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Several pieces of chocolate frosted Air Fryer Cosmic Brownies topped with colorful round sprinkles are arranged on a sheet of parchment paper.

Air Fryer Cosmic Brownies

I love making Air Fryer Cosmic Brownies when I want something fun, colorful, and nostalgic that both kids and adults love. The brownies are super fudgy with a dense chocolatey base, topped with thick glossy ganache and rainbow chip sprinkles that make every square feel like a celebration. The air fryer gets them done faster than the oven, so they're surprisingly quick and easy. I make them for birthdays, parties, and anytime I want a dessert that stops people in their tracks.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Air Fryer Cosmic Brownies
Servings: 24
Calories: 251kcal
Author: Mandy Applegate

Equipment

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
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Line a 9x9-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

I have a few tips that help Air Fryer Cosmic Brownies turn out perfectly every time.
Whisk the sugars thoroughly: Blend the melted butter and sugars until glossy so the brownies bake with a smooth, even texture.
Use room temperature eggs: Let the eggs and yolk sit out before mixing so they incorporate smoothly into the batter.
Do not overmix the flour: Stir just until the dry ingredients disappear to keep the texture dense and fudgy instead of tough.
Check at 25 minutes: Insert a toothpick and look for moist crumbs, since overbaking will dry out the center.
Spread ganache on fully cooled brownies: Wait until the base is completely cool so the chocolate topping stays thick and smooth.
Store properly: Keep cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, refrigerate for up to 1 week, or freeze for 2 to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 251kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 62mg | Potassium: 136mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 354IU | Vitamin C: 0.03mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 2mg
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