Okay, confession time—I used to think vegan brownies meant sacrificing that rich, fudgy goodness we all crave. Then I discovered these Vegan Air Fryer Fudge Brownies, and wow, was I wrong! Picture this: it’s movie night, you’re craving something chocolatey, and in less than 30 minutes you’ve got warm, gooey brownies without even turning on your oven. That’s the magic of the air fryer, my friends.
I’ll never forget the first time I pulled these out—my skeptical husband took one bite and immediately asked for seconds. The secret? Ripe bananas add natural sweetness while keeping them moist, and coconut oil gives that classic brownie richness. Plus, no dairy means no guilt when you sneak that third piece (not that I’d know anything about that…).
What I love most is how these brownies prove vegan desserts can be just as indulgent as traditional ones. They’ve become my go-to for last-minute potlucks, late-night cravings, and those “I need chocolate NOW” moments. And the best part? Your kitchen stays cool while your air fryer does all the work.
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Air Fryer Fudge Brownies
Let me tell you—these brownies are a game-changer. Here’s why:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—no oven preheating, no fuss!
- Rich & Fudgy: Seriously, you won’t miss the butter or eggs. The cocoa and chocolate chips make them decadent.
- No Dairy Needed: Coconut oil and almond milk keep them creamy without any dairy.
- Air Fryer Magic: Perfectly baked edges with a gooey center—every single time.
- Secretly Healthy-ish: Bananas add sweetness naturally, so you can feel a *little* better about that second piece.
Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
Ingredients for Vegan Air Fryer Fudge Brownies
Grab these simple pantry staples—you probably have most already! The magic happens when they come together:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend if needed)
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder, packed (trust me, packing it makes them extra chocolatey)
- 1/2 cup sugar (I use coconut sugar, but regular works too)
- 1/4 tsp salt (just a pinch to balance the sweetness)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder (the lift that makes them perfectly dense)
- 1/2 cup mashed banana (super ripe—those brown spots mean extra sweetness!)
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil (measure after melting—it makes a difference)
- 1/4 cup almond milk (any plant milk works in a pinch)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (the good stuff—skip the imitation!)
- 1/4 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (because more chocolate is always better)
See? Nothing weird—just real ingredients that make unreal brownies. Pro tip: If you’re out of banana, applesauce works too, but you’ll miss that subtle fruity depth. Baking substitutions can sometimes alter texture, so be mindful!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry—you won’t need anything fancy for these brownies! Just grab:
- Your trusty air fryer (any size works as long as your pan fits)
- A medium mixing bowl (I use my favorite chipped one—it’s got character)
- A small baking pan that fits inside your air fryer (mine’s 6-inch round, but square works too)
That’s it! No stand mixer, no special gadgets—just simple tools for seriously good brownies.
How to Make Vegan Air Fryer Fudge Brownies
Okay, let’s get baking! These brownies come together so easily—just follow these simple steps and you’ll be biting into chocolatey perfection in no time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first: preheat that air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for about 5 minutes while you get everything else ready. This little wait makes all the difference for even cooking. Meanwhile, grab your baking pan and give it a quick grease—I use coconut oil rubbed on with a paper towel, but cooking spray works too. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step unless you enjoy scraping brownies off the pan!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In your mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder (remember to pack it!), sugar, salt, and baking powder. I like to sift the cocoa powder first to avoid lumps—nothing worse than biting into a dry pocket of cocoa! Mix until it’s all one uniform color, like a rich chocolate sand. Set this aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl (or right on top of the dry ingredients if you’re feeling lazy—I won’t tell!), mash that banana until it’s nice and smooth. Then stir in the melted coconut oil, almond milk, and vanilla extract. The mixture will look a bit separated at first—that’s normal! Just keep stirring until it comes together into a glossy, fragrant liquid that smells like banana-chocolate heaven.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Now pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently mix until just combined—a few flour streaks are okay! Then fold in those glorious chocolate chips. I like to reserve a few to sprinkle on top before baking for extra chocolatey goodness. Pro tip: Don’t overmix here or your brownies will turn out cakey instead of fudgy!
Step 5: Cook in Air Fryer
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and pop it into the preheated air fryer. Set your timer for 15 minutes first—then check with a toothpick. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re done! Mine usually take about 17 minutes total. The top should look crackly and set, but still soft to the touch. Let them cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing—I know it’s hard to wait, but this keeps them from falling apart!
Tips for Perfect Vegan Air Fryer Fudge Brownies
After burning my share of batches (and salvaging more than I’d like to admit), here are my hard-won secrets for brownie success:
- Bananas must be spotty-ripe—the browner, the sweeter! Green ones won’t mash properly and leave a weird aftertaste.
- Start checking at 15 minutes—air fryers vary wildly. A toothpick with *moist* crumbs means they’re done (no wet batter though!).
- Let them cool completely—I know it’s torture, but cutting too soon turns them into gooey mush. The wait makes them slice cleanly.
- Line your pan with parchment for foolproof removal—lifesaver when you want pretty squares for serving.
Oh, and hide a couple for yourself—these disappear FAST!
Variations for Vegan Air Fryer Fudge Brownies
One of my favorite things about this recipe? How easily you can switch it up! Try folding in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, or swirl in peanut butter before baking for a salty-sweet twist. Out of bananas? Applesauce works great—just use the same amount. Feeling fancy? Top with sea salt flakes right after baking for that gourmet touch. The possibilities are endless—have fun with it!
Serving and Storing Vegan Air Fryer Fudge Brownies
Here’s my favorite way to serve these brownies—warm with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream melting over the top. Absolute heaven! If you’ve got leftovers (unlikely, I know), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They actually taste even richer the next day—if you can resist that long!
Nutritional Information
Each fudgy brownie (based on 9 servings) packs about 150 calories, with 7g fat (mostly from coconut oil), 22g carbs, and 2g protein. Remember—these numbers can vary based on your exact ingredients (especially if you go wild with extra chocolate chips!).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different sweetener?
Absolutely! I’ve had great results with coconut sugar, maple syrup, and even date paste. Just remember—liquid sweeteners might make the batter thinner, so reduce almond milk by a tablespoon or two. Brown sugar works too if you’re not strictly vegan!
How do I adjust cooking time for a different pan size?
Smaller pans mean thicker brownies—add 2-3 minutes. For mini loaf pans, check at 12 minutes. The real test? That trusty toothpick! No matter the pan, wait for moist crumbs rather than wet batter.
Can I freeze these brownies?
You bet! I always stash a few for emergencies. Cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic or foil. They’ll keep for 2 months—just thaw at room temperature when the craving hits. Pro tip: Pop a frozen one in the microwave for 15 seconds—tastes fresh-baked!
Why are my brownies too cakey?
Ah, the classic issue! Usually means you overmixed the batter or baked too long. Next time, stir until just combined and check early. Also—make sure your baking powder is fresh. Old stuff can make them puff up weirdly.
Share Your Thoughts
Did you make these brownies? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Drop a comment below or tag me on social—nothing makes me happier than seeing your chocolatey creations. Happy baking!
Print
Vegan Air Fryer Fudge Brownies in Just 17 Minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Easy and delicious vegan brownies made in an air fryer. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup mashed banana
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- Add mashed banana, coconut oil, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan that fits in the air fryer.
- Cook for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for better sweetness.
- Check doneness early to avoid overbaking.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan brownies, air fryer dessert, easy brownies