Name: Air Fryer Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/3 cup whole wheat flour (42 grams) or all-purpose flour or for gluten-free use 1/3 cup Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-free Baking Mix (46 grams); 1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted if lumpy (29 grams); 1/16 teaspoon salt; 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); 1/4 cup chocolate chips (43 grams); Mini chocolate chips to sprinkle on top

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 64 reviews

I’m excited to share this Air Fryer Brownies Recipe with you because it’s a game changer when you want a quick, chocolaty treat without turning on a full-size oven. These brownies bake perfectly in the air fryer, developing a pretty crusty top and fudgy middle in about 10 minutes flat—which is perfect for when that chocolate craving hits hard and fast.

One thing I love about this Air Fryer Brownies Recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re craving a lunchbox treat, a last-minute dessert, or just something easy for yourself on a quiet afternoon, these brownies are deeply satisfying. Plus, using the air fryer means you get to avoid heating up your whole kitchen, which I especially appreciate in warmer months!

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Why This Recipe Works

Speedy Baking: The air fryer cooks the brownies quickly while still creating that irresistible crust on top.
Fudgy Texture: Baking just until the center is slightly wet ensures the brownies stay luscious and chewy as they cool.
Simple Ingredients: Using common pantry staples means you can whip these brownies up anytime.
Adaptable Method: Easily swap ingredients for dietary needs without losing that classic brownie feel.

A close-up view of several thick chocolate brownies placed on white parchment paper over a wooden board. Each brownie is dark brown, dense in texture, and dotted with melted milk chocolate chips on top. The brownies have a moist, soft inside visible at the edges, with some chocolate chips slightly melted in the center. A small piece of dark chocolate lies next to the brownies on the parchment paper. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Brownies Recipe plays a key role in balance and texture. I’ve picked ingredients that you can easily find and swap around depending on your preferences or what’s in your pantry.

Whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour: I love using whole wheat for its nuttier flavor, but AP flour gives a more classic brownie crumb; gluten-free friends can swap in Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 baking mix.
Dutch-process cocoa powder: Its deep, rich flavor and less acidity make a chocolatey base that stands out in a small batch.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the chocolate and balances sweetness.
Coconut oil or unsalted butter: Either adds that needed fat for softness—coconut oil also keeps it dairy-free.
Granulated sugar or coconut sugar: Granulated gives classic sweetness, while coconut sugar adds a subtle caramel note.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the chocolate flavor.
Egg: The binder that gives structure to your brownies, so they don’t fall apart.
Chocolate chips: Folded in and sprinkled on top for bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I usually keep this Air Fryer Brownies Recipe pretty classic, but I love tweaking it depending on my mood or what I’m craving. You can easily amp up the chocolaty factor or switch things up to make it allergy-friendly.

Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is stirring in a handful of walnuts or pecans for a little crunch contrasting the fudgy texture—it’s divine!
Dairy-Free: Swap butter for coconut oil and regular chocolate chips for dairy-free ones—perfect for friends with dairy sensitivities.
Extra Fudgy: If you like it super fudgy, reduce the cooking time by a minute or two and cool them fully before slicing.
Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon to add a subtle warmth that deepens the chocolate’s complexity.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Pan Like a Pro

Line a 6-inch circular cake pan with parchment paper. I’ve found this size works perfectly in most air fryers without crowding and helps the brownies cook evenly. Don’t skip the parchment—this makes cleanup easier and ensures the brownies pop right out without sticking.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. I like to sift the cocoa powder if it’s lumpy because that ensures your brownie batter is smooth and clump-free. Set this aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Stir the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the melted coconut oil (or butter) with sugar and vanilla. Once mixed, crack in the egg and stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix here.

Step 4: Bring It Together Carefully

Add the dry mixture to the wet and stir just until there are almost no streaks of flour left—overmixing can make the brownies tough. Fold in 1/4 cup of chocolate chips at this stage for pockets of melty goodness.

Step 5: Heat and Bake

Preheat your air fryer to 340 °F (170 °C). Pour the batter into your prepared pan, then sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the top for that extra chocolate sparkle. Place the pan in the air fryer basket and bake for 10-14 minutes. The edges should have formed a thin crust, and the middle will look set but still have some moisture—a toothpick test helps: it should come out wet in the center but with moist crumbs along the sides.

Step 6: Let Them Cool Before Serving

Let your brownies cool completely in the pan. This step is key because they continue to firm up as they cool, yielding that perfect fudgy texture you want. Once cool, slice them up and enjoy!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Pan Size Matters: Using a 6″ pan lets the brownies bake evenly without drying out—don’t substitute with a much bigger pan.
Check Early: Air fryers can vary; start checking for doneness around 10 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Don’t Skip Cooling: Patience is key—allow them to cool fully for fudgy texture rather than cakey.
Grease vs. Parchment: I’ve tried both and parchment guarantees easier removal and less mess.

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 love topping these brownies with a sprinkling of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness. Sometimes I drizzle a bit of caramel or warm up some berry compote—it’s such a comforting match with the deep chocolate flavor.

Side Dishes

These brownies are perfect on their own but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of fresh raspberries makes them feel like a fancy dessert without any extra fuss. For a brunch vibe, I’ve served them alongside coffee or a rich hot chocolate and it’s always a hit.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like slicing these Air Fryer Brownies into bite-sized squares and stacking them on a pretty platter with colorful berries and mint leaves. Wrapping individual pieces in parchment tied with twine makes a cute gift for neighbors or coworkers, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover brownies at room temperature in an airtight container, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. This keeps them tender but still slightly chewy, which is my favorite way to eat them.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away, I’ve had great success freezing brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.

Reheating

Reheat a brownie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive that warm, melty feel without drying it out. Or if you prefer, pop it back into the air fryer for a couple minutes at 320 °F for a warm, slightly crisp exterior with gooey insides.

FAQs

Can I make this Air Fryer Brownies Recipe in a bigger pan?

I recommend sticking to a 6-inch pan or similar size for even cooking; a bigger pan will spread the batter thinner and could result in overcooked edges and underdone center. If you want to make a larger batch, consider doubling the recipe and using multiple smaller pans or cook in batches.
How do I know when the brownies are done?

Look for a thin crust on top and slightly set edges. The center should still be a bit wet and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs but not raw batter. Since the brownies firm up as they cool, it’s better to underbake slightly than overbake.
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones?

Absolutely! If you only have regular-sized chips, just use less on top so they don’t overwhelm the batter, or chop them a bit before sprinkling and folding in to maintain a balanced texture.
Can I make these brownies dairy-free?

Yes! Just swap the butter for coconut oil and be sure to use dairy-free (vegan) chocolate chips. The texture will still be rich and fudgy, and the coconut oil adds a subtle tropical note.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake these brownies in a regular oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 15-18 minutes in a 6-inch pan. Just keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t dry out since baking times differ.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Brownies Recipe quickly became one of my favorite fast-fix desserts because it’s both reliable and so easy to customize. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do—and find yourself reaching for this recipe whenever you want that warm, chocolate comfort but don’t want to fuss with a full oven. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes your go-to brownie hack!