Air Fryer Brownie Donuts

Air Fryer Brownie Donuts –We’ve been experimenting with various desserts in the air fryer recently, and brownies are one of our favorites.

We wanted to put an interesting spin on them, so we made Brownie Donuts! They turned out well and were easy to make, too. You should try this if you have an air fryer at home because it’s super quick and easy.

Nothing is better than a donut in the morning with a hot cup of coffee; today, I give you one of my favorite donut recipes for a great breakfast: Air Fryer Brownie Donuts With Chocolate & Nut Toppings.

Everyone loves brownies, but we usually think of them as a dessert. Today, I wanted to create a decadent and fun donut recipe with my kids at home.

While the air fryer is well known for the biscuit donuts, I have lots of fun making homemade donut recipes. They are quick, delicious, and made in about 12 minutes, from start to finish. Who doesn’t love a batch of freshly made donuts for a great start to any morning?

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Homemade Donut Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER CINNAMON ROLL BITES, AIR FRYER EASY FUNFETTI CAKE MIX DONUTS, AIR FRYER RASPBERRY LEMON DONUTS and AIR FRYER COPYCAT KRISPY KREME DONUTS.

What Are Brownie Donuts

Brownie donuts are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts: brownies and donuts. They combine the rich, chocolatey flavor and moist, dense texture of brownies with the shape and convenience of donuts. Typically, brownie batter is poured into donut pans or molds to achieve the classic donut shape and then baked until set. The result is a treat that offers the best of both worlds: the cake-like softness and chocolate intensity of brownies and the fun, easy-to-eat donuts.

These hybrid desserts can be enjoyed plain or embellished with various toppings and glazes, such as chocolate ganache, vanilla glaze, powdered sugar, sprinkles, or nuts, to add flavor and visual appeal. Brownie donuts are perfect for when you can’t decide between a brownie or a donut and are looking for a dessert that is sure to impress with its unique combination and delicious taste. Whether served at breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert, brownie donuts make for a versatile and satisfying treat.

Why You Will Love Air Fryer Brownie Donuts!

Air Fryer Brownie Donuts are a game-changer for anyone with a sweet tooth, blending the rich, indulgent taste of brownies with the classic, beloved shape of donuts. Here are several reasons why you’ll fall in love with this delightful treat:

• Healthier Option: By air frying instead of deep-frying, you significantly reduce the amount of oil used, making these brownie donuts a more nutritious alternative without sacrificing the moist, dense texture that makes brownies so irresistible.
• Easy and Quick: The air fryer simplifies baking, allowing you to enjoy freshly made brownie donuts in less time than it would take to preheat an oven and bake a traditional batch of brownies or donuts.
• Crispy Outside, Soft Inside: The air fryer’s cooking method ensures that these brownie donuts have a slightly crispy exterior that encases the soft, gooey center, offering a delightful contrast in textures with every bite.
• Versatile: Air Fryer Brownie Donuts are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them plain, or have fun experimenting with various toppings and glazes, such as chocolate glaze, powdered sugar, sprinkles, or a drizzle of caramel, to customize them to your liking.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast treat, a decadent snack, or an impressive dessert for guests, these brownie donuts fit the bill. They’re sure to satisfy cravings and bring smiles to faces at any time of day.
• Fun to Make: Making brownie donuts in the air fryer is fun and engaging, perfect for involving kids in the kitchen or spending a cozy afternoon baking. It’s an enjoyable way to create delicious memories.
• Portion Control: The donut shape provides a convenient way to enjoy the rich taste of brownies in a more portion-controlled size, making it easier to indulge mindfully.
• No Compromise on Flavor: Despite being a healthier and quicker option, there’s no compromise on flavor. These brownie donuts deliver all the chocolatey goodness you’d expect from a traditional brownie, with the added novelty of a donut shape.

Air Fryer Brownie Donuts represent the best of both worlds, combining the ease of air frying with the decadent flavors of classic desserts. Once you try them, you’ll find they’re not just a treat but a revelation, proving that you can enjoy your favorite indulgences in a new, healthier, and even more delightful way.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Brownie Donuts

Dive into the world of irresistible treats with Air Fryer Brownie Donuts, a recipe that marries the indulgence of brownies with the playful form of donuts. Perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings, this easy-to-make recipe transforms simple ingredients into a decadent dessert sure to impresses. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the joys of air frying, these brownie donuts offer a delightful twist on classic favorites, making any day a little sweeter.

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.

