Name: 30g Air Fryer Protein Brownies with Soft Center Magic
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup almond flour; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1 scoop chocolate protein powder; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk; 1 egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

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Oh my gosh, you guys—I’ve been obsessed with these air fryer protein brownies ever since I first messed around with the recipe last summer! Picture this: fudgy, decadent brownies with that dreamy soft center, but packed with enough protein to actually feel good about eating them. The best part? They’re ready in under 25 minutes, thanks to my trusty air fryer. No oven preheating, no waiting forever—just quick, gooey chocolate magic. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never look at “healthy desserts” the same way again.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Protein Brownies

Listen, these brownies are a total game-changer—here’s why:

That melt-in-your-mouth soft center—like a fancy bakery treat, but you made it in minutes.
No guilt here—packed with protein and way less sugar than regular brownies (but shhh, they taste just as indulgent).
Air fryer magic means no waiting for the oven—throw them in, and bam, dessert’s ready before your cravings take over.
Easy cleanup—one bowl, one pan, and zero stress.

Seriously, they’re the hero of my snack drawer. If you love quick air fryer treats, you might also enjoy these air fryer donut holes.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Protein Brownies

Okay, let’s talk ingredients—this is where the magic starts! You probably have most of this in your pantry already (bonus points for easy baking). Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup almond flour – The base that keeps these gluten-free and nutty-delicious.
1/4 cup cocoa powder – Go for the good stuff, not the sad, chalky kind.
1 scoop chocolate protein powder (30g) – My secret weapon for that protein boost!
1/4 cup maple syrup – Just enough sweetness without going overboard.
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk – Or any milk you like, but unsweetened keeps it clean.
1 large egg – Room temp, please—it mixes way better.
1 tsp vanilla extract – The tiny splash that makes everything taste homemade.
1/2 tsp baking powder – Lifts them just enough for that perfect texture.
1/4 tsp salt – Trust me, it makes the chocolate pop.
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips – Because life’s too short for fake chocolate.

See? Simple, wholesome, and ready to transform into brownie heaven. For more healthy baking inspiration, check out this guide on easy air fryer protein balls.

How to Make Air Fryer Protein Brownies with Soft Center

Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making these brownies! The key is keeping that center gloriously soft, and I’ve got all the tricks to nail it. First things first: preheat that air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Don’t skip this—like, ever. A hot air fryer means even cooking and that perfect gooey middle. Understanding the science behind how air fryers cook food can help!

Mixing the Batter

Grab a big bowl and whisk together the almond flour, cocoa powder, protein powder, baking powder, and salt. No clumps allowed! Then, pour in the maple syrup, almond milk, egg, and vanilla. Stir until it’s smooth and shiny—think thick pancake batter. Now, the best part: fold in those chocolate chips last. Gentle folds, people! We want pockets of melty chocolate, not a homogenous mess.

Air Frying the Brownies

Pour the batter into a greased baking dish that fits in your air fryer (mine’s a 6-inch round pan, but any small oven-safe dish works). Slide it in and set a timer for 12 minutes. Here’s the golden rule: check early! The edges should look set, but the center should jiggle just a tiny bit when you nudge the pan. That’s your cue to pull them out—they’ll keep cooking as they cool. Overcooked brownies? Not on my watch. Let them sit for 5 minutes before slicing, or you’ll lose that fudgy magic.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Protein Brownies

Okay, real talk—these brownies are foolproof, but a few pro tips will make them flawless:

Batter too thick? Add a splash more almond milk—it should pour slowly, not plop.
Position your rack in the middle of the air fryer to avoid scorched tops or undercooked bottoms.
Don’t skip the preheat! A cold air fryer means uneven baking (and sadness).
Use a toothpick test—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re done. Wet batter? Give it another minute.

Follow these, and you’ll get that soft center every single time. Promise!

Variations for Air Fryer Protein Brownies

Want to mix things up? Oh, I’ve got ideas! Try folding in chopped walnuts for crunch, or swirl a spoonful of peanut butter into the batter before air frying. For mint lovers, swap the vanilla for peppermint extract—hello, protein-packed Thin Mints! The possibilities? Endless.

Serving Suggestions

Warm these brownies up and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt (extra protein!) or fresh berries for a little tart contrast. Or—no judgment—just eat them straight from the pan with a fork. If you like pairing desserts with fruit, check out these air fryer apple fritters.

Storage & Reheating

These brownies keep their soft center magic for 3 days in an airtight container—if they last that long! To revive that just-baked warmth, pop them in the air fryer for 1 minute at 300°F. Boom—gooey perfection all over again.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop—nutrition can vary slightly based on your ingredients, but per brownie, you’re looking at roughly 120 calories, 5g protein, and 10g carbs. Not too shabby for something that tastes this decadent, right?

FAQ

Can I use whey protein instead?
Absolutely! Whey works great—just add an extra splash of almond milk if the batter feels too thick. It bakes up just as fudgy.

Why is my center too gooey?
You pulled them out too early! Next time, give it another minute or two—the edges should be set, but the center still slightly jiggly.

Can I freeze these?
Yes! Wrap individual squares tightly—they’ll last a month. Thaw at room temperature or reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer. For more freezer-friendly recipes, see how to make air fryer chocolate lava cake.

Tell me—did your brownies turn out as dreamily soft as mine? I’d love to hear!