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If you ask me, air fryer brownies are a total game-changer.
These fudgy squares deliver all the chocolate goodness of traditional brownies, but they’re ready in half the time. A crispy top layer gives way to a rich, gooey center that’ll make any chocolate lover smile.
They cook up perfectly in the air fryer basket, creating those coveted crackly edges that everyone fights over. A dusting of powdered sugar on top is all you need to make these treats feel extra special.
It’s a back-pocket dessert recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute chocolate cravings.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Brownies
- Super quick dessert – Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish, these brownies are perfect when you need a chocolate fix fast.
- Small batch friendly – This recipe makes just enough for a few servings, so you won’t have leftover brownies tempting you all week.
- No oven needed – Perfect for hot summer days or dorm cooking, these brownies don’t require heating up your whole kitchen with a traditional oven.
- Healthier option – Using applesauce instead of extra oil cuts down on fat while keeping these brownies moist and delicious.
What Kind of Cocoa Powder Should I Use?
For these air fryer brownies, you can use either natural or Dutch-process cocoa powder – both will give you great results, but with slightly different flavors. Natural cocoa powder has a more intense, slightly acidic chocolate taste, while Dutch-process offers a smoother, deeper chocolate flavor and darker color. If you’re not sure which to pick, I usually reach for Dutch-process in brownies since it gives that classic dark brownie look and mellow chocolate taste we all love. Just check your pantry label – if it says “processed with alkali” that means it’s Dutch-process cocoa. Whatever you do, make sure to sift your cocoa powder to avoid any lumps in your brownies.
Options for Substitutions
These air fryer brownies are pretty adaptable – here’s what you can swap if needed:
- All-purpose flour: You can use whole wheat flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just note that whole wheat flour might make them slightly denser.
- Cocoa powder: Both natural or Dutch-process cocoa powder work here. Just don’t skip it – it’s essential for that chocolate flavor!
- Neutral oil: Any mild-flavored oil works – try canola, vegetable, or melted coconut oil. If using coconut oil, make sure other ingredients are at room temperature to prevent it from solidifying.
- Applesauce: You can use mashed banana, pumpkin puree, or just more oil instead. Each will slightly change the texture – oil makes them fudgier, while fruit purees make them more cake-like.
- Chopped chocolate: Feel free to use chocolate chips, chunks, or even nuts instead. For a different twist, try white chocolate or peanut butter chips.
- Sugar: Brown sugar can replace white sugar for a deeper flavor. You could also try coconut sugar, though it might make the brownies slightly less sweet.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking
The biggest challenge when making air fryer brownies is overcooking them, which can quickly turn your fudgy treat into a dry, crumbly disappointment – always start checking for doneness about 2 minutes before the recommended baking time.
Getting the right pan size is crucial: using too large a pan will result in thin, crispy brownies, while too small a pan might leave you with an undercooked center – a 6-inch round pan or its equivalent is perfect for this recipe.
Temperature control matters more than you might think; preheating your air fryer is essential, and keeping it at 320°F (not higher) helps achieve that perfect balance between a crispy top and fudgy center.
For the best texture, resist the urge to over-mix the batter once you’ve added the flour – stop stirring as soon as the dry ingredients are incorporated, and let the brownies cool completely before cutting them to avoid messy, crumbly edges.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Brownies?
These warm, chocolatey air fryer brownies are perfect for creating simple but delicious dessert combinations. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is always a winner, especially when the brownies are still a bit warm and the ice cream starts to melt into all the chocolate-y goodness. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, try adding a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream – or both! For a fun coffee shop vibe at home, serve your brownie with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk, which helps balance out the rich chocolate flavor.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These air fryer brownies stay good at room temperature for up to 3 days when kept in an airtight container. I like to place a piece of parchment paper on the bottom of the container to prevent any sticking. For the best texture, keep them in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
Refrigerate: Want them to last longer? Pop your brownies in the fridge in a sealed container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. The cold temperature actually makes them extra fudgy, which is a nice bonus! Just let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before eating.
Freeze: These brownies freeze really well for up to 3 months. Cut them into individual squares, wrap them in plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer bag. When you’re craving something sweet, just take out what you need and let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 4-5 minutes |
| Total Time | 14-20 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 600-700
- Protein: 8-12 g
- Fat: 30-40 g
- Carbohydrates: 80-90 g
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons sifted all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup neutral-flavored oil
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (or additional oil)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1/4 cup chopped chocolate
Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Mixing Bowl
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
While the air fryer is preheating, take a mixing bowl and add the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
Mix these ingredients well to ensure even distribution.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
To the bowl of dry ingredients, add the wet ingredients: oil, applesauce, water, and vanilla extract.
Stir the mixture until it becomes a thick brownie batter.
Once the batter is thoroughly mixed, gently fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 3: Prepare the Ramekins
Grease four small oven-safe ramekins to prevent sticking.
Evenly distribute the brownie batter among the four ramekins, ensuring each one is filled to a similar level for even cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Brownies in the Air Fryer
Carefully place the ramekins in the basket of the preheated air fryer.
Air fry the brownies for 4-5 minutes, or until the tops of the brownies are mostly set.
Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once the brownies are done, carefully remove the ramekins from the air fryer basket.
Allow them to cool slightly at room temperature before enjoying.
Serve warm, perhaps with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious air fryer brownies!