Okay, are you ready for maybe the best discovery of my baking life? I’m not even kidding. I was craving something warm and chocolatey the other night, something that felt like a hug in dessert form, but I didn’t want to wait for the big oven to heat up. So, I threw caution to the wind and decided to try making brownies in my air fryer. You guys. The result was pure magic: these incredibly fudgy, rich, and decadent Air Fryer Hot Chocolate Brownies. It’s like your favorite mug of hot chocolate decided to transform into the most amazing brownie you’ve ever had, and it’s ready in almost no time at all. Trust me, your air fryer is about to become your favorite baker.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Hot Chocolate Brownies
Let me tell you why these brownies are about to become your new obsession:
- They’re stupidly quick – From craving to eating in under 30 minutes? Yes please!
- That fudgy texture – We’re talking melt-in-your-mouth, rich chocolatey perfection.
- The hot chocolate twist – That cozy marshmallow-y flavor takes regular brownies to a whole new level.
- Almost no cleanup – One bowl, one pan, and your air fryer does all the hard work.
Seriously, it’s like having a bakery in your countertop appliance. I’m not sure whether to be proud or concerned about how often I make these now!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Hot Chocolate Brownies
Here’s what you’ll need to make these magical brownies happen:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (and slightly cooled)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature works best)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder (I use Dutch-processed for extra richness)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup hot chocolate mix (the powdery kind – we’ll talk brands below)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (because more chocolate is always better)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
About that hot chocolate mix – any brand works, but I’m partial to the classic Swiss Miss or Ghirardelli. If you’re out, you can use extra cocoa powder plus a tablespoon of powdered sugar. For dairy-free, swap the butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips. And yes, you could use melted chocolate instead of cocoa powder, but you’ll lose some of that signature brownie texture!
How to Make Air Fryer Hot Chocolate Brownies
Alright, let’s make some magic happen! These Air Fryer Hot Chocolate Brownies come together so easily you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with the oven. The secret? Treat your air fryer like a tiny, super-efficient oven and follow these simple steps.
Step 1: Prep the Batter
First, grab a big bowl and whisk together that melted butter and sugar until it looks like glossy wet sand. Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each (this is key for that perfect fudgy texture!). Splash in the vanilla – yes, I always spill a little extra because why not? In another bowl, sift together all your dry ingredients (this stops lumps, trust me). Gently fold the dry mix into the wet ingredients, then stir in those chocolate chips last. The batter will be thick and glorious – resist eating it raw!
Step 2: Air Fry to Perfection
Now, pour that beautiful batter into a greased 7-inch round pan or small square pan that fits your air fryer basket (mine’s about 2 inches deep). Slide it into your preheated 320°F air fryer and let it work its magic for 18-20 minutes. Pro tip: All air fryers are different, so start checking at 15 minutes with a toothpick – you want a few moist crumbs, not clean but not wet batter. Oh, and don’t freak out if the top looks shiny at first – that’s the hot chocolate mix doing its thing! Let them cool slightly before slicing (if you can wait that long).
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Hot Chocolate Brownies
Here are my hard-earned secrets for brownie perfection:
- Don’t overmix – Stir just until combined unless you want cakey brownies (and why would you?).
- Line your pan – Parchment paper with overhanging edges makes removal SO much easier.
- Let them rest – I know it’s torture, but waiting 10 minutes means cleaner slices.
- Size matters – Too thick a pan? Add 5 minutes. Too thin? Subtract 3.
And remember – a gooey center isn’t failure, it’s delicious improvisation!
Serving & Storing Air Fryer Hot Chocolate Brownies
Oh, the possibilities! I love serving these warm with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra hot chocolate mix – like a brownie sundae but cozier. Mini marshmallows melted on top? Absolute heaven. Got leftovers? Just pop them in an airtight container – they’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days (if they last that long!). Pro tip: A quick 10-second zap in the microwave brings back that just-baked magic.
Air Fryer Hot Chocolate Brownies FAQ
Can I use a different pan if mine doesn’t fit? Absolutely! Just make sure whatever pan you use fits with at least an inch of space around the edges for air circulation. I’ve used everything from small cake pans to disposable aluminum tins in a pinch.
How do I double the recipe? Easy! Double all ingredients, but bake in two separate batches – air fryers don’t love being overcrowded. You might need to add 2-3 extra minutes per batch since more batter means slightly longer cooking time.
Can I skip the hot chocolate mix? Sure, but you’ll miss that cozy marshmallow-y flavor! If you must, replace it with equal parts cocoa powder plus 1 tbsp powdered sugar. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Why are my brownies cooking unevenly? Try rotating the pan halfway through cooking – some air fryers have hot spots. If the top browns too fast, tent with foil for the last few minutes.
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up – these nutrition estimates can vary based on your specific ingredients. While we all know these brownies aren’t exactly health food (duh!), I think everything’s fine in moderation… especially when it’s this delicious!
Final Thoughts
Go make these brownies already! And when you do, tell me – did they disappear as fast as they did at my house?
Print
Irresistible 30-Minute Air Fryer Hot Chocolate Brownies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich and fudgy brownies with a hint of hot chocolate flavor, made easily in your air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup hot chocolate mix
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
- In a bowl, mix melted butter and sugar until combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, then stir well.
- Sift in flour, cocoa powder, salt, and hot chocolate mix. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into a greased or parchment-lined air fryer-safe pan.
- Air fry for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use a pan that fits your air fryer basket.
- Check brownies a few minutes early to avoid overcooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: air fryer brownies, hot chocolate brownies, easy dessert