Air Fryer Fudge Brownies
Why this recipe works
- Deep chocolate flavour: Melted dark chocolate gives body and richness, while cocoa powder sharpens the chocolate intensity.
- Compact bake: A small tin and air-fryer cooking keep the total time manageable without heating a full oven.
- Clear doneness cues: Set edges, a slight wobble and moist crumbs on a skewer make it easier to avoid overbaking.
Get the most out of this recipe
Timing notes
- Cool before slicing: Let the brownies cool fully after the initial tin rest; the centre continues to firm up and the edges cut more cleanly.
- Best texture for serving: Serve at room temperature for the softest, fudgiest texture, especially if the brownies have been chilled.
Texture tips
- Keep the centre fudgy: Stop cooking when the middle still has a slight wobble and the skewer shows moist crumbs rather than waiting for it to come out clean.
- Fold gently: Once the flour and cocoa go in, mix only until no dry patches remain to keep the crumb dense rather than cakey.
Common mistakes
- Air fryer heat can vary: If the top browns before the centre is set, lower the temperature to 150°C (300°F) for the final few minutes.
- Do not slice too early: Cutting while warm will give soft, messy pieces; chilling briefly before slicing gives the neatest squares.
Make-ahead tips
- Make ahead: These brownies keep well in an airtight container and can be made in advance for easy serving.
- Freeze portions: Wrap individual pieces well, freeze, then thaw at room temperature when needed.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease and line a small cake pan that fits your air fryer basket (about 15 cm). Preheat the air fryer to 160°C (320°F) for 3 minutes.
- Melt the butter and dark chocolate together in a saucepan over a low heat, stirring until smooth. Take off the heat and leave for 2 minutes to cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the caster sugar and eggs for 30 to 45 seconds until glossy and slightly thickened. Whisk in the vanilla, then whisk in the warm chocolate mixture.
- Sift in the cocoa powder, plain flour and fine sea salt, then fold with a spatula just until you no longer see dry flour. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and level the top.
- Air fry at 160°C (320°F) for 16 to 20 minutes, until the edges look set and the centre has a slight wobble; a skewer should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. If the top is browning too quickly, reduce the temperature to 150°C (300°F) for the final few minutes.
- Cool in the tin for 15 minutes, then lift out and cool completely before slicing for clean edges. Cut into 8 small squares, or 4 larger portions.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For the fudgiest centre, stop cooking while the middle is still slightly soft; the brownies will continue to set as they cool.
- If you are serving to pregnant people, young children, the elderly, or anyone who is immunocompromised, use pasteurised eggs.
Substitutions
- Replace vanilla extract with vanilla bean paste for a stronger vanilla flavour.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 4 days
- Store in an airtight container. For the neatest slices, chill first, then cut; bring to room temperature to serve. Freeze portions well wrapped, then thaw at room temperature.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 45min (15min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
-
Allergens:
Eggs Gluten Milk Wheat
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