This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I also earn from Instacart affiliate links. This does not affect my recipe testing or recommendations.
Air Fryer Brownies
Fudgy, crackly-topped brownies with a gooey center and crispy edges — ready in under 20 minutes.
Total Time
28 min
Difficulty
Easy
Servings
9 squares
Calories
220 cal
Why This Works
The air fryer's concentrated heat creates the coveted crackly top (the Maillard reaction on the sugar-egg mixture) while keeping the interior fudgy. The smaller cooking chamber means heat reaches the batter from all sides, reducing cook time by 30% compared to a conventional oven.
My Recipe Testing Notes
The biggest challenge with air fryer brownies is the pan size. Most air fryer baskets are round, so a 6-inch or 7-inch round cake pan works best. I tested both boxed mix (Betty Crocker) and from-scratch brownies — both work, but from-scratch gives a richer, fudgier result. Key finding: the toothpick test doesn't work the same way. Pull them when the toothpick comes out clean 1 inch from the edge — the center will still look underdone and that's exactly right for fudgy brownies.
Ingredients
Optional but highly recommended
Optional
Instructions
Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals. Let cool slightly for 5 minutes.
Whisk sugar into melted butter until combined. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in vanilla.
Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined — do not overmix. Fold in chocolate chips.
Grease a 6-inch or 7-inch round cake pan that fits in your air fryer basket. Line with parchment paper.
Pour batter into pan and smooth the top. Air fry at 325°F for 16-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted 1 inch from the edge comes out clean (center will be fudgy).
Let cool in the pan for 20 minutes before removing. Dust with powdered sugar and cut into 9 squares.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a boxed brownie mix?
Yes! Prepare the mix according to package directions and air fry at 325°F for 18-22 minutes. Betty Crocker and Ghirardelli mixes both work great.
What size pan fits in an air fryer?
A 6-inch or 7-inch round cake pan fits most 5-quart+ air fryers. Measure your basket before buying a pan.
How do I know when brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick 1 inch from the edge — it should come out clean. The center will still be slightly jiggly and that's perfect for fudgy brownies.
Can I add mix-ins?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, caramel chips, peanut butter chips, or swirls of Nutella all work great.
Written by Sarah Jenkins
Former restaurant line cook turned home kitchen obsessive. I've tested over 200 air fryer recipes and I share exactly what works, what doesn't, and the temperatures that make the difference.
Read more about Sarah →
