Air Fryer Cosmic Brownies
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Air Fryer Cosmic Brownies are my favorite way to recreate that nostalgic chocolate treat right at home. The brownie base is dense, chocolatey, and perfectly moist, the ganache is thick and glossy, and those colorful rainbow chip sprinkles on top make every square look just like the childhood favorite you remember. Honestly, even better.
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I make these for birthday parties, bake sales, and family gatherings whenever I want a show-stopping dessert that gets people talking. They’re fun enough for kids and rich enough for chocolate lovers, and they come together faster in the air fryer than the oven. Store at room temperature for 2 to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Air Fryer Cosmic Brownies with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
Let me walk you through how you can make this beautiful and delicious cosmic brownie recipe in the air fryer with confidence.
Line the Baking Pan
Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan or any pan you find that fits your air fryer with parchment paper.
Leave a bit of overhang on the sides so the brownies lift out easily later. I like using precut parchment sheets because they fit neatly and make cleanup simple.
Prep the Brownie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until glossy and combined. Mix in the eggs and egg yolk, then add the vanilla, and whisk again until the mixture looks smooth and slightly thick.
Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt, and stir gently with a silicone spatula just until no dry streaks remain.
DO MORE WITH YOUR
AIR FRYER
This eBook is a collection of 86 recipes I make again and again in my own kitchen. If you love good food and easy instructions, this book was made for you.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
∙ Cheesy Egg Bites
∙ Broccoli Cheddar Soup
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Air Fry Until Fudgy
Pour the batter into the lined pan and smooth the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly. Place the pan in the air fryer basket and cook at 320°F for 25 to 30 minutes.
I start checking at 25 minutes so I can monitor when they’re ready, by inserting a toothpick into the center. You want moist crumbs on the toothpick, not wet batter.
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before moving on so the chocolate ganache spreads smoothly.
Make the Ganache
Add the finely chopped semisweet chocolate and heavy cream to a microwave-safe prep bowl.
Microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring each time with a small whisk, until the chocolate melts into a smooth, shiny chocolate ganache. Stir slowly to keep the texture silky and fully combined.
Top and Chill
Spread the warm ganache evenly over the cooled brownies using the back of a spoon or an offset spatula.
Sprinkle rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips, mini M&M’s, or sprinkles over the top while the ganache is still soft, so they stick. Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for 1 to 2 hours until the ganache sets firm.
Slice and Serve
Once set, lift the brownies out using the parchment overhang on the sides and slice with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean after each cut for neat edges.
Serve and enjoy!
I pack these air-fried brownies in a snug airtight container once the ganache is fully set, so the chocolate topping stays smooth and firm. For longer drives or warm days, I keep the container in an insulated food carrier with a small ice pack to prevent melting.
They stack neatly with parchment between layers, and the fudgy texture holds up beautifully without crumbling.
Equipment
- Square baking pan that fits in your air fryer
- Ice pack if transporting
- Freezer-safe sheet pan to flash-freeze
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Ganache:
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate finely chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
For the Topping:
- Rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips mini M&M’s, or sprinkles
Instructions
- Line a 9×9-inch square pan (or any pan that fits your air fryer) with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.1 cup unsalted butter, 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar, ½ cup brown sugar
- Add the eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla, whisking until smooth.3 large eggs, 1 large egg yolk, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Mix until just combined.1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt
- Pour the batter into the lined pan and smooth the top.
- Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). Let the brownies cool completely inside the pan before adding the ganache.
- Place the chopped chocolate and heavy cream in a heat-safe bowl. Microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring each time, until fully melted and smooth.8 ounces semisweet chocolate, ½ cup heavy cream
- Spread the ganache evenly over the cooled brownies. Add rainbow sprinkles, mini M&M’s, or candy-coated chocolate chips.Rainbow candy-coated chocolate chips
- Refrigerate for 1–2 hours to let the ganache set before slicing.
Notes
Nutrition
DO MORE WITH YOUR
AIR FRYER
This eBook is a collection of 86 recipes I make again and again in my own kitchen. If you love good food and easy instructions, this book was made for you.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
∙ Cheesy Egg Bites
∙ Broccoli Cheddar Soup
∙ Asparagus Casserole
∙ Crack Chicken Casserole
∙ Coffee Cake
...and much more!
Includes ad-free recipes like:
How to Store Leftovers
I keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days if the kitchen is cool. For longer storage, I chill them for up to 1 week so the ganache stays firm and glossy.
For freezing, I wrap slices individually with plastic wrap, place them in a single layer in a freezer bag or container, or if I’m stacking them, I layer them with parchment in between so they don’t stick together. They freeze well for 2 to 3 months.
You can also flash-freeze them first, spread out on a freezer-safe sheet pan instead, if you don’t have plastic wrap or parchment to help them stay intact. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temp before serving so the texture stays fudgy and smooth.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Cosmic Brownies
I love serving them with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee to balance the rich chocolate flavor. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns a simple square into a plated dessert that feels extra special.
For parties, I slice them into smaller squares and arrange them on a platter with other handheld treats. The colorful candy topping makes them stand out on any dessert table without needing anything fancy.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
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