If you have a craving for chocolate that’s rich, indulgent, and downright comforting, this Fudgy Air Fryer Brownie Recipe is the answer you’ve been looking for. It turns out moist, dense, and decadently chocolatey brownies in just 20 minutes, all with minimal fuss and ingredients you probably already have on hand. The magic really happens in the air fryer, which gives these brownies a perfect crust on top while keeping the inside irresistibly fudgy. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to whenever you want a quick but seriously satisfying chocolate fix.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Fudgy Air Fryer Brownie Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—flour provides structure, cocoa powder delivers deep chocolate flavor, and butter brings that tender richness that makes brownies so addictive.
- 1/3 cup flour: Use all-purpose flour to give your brownies just the right density and chew.
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder: A good quality cocoa powder infuses bold chocolate taste without extra sweetness.
- 1/4 tsp baking powder: Helps give a slight lift while keeping the brownie dense and fudgy.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances out the sweetness, enhancing the chocolate’s richness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly without overpowering the chocolate.
- 1/4 cup butter: Melted butter adds moisture and that lush, fudgy texture.
- 2 tbsp chocolate chips: These melt slowly during mixing, creating little pockets of gooey chocolate.
- 1 egg: Binds everything together while adding a tender crumb.
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a warm note that complements the chocolate beautifully.
How to Make Fudgy Air Fryer Brownie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your air fryer to 315°F (160°C) for 5 minutes. Grease a 6-inch round cake pan well to ensure your brownie doesn’t stick. This step ensures even cooking and a smooth release once baked.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
While the air fryer is warming up, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Sifting them or whisking helps eliminate lumps and blends flavors uniformly, which is key for that flawless fudgy texture.
Step 3: Melt Butter and Chocolate Chips
In a separate small bowl, melt the butter and chocolate chips together. Use the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each until smooth and glossy. This luscious chocolate mixture forms the heart of the brownie’s rich flavor.
Step 4: Whisk Egg, Sugar, and Vanilla
In a large bowl, whisk the egg, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light in color and slightly fluffy. This aeration helps balance the brownie’s density and enhances its texture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly stir the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until fully combined. Then gently fold in the dry ingredients until just incorporated—don’t overmix, or the brownies will lose their tender fudgy quality.
Step 6: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and place it in the preheated air fryer. Bake at 315°F for 15 minutes. Remember to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center after around 10 minutes—it should come out with a few moist crumbs, never wet batter.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Using oven mitts, carefully remove the pan from the air fryer and let the brownie cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This resting time allows the brownie to set perfectly. Then serve warm topped with your favorite ice cream or whipped cream for an irresistible treat.
How to Serve Fudgy Air Fryer Brownie Recipe
Garnishes
The simplest garnishes can elevate your brownies from delicious to divine. Fresh berries add a bright contrast, while a sprinkle of powdered sugar brings a touch of elegance. Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to the next indulgent level.
Side Dishes
Serve your brownies alongside a cold glass of milk for true comfort or try pairing with a rich espresso to highlight the chocolate’s depth. For a grown-up twist, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of cinnamon can complement the fudgy texture wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate: portion brownies into bite-sized squares for parties, stack them with layers of cream as mini brownie parfaits, or use them as the chocolate base for an over-the-top sundae. Your Fudgy Air Fryer Brownie Recipe is versatile and perfect for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. Refrigerating extends their shelf life up to a week and adds an extra fudgy quality that many find irresistible.
Freezing
Wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen brownies can last up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready for a chocolatey treat.
Reheating
To bring back the ooey-gooey goodness, warm brownies in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This gentle heat revives that freshly baked feel and makes them perfect for topping with ice cream or enjoying on their own.
FAQs
Can I use a different size pan for this Fudgy Air Fryer Brownie Recipe?
The recipe calls for a 6-inch pan to ensure proper thickness and even cooking in the air fryer. Using a larger pan will spread the batter too thin, resulting in less fudgy brownies. If using a smaller pan, reduce baking time accordingly.
What type of cocoa powder is best for this recipe?
Natural unsweetened cocoa powder is ideal for bold flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa can also be used but might alter the texture slightly. Either way, make sure it’s fresh and unsweetened for the best chocolate taste.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the brownie batter?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even chunks of your favorite candy bars can up the texture and flavor. Fold them gently into the batter after mixing to keep the fudgy consistency intact.
How do I know when the brownies are done in the air fryer?
Since air fryer temperatures vary, use the toothpick test about two-thirds through the bake time. If it comes out with only a few moist crumbs and no raw batter, your brownies are perfectly baked.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy butter with plant-based alternatives and use a flax egg or another egg replacer to make it vegan. Keep in mind these swaps might slightly change the texture and flavor, but the brownies will still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling a warm, fudgy brownie out of the air fryer, especially when it’s this effortless to make. This Fudgy Air Fryer Brownie Recipe perfectly balances ease, speed, and incredible chocolate flavor, making it a must-try for any dessert lover. Give it a whirl and prepare to impress yourself (and anyone lucky enough to share). Happy baking!
PrintFudgy Air Fryer Brownie Recipe
This fudgy air fryer brownie recipe is a quick and easy way to satisfy your chocolate cravings using an air fryer. With a rich, moist texture and just the right amount of sweetness, these brownies are perfect for a small batch dessert. Ready in just 20 minutes, including prep and cooking, and requiring minimal ingredients, this recipe is ideal for anyone looking to whip up a delicious treat without heating up their oven.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tbsp chocolate chips
- 1 egg
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 315°F (157°C) for 5 minutes, allowing it to reach the perfect temperature for baking. Grease a 6-inch round cake pan and set it aside to prepare for the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir them together until evenly mixed, then set this bowl aside for later use.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a separate small microwave-safe bowl, add the butter and chocolate chips. Melt them together in 30-second increments, stirring between each session until fully melted and smooth. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, whisk the egg, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually mix the melted butter and chocolate into the egg mixture. Then, gently fold in the dry flour mixture just until it disappears, being careful not to overmix to maintain a fudgy texture.
- Bake in Air Fryer: Pour the batter into the greased 6-inch cake pan. Place the pan inside the preheated air fryer and bake at 315°F (157°C) for 15 minutes.
- Check for Doneness: About two-thirds through baking, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownie. If it comes out mostly dry with a few moist crumbs, the brownies are done.
- Cool: Using oven mitts, carefully remove the cake pan from the air fryer and let the brownie cool for 10 minutes to set properly.
- Serve: Serve the brownies warm topped with ice cream or whipped cream, or enjoy them plain for a classic fudgy treat.
Notes
- Use a 6-inch round pan for the best fit and even cooking inside the air fryer.
- Air fryer temperatures can vary significantly, so check your brownie for doneness early to avoid overbaking.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to one week for a fudgier texture.
- Reheat brownies briefly in the microwave before serving to achieve that warm, gooey texture.
