Brownies and Bagels in the Air Fryer: A Complete Guide

The air fryer has quickly become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in recent years, revolutionizing the way we cook. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, it offers the convenience of fast cooking times, healthier meals, and deliciously crispy results without needing large amounts of oil. If you’ve been wondering whether you can bake brownies and toast bagels in an air fryer, you’re in the right place. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about making brownies and bagels in the air fryer, offering tips, tricks, and recipes for both.

Why Air Fryers Are a Game Changer

The air fryer isn’t just for frying—it’s a versatile kitchen tool that allows you to bake, grill, roast, and even toast. One of the best things about using an air fryer for baking is how much faster it is compared to a traditional oven. It preheats in minutes, so you don’t have to wait long to get started.

When it comes to bagels and brownies, the air fryer excels in producing crispy exteriors while maintaining a moist, soft interior. With the right settings, you can achieve perfect toasted bagels in minutes, and decadent brownies with a texture that rivals oven-baked ones. Plus, the healthier cooking aspect of air fryers, as they require little to no oil, makes this method a great option for those looking to indulge without the guilt.

Brownies and Bagels in the Air Fryer A Complete Guide

Making Bagels in the Air Fryer

Preparing the Bagels

The process of making bagels in the air fryer is simple, and it begins with selecting your bagels. You can use store-bought or homemade bagels, but make sure they’re fresh or slightly stale. Stale bagels work better in the air fryer because they toast more evenly.

Here’s how to prepare your bagels for the air fryer:

Slice the bagels: You can slice them in half for even toasting, or leave them whole if you want them to be slightly chewier in texture.
Add butter or oil: For that perfect crispy texture, lightly brush the cut sides of the bagels with butter or oil. You can use olive oil, melted butter, or even garlic butter for added flavor.
Season your bagels: If you prefer something more than a simple toasted bagel, try sprinkling some seasoning on top, such as everything bagel seasoning. It’s an easy and delicious way to elevate your bagels.

After preparation, it’s time to toast them.

Best Air Fryer Settings for Toasting Bagels

The cooking time and temperature can vary depending on the type of bagels you’re using. However, here are general guidelines for toasting bagels in the air fryer:

Temperature: Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Cooking time: Toast the bagels for 4 to 6 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them. If you’re using larger, thicker bagels, you may need a minute or two extra.
Flip halfway: To ensure an even toast, you might want to flip the bagels halfway through the cooking process.

For more details on how to achieve the perfect toasted bagel, take a look at this article on toasting bagels in the air fryer, which gives a great step-by-step guide.

Air Fryer Bagels Recipe

If you want to try something more adventurous, here’s a simple recipe to make bagels from scratch in your air fryer:

Ingredients:

2 cups of all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup of water (adjust as needed)
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 egg for brushing

Instructions:

Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add wet ingredients: Gradually add water until the dough forms. You may need a little more or less water depending on your flour.
Shape the bagels: Divide the dough into 4 equal portions, roll each into a ball, then poke a hole in the middle and shape it into a bagel.
Brush with egg wash: Before placing the bagels into the air fryer, brush them with the egg wash to give them a golden, shiny crust.
Air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the bagels for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

This recipe will give you soft, chewy bagels with a crisp, golden exterior.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your air fryer bagels turn out perfectly every time, avoid these common mistakes:

Overcrowding: Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. If you’re cooking multiple bagels, air fry them in batches.
Skipping the preheat: Don’t forget to preheat the air fryer. This step is essential for achieving an even toast.
Not checking halfway: Always check your bagels halfway through to ensure they’re toasting evenly.

Making Brownies in the Air Fryer

Introduction to Air Fryer Brownies

Baking brownies in the air fryer is a great alternative to traditional oven baking. Not only do you save time, but you also get deliciously fudgy brownies with a crisp crust. The air fryer’s rapid air circulation ensures that the heat is evenly distributed, resulting in perfectly baked brownies every time.

Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Brownies

To make brownies in the air fryer, you need the right ingredients. Here’s a simple list to get started:

Butter: For a rich and moist texture.
Sugar: White sugar or brown sugar, depending on your preference.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best.
Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa for that chocolatey flavor.
Eggs: Eggs are essential for binding and moisture.
Chocolate chips (optional): For extra chocolatey goodness.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Brownies in the Air Fryer

Making brownies in the air fryer is straightforward. Follow these steps to create a delicious dessert:

Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and cocoa powder. Add the flour and stir until well combined.
Pour the batter into the pan: Use a cake pan or a silicone mold that fits your air fryer. Make sure to grease it with a bit of butter or cooking spray to avoid sticking.
Air fry: Set the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and cook the brownies for 15 to 20 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they’re ready!
Let them cool: Once the brownies are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool before slicing.

Best Air Fryer Settings for Brownies

For the perfect batch of brownies, these settings will give you the best results:

Temperature: 320°F (160°C) ensures they bake through without becoming too dry.
Cooking time: Typically, 15-20 minutes works best, but always check at the 15-minute mark.
Doneness: If you prefer fudgy brownies, remove them as soon as the toothpick comes out with some crumbs. If you want a firmer texture, leave them in for an extra minute or two.

Troubleshooting Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Brownies

Baking brownies in an air fryer can be a bit tricky if you’re new to it. Here are a few tips to ensure you get the perfect results:

Undercooking: If your brownies are still gooey in the center after the recommended time, add a few more minutes of cook time.
Overcooking: If you leave your brownies in too long, they’ll dry out. Check them regularly and remove them as soon as they’re done.

FAQs

Can I Bake Bagels and Brownies Together in the Air Fryer?

While it might seem like a time-saver to cook both bagels and brownies in the air fryer at the same time, it’s not recommended. The cooking times and temperatures for these two baked goods are quite different. Bagels typically require a higher heat setting (around 350°F/175°C) to achieve that golden, crispy exterior, while brownies need a lower temperature (usually around 320°F/160°C) to bake through properly without becoming too dry.

Additionally, bagels cook faster than brownies, with a typical air fryer cook time of just 4-6 minutes, while brownies need at least 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the batter. Cooking them together could lead to uneven results, such as overcooked bagels or undercooked brownies. To ensure the best outcome, it’s better to cook them in separate batches, adjusting the cooking times and temperatures as needed for each.

How Do I Prevent My Air Fryer Brownies from Becoming Too Dry?

Dry brownies are a common issue when baking in the air fryer, but with the right techniques, you can avoid this problem. The key is to ensure that you’re using the correct amount of butter and eggs, which provide the necessary moisture to keep the brownies fudgy. If the batter is too dry to begin with, it will result in dry brownies.

Additionally, overcooking is another major culprit. Air fryers cook much faster than traditional ovens, and brownies can easily become dry if left in the fryer for too long. Always check for doneness before the timer goes off—insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s done. If you prefer a more fudgy texture, remove the brownies as soon as they’re set but still slightly gooey in the middle.

How Long Does It Take to Cook Bagels in an Air Fryer?

When it comes to toasting bagels in the air fryer, the process is quick and straightforward. Typically, it will take 4-6 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to toast bagels to a golden brown. The exact time depends on your preferred level of crispiness and the thickness of the bagels. If you’re making bagels from scratch, however, you may need a longer cooking time—up to 12 minutes—since the dough requires a bit more time to fully bake through. Make sure to check on them halfway to ensure they’re cooking evenly. For extra crispy results, consider flipping the bagels halfway through the cooking process.

Conclusion

Making bagels and brownies in the air fryer is not only quick and easy but also results in perfectly baked treats with minimal effort. The magic of the air fryer lies in its ability to cook food with hot, circulating air, which creates a crispy exterior while maintaining a moist interior. This balance makes it an excellent choice for bagels and brownies. Whether you’re making a classic toasted bagel or rich, fudgy brownies, the air fryer ensures even cooking every time, cutting down on traditional baking times and reducing the need for excess oil. The process is straightforward and can be done in just a few minutes, allowing you to enjoy your favorite baked goods without having to wait for the oven to preheat or cook for long periods.

The best part? With air fryer baking, you can experiment with flavors and toppings effortlessly. From topping your bagels with creamy cheese or smoked salmon to adding chocolate chips and nuts to your brownies, the possibilities are endless.

For those looking to dive deeper into the world of air fryer cooking, explore additional air fryer recipes to expand your culinary skills. You’ll discover even more ways to enjoy delicious, healthier meals in no time. Happy air frying!

How to Make Perfect Brownies and Bagels in the Air Fryer