Fudgy, gooey chocolate in less than 20 minuteswithout turning on your oven. Air Fryer Brownies are rich, perfectly crispy on top, and soft in the middle, just like the ones you remember from childhood bake sales.
I started experimenting with this method back in 2021 when my oven broke mid-summer and I wasn’t about to go without chocolate. After a dozen test batches, I learned the secret: lowering the temp slightly and checking doneness with a toothpick at the 12-minute mark keeps them from drying out. Now it’s my go-to when I need something sweet fastno preheating, no guilt, just warm brownies ready when that craving hits.
Air Fryer Brownies Recipe – Quick Easy and Delicious
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare a 6-inch round cake pan by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, and salt and set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, mix the melted coconut oil or butter with the sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Whisk the egg into the wet ingredients just until incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until nearly all flour streaks disappear without overmixing.
- Fold in 1/4 cup of chocolate chips carefully.
- Heat the air fryer to 340 °F (170 °C).
- Pour the batter into the lined pan and scatter mini chocolate chips over the top.
- Cook in the air fryer for 10 to 14 minutes until a thin crust forms and the edges look set while the middle remains slightly wet.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely; they will firm up as they rest.
- Store at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate up to a week for a fudgier texture.
Notes
- You can swap the flour for whole wheat, all-purpose, or for a gluten-free version, use 1/3 cup (46 grams) of Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-free Baking Mix. If avoiding dairy, opt for coconut oil rather than butter. Nutritional values are estimates; consult a professional for precise data.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Air Fryer Brownies are perfect when you’re craving something chocolatey but don’t want to heat up the whole kitchen. They bake in just 10-14 minutes, which means you can go from “I need chocolate now” to warm, gooey brownies faster than your oven would even finish preheating.
- Small batch magic: Makes just 6 browniesenough to satisfy your craving without the temptation of a whole pan sitting on the counter.
- Fudgy texture: That crispy top with a soft, almost gooey center is exactly what you want in a brownie.
- Flexible ingredients: Use butter or coconut oil, regular or gluten-free flourthey turn out beautifully either way.
- No oven required: Perfect for summer or when your oven is already occupied with dinner.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
You probably have most of these in your pantry right now. The ingredient list is refreshingly short, and everything works together to create that classic brownie flavor and texture we all love.
| Ingredient | Why It Matters | Swap Options |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch-process cocoa powder | Gives deep chocolate flavor | Regular cocoa works too |
| Coconut oil or butter | Adds richness and moisture | Use butter for traditional, coconut oil for dairy-free |
| Granulated sugar | Sweetness and texture | Coconut sugar for a less refined option |
| Flour | Structure | All-purpose, whole wheat, or Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 GF mix |
| Chocolate chips | Extra pockets of melty chocolate | Use any chocolate chips you love |
Pro Tip: Make sure your cocoa powder isn’t lumpysift it if needed so your batter stays smooth and velvety.
How the Recipe Works
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You’re basically making a classic brownie batter, just scaled down and adapted for the air fryer’s quick, concentrated heat.
Start by whisking your dry ingredients togetherflour, cocoa powder, and just a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, combine your melted coconut oil or butter with sugar and vanilla, then stir in the egg. Once you fold the wet and dry ingredients together, add those chocolate chips and pour everything into a parchment-lined 6-inch pan. The air fryer does the rest at 340°F, creating that signature crispy top while keeping the inside beautifully fudgy.
The secret: Don’t overbake them. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out wet, while the edges will have moist crumbs. They’ll continue cooking as they cool in the pan, so pulling them out early is actually the key to that perfect texture.
Tips for Perfect Results
After making these brownies countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference between good brownies and absolutely irresistible ones.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Stir just until the flour streaks disappear. Overmixing develops gluten and makes brownies cakey instead of fudgy.
- Let your oil cool slightly: If it’s too hot when you add the egg, you’ll end up with scrambled bits. Just let it sit for a minute or two after melting.
- Check at 10 minutes: Every air fryer runs a bit differently. Start checking early and add time as needed rather than overbaking.
- Cool completely before cutting: I know it’s hard to wait, but warm brownies will fall apart. Let them firm up for the cleanest slices.
Note: If you’re making these gluten-free, the Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 mix works beautifullyyou’d never know the difference.
Serving and Storage
These brownies are delicious straight from the pan, but they’re also wonderful chilled. Pop them in the fridge for an hour and they become extra fudgyalmost like a chocolate truffle.
| Storage Method | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature (covered) | Up to 4 days | Traditional brownie texture |
| Refrigerated (covered) | Up to 1 week | Extra fudgy, dense texture |
| Frozen (wrapped well) | Up to 3 months | Make-ahead treats |
Serve them with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or just eat them straight from the pan with a forkno judgment here. They’re especially good as an after-school snack or as a late-night treat when you just need a little chocolate in your life.
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FAQs ( Air Fryer Brownies )
How long do you cook brownies in the air fryer?
Cook this recipe for 12-15 minutes at 320°F. Start checking at the 12-minute mark with a toothpick – it should come out with a few moist crumbs. The exact time depends on your air fryer model and desired fudginess level.
What pan should I use in my air fryer?
Use a 6-inch round cake pan or 7×5-inch rectangular baking dish that fits your air fryer basket. Metal or ceramic pans work best for even browning. Always line with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes! Replace each egg with 1/4 cup applesauce or 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water. The texture will be slightly less fudgy but still delicious. Let flax eggs sit for 5 minutes before mixing.
Why are my brownies dry or overcooked?
Air fryers cook faster than regular ovens, so timing is crucial. Lower the temperature to 300°F if yours runs hot. Don’t overbake – the center should still look slightly underdone when you remove them since they continue cooking.
How do I store leftover brownies?
Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Add a slice of bread to the container to keep them extra moist.
You’ll love how easy these Air Fryer Brownies come togetherjust 15 minutes from start to finish, and that fudgy center with the crispy top? Pure chocolate bliss. They’re the perfect little batch when you need something sweet without heating up the whole house or committing to a giant pan.
Want to make them even more fun? Swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter before baking, or toss in some chopped walnuts for crunch. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four daysthough honestly, they rarely last that long. A trick I learned: warm a slice for ten seconds in the microwave and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me on this one.
I’d love to see how yours turn outsnap a photo and share it! Save this recipe for the next time someone needs a chocolate pick-me-up, or better yet, make a batch this weekend and share the love. There’s something so comforting about homemade brownies, and now you can whip them up anytime the craving strikes.
