Brownies & Cookies in the Air Fryer

The air fryer has revolutionised savoury cooking, but its power doesn’t stop there. It’s great for making rich, gooey brownies and crispy, golden cookies. Plus, you won’t heat up your whole kitchen.

If you need a quick snack or dessert, try the air fryer cookie recipe or bake brownies in the air fryer. These options are easy and delicious. This blog shows you how to make tasty, easy sweet snacks in an air fryer. They’ll satisfy your cravings with little effort.

Why Use the Air Fryer for Baking Brownies and Cookies?

Many people still associate air fryers mainly with chips and wings, but baking inside one is surprisingly effective.

Advantages of Air Fryer Baking

• Speed: Bakes in less time than a conventional oven
• Energy efficiency: No need to heat up a full-sized oven for small batches
• Compact cooking: Perfect for one-tray desserts
• Consistent results: Hot air circulation ensures even baking

The air fryer is perfect for making homemade treats without the usual baking fuss.

Choosing the Right Air Fryer for Baking

Not every air fryer is created equal when it comes to sweets. A few features help guarantee better results:

• Flat, wide baskets: More space for even cookie spreading
• Adjustable temperatures: Essential for delicate dessert baking
• Good airflow: Prevents soggy textures and ensures crisp edges

If your air fryer came with baking accessories like small tins or racks, now’s the time to use them.

Making Brownies in the Air Fryer

Brownies are a brilliant match for the air fryer: rich, fudgy, and quick to bake.

Brownie Air Fryer Basics

• Use a small square tin or a round cake pan that fits your basket.
• Line the pan with baking paper for easy removal.
• Preheat the air fryer to 160–170°C.
• Pour in the batter, filling no more than halfway to allow for slight rising.
• Bake for 12–16 minutes, depending on thickness.

Check for doneness by using a toothpick. You want a few moist crumbs for that perfect fudgy texture.

Flavour Ideas for Air Fryer Brownies

Once you master a basic brownie air fryer method, it’s easy to get creative.

Fun Flavours to Try

• Peanut butter swirl: Add dollops of peanut butter before baking
• Mint chocolate: Mix in mint extract and chocolate chips
• Salted caramel: Drizzle with caramel sauce after baking and sprinkle with sea salt
• Espresso kick: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee to the batter for depth
• Berry burst: Fold in freeze-dried raspberries for a fruity twist

Small tweaks create big flavour changes without complicated methods.

Perfecting Cookies in the Air Fryer

Cookies bake perfectly in the air fryer. They get soft centres and crisp edges quickly.

Air Fryer Cookie Recipe Essentials

• Chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Line the basket with perforated baking paper or use silicone mats.
• Space dough balls well apart — they spread!
• Bake at 160–170°C for 5–8 minutes, depending on size.
• Let them cool on a wire rack for the perfect texture.

Keep an eye on the cookies in the last few minutes. This stops them from over-baking since they will firm up as they cool.

If you’re just getting started, check out our Getting Started with Your First Air Fryer for handy basics.

Popular Air Fryer Cookie Flavours

The possibilities with cookies are endless, but a few classics always shine.

Tasty Cookie Variations

• Chocolate chip: A timeless favourite
• Oatmeal raisin: Chewy and hearty
• Peanut butter: Rich and nutty with crisp edges
• Double chocolate: Perfect for serious chocoholics
• Cinnamon sugar: Roll balls in cinnamon sugar before baking for a snickerdoodle effect

Mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or seeds add texture and nutrition.

How to Avoid Common Air Fryer Baking Mistakes

Making brownies and cookies in the air fryer takes a little practice. Avoiding a few easy mistakes ensures better results.

Mistakes to Watch Out For

• Skipping the preheat: Even a few minutes makes a difference for baked goods
• Overcrowding: Give brownies and cookies room to rise and spread
• Not lining the basket: Sticky messes are easy to avoid with baking paper
• Ignoring cook times: Every air fryer varies — check early and adjust as needed
• Cutting too soon: Letting sweets cool slightly helps them set properly

Small changes in technique yield huge improvements in texture and appearance.

Serving Ideas for Sweet Air Fryer Snacks

Brownies and cookies are brilliant on their own, but a few extras turn them into full desserts.

Serving Suggestions

• Warm brownies topped with vegan ice cream or whipped cream
• Cookies sandwiched with peanut butter or jam
• Drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel over cooled sweets
• Fresh berries or fruit compotes for a refreshing balance
• Sprinkled with chopped nuts or crushed biscuits for crunch

Presentation matters — and these simple upgrades make your treats feel even more indulgent.

Batch Baking and Storage Tips

Even small-batch baking can leave you with leftovers (if you’re lucky).

How to Store Air Fryer Sweets

• Cookies: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
• Brownies: Keep in an airtight container, or freeze for longer storage
• Reheating: Warm cookies or brownies gently in the air fryer at 140°C for 2–3 minutes for that fresh-baked feel

Make cookie dough or brownie batter in batches and freeze portions. This way, you can enjoy fresh, warm treats whenever you want.

Making Healthier Sweet Snacks

Desserts do not have to be heavy to be satisfying. Small adjustments create lighter options without losing flavour.

Healthy Swaps

• Use oat flour or wholemeal flour in cookies
• Replace some sugar with mashed banana or apple sauce
• Swap butter for coconut oil or nut butters
• Add chia seeds, flaxseed, or hemp hearts for extra nutrition

Building lighter sweet air fryer snacks allows you to enjoy more often — and feel good doing it.

Creative Uses for Air Fryer Desserts

Your brownies and cookies can play roles beyond simple sweets.

Fun Extra Ideas

• Crumble cookies over yoghurt bowls
• Use brownie chunks in milkshakes or sundaes
• Stack mini cookies with ice cream for quick sandwiches
• Create layered parfaits with whipped cream, fruit, and cookie pieces

Small batch baking keeps desserts versatile and ready for any occasion — casual or celebratory.

Easy Sweets with Big Flavour

You can make tasty brownies and cookies in the air fryer. This shows you don’t need a fancy kitchen to whip up delicious desserts.

With a great air fryer cookie recipe and a trusty brownie method, you can make sweet snacks quickly. Just add a bit of creativity, and enjoy treats any day of the week — just as indulgent as the classic ways.

Simplicity, speed, and satisfaction are just a few minutes away. Preheat, bake, and enjoy.

(If you love desserts, don’t miss: Baking Cakes in the Air Fryer for even more inspiration.)