Air Fryer Zucchini Brownies for a zucchini-loving crowd. It’s not just brownies that you can make in an air fryer. These treats are moist and delicious with a light zucchini flavor.
Air Fryer Zucchini Brownies are a delicious air fryer dessert. Chocolate-frosted zucchini brownies will dress up any dessert table. This is a super easy homemade brownie recipe that is loaded with zucchini.
Head out and harvest your zucchini in the garden, and come indoors and whip up a chocolate zucchini brownie that will win over the whole family—a great way to sneak veggies into your dessert.
I will be honest: my kids ate these for an after-school treat and didn’t even know they had a trace of zucchini!
Are you looking for more Air Fryer Zucchini Recipes for Zucchini Season? Some of my favorites are AIR FRYER ZUCCHINI CHEDDAR SAVORY MUFFINS, AIR FRYER ZUCCHINI BACON CHEDDAR SCONES, and AIR FRYER PARMESAN ZUCCHINI FOIL PACKET.
What Are Zucchini Brownies?
Zucchini brownies are a delicious twist on traditional brownies, incorporating grated zucchini into the batter. This addition adds moisture to the brownies and sneaks in some extra nutrients. The zucchini blends seamlessly with the chocolatey goodness of the brownies, creating a moist and fudgy texture with a hint of sweetness from the zucchini. Zucchini brownies are a creative way to use surplus zucchini and are often enjoyed by both kids and adults alike.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
You’ll love this recipe for Air Fryer Zucchini Brownies for several reasons:
- Moist and Fudgy Texture: These brownies turn out incredibly moist and fudgy, thanks to adding grated zucchini. The zucchini adds moisture without compromising the rich, chocolatey flavor of the brownies.
- Healthier Option: Incorporating zucchini into the brownies adds nutrients and fiber, making them a healthier alternative to traditional brownies. It’s a great way to sneak some veggies into your dessert without sacrificing taste.
- Easy Preparation: Using the air fryer simplifies baking, providing a quick and efficient way to bake the brownies with minimal effort. It also ensures even cooking and a perfectly baked result every time.
- Versatility: This recipe allows customization with additional mix-ins such as nuts, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut, providing endless variations to suit your taste preferences.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters won’t be able to resist these delicious brownies. The rich chocolate flavor combined with the subtle sweetness of the zucchini makes them a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients For Air Fryer Zucchini Brownies
Indulge in a batch of delicious Zucchini Brownies, where each ingredient melds together to create a rich, moist, and chocolatey treat with a nutritious twist. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for this delightful recipe:
Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.
- Unsalted Butter Forms the rich base of the brownies. If using salted butter, skip adding extra salt to the recipe.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture in the brownies.
- Eggs: Act as a binding agent, giving structure and richness to the brownies.
- Plain Yogurt: Introduces moisture and a slight tanginess while making the brownies more tender.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavors, adding subtle depth and warmth.
- Flour: Provides the fundamental structure, ensuring the brownies hold together nicely.
- Cocoa Powder: Gives the brownies their classic chocolate flavor and rich color.
- Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the brownies rise and become light in texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the overall flavors.
- Shredded Zucchini: The secret ingredient that adds moisture and a nutritious element without altering the taste.
- Chocolate Chips: Introduce gooey, melted chocolate pockets for an extra chocolatey experience.
- Peanut Butter: Adds a creamy, nutty flavor and can be swirled on top for an appealing finish.
Each ingredient plays its part in creating these wonderfully moist and chocolatey Zucchini Brownies, making them a must-try for dessert lovers and health-conscious foodies.
How to Make Air Fryer Zucchini Brownies
Making Air Fryer Zucchini Brownies is a unique and delicious way to bake. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make them:
You will start by combining butter and sugar to make these brownies. Incorporate the eggs, yogurt, and vanilla.
Now, you will add all your dry ingredients into a small bowl. Once well mixed, slowly add the dry to the wet.
Fold in your shredded zucchini. Spray your pan and pour the brownie batter into the pan.
Air fry for 20-30 minutes or until the brownies are fully cooked. Once done, remove it and place it on a cooling rack.
For the frosting, melt your chocolate chips and peanut butter together. You will heat until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. Spread over your brownies and allow them to cool.
Recipe Variations
Here are some tasty recipe variations for Air Fryer Zucchini Brownies:
- Nutty Zucchini Brownies: Add chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the brownie batter for added texture and crunch. Fold the nuts into the batter before baking for a delicious nutty twist.
