If you love brownies but don’t want to deal with the hassle of preheating an oven or waiting for ages to bake a batch, the air fryer comes to the rescue. Air Fryer Boxed Brownies provide the perfect balance of crisp edges and fudgy center without any of the fuss. Whether you’re craving a late-night snack, a quick dessert, or just need to satisfy your sweet tooth, this method is a game-changer.
In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about making the perfect air fryer brownies from a boxed mix, including tips, tricks, and suggestions for customizations. Let’s get started!
Why Use an Air Fryer for Brownies?
The air fryer is a versatile kitchen gadget that cooks by circulating hot air, producing crispy textures while retaining moisture. This makes it ideal for baking brownies because it mimics the oven’s dry heat, but in a quicker, more energy-efficient way. Not only will your brownies bake faster, but the air fryer also ensures a perfectly fudgy texture with a slightly crunchy top that many love.
Compared to traditional oven baking, the air fryer eliminates the need to heat up an entire oven, saving you time and energy. You can bake a small batch, which is perfect for those who want brownies without the leftovers.
The Best Boxed Brownie Mixes for the Air Fryer
Before we get into the process, let’s talk about the brownie mix. Not all boxed mixes are created equal. Some brands are known for producing particularly moist and fudgy brownies, which is exactly what you want for the air fryer.
Here are a few highly recommended brownie mixes that work beautifully in the air fryer:
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Ghirardelli Brownie Mix: Known for its rich chocolate flavor and fudgy texture, this mix will give you brownies that taste like homemade.
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Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix: A classic option that yields a moist and chewy brownie.
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Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownie Mix: Offers a great balance between chewy and fudgy, with just the right amount of sweetness.
You can use any boxed mix of your choice, but it’s important to follow the measurements and baking times tailored to the air fryer, which we’ll cover shortly.
Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Brownies
Making brownies in an air fryer is quick and easy, but to really perfect your recipe, here are some tips:
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Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter gently until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough brownies.
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Test for Fudginess: Air fryer brownies may look slightly undercooked when you first remove them, but they will firm up as they rest. If you prefer a more cake-like texture, cook them for an additional few minutes.
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Use a Springform Pan: A springform pan makes it easier to remove the brownies without making a mess. If you don’t have one, use parchment paper to line your pan for easy removal.
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Add Ins: Customize your brownies by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a swirl of peanut butter into the batter before cooking. This adds extra flavor and texture.
Customizing Your Air Fryer Boxed Brownies
One of the best things about making brownies from a boxed mix in the air fryer is the flexibility for customization. By adding simple ingredients to the batter, you can elevate the flavor and texture of your brownies. Here are some delicious ideas for making your brownies truly your own.
Popular Add-ins for Air Fryer Brownies
If you’re looking to take your brownies to the next level, consider adding these mix-ins:
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Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of semisweet or milk chocolate chips for an extra dose of gooey chocolate in every bite. You can also mix in white chocolate chips or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile.
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Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds can add a crunchy contrast to the soft, fudgy brownie. You can chop them roughly and fold them into the batter before cooking.
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Peanut Butter: Swirl peanut butter into the brownie batter for a rich, nutty flavor that complements the chocolate. For an even more indulgent treat, try adding a spoonful of peanut butter to the center of the brownie batter before cooking.
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Toffee Bits: Toffee bits provide a sweet, caramelized crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the rich chocolate.
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Marshmallows: For a gooey, s’mores-like effect, add some mini marshmallows to the top of the brownies about halfway through baking. They’ll melt beautifully into the batter and give you that delicious marshmallowy bite.
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Fruit: Adding fresh fruit like raspberries, blueberries, or even bananas can bring a burst of freshness and sweetness to your brownies.
These add-ins are easy to incorporate. Simply fold them into the batter before you pour it into the pan and bake as usual.
Flavor Twists
If you want to infuse your brownies with new flavors, here are a few ideas that will set your brownies apart:
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Mint Chocolate Brownies: Add peppermint extract to the batter or use mint chocolate chips to give your brownies a fresh twist. You could even drizzle chocolate and mint syrup on top for an extra layer of flavor.
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Espresso Brownies: Enhance the chocolate flavor by adding a tablespoon of espresso powder or brewed coffee. This gives your brownies a deep, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.
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Coconut Brownies: Stir in some shredded coconut to your brownie mix. This adds texture and a tropical flavor that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.
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Caramel Swirl: Swirl caramel sauce into your brownie batter for a sweet surprise in each bite.
These simple additions can make your brownies stand out while still keeping the convenience of using a boxed mix.
How to Store Air Fryer Brownies
If you find yourself with leftovers (although it’s hard to imagine with these delicious brownies), you’ll want to store them properly so they stay fresh.
