. Spoiler: yes, you can make brownies in an air fryer, but it’s not quite as simple as pressing a button. Let’s dive in and uncover the truth behind this trendy kitchen hack.

Why the Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer for Baking

Air fryers have taken kitchens by storm, and for good reason. They’re fast, energy-efficient, and great for crisping up everything from fries to chicken wings. But baking? That’s a whole different ballgame. Or is it?

How Air Fryers Work (And Why It Matters for Brownies)

Unlike traditional ovens, which use radiant heat to slowly warm the air inside, air fryers rely on rapid air circulation. A powerful fan blows hot air around the food at high speed, creating a convection effect. This is great for achieving a crispy exterior, but it can be tricky for delicate baked goods like brownies, which need gentle, even heat to set properly.

Think of it like this: an oven is a cozy blanket, while an air fryer is a hair dryer on high. The key is managing the intensity. With the right setup, you can harness that fast-moving air to bake brownies without drying them out or burning the edges.

Benefits of Air Fryer Baking

• Speed: Preheating takes 1–2 minutes vs. 10–15 in a conventional oven.
• Energy efficiency: Uses up to 75% less energy than a full-sized oven.
• Small batches: Perfect for 1–2 servings (no wasted brownies).
• No kitchen heat: Great for summer baking or small apartments.

Real-World Example: My First Air Fryer Brownie

I tried my first batch using a boxed brownie mix (don’t judge). I poured the batter into a small silicone mold, set the air fryer to 325°F, and waited. After 15 minutes, I opened the basket to find… a slightly overcooked, crumbly brownie. Not a disaster, but not the gooey dream I was after. The lesson? Lower temperature and shorter time are your friends. I adjusted, and the next batch was much better.

The Science Behind Air Fryer Brownies: Texture, Timing, and Temperature

Making brownies in an air fryer isn’t just about tossing batter in and hoping for the best. There’s science at play—specifically, how heat affects the ingredients and structure of your brownies.

Temperature: The Goldilocks Zone

Air fryers typically run hotter than ovens, especially at the top of the basket where the heating element is. That’s why 325°F is the sweet spot for most air fryer brownies. Higher temps (350°F+) can cause the edges to set too fast, leaving the center raw. Lower temps (300°F) may take too long, risking dryness.

Pro tip: If your air fryer doesn’t have a temperature dial, use the “bake” or “air fry” setting and check the manual for equivalent temps. Many models max out at 400°F, so you’ll need to manually lower the time to compensate.

Time: Less Is More

Most air fryer brownies cook in 12–18 minutes, compared to 20–25 in an oven. The key is checking early. Use the toothpick test: insert it into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), you’re good. Overbaking is the #1 enemy of air fryer brownies.

Example: I tested three batches of the same recipe at 15, 17, and 19 minutes. The 15-minute brownie was undercooked, the 19-minute one was dry, but the 17-minute version? Perfect—fudgy center, slightly crisp top. Timing is everything.

Pan Size and Shape Matter

• Small pans (4–6 inches): Ideal for air fryers. Use silicone, parchment-lined metal, or ceramic molds.
• Deep vs. shallow: Shallow pans (1 inch high) cook faster and more evenly.
• Round vs. square: Round pans avoid hot spots in corners.

My go-to? A 5-inch silicone pan. It’s flexible (easy to unmold), nonstick, and fits snugly in my 5.8-quart air fryer.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Brownies in an Air Fryer (With Pro Tips)

Ready to try it yourself? Here’s a foolproof method that works for both boxed mixes and homemade recipes.

What You’ll Need

• Air fryer (4+ quarts recommended)
• Small heatproof pan or mold (silicone, ceramic, or parchment-lined metal)
• Brownie mix or ingredients (butter, eggs, sugar, cocoa powder, flour)
• Nonstick spray or parchment paper
• Toothpick or cake tester

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Grease your pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper. Silicone molds are easiest—no sticking, no fuss. If using metal, double-check it’s oven-safe and fits in your air fryer basket.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

For boxed mixes, follow package instructions. For homemade, I use this simple ratio:

• ½ cup melted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ⅓ cup cocoa powder
• ½ cup flour
• Pinch of salt

Mix until just combined—no overmixing! That leads to tough brownies.

Step 3: Pour and Level

Fill the pan about ¾ full to avoid overflow. Tap the pan on the counter to release air bubbles and level the batter with a spatula.

Step 4: Air Fry!

1. Place the pan in the air fryer basket. For extra insurance, set it on a trivet or silicone mat to prevent direct heat contact.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 325°F for 2 minutes (optional but helps even cooking).
3. Cook for 12–18 minutes, checking at 12 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway if your air fryer has hot spots.
4. When done, let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. This is critical—hot brownies fall apart!

Pro Tips from My Kitchen

• Cover with foil: If the top browns too fast, loosely tent with aluminum foil after 10 minutes.
• Use a thermometer: An instant-read thermometer should read 190–200°F for fudgy brownies.
• Add mix-ins: Chocolate chips, nuts, or a swirl of peanut butter work great—add them after the first 5 minutes to avoid sinking.
• Double batches: Cook in two rounds—air fryers can’t handle large pans.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here’s how to troubleshoot the most common air fryer brownie issues.

Problem: Brownies Are Dry or Crumbly

Cause: Overbaking or too much flour. Air fryers dry out food faster than ovens.

Fix: Check at 12 minutes. Reduce cook time by 2–3 minutes. For homemade recipes, add 1 tbsp of milk or oil to the batter.

Problem: Edges Are Burnt, Center Is Raw

Cause: Uneven heat distribution. The top of the air fryer basket is closest to the heating element.