• Brownie Mix: The foundation of this recipe, brownie mix offers a quick and reliable way to achieve rich, chocolatey flavor without measuring dry ingredients. It ensures consistency and delicious results every time.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together, providing moisture and richness that result in a soft, cake-like texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds fat to the batter, contributing to the moist, dense texture characteristic of brownies.
• Water: Added to the brownie mix, water activates the dry ingredients, helping to create a smooth, pourable batter. It’s essential for achieving the right consistency for your donut batter.
• Chocolate Chips: Stirring in chocolate chips adds pockets of melted chocolate throughout each donut, enhancing the rich, chocolatey experience with every bite. They add a wonderful texture and depth of flavor.
• Whipping Cream: Used in the glaze or as a mix-in, whipping cream adds a luxurious richness and creaminess to your brownie donuts, making them even more indulgent.
• Nuts (Walnuts or Pecans): Chopped nuts provide a crunchy contrast to the soft, tender crumb of the brownie donuts. They can be mixed into the batter or sprinkled on top before or after baking for added texture and nutty flavor.

How To Make Brownie Batter Donuts In Air Fryer

Making Air Fryer Brownie Donuts is a delightful and straightforward process that combines the ease of using a brownie mix with the innovative cooking method of air frying. Here’s how to create these delicious treats:

Prepare the Brownie Batter:

• Prepare the brownie batter in a large mixing bowl per the package instructions. This usually involves combining the brownie mix with water, oil, and eggs.
• Once the batter is smooth, fold in the chocolate chips to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.

Prepare the Donut Molds:

• If you have silicone donut molds, lightly grease them with cooking spray to prevent sticking. If you don’t have donut molds, you can make your own by shaping aluminum foil into donut shapes and placing them in the air fryer basket.

Fill the Molds:

• Spoon the brownie batter into the donut molds, filling each mold about three-quarters full. This allows room for the donuts to rise without spilling over.

Air Fry:

• Place the filled donut molds in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
• Since air fryer temperatures vary, check for doneness around the 8-minute mark.

• Cool and Remove:
  • Carefully remove the donut molds from the air fryer and let the donuts cool for a few minutes before gently removing them from the molds.

• Prepare the Toppings (Optional):
  • Combine the chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream in a small heavy-bottomed saucepan and stir over low heat until the chocolate has melted.
  • Transfer to a heat-proof shallow bowl for dipping and allow to cool slightly, enough to handle but not enough to harden.
  • Place chopped nuts into another shallow bowl for dipping.
  • Dip the donut face down in the warm melted chocolate, then dip it into the chopped nuts. Set back onto a wire rack to allow the chocolate to set before eating. Repeat with each donut as desired until finished.

• Serve:
  • Enjoy your Air Fryer Brownie Donuts as they are, or embellish them with your choice of toppings. They’re best served warm, with the chocolate chips melty and the toppings fresh.

Recipe Variations

Brownie donuts made in the air fryer offer a delicious canvas for a variety of creative twists. Here are some enticing recipe variations to explore, each adding its unique flair to the classic treat:

• Mocha Brownie Donuts: Infuse your brownie batter with a strong espresso or instant coffee powder to create Mocha Brownie Donuts. The coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor, making these donuts a perfect pick-me-up treat.
• Peanut Butter Swirl Brownie Donuts: Swirl in some creamy peanut butter into the brownie batter filled in the donut molds before baking. The peanut butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
• Mint Chocolate Chip Brownie Donuts: Mix some mint extract and chocolate chips into your brownie batter for a refreshing mint chocolate chip variation. The mint adds a cool burst of flavor to the rich chocolate dough.
• Salted Caramel Brownie Donuts: Drizzle salted caramel over your brownie donuts after air frying. The salty-sweet combination creates a sophisticated flavor profile that elevates the simple brownie donut to gourmet status.
• Orange Zest Brownie Donuts: Add the zest of one orange to the brownie batter for a citrusy twist. The orange zest provides a bright contrast to the deep chocolate flavor, offering a refreshing note.
• S’mores Brownie Donuts: Top your brownie donuts with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and crushed graham crackers in the last few minutes of air frying. You’ll get a s’mores-inspired dessert with a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
• Raspberry Chocolate Brownie Donuts: Gently fold fresh or frozen raspberries into the batter before air frying. The raspberries add a tart, juicy component that pairs wonderfully with the dense, chocolatey dough.
• Rocky Road Brownie Donuts: After air frying, top the brownie donuts with mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, and chocolate chunks. Briefly return them to the air fryer until the marshmallows melt for a rocky road effect.
• Double Chocolate Brownie Donuts: Increase the chocolate intensity by adding cocoa powder to the brownie mix, along with chocolate chips. This variation is perfect for hardcore chocolate lovers.
• Birthday Cake Brownie Donuts: Stir rainbow sprinkles into the brownie batter for a fun, festive look. Top with vanilla glaze and more sprinkles for a birthday cake-inspired treat that’s sure to delight.

