The air fryer might be the best thing I ever bought for my kitchen. Between school lunches, late night snacks, and my teens always “needing something sweet,” this little machine saves my sanity. I have tried so many air fry recipes lately, and the ones that get my kids most excited are always the air fryer desserts. Especially when we make air fryer brownies from scratch or even air fryer brookies. It is like magic how fast they bake compared to the oven.
My oldest loves testing new air fryer baked goods, while my middle one is all about air fryer sweets easy because he hates waiting. The youngest just wants chocolate in any form, so these air fryer brownies recipe homemade have become kind of our thing. We have made them so many times that I think we could open a brownie shop, honestly.
If you are still figuring out how to bake in air fryer or just want easy desserts air fryer style, you are going to love this. I mix up all kinds of air fryer recipes dessert ideas when we hang out after dinner, and it is so fun watching the brownies puff up right inside the basket. Plus, cleanup is easy, which is a huge win for me.
Whether you are using a ninja air fryer baking recipe, a ninja foodi brownie setting, or just your regular air fryer oven, these air fryer baked recipes turn out so good. Soft, rich, and gooey — just the perfect brownies you crave when you need a little pick me up. I promise, once you try making brownies in air fryer, you will never go back to the oven again. It is the best small batch baking trick ever, especially for moms like me who just need something sweet between the chaos.
The air fryer recipes dessert easy kind have become our family’s comfort thing. They are fun, fast, and always disappear before I even grab a second piece. Whether it is airfryer desserts, airfryer baking, or just quick airfryer food, this one is a keeper for sure.
Ingredients
For caramel sauce
Makes about 1 cup of caramel sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ½ cup heavy cream (room temperature)
- ½ teaspoon salt (add more if you like salted caramel)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but adds great flavor)
For Air Fryer Salted Caramel Brownies
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Step by Step Instructions
Homemade Caramel Sauce Recipe
Makes about 1 cup of caramel sauce
Step 1: Melt the Sugar
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, add the sugar. Stir constantly using a heat-safe spatula or wooden spoon. The sugar will clump at first, then melt into a thick amber-colored liquid. Keep stirring so it doesn’t burn.
Step 2: Add the Butter
Once the sugar is melted, carefully add the butter. The mixture will bubble up quickly, so stir slowly until the butter fully melts and combines with the sugar.
Step 3: Pour in the Cream
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Let it bubble and thicken for about 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 4: Finish with Salt and Vanilla
Remove from heat and stir in the salt and vanilla extract, if using. Allow the sauce to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before using. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Air Fryer Salted Caramel Brownies
1. Mix the wet stuff
In a big bowl, whisk together the melted butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until it looks smooth and glossy. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract and whisk again until everything looks nice and creamy.
2. Add the dry stuff
Now, toss in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Stir it gently until all the dry bits disappear. The batter should be thick and chocolatey. Do not mix too much or it can get dense.
3. Fold in the chocolate chips
Add those chocolate chips and mix them through the batter. I love when you get a bite with melted chocolate inside.
4. Add the caramel swirl
Line your air fryer pan with parchment paper. Pour half of the brownie batter into the pan, then drizzle some caramel sauce on top. Add the rest of the brownie batter over it and use a butter knife to swirl the caramel gently through the top.
5. Bake in the air fryer
Place the pan in your air fryer and cook at 320°F (160°C) for 16 to 20 minutes. Every air fryer cooks a little different, so check around the 15 minute mark. The top should look set but the center still a little gooey. That is the sweet spot.
6. Let them rest
This is the hardest part but let them cool for about 10 minutes before cutting. Then drizzle more caramel on top and sprinkle some sea salt flakes. The mix of chocolate, caramel, and salt is just unreal.
Tips For Perfect Air Fryer Brownies
- Use a small 6 inch or 7 inch pan that fits inside your air fryer basket.
- Do not skip the parchment paper. It helps lift them out easily.
- Every air fryer is different, so just keep an eye on them while baking.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top if you want to make it extra special.
Why I Love Making Brownies In The Air Fryer
These brownies are quick, easy, and mess free. They are my go to when I want to surprise the kids after dinner or when I am craving something sweet after a long day. I also love that it makes a small batch, so I do not feel too guilty when I eat more than I should (which totally happens every time).
The salted caramel gives them that extra fancy touch without any extra work. The sweet and salty combo just hits right. You can make them in under 25 minutes from start to finish, and the kitchen smells amazing while they cook.
FAQ
Can I make these without caramel?
