There’s a certain hush that falls over a kitchen when brownies come out of the pan — warm edges, gooey middle, and the kind of smell that pulls grown folks and little ones to the table. These Air Fryer Brownies are the sort of recipe my grandma might have passed along with a wink and a story. If you like simple, cozy treats, you might also enjoy these 3-ingredient air fryer cookies, which are just as quick and full of heart.
Why make this recipe
There’s comfort in recipes that don’t ask for much fuss — just butter, sugar, eggs, and cocoa, and a handful of pantry friends. Air fryer brownies bake up with a slightly crisp top and a tender, fudgy center in a fraction of the time, perfect for when a sweet tooth strikes after school or when neighbors drop by for a surprise cup of coffee.
How to make Air Fryer Brownies
Gather the folks, pull up a chair, and let the warm kitchen chatter accompany each step. These brownies are the kind you’ll make again and again because they’re fast, forgiving, and remind you of simpler afternoons.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Directions:
- Preheat air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
- Whisk melted butter with sugar; add eggs and vanilla and mix until smooth.
- Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until combined.
- Pour batter into a greased, parchment-lined pan that fits your air fryer.
- Air fry 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool, then slice and serve.
How to serve Air Fryer Brownies
I like to let them cool just enough so a fork doesn’t steam your fingers, then slice into generous squares. Serve them plain with a tall glass of milk, or for Sunday sweetness, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel. Invite someone you love to sit a spell — brownies are better when shared.
How to store Air Fryer Brownies
Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, pop the container in the fridge for up to a week — they’ll keep that fudgy heart. For longer keeping, wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months; thaw on the counter or warm briefly in the air fryer.
Tips to make Air Fryer Brownies
- Use a pan that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket; a square or round pan lined with parchment makes life easier.
- Don’t overmix once you add the flour — a few streaks of flour disappear as the batter rests.
- Keep an eye on them the first time you bake in your air fryer; every model behaves a little different. If you want a chewier edge, let them go the full 18 minutes. For a gooier center, check at 14 minutes.
- If you’re feeling playful, fold in a handful of nuts or chocolate chips before baking. And if you want to try another simple brownie approach, there’s a lovely note on 3-ingredient brownies that’s handy when you’re short on time.
Variations (if any)
- Nutty Southern: fold in 1/3 cup chopped pecans for that classic Southern snap.
- Boozy fudge: stir in a teaspoon of bourbon to the batter for grown-up warmth.
- Marbled: drop small spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture on top and swirl gently before air frying.
FAQs
Q: Can I use cocoa powder substitutes like hot chocolate mix?
A: I’d stick with unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor and to control sweetness. Hot chocolate mix has extra sugar and flavorings that will change the texture and taste.
Q: What size pan should I use in the air fryer?
A: Use a pan that allows a little air around the edges in your basket — often a 6- to 7-inch square or similar round pan works well. If you’re unsure, measure your air fryer basket first.
Q: How do I know when they’re done without a toothpick?
A: Look for a set top with a slight jiggle in the very center and a shiny, crackly crust. There should be no raw batter, but the center will still be moist.
Q: Can I double the recipe for more brownies?
A: You can, but work in batches so the air can circulate freely. Overcrowding the basket will lead to uneven baking.
Conclusion
If you’d like another take on fudgy air fryer treats, I often peek at recipes like Fudgy & Easy Air Fryer Brownies (From Scratch!) – My Forking Life for inspiration, or the Air Fryer Brownies (super quick, easy, and fudgy!) – Texanerin Baking for more tips on timing and texture. In the end, the sweetest part is the sharing — hand a warm square to someone you love, sit back on a wooden chair, and let the kitchen fill with good talk and laughter.
Air Fryer Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
- Whisk melted butter with sugar; add eggs and vanilla and mix until smooth.
- Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until combined.
- Pour batter into a greased, parchment-lined pan that fits your air fryer.
- Air fry for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool, then slice and serve.