Best Air Fryer Brownies

These air fryer brownies are perfect when you want a quick, fudgy dessert that feels homemade without the fuss. The recipe yields just enough for four servings, making it ideal for a small household or whenever you want to satisfy a chocolate craving without leftovers. With a crispy top and gooey interior, these brownies come together in about 20 minutes using only simple ingredients.

I remember making these brownies during a busy weeknight when I craved something sweet but didn’t want a big mess in the kitchen. They turned out so fudgy and delicious that I ended up making them again the next weekend for a movie night with friends.

Ingredients

• All—purpose flour: provides structure to hold the fudgy brownie together choose unbleached flour for better texture
• Cocoa powder: adds deep chocolate flavor Dutch—processed cocoa will give a smoother taste but regular works well too
• Granulated sugar: balances the bitterness of the cocoa and creates the classic crinkly brownie top use fine sugar for even mixing
• Salt: enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness
• Baking powder: helps add a slight lift so brownies are dense but not too flat
• Butter: keeps the brownies moist and rich use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness
• Semi—sweet chocolate chips: melt for intense chocolate flavor and gooey texture pick good—quality brands for the best taste
• Egg: acts as a binder and helps create the rich, fudgy crumb
• Vanilla extract: adds subtle depth and enhances the chocolate flavor pure vanilla extract works best

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

This step does not apply to brownies but the first real step is preheating and prepping

Preheat and Prepare:

Preheat your air fryer to 315 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes while it heats grease a 6-inch round cake pan well to prevent sticking and set it aside

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a small bowl combine the flour cocoa powder baking powder and salt Stir to distribute everything evenly so no clumps remain Set this aside for later use

Melt Butter and Chocolate:

Place the butter and chocolate chips in a microwave—safe bowl Heat in 30—second bursts stirring between each until fully melted and smooth Be careful not to overheat so the chocolate stays silky

Whisk the Wet Mixture:

In a larger bowl whisk the egg granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes lighter in color and slightly fluffy This incorporation of air helps create the final texture

Combine Wet and Dry:

Pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg mixture and stir gently to combine Next fold in the dry ingredient mixture just until no flour pockets remain Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender

Bake in the Air Fryer:

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and place it into the preheated air fryer basket Bake at 315 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes To check doneness insert a toothpick about two—thirds into the brownie If it comes out with just a few moist crumbs the brownies are ready

Cool and Enjoy:

Carefully remove the pan using oven mitts and let the brownies cool for about 10 minutes in the pan to set up Serve as is or top with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence

Chocolate has always been my favorite ingredient in baking and it elevates these brownies from a quick treat to something really special. I still think back to the first time I pulled these out of the air fryer the smell was irresistible and the texture perfectly gooey yet set. It’s one of those moments you want to recreate over and over.

Storage Tips

Store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to keep them fresh and soft. If you want a fudgier texture refrigerate them for up to one week. When ready to eat warming a brownie in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds brings out the ooey gooey quality again as if freshly baked.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the all—purpose flour for gluten—free flour blends if you need to be gluten—free though texture may vary slightly. Use dairy—free butter substitutes and vegan chocolate chips to make this recipe vegan friendly. If you don’t have chocolate chips chop up a good quality chocolate bar into chunks which melt beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

These brownies taste incredible topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can add fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce to fancy them up. For a fun twist sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before baking for added crunch and flavor contrast.

These air fryer brownies are quick and fudgy, perfect for small households. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What pan size is best for these brownies?

A 6-inch round pan fits perfectly in most air fryers and allows even baking.

→ How do I know when the brownies are done?

Insert a toothpick about two-thirds into the brownie; if it comes out mostly dry with a few crumbs, they're ready.

→ Can I use chocolate chips or chopped chocolate?

Both work well, but high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped bars enhance flavor the most.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain moisture.

→ Can I bake these in ramekins instead of a pan?

Yes, but reduce baking time slightly and ensure ramekins are air fryer safe; test doneness with a toothpick as usual.