Description of this recipe: Indulge in intensely rich and fudgy brownies, baked to perfection in your air-fryer. This recipe delivers the ultimate brownie experience – a crackly top, a gooey center, and a deep chocolate flavor that will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds!).
Why you will love this recipe:
- Speed and Convenience: Forget preheating the oven for ages! Air-frying significantly reduces the baking time, making these brownies the perfect treat for when that chocolate craving strikes.
- Fudgy Perfection: The air-fryer creates an incredibly fudgy texture inside, while simultaneously developing a beautiful, slightly crisp top.
- Minimal Effort: This recipe is surprisingly easy to make with simple ingredients and straightforward instructions. Even novice bakers can achieve amazing results.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences by adding different types of chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter.
- Portion Control (If you want!): Baking these in a square tin and cutting into squares helps with portion control, although resisting a second brownie might be a challenge!
Introduction
The world of brownies is a vast and delicious landscape, ranging from cakey to fudgy, intense to subtle. But when it comes to achieving that perfect balance of crackly top and gooey interior, few methods rival the air-fryer. These compact powerhouses are masters of even heat distribution, ensuring consistent baking and exceptional texture.
This recipe transforms the classic brownie into an air-fryer sensation. We start with a base of rich dark chocolate and buttery goodness, enhanced with the sweetness of caster sugar and the subtle tang of a pinch of salt. The addition of white chocolate chips introduces delightful pockets of creamy sweetness, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, these air-fryer brownies are guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your air-fryer, and get ready to experience brownie bliss like never before!
Ingredients:
- 125g unsalted butter
- 125g dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), roughly chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 175g caster sugar
- 80g plain flour
- 20g cocoa powder
- 40g white chocolate chips
- Pinch of salt
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate-Butter Mixture. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and dark chocolate together over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Alternatively, melt in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between each burst, until completely smooth and melted. Remove from heat and set aside to cool for a few minutes. This cooling period is crucial, as adding hot chocolate to the eggs can cook them, resulting in a less than desirable texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Tin. Line a square cake tin (approximately 6-7 inches) with baking parchment, ensuring the parchment overhangs the sides. This will make it easy to lift the brownies out of the tin once they are baked. Make sure the tin fits comfortably inside your air-fryer basket or drawer, with some room for air circulation around the edges. Using binder clips can ensure it stays in shape.
Step 3: Whisk the Eggs and Sugar. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Use an electric whisk to beat the mixture until it becomes thickened and creamy. This step is vital for achieving a light and airy texture, which contributes to the signature crackly top. Continue whisking for approximately 3-5 minutes, or until the mixture has almost doubled in volume and forms a ribbon when the whisk is lifted. The lighter the mixture is, the better the brownies’ texture will be.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. Sift the flour and cocoa powder over the egg and sugar mixture. This prevents lumps and ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients. Pour in the melted chocolate and butter mixture. Using a rubber spatula or a large spoon, gently fold everything together until just evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough brownies. Once the batter is nearly combined, stir in the white chocolate chips.
Step 5: Air-Fry to Perfection. Pour the batter into the prepared tin, spreading it evenly. Place the tin inside the air-fryer basket or drawer. Preheat the air fryer to 160°C (320°F). Air-fry for 25-35 minutes, or until the brownies are set with a slight wobble in the center. The exact baking time will depend on your air-fryer model and the size of your tin, so keep an eye on them. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. It should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. If the toothpick comes out clean, the brownies are likely overbaked and will be less fudgy.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy. Remove the tin from the air-fryer and let the brownies cool completely in the tin before cutting into squares. This is essential for achieving clean cuts and preventing the brownies from crumbling. Patience is key here! Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the tin using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares.
COOKING Rating: Medium
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Drizzle with chocolate sauce or caramel sauce for an extra decadent treat.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Tips:
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this will result in tough brownies.
- Keep a close eye on the brownies while they’re air-frying, as baking times may vary.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into squares for cleaner cuts.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For extra fudgy brownies, underbake them slightly.
- Add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the batter for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
- Experiment with different toppings, such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, or a swirl of peanut butter.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-35 minutes
Total Time: 40-50 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 4-5g
- Sodium: 100-150mg
Conclusion
These air-fryer brownies are a testament to the versatility and convenience of modern cooking appliances. With their intensely fudgy texture, crackly top, and deep chocolate flavor, they are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. The easy preparation and quick baking time make them perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings any day of the week. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and experience the magic of air-fryer brownies!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I use a different type of chocolate?
A1: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for dark chocolate, you can certainly experiment with different types of chocolate based on your preference. Milk chocolate will result in a sweeter brownie, while semi-sweet chocolate offers a balance between sweetness and bitterness. You can also use a combination of different chocolates to create a more complex flavor profile. Just be mindful that different types of chocolate may affect the overall sweetness and texture of the brownies, so you may need to adjust the amount of sugar accordingly.
Q2: My brownies are burning on top but still gooey inside. What am I doing wrong?
A2: This can happen if the heat in your air-fryer is too high or if the brownies are placed too close to the heating element. Try reducing the air-fryer temperature by 10-20 degrees Celsius and covering the top of the tin with a piece of aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This will help to prevent the top from burning while allowing the inside to cook through. Also, ensure the tin is not touching the heating element of your air fryer.
Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A3: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by substituting the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for a blend that is designed for baking and contains a mix of different gluten-free flours, such as rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch. Be aware that gluten-free flours may absorb liquid differently than regular flour, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe slightly. It’s often recommended to use a little less liquid, adding more only if the batter seems too dry.
Q4: Can I add nuts to the brownies? If so, how much and when?
A4: Absolutely! Adding nuts to brownies adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. You can add approximately 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of chopped nuts to the batter. Walnuts, pecans, and almonds are all great choices. For optimal results, toast the nuts lightly before adding them to the batter. This will enhance their flavor and prevent them from becoming soggy during baking. Stir the nuts into the batter along with the white chocolate chips, after you have combined the wet and dry ingredients.
Q5: Can I double this recipe?
A5: You can absolutely double this recipe; however, you’ll need to consider the size of your air-fryer. If you have a larger air-fryer with a square basket that fits a larger baking pan, doubling the recipe and baking in one batch is feasible. If your air-fryer is smaller, you’ll need to bake the doubled recipe in two separate batches. If baking in two batches, keep the prepared batter refrigerated until you’re ready to air-fry the second batch to prevent the baking powder from losing its leavening power. You may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time as well.