These variations on the classic brownie donut recipe demonstrate the versatility and adaptability of this delightful treat.

Pro Tips

Creating the perfect batch of Air Fryer Brownie Donuts is an art that combines simplicity with a touch of creativity. Here are some pro tips to help you achieve the best results, ensuring your brownie donuts are as delicious as they are beautiful:

• Use Quality Brownie Mix: Start with a high-quality brownie mix as the base for your donuts. The better the mix, the richer and more flavorful your donuts will be. Feel free to enhance the mix with additional cocoa powder or melted chocolate for deeper chocolate flavor.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher donut texture.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer ensures that your brownie donuts start cooking at the right temperature from the moment they go in, promoting even cooking and a perfect crust.
• Grease Your Donut Molds: If using silicone or metal donut molds, make sure to grease them well to prevent sticking. A light coating of cooking spray works well and helps you achieve a smooth release after cooking.
• Don’t Overfill the Molds: Fill the donut molds about three-quarters full to give the batter room to expand as it cooks. Overfilling can lead to misshapen donuts that might spill over the edges of the mold.
• Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure each donut cooks evenly and has enough room for the air to circulate around it. Cooking in batches may take a bit longer but will yield better results.
• Check for Doneness: Start checking the donuts for doneness a few minutes before the suggested cooking time ends. Insert a toothpick into the center of a donut; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the donuts are done.
• Cool Before Glazing or Topping: Allow the donuts to cool slightly before adding any glazes, chocolate, or toppings. This prevents the toppings from melting off and helps them set nicely on the donuts.
• Customize Your Toppings: Get creative with toppings and glazes. Whether you prefer a simple dusting of powdered sugar, a rich chocolate ganache, or a zesty orange glaze, the right topping can take your brownie donuts to the next level.
• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with adding different flavors to your batter, such as espresso powder for a coffee-infused donut or peppermint extract for a minty twist. Small additions can make a big impact on the overall flavor.

By following these pro tips, you’ll be well on your way to making irresistible Air Fryer Brownie Donuts that are sure to impress. Enjoy the process of experimenting with different variations and finding your perfect combination of flavors and toppings.

Faq’s

Can I make brownie donuts in the air fryer without a donut mold? Yes, you can. If you don’t have donut molds, you can shape aluminum foil into makeshift molds or simply form donut shapes on a piece of parchment paper cut to fit the air fryer basket. However, using molds helps maintain the donuts’ shape better during cooking.

How do I prevent the brownie donuts from sticking to the molds? Ensure to grease your donut molds thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray or a light coating of oil before adding the batter. Silicone molds tend to release donuts more easily than metal molds.

Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a mix? Absolutely! Homemade brownie batter can be used and may even give you more control over the flavor and texture. Just follow your favorite brownie recipe, fill the molds appropriately, and adjust cooking time if needed.

How do I know when the brownie donuts are done cooking? Brownie donuts are done when a toothpick inserted into the thickest part comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. They should feel set to the touch and have a slightly springy texture.

Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe, but you may need to cook the donuts in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Overcrowding can affect the air flow and result in unevenly cooked donuts.

How can I store leftover air fryer brownie donuts? Leftover brownie donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the air fryer or microwave to refresh.

Can I make these brownie donuts gluten-free? Yes, to make gluten-free brownie donuts, use a gluten-free brownie mix or your favorite gluten-free brownie batter recipe. Ensure all other ingredients, including toppings and fillings, are gluten-free as well.

How can I add more flavor to my brownie donuts? Experiment with adding different ingredients to the batter, such as vanilla extract, instant espresso powder, orange zest, or mix-ins like nuts and chocolate chips. Toppings like ganache, glazes, and powdered sugar can also enhance the flavor.

Can I make these brownie donuts vegan? For a vegan version, use a vegan brownie mix or recipe and substitute plant-based alternatives for any dairy or eggs called for. Check the ingredients in your chocolate chips and toppings to ensure they’re vegan-friendly.

Why did my brownie donuts come out dry? Overcooking is the most common reason for dry brownie donuts. Make sure to check for doneness a few minutes before the recipe’s suggested cooking time and adjust based on your air fryer’s performance.

Equipment Used

• For any Basket Air Fryer: 10Pcs Anodized Aluminum Alloy Donut Ring Mold Pan DIY Cake Non-Stick Mould Bakery Baking Tools Bakeware
• For Larger Air Fryers & Air Fryer Ovens: Wilton Non-Stick 6-Cavity Donut Baking Pans, 2-Count
• For Instant Pot Models and Larger Air Fryer Basket Styles: Instant Vortex Official Nonstick Donut/Bagel Pan, Gray

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