Airfryer baking makes it super simple to whip up brownies in the air fryer, easy desserts air fryer, or even quick brownie recipe when everyone needs a snack immediately. There is something so satisfying about pulling perfect brownies out of the air fryer oven recipes without all the mess of the oven. If you are looking for how to make brownies in air fryer, dessert recipes for air fryer, or just some fun quick air fryer desserts, you are going to love these air fryer recipes dessert easy ideas.
With the best air fryers and a little patience, making brownies air fryer style, airfryer brownies recipe homemade, and other easy air fryer brownies has never been easier. My kitchen smells like chocolate and happiness almost every day now, and my teens are convinced I am a dessert wizard.
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
Optional toppings: chocolate chips, caramel drizzle, or sprinkles if you want to make it extra fun.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Grease a small, air fryer-safe pan or line it with parchment paper. I like using a 6-inch square pan because it fits perfectly in my air fryer basket and gives thick, fudgy bars.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract and whisk until fully combined. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and salt slowly until the batter is thick and chocolaty.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar, vanilla, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy. I usually use a fork for this because my kids like helping me, and it is easy enough for them to mash it together without making a huge mess.
Step 4: Layer the Batter
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Dollop the cheesecake mixture over the top. Use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the cheesecake into the brownie batter. Do not over-swirl or it will all blend together and lose the pretty marble look.
Step 5: Air Fry the Bars
Place the pan carefully into the air fryer basket. Cook at 320°F (160°C) for 18 to 22 minutes. I always start checking around 18 minutes. The edges should be set but the middle still slightly jiggly. This gives you the perfect gooey texture.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. If you want really clean slices, refrigerate for 30 minutes before cutting. Then slice into squares and watch your kids (or yourself) disappear them in minutes.
Meal Prep Tips
Making Air Fryer Cheesecake Brownie Bars ahead of time can save a lot of stress when teenagers are hovering around the kitchen.
- Prepare the brownie and cheesecake layers separately and store in airtight containers in the fridge. Combine and swirl just before baking for fresher results.
- Measure out ingredients ahead of time so when the kids are hungry, you can just mix and bake quickly.
- Line your air fryer pan with parchment paper in advance to save time on greasing and cleanup.
- If you want to make multiple batches, keep the extra brownie batter and cheesecake mixture in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Storage Tips
- Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- You can freeze bars by wrapping each piece in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- To refresh slightly dry bars, pop them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 300°F or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Yes, you can. Bake at 325°F for 25-30 minutes, but the air fryer gives a slightly fudgier texture and faster cooking, which is perfect when teenagers are waiting impatiently.
Can I use store-bought brownie mix instead of making from scratch?
Absolutely. You can swap the brownie layer with your favorite mix. I sometimes do this when I am short on time, and it still tastes amazing.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The edges should look set and slightly pulled away from the pan. The center should jiggle just a little when you shake the pan. Overbaking makes them dry.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes. You can prep the batter ahead and store in the fridge for a day or two before baking. Baked bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Can I add toppings?
Definitely. Chocolate chips, caramel drizzle, or even crushed cookies make these bars extra special. I like to let my teens choose their favorite toppings for a fun twist.
Air Fryer Cheesecake Brownie Bars
Air Fryer Cheesecake Brownie Bars
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
Optional toppings:
- chocolate chips caramel drizzle, crushed cookies, or sprinkles
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
- Grease a small, air fryer-safe pan or line it with parchment paper. I like using a 6-inch square pan because it fits perfectly in my air fryer basket and gives thick, fudgy bars.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
- In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract and whisk until fully combined. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and salt until thick and chocolaty.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar, vanilla, and egg yolk until smooth. A fork works fine if kids want to help mix.
Step 4: Layer the Batter
- Pour brownie batter into the prepared pan. Dollop the cheesecake mixture over the top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cheesecake into the brownie batter.
Step 5: Air Fry the Bars
- Place the pan carefully into the air fryer basket. Cook at 320°F for 18 to 22 minutes. Check at 18 minutes. The edges should be set and the center slightly jiggly.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan. For cleaner slices, refrigerate for 30 minutes before cutting. Slice into squares and enjoy.
Notes
Tips
- Do not over-swirl the cheesecake layer or the marble effect will be lost.
- Start checking the bars at 18 minutes because air fryer models vary.
- Line your pan with parchment paper to make removing the bars easier.
- Slightly dry bars can be refreshed by popping them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 300°F or microwaving 10-15 seconds.
Variations
- Add chocolate chips, caramel drizzle, or crushed cookies on top.
- Swap the brownie layer with a favorite store-bought mix for a shortcut.
- Make mini bars in a muffin pan for portion control or fun snack sizes.
- Add a teaspoon of instant coffee to the brownie batter for a mocha twist.
The combination of gooey brownies and creamy cheesecake is like the best of air fryer baked goods and air fryer baked recipes all in one. Using airfryer baking and exploring airfryer dessert recipes easy has made me realize that the air fryer is not just for snacks, it is perfect for desserts in the air fryer, easy air fryer brownies, or quick air fryer desserts when everyone wants something sweet immediately.
If you are looking for easy desserts air fryer, air fryer recipes dessert easy, or even some airfryer hacks to make your life sweeter, these cheesecake brownie bars are a must try. They are one of the best desserts I have made in the best air fryers, and they will probably disappear faster than you can blink.
