Air fryer boxed brownies are a quick way to turn a box of brownie mix into individual fudgy treats with crisp edges and soft centers. The batter bakes in silicone cups in the air fryer basket, so the brownies are portioned, easy to lift out, and done in about 15 minutes per batch.
This recipe uses any boxed brownie mix and follows the package directions for the batter, with the air fryer doing the baking. If you are in the mood for a richer dessert, try the gooey brownie pie.
Table of Contents
Why Air Fryer Boxed Brownies Work
Small portions and fast air flow make the air fryer a good fit for brownie batter in cups.
- Silicone cups hold the batter in place, so nothing drips through the basket and the brownies lift out cleanly.
- Small portions bake quickly and evenly, with crisp edges and fudgy centers.
- Filling the cups only two-thirds full leaves room for the brownies to rise without overflowing.
- The air fryer avoids heating a whole oven for one small batch of dessert.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Boxed Brownies
- 1 box (about 18 ounces) brownie mix
- The eggs, oil, and water called for on the box
- Cooking spray, for the silicone cups
- Ice cream, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce, for serving (optional)
You will also need about 12 silicone baking cups that fit in your air fryer basket.
How to Make Air Fryer Boxed Brownies
1. Prepare the cups. Lightly spray 12 silicone baking cups with cooking spray so the brownies release easily.
2. Mix the batter. Prepare the brownie batter according to the package directions, using the eggs, oil, and water listed on the box. Stir just until smooth.
3. Fill the cups. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of batter into each cup, filling them about two-thirds of the way.
4. Arrange in the basket. Set as many cups in the air fryer basket as fit in a single layer, with a little space between them. You will likely bake in 2 or 3 batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
5. Air fry. Cook at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes. Start checking at 12 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
6. Add time if needed. If the centers are still wet, cook in 2- to 3-minute intervals until done. If the tops brown too fast, lower the temperature to 325°F for the next batch.
7. Cool. Let the brownies cool in the cups for about 10 minutes, then move them to a cooling rack. Repeat with the remaining cups of batter.
How to Serve Air Fryer Boxed Brownies
Serve the brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a spoonful of whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They also work well with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar. For other easy air fryer treats, try the air fryer cinnamon crescent rolls. If you like baked desserts with fruit, the easy peach cobbler is a good match for brownies on a dessert table, and banana walnut bread with cream cheese frosting is another crowd-pleaser.
How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Boxed Brownies
Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For a fresh-baked feel, warm a brownie in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.
Brownie batter contains raw eggs and raw flour, so taste only the baked brownies. As Ohio State University Extension explains in its guidance on why you should not eat raw dough or batter, raw flour and raw eggs can carry bacteria that baking kills. Wash your hands, bowls, and utensils after handling the batter.
Tips and Variations
- Know your air fryer. Air fryers vary in power and basket size, so the first batch is a test. Note the time that works and use it for the rest.
- Do not overfill the cups. Two-thirds full prevents overflow and raw centers.
- Use a toothpick. Doneness is easiest to judge by a few moist crumbs on the toothpick.
- Add mix-ins. Stir chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or crushed cookies into the batter before filling the cups.
- Top them. Press a few chocolate chips or a mini marshmallow on top in the last 2 minutes of baking.
- Bake a pan instead. Thicker mixes and metal pans need longer, and often lower heat, than small cups, so follow the pan size and check often.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do brownies take in the air fryer?
In small silicone cups at 350°F, brownies usually take 12 to 15 minutes. Start checking at 12 minutes, since air fryers differ in power and size.
Can I use any boxed brownie mix?
Yes. Any boxed brownie mix works, and you prepare the batter as the package directs. Thicker or fudgier mixes may need a few extra minutes.
Do I need silicone cups?
Silicone cups work best, since they hold the batter and release the brownies cleanly. Small heat-safe ramekins or a small pan that fits your basket also work, though the time changes.
Why are my brownies raw in the middle?
The cups may be too full, or the temperature may be too high so the tops set before the centers cook. Fill the cups two-thirds full, lower the heat slightly, and add a few minutes.
Can I bake all 12 brownies at once?
Only if they fit in a single layer with space around each cup. Most home air fryer baskets fit fewer than 12, so plan on baking in batches.
Air Fryer Boxed Brownies in Silicone Cups
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix about 18 ounces
- eggs, oil, and water called for on the box
- cooking spray for the silicone cups
- ice cream, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce for serving, optional
Instructions
Cooking
- Lightly spray 12 silicone baking cups with cooking spray.
- Prepare the brownie batter according to the package directions, using the eggs, oil, and water listed on the box. Stir just until smooth.
- Spoon about 3 tablespoons of batter into each cup, filling about two-thirds of the way.
- Set as many cups in the air fryer basket as fit in a single layer with a little space between them. Plan on 2 or 3 batches, depending on your air fryer.
- Cook at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes. Start checking at 12 minutes. A toothpick in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- If the centers are still wet, cook in 2- to 3-minute intervals. If the tops brown too fast, lower the temperature to 325°F for the next batch.
- Cool in the cups for about 10 minutes, then move to a rack. Repeat with the remaining batter.