Yes, totally. You can skip the caramel if you want plain fudgy brownies. (But, then they wont be caramel brownies anymore)
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double it but bake in two batches unless you have a large air fryer oven.
Can I use store bought caramel sauce?
Yes, you can use any thick caramel sauce that you love.
Meal Prep Tips
Making air fryer brownies ahead of time is honestly such a lifesaver, especially when the week gets busy with the kids’ school and activities. Here are a few simple ways to prep them so you can have a sweet treat ready anytime you need it:
- Mix the batter ahead: You can prepare the brownie batter a day before and store it covered in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before air frying.
- Pre-portion for small batch baking: Scoop the batter into silicone muffin cups or small pans that fit your air fryer — perfect for quick single servings later.
- Use freezer-safe containers: Pour your batter into a lined pan and freeze. When you want brownies, just pop out a portion and bake it straight in your air fryer.
- Make caramel ahead: If you are using caramel drizzle, make it early and store in the fridge in a small jar. Warm it slightly before serving.
- Label and date: If you are making multiple desserts, labeling helps keep things organized (and stops my kids from eating them all before I get one).
Storage Tips
Once your air fryer desserts are baked and cooled, storing them the right way keeps them soft, fudgy, and delicious for days. Here is how I do it:
- Cool completely first: Let brownies sit until room temperature before wrapping. This helps keep that chewy texture.
- Airtight container: Store in a sealed container at room temp for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
- Layer with parchment: If stacking brownies, place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
- Freeze for later: Wrap each brownie in plastic wrap, then store in a zip bag or airtight box. They freeze great for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in air fryer: Warm leftover brownies at 300°F for 2–3 minutes — it makes them taste freshly baked again.
Recipe Card: Air Fryer Salted Caramel Brownies
Air Fryer Salted Caramel Brownies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce plus extra for drizzle
- Sea salt flakes for topping
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then mix until it looks creamy and shiny.
- Sprinkle in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gently stir until no dry flour remains. Do not overmix — that is the secret to soft brownies.
- Mix in the chocolate chips for extra meltiness in every bite.
- Line your air fryer pan with parchment paper. Pour half the batter, drizzle caramel over it, then pour the rest of the batter on top. Use a butter knife to swirl the caramel around for that pretty marbled look.
- Cook in your air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 16–20 minutes, depending on your model. The top should look set but the middle still slightly gooey.
- Let brownies cool for at least 10 minutes (hardest part, I know). Drizzle extra caramel and sprinkle sea salt flakes on top before cutting.
Notes
Tips
- Use a 6-inch or 7-inch baking pan that fits your air fryer basket.
- Line your pan with parchment for easy brownie removal.
- Check around 15 minutes — every air fryer bakes a little different.
- Add a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra treat.
Variations
- Nutty Caramel Brownies: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Double Chocolate: Stir in white chocolate chips with the regular ones.
- Espresso Kick: Add 1 teaspoon instant coffee to the batter for a mocha flavor.
- Brookie Style: Layer some cookie dough on top before air frying for easy air fryer brookies.
- Salt Swap: Use flavored salts (like vanilla or smoked sea salt) for a fun twist.
These air fryer brownies might be the best thing I have made in my kitchen this month. My teens went crazy for them, and honestly, I did too. There is just something about that fudgy center and the gooey caramel that makes you wanna grab another piece before anyone else notices. What I love most is how fast and simple they are — truly one of those air fryer sweets easy recipes that never fail.
If you are like me and always looking for air fryer desserts that do not take all day, this one is going to be your new favorite. The air fryer baked recipes are honestly a game changer. No oven, no waiting, just rich, chocolatey goodness in minutes. I keep trying new air fryer recipes dessert easy ideas, but these brownies top the list every single time.
It is wild how many fun things you can make with an air fryer — from air fryer baked goods to air fryer brookies, there is something for every mood. This one is especially great for small batch baking or when you just need a quick pick-me-up after a long day. And if you ever wonder how to make brownies in air fryer, start here — these are simple, rich, and come out perfect every time.
Between school runs, teen moods, and nonstop snacking, I have learned to keep easy treats on hand. These easy air fryer brownies are that sweet little win I need sometimes. So next time you are craving something chocolatey, grab your ninja air fryer baking recipes or whatever model you have, whip up this air fryer brownies recipe homemade, and just enjoy the moment. Because let’s be real, some days the best therapy is a warm dessert in the air fryer and five quiet minutes before someone yells “Mom!” again.