Storing Leftover Brownies
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Room Temperature: Once your brownies have cooled completely, cover them with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and fresh.
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Refrigerating: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the brownies for up to 5 days. When refrigerated, the brownies tend to become denser but still remain deliciously fudgy.
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Freezing: If you have too many brownies to eat, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Place the brownies in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or heat them in the air fryer for a few minutes.
Reheating Brownies
If you prefer warm brownies, the air fryer is a great option for reheating. Simply place the brownies back in the air fryer basket at 320°F for about 3-5 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the brownie. This will revive the fudgy texture and give them a freshly baked taste.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Boxed Brownies
These air fryer brownies are indulgent enough on their own, but if you want to pair them with something extra special, here are some ideas:
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, the cold creaminess of vanilla ice cream complements the warm, fudgy brownies beautifully. You can even drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over the top for an added treat.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds lightness and sweetness to each bite of brownie.
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Fresh Fruit: Sliced strawberries, raspberries, or cherries can add a fresh, tart contrast to the rich, sweet brownies.
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Hot Beverage: Pair your brownies with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a latte for the ultimate dessert experience.
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Nut Butters: Spread some peanut butter, almond butter, or hazelnut spread on top of the brownies for an extra layer of flavor.
These simple pairings will elevate your brownies and make them even more irresistible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While baking brownies in an air fryer is straightforward, there are a few common mistakes that could affect the final product:
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Using the wrong pan size: The size of the pan affects how the brownies cook. If the pan is too small, the brownies will be thick and might take longer to cook. A slightly larger pan ensures they bake evenly.
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Underbaking: Air fryers cook faster than ovens, so keep an eye on the time. Underbaked brownies can be too gooey and may not hold together properly when cut.
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Overcrowding the basket: Air fryers work by circulating hot air. Avoid stacking pans or overfilling the air fryer, as this could prevent proper airflow and uneven cooking.
FAQs On Air Fryer Boxed Brownies
Can you cook a brownie mix in the air fryer?
Yes, you can! Cooking brownie mix in an air fryer is quick and easy. The air fryer works by circulating hot air, which helps bake the brownies evenly, giving them a fudgy center and slightly crispy edges. Simply follow the instructions for your boxed brownie mix, but adjust the cooking time and temperature for the air fryer (usually around 320°F for 20 minutes).
Can you make boxed brownies without oil?
Yes, you can make boxed brownies without oil. You can replace the oil with other ingredients like melted butter, applesauce, or even yogurt, depending on the texture and flavor you want. Keep in mind that substituting ingredients may slightly change the final texture of your brownies, but they will still turn out delicious.
How long to heat up brownies in an air fryer?
The time needed to heat up brownies in an air fryer depends on whether you’re reheating fully cooked brownies or baking them from scratch. If you’re reheating, set the air fryer to 320°F and heat the brownies for 3-5 minutes until they are warm and fudgy. If you’re baking from a mix, it usually takes around 20 minutes at 320°F, but check with a toothpick to confirm they’re done.
Can you microwave Betty Crocker brownie mix?
Yes, you can microwave Betty Crocker brownie mix. Instead of baking in the oven, you can use a microwave-safe bowl to prepare the batter and cook it in the microwave. Usually, it takes about 1-2 minutes for a small batch in the microwave. Just be sure to follow the microwave instructions on the box or adjust based on your microwave’s power.
What temperature do you bake box brownies?
For boxed brownies, the typical baking temperature in an oven is around 350°F. However, when baking brownies in an air fryer, it’s recommended to lower the temperature to about 320°F to ensure they bake evenly without burning. Always check the brownie’s doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Air Fryer Boxed Brownies
Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups brownie mix (half of an 18.3 oz box)
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1 large egg
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¼ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
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¼ cup water (or milk, as per your preference)
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Non-stick spray or parchment paper
Instructions:
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Spray your pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
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In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the egg and oil until well combined. Add the water (or milk) and whisk again.
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Gradually stir in the brownie mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly.
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Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
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Place the pan in the air fryer basket and bake at 320°F for about 20 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready.
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Let the brownies rest for 15 minutes to firm up.
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Once cooled, remove the pan and slice the brownies into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes:
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If you prefer a fudgier texture, remove the brownies from the air fryer when they look slightly undercooked. They will firm up as they rest.
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For easy removal, use a springform pan or line your pan with parchment paper.
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Customize your brownies by adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or peanut butter.
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Store leftover brownies at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
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Calories: 266 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 35g
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Protein: 3g
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Fat: 13g
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Saturated Fat: 2g
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Cholesterol: 23mg
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Sodium: 138mg
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Sugar: 22g
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Fiber: 1g
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Potassium: 9mg
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Iron: 1mg
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Calories: 266 kcal
Yield: 8 pieces