- Double Chocolate Zucchini Brownies: Stir in chocolate chips or chunks into the brownie batter to create a double chocolate sensation. The extra chocolate adds richness and decadence to the brownies, making them even more irresistible.
- Spiced Zucchini Brownies: Add warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the brownie batter for a flavorful and aromatic twist. These spices beautifully complement the chocolate and zucchini flavors, adding depth and complexity to the brownies.
- Cream Cheese Swirl Zucchini Brownies: Create a cream cheese swirl by dolloping softened cream cheese onto the brownie batter and gently swirling it with a knife before baking. The tanginess of the cream cheese contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of the brownies, creating a delightful flavor combination.
- Coconut Zucchini Brownies: Fold shredded coconut into the brownie batter for a tropical twist. The coconut adds a chewy texture and a hint of sweetness to the brownies, perfect for coconut lovers.
- Orange Zest Zucchini Brownies: Add freshly grated orange zest to the brownie batter for a bright and citrusy flavor. The orange zest adds a refreshing twist to the rich, chocolatey brownies, making them even more delicious.
Experiment with these recipe variations to create unique and delicious Air Fryer Zucchini Brownies tailored to your taste preferences!
Air Fryer Zucchini Brownies Recipe Tips
- Drain Excess Moisture: After grating the zucchini, place it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out any excess moisture. This prevents the brownies from becoming too wet.
- Use High-Quality Cocoa: Opt for high-quality cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor in your brownies. Dutch-processed cocoa adds a richer taste, but natural cocoa works well too.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the brownie batter until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in dense and tough brownies.
- Adjust Baking Time: Since air fryer models vary in temperature, keep an eye on the brownies towards the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps them set and ensures clean cuts.
Air Fryer Zucchini Brownies Recipe Faq’s
What are zucchini brownies? Zucchini brownies are a type of brownie that incorporates grated zucchini into the batter.
Can you taste the zucchini in the brownies? No, typically, you cannot taste the zucchini in the brownies. Zucchini has a very mild flavor that becomes virtually undetectable once mixed with the rich cocoa and sugar in the brownie batter.
Are zucchini brownies healthier than regular brownies? Zucchini brownies can be considered slightly healthier than traditional brownies due to adding zucchini, which adds fiber and nutrients.
How do you prepare zucchini for brownies? To prepare zucchini for brownies, wash it, then grate it using a box grater or food processor.
Can zucchini brownies be made gluten-free or vegan? Yes, zucchini brownies can easily be adapted to be gluten-free or vegan. Use gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free version or substitute animal products with plant-based alternatives like flax eggs, vegan butter, or plant-based milk to make them vegan.
How do I store zucchini brownies? Zucchini brownies should be stored in an airtight container to keep them moist. They can be kept at room temperature for a day or two, but for longer storage, it’s best to refrigerate them, where they can last up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my zucchini brownies? Absolutely! Adding nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips can introduce additional textures and flavors to your zucchini brownies. Stir them into the batter just before pouring it into the baking pan.
Why are my zucchini brownies too moist or soggy? If your zucchini brownies are too moist or soggy, it might be due to excess moisture in the zucchini. To avoid this, try squeezing out some of the liquid from the grated zucchini before adding it to the batter. Additionally, make sure to bake the brownies for the full recommended time and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center.
Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini? Yes, yellow squash can be used as a substitute for zucchini in brownies since it has a similar texture and moisture content. The flavor difference is minimal, so it won’t significantly affect the taste of the brownies.
Do I need to peel the zucchini before grating it for the brownies? No, you do not need to peel the zucchini before grating it for brownies. The skin is thin and contains nutrients. Plus, it’s not noticeable in the final product once the brownies are baked.
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Air Fryer Zucchini Brownies
Description
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup baking cocoa
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups zucchini, shredded
Frosting:
- 2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the sugar and butter together.
- Add the eggs, yogurt, and vanilla, mix well.
- In another bowl, add the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
- Slowly add the dry mixture into the liquid mixture, and then mix well.
- Fold in the zucchini.
- Spray a baking pan with cooking spray, and pour the mixture into the pan, set the temperature to 330 degrees F, air fryer setting for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the brownies cool while you make the frosting.
- To make the frosting mix the chocolate chips and peanut butter in a small saucepan. Over low heat, mix until smooth.
- Spread the frosting over the brownies, and let cool.
- Plate, serve and enjoy!
Equipment
- Brownie Pan
- Cooking Spray, or Parchment Paper
Notes
Nutrition
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Suzi
I wish your recipes were Gluten Free!