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Air Fryer Brownies Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Air Fryer Brownies Recipe with you because it’s become my go-to for a fast, fudgy chocolate fix. Honestly, nothing beats popping these in the air fryer when you want brownies but don’t want to heat up the whole kitchen or wait forever. They come out perfectly moist and slightly gooey, with that gorgeous thin crust on top that I just adore.

What makes this Air Fryer Brownies Recipe truly special is how accessible it is. You can whip up a batch in about 20 minutes flat, making it perfect for last-minute dessert emergencies or cozy weekend treats. Plus, if you’ve got an air fryer (who doesn’t these days?), you’re just minutes away from chocolate bliss without any complicated steps or weird ingredients.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Quick and Convenient: The air fryer speeds up baking time while giving that perfect brownie texture.
  • Simple Ingredients: No fancy stuff needed — just pantry basics you probably already have.
  • Moist & Fudgy Texture: Balances just the right amount of gooeyness without being raw or cakey.
  • Versatile Adaptations: Easy swaps for gluten-free, dairy-free, or even sugar alternatives.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Brownies Recipe has a purpose, creating a rich, fudgy texture with a tender crumb and that crave-worthy chocolate flavor. I always suggest picking good quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips because they really elevate the taste.

  • Whole wheat flour (or all-purpose or gluten-free baking mix): Helps provide structure while keeping the brownies tender; gluten-free mix works great for sensitive tummies.
  • Dutch-process cocoa powder: Gives deep, rich chocolate flavor without bitterness; sift if lumpy to keep batter smooth.
  • Salt: Enhances the chocolate’s sweetness and balances flavors.
  • Coconut oil or unsalted butter: Adds moisture and richness; coconut oil also makes this recipe dairy-free if you choose it.
  • Granulated sugar (or coconut sugar): Sweetens perfectly; coconut sugar adds a subtle caramel note.
  • Vanilla extract: Boosts the depth of chocolate flavor and aroma.
  • Large egg: Binds everything together while contributing to the brownie’s fudgy texture.
  • Chocolate chips + mini chips: Infuse extra melty chocolate goodness inside and on top for a delightful bite every time.
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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Air Fryer Brownies Recipe is. Sometimes I swap in almond flour for a nuttier taste or add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for that extra punch. You should definitely experiment a bit to find your perfect brownie.

  • Variation: I’ve tried adding a tablespoon of espresso powder—it really intensifies the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.
  • Dietary Swap: Use coconut oil and dairy-free chocolate chips for a completely vegan and dairy-free batch.
  • Sweetener Change: Swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar to add a richer, caramel-like undertone.

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

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by lining a 6-inch round cake pan with parchment paper—this makes getting the brownies out a breeze. In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, and salt. I usually sift the cocoa powder first if it’s clumpy to avoid any bitter lumps in the batter.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, mix the melted coconut oil (or butter), sugar, and vanilla extract. When those are well combined, crack in your egg and stir until just mixed; this keeps the batter tender and fudgy.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until almost no flour streaks remain. Overmixing can make brownies tough, so keeping it light is key here. Fold in the chocolate chips last, so they’re evenly distributed and ready to melt beautifully.

Step 4: Bake in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 340°F (170°C). Pour the batter into your prepared pan, then sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top for that extra melty, melty layer. Bake for 10-14 minutes—check at 10 minutes by poking the center with a toothpick. You want it to come out wet in the middle but not raw, and the edges should be set with a slight crust.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Let your brownies cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial because the brownies will firm up as they chill, locking in that fudgy texture. Once cool, slice into 4-6 pieces and prepare for some serious happy eating!

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Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Brownies Recipe

  • Use Parchment Paper: It’s a lifesaver when removing brownies from the pan and keeps edges from getting burnt.
  • Don’t Overmix: Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep brownies tender, not chewy.
  • Check Early: Air fryer models vary—start checking at 10 minutes so your brownies don’t dry out.
  • Let Them Rest: Cooling fully is how you get the perfect fudgy texture, so don’t skip this!

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 often sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top once they’re out of the air fryer—trust me, it really amps up the chocolate flavor. Sometimes I add a dusting of powdered sugar or fresh berries for a lovely contrast, especially when serving to guests.

Side Dishes

For a cozy afternoon snack, I love serving these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A hot cup of coffee or chai tea on the side is also a match made in heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays, I’ve layered the brownies with cream cheese frosting and fresh raspberries for a quick, stunning cake alternative. They also look adorable served in mini squares stacked on a dessert platter with colorful sprinkles or edible flowers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days—they stay perfectly moist that way. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerating them will help preserve freshness longer, though they get a little fudgier and denser when chilled.

Freezing

Freezing brownies is a huge time saver. I cut them into squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer bag. They keep great for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

To warm frozen or refrigerated brownies, I like to microwave them for about 15-20 seconds—that softens them up without drying them out. If you want a slightly crisp top, a quick 3-minute zap in the air fryer at 320°F works beautifully.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of pan in the air fryer?

    Yes! As long as your pan fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket and is oven-safe, you can use it. Just be sure it’s about 6 inches in diameter or less for even cooking. Silicone or metal pans work best for easy removal and even heat distribution.

  2. How do I know when the brownies are done without overbaking?

    Look for a set top with a slight crust and edges pulling away from the pan. The toothpick test is your friend: it should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter in the center. Remember, they finish baking as they cool, so slightly underbaked is perfect here.

  3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

    Absolutely! Simply use coconut oil instead of butter and swap regular chocolate chips with dairy-free versions. This way, you keep all the fudgy goodness without any dairy.

  4. Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?

    While you can double the ingredients, you’ll need a larger pan that fits your air fryer, or you might need to bake in batches. Keep an eye on baking time as it might increase slightly for a thicker batter layer.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Air Fryer Brownies Recipe enough if you’re craving a quick, fudgy treat without fuss. Every time I make these, whether for unexpected guests or just because, they disappear in no time and earn those happy “wow, these are amazing” smiles. Give it a try—you’ll love how rewarding it feels to pull a batch of rich, chocolatey brownies out of your air fryer in under half an hour!

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Air Fryer Brownies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 20 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Total Time: 24 minutes
  • Yield: 6 brownies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delicious and fudgy air fryer brownies made with simple ingredients including cocoa powder, whole wheat or gluten-free flour, and chocolate chips. These brownies are quick to prepare and cook, perfect for a sweet treat in just 20 minutes.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour or 1/3 cup gluten-free baking mix (46 grams)
  • 1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted if lumpy (29 grams)
  • 1/16 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup + 2 teaspoons coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly (65 grams)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar (100 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg (50 grams, out of shell)

Add-ins

  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips (43 grams)
  • Mini chocolate chips to sprinkle on top

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Line a 6 inch circular cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the brownies.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted coconut oil or butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Once combined, add the egg and stir just until incorporated.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir just until almost no flour streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to keep brownies tender. Fold in 1/4 cup chocolate chips.
  5. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 340 degrees Fahrenheit (170 degrees Celsius) for even cooking.
  6. Cook Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle mini chocolate chips evenly on top. Place in the air fryer and bake for 14 minutes or until a thin crust forms on top and the center appears set but moist. A toothpick inserted in the center will come out wet but not with raw batter.
  7. Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan to firm up. Once cool, remove from the pan, cover, and store at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to one week for a fudgier texture.

Notes

  • For dairy-free option, use coconut oil and dairy-free chocolate chips.
  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough brownies.
  • Brownies will continue to bake slightly after removal from the air fryer, so do not overcook.
  • Use parchment paper to easily lift brownies from the pan.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 brownie
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 50 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: 35 mg

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