Fix: Use a silicone pan (it insulates better) or place the pan on a trivet. Rotate halfway through. Lower the temp to 315°F if needed.

Problem: Brownies Stick to the Pan

Cause: Poor nonstick prep or metal pans without parchment.

Fix: Always grease + line with parchment. Silicone molds are a game-changer here. If it still sticks, let it cool completely—it’ll release easier.

Problem: Batter Overflows

Cause: Too much batter or a pan that’s too small.

Fix: Fill pans only ¾ full. Use a 5-inch pan max for 5–6 quart air fryers.

Real Talk: My Biggest Mistake

I once tried to make a 9-inch brownie in a 7-quart air fryer. The pan barely fit, and the brownie cooked unevenly—crispy edges, gooey center, and a mess of batter dripped onto the heating element. Lesson learned: small batches only. Air fryers are not ovens—they’re for quick, compact baking.

Air Fryer vs. Oven Brownies: A Head-to-Head Comparison

How do air fryer brownies stack up against traditional oven-baked ones? Let’s break it down.

Texture and Flavor

• Air fryer: Slightly crispier top, fudgy center. The convection heat can make the edges more defined.
• Oven: More uniform texture—soft, moist, and evenly baked. Better for large batches.

Verdict: Air fryer brownies are different, not worse. They’re great when you want a little crunch with your chew.

Time and Energy

• Air fryer: 12–18 minutes, 2–3 minutes preheat. Uses ~0.15 kWh per batch.
• Oven: 20–25 minutes, 10–15 minutes preheat. Uses ~0.5 kWh per batch.

Verdict: Air fryer wins for speed and efficiency—especially for 1–2 servings.

Flexibility and Batch Size

• Air fryer: Best for small batches (4–6 servings max). Limited by basket size.
• Oven: Handles 9×13 pans, sheet pans, and multiple racks.

Verdict: Oven is better for feeding a crowd. Air fryer is ideal for quick treats or single-serve desserts.

Data Table: Air Fryer vs. Oven Brownies

Factor	Air Fryer	Oven
Cook Time	12–18 minutes	20–25 minutes
Preheat Time	2–3 minutes	10–15 minutes
Energy Use	0.15 kWh	0.5 kWh
Batch Size	4–6 servings	12–24 servings
Texture	Crispy top, fudgy center	Uniform, soft
Best For	Quick, small batches	Large gatherings

Creative Variations and Add-Ins for Air Fryer Brownies

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to get creative. The air fryer’s fast, even heat is perfect for experimenting.

Mix-Ins to Try

• Chocolate chips or chunks: Add after 5 minutes to prevent sinking.
• Toasted nuts: Pecans or walnuts add crunch.
• Swirl-ins: Peanut butter, Nutella, or salted caramel (drizzle on top before cooking).
• Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder deepens chocolate flavor.

Flavor Twists

• Blondies: Swap cocoa for brown sugar and vanilla. Add white chocolate chips.
• Mint brownies: Add ½ tsp peppermint extract to the batter. Top with crushed candy canes.
• Cookie dough brownies: Layer edible cookie dough on top before baking.

Special Diet Adaptations

• Gluten-free: Use ½ cup almond flour + ¼ cup oat flour instead of all-purpose.
• Dairy-free: Melted coconut oil or vegan butter + flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg).
• Low-sugar: Sugar substitutes like erythritol work well (adjust texture with 1 tbsp extra butter).

My Favorite Combo: Peanut Butter Swirl

Mix the basic brownie batter, pour into the pan, then drizzle 2 tbsp peanut butter on top. Use a toothpick to swirl. Air fry at 325°F for 15 minutes. The result? A salty-sweet, decadent treat that’s ready in under 20 minutes. Total game-changer.

So, can you make brownies in an air fryer? Absolutely. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. The air fryer shines for small, quick batches when you don’t want to fire up the oven. With the right pan, temperature, and timing, you’ll get rich, chocolatey brownies with a unique texture—crispy on top, fudgy in the center. Just remember: less is more. Don’t overfill the pan, don’t overbake, and always let them cool before slicing.

Is it better than oven-baked brownies? That depends on what you’re after. For a crowd, stick with the oven. But for a midnight craving, a solo treat, or a no-fuss dessert, the air fryer is a surprisingly powerful tool. After months of testing, I keep my 5-inch silicone pan right next to my air fryer—ready for whenever the chocolate urge strikes. Give it a try, tweak as needed, and don’t be afraid to experiment. After all, the best brownies are the ones you enjoy, no matter how they’re made.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make brownies in an air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely make brownies in an air fryer! The circulating hot air cooks them evenly, resulting in fudgy, delicious treats in less time than a conventional oven. Just ensure you use an air fryer-safe pan or silicone mold.

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

The best way to make air fryer brownies is to preheat the air fryer, use a greased or lined pan, and cook at 320°F (160°C) for 12–18 minutes. Adjust time based on your air fryer model and desired texture.

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

Air fryer brownies typically take 12–18 minutes at 320°F (160°C), depending on the recipe and air fryer size. Check with a toothpick for doneness—moist crumbs mean they’re ready.

Do air fryer brownies taste as good as oven-baked ones?

Yes, air fryer brownies taste just as delicious, often with a slightly crispier top and fudgy center. The rapid air circulation locks in moisture, making them a great alternative to oven baking.

Can you make brownies in an air fryer without a special pan?

You can make brownies in an air fryer without a special pan by using oven-safe ramekins, a small cake pan, or a silicone mold. Just ensure it fits comfortably in the basket and allows airflow.

What are common mistakes when making brownies in an air fryer?

Common mistakes include skipping preheating, overfilling the pan, or overcooking. Always use a light-colored pan to prevent over-browning and check doneness early to avoid drying out.