If you're craving dessert magic without turning on the oven, this air fryer brownies recipe is about to become your new favorite. With their fudgy centers, chewy edges, and a flavor that screams homemade, these brownies come together in just 30 minutes! Plus, no need for baking mixes here-I'm using simple, pantry-staple ingredients for that from-scratch goodness.
💌 Want to Save This Recipe?
I'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
Psst... if you love quick desserts, check out my "Too Much" Chocolate Cake and pair these brownies with this recipe for no-churn vanilla ice cream from Foodie Crush for a match made in dessert heaven.
Air fryers aren't just for crispy fries or chicken nuggets anymore. They've paved the way for treats like cookies and brownies, offering a faster, more energy-efficient way to bake.
Brownies, in particular, have become a go-to treat for Valentine's Day, cozy Friday nights, or just about any sweet craving.
For me, there's nothing better than whipping up a batch of air fryer brownies when I'm too impatient to wait for an oven to preheat. Not only is it quicker and easier than traditional oven-baked brownies, but they also turn out perfectly fudgy every time.
Bonus points if I'm curled up with my favorite show while nibbling on one!
Why you'll love these air fryer brownies:
- Quick and Easy: No need to preheat an oven! These brownies are ready to satisfy your chocolate cravings in just 30 minutes.
- Perfect Texture: Fudgy centers, crisp chewy edges, and a deep cocoa flavor that rivals bakery treats.
- Customizable: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter for your perfect bite.
- Small-Batch-Friendly: Perfect for when you don't want a towering pile of leftovers.
Key ingredients
This recipe keeps it simple with ingredients you probably already have at home. Here are the 3 key ingredients that make these air fryer brownies amazing...
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The backbone of every great brownie! It provides that rich and indulgent chocolate punch we all love. Use high-quality cocoa powder for the deepest flavor.
Brown Sugar: This adds moistness, sweetness, and a subtle caramel flavor to help balance the richness of the cocoa. It's the secret to chewy brownies!
Butter: Melted butter gives the brownies their fudgy, decadent texture while also enhancing the flavor compared to oil-only recipes.
Heather's helpful hints
- For an extra boost, add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.
- The batter should be thick but spreadable. If it's too thick, add a teaspoon of water or milk.
- Air fryers run hot, so keep an eye on the brownies and check for moist crumbs on the toothpick.
How to make easy air fryer brownies
These air fryer brownies are so simple, you'll have them baked and ready to devour before you know it!
Note: Before you start, line a 9-inch round baking pan with parchment paper and coat it with non-stick spray.
Step 1
Combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
Step 2
Beat until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vegetable oil and vanilla extract.
Step 3
Whisk your flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Slowly add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, blending until smooth.
Step 4
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake in the air fryer at 330°F for 15-20 minutes. Edges should be set, and the toothpick should come out with moist crumbs.
Variations and substitutions for your perfect brownie
This recipe is versatile, so get creative and make these brownies your own. Here are a few ideas:
Flavor Variations
- Nutty Twist: Mix in ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch.
- Peppermint Bliss: Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract for a holiday feel.
- Triple Chocolate: Stir in chocolate chips or chunks for gooey pockets of melted chocolate.
Pan Size Adjustments
If you don't have a 9-inch round pan, try using a square 8x8 pan or individual ramekins for brownie cups. Slightly adjust the bake time depending on the thickness of the batter.
It will come down to the size of your air fryer basket.
Ingredient Swaps
- Gluten Free: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-safe treat.
- Oil-Free: Substitute butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Natural Sweetener: Replace granulated and brown sugar with coconut sugar for a refined sugar-free twist.
Recipe
Air Fryer Brownies
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: line a 9-inch round baking pan with parchment paper and coat the pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Mix wet ingredients: in a medium bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar; mix on medium speed with a hand mixer until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time; mix after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Mix in oil and vanilla extract; blend until the mixture is fully combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: in a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- Combine mixtures: reduce mixer speed to low; gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture in intervals, mixing just until a smooth batter forms.
- Bake the brownies: pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly; bake in the air fryer at 330°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and chill: allow brownies to cool at room temperature; refrigerate for 30 minutes before cutting for the neatest slices.
Notes and Tips
Nutrition
Frequently asked questions
Absolutely! Most boxed brownie mixes work well with the same cooking instructions, though nothing beats homemade.
If you don't have eggs on hand or want a vegan option, you can substitute each egg with ¼ cup of applesauce or 1 mashed banana.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Yes! Wrap individual slices in plastic and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Sarah says
This air fryer brownie recipe is a game-changer, Heather! The brownies came out perfectly fudgy in the center with crisp edges—so delicious. I loved how easy the instructions were to follow, and your tip about cooling time really helped. Have you tried any fun mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Also, I used coconut oil instead of butter, and it worked great—just a little lighter but still rich!
Heather says
So glad to hear that coconut oil worked well—that's a great tip! I haven’t tried mix-ins yet, but nuts or even a swirl of peanut butter sound amazing. Thanks so much for trying the recipe and sharing your twist! Let me know if you experiment with any other versions! 😊