Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the day I discovered air fryer tahini brownies – it was pure kitchen magic! I was craving something rich and fudgy but didn’t want to heat up my whole kitchen with the oven. That’s when I thought, “Why not try brownies in the air fryer?” And friends, the tahini twist? Absolute game changer. That nutty depth takes these from good to “hide-the-last-one-from-your-family” incredible.

What I love most is how these brownies come together in minutes with pantry staples. The air fryer gives them this perfect crispy edge while keeping the center gloriously gooey. My husband still doesn’t believe they’re made without butter – tahini’s natural richness fools everyone!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Tahini Brownies
Let me count the ways these little squares of joy will steal your heart:
- Crazy fast: From bowl to belly in 30 minutes flat – no oven preheating marathon required!
- That perfect texture: Crispy ly top gives way to a fudgy center that’ll make you swoon.
- Tahini magic: Adds this rich, nutty depth that makes chocolate taste even more chocolatey (science fact!).
- Easy cleanup: One bowl, one tiny pan – more time for eating, less for scrubbing.
Seriously, these brownies are the ultimate “I deserve a treat” quick fix. You’re welcome.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Tahini Brownies
Gather these simple ingredients – you probably have most in your pantry right now! I always measure everything before starting because once that tahini hits the bowl, I get too excited to pause. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup tahini (make sure it’s smooth and well-stirred – no oil separation!)
- 1/2 cup sugar (regular granulated works perfectly here)
- 1 large egg (room temp blends in so much better)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (the good stuff – no imitation!)
Now for the dry team:
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened and sifted – no lumps allowed!)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (just the regular kind, nothing fancy)
- 1/4 tsp baking powder (fresh is best – check that expiration date)
- 1/4 tsp salt (trust me, it makes the chocolate pop)
And the star of the show:
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (I use semi-sweet, but go wild with dark if that’s your jam)
See? Nothing crazy or hard to find. Just honest ingredients ready to make magic in your air fryer!
How to Make Air Fryer Tahini Brownies
Okay, friends – let’s get down to business! This is where the magic happens, and trust me, it’s so simple you’ll be amazed. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have the most incredible tahini brownies in no time. The key? Don’t overthink it – brownies are meant to be easy and delicious!
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
First things first – grab that mixing bowl! I like to use my favorite wooden spoon for this because it makes me feel like a proper baker. Here’s how we do it:
- Mix the wet ingredients: Start with your tahini and sugar – give them a good stir until they’re completely smooth (about 1 minute should do it). The mixture will look thick and glossy – that’s exactly what we want!
- Add the egg and vanilla: that egg right in (no shells, please!) and splash in the vanilla. Stir until everything is beautifully combined. The batter will loosen up a bit now – perfect!
- Sift in the dry ingredients: Here comes the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting makes all the difference – it keeps those pesky lumps out of our brownies. Gently fold everything together until just combined. Overmixing is the enemy here!
- The grand finale: Chocolate chips! Fold them in last so they stay nice and whole. The batter will be thick and fudgy – exactly how we like it.
Step 2: Air Fry the Brownies
Now for the air fryer magic! Don’t skip the preheating step – it’s crucial for even cooking.
- Preheat your air fryer: Set it to 320°F (160°C) and let it warm up for about 3 minutes. This gives our brownies the perfect start.
- Prepare the pan: Grab a small baking pan that fits in your air fryer (I use a 6-inch round one) and grease it really well. Those brownies need to come out easily!
- Cook time: Pour in that gorgeous batter and pop it in the air fryer. Set your timer for 15 minutes first – we’ll check them then.
- The toothpick test: After 15 minutes, poke a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re done! If not, give them another 2-3 minutes.
- The hardest part: Let them cool! I know, I know – but this helps them set properly. Wait at least 10 minutes before slicing. Your patience will be rewarded with perfect squares of chocolatey heaven.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Tahini Brownies
After making these brownies more times than I can count (purely for “quality control,” of course), I’ve learned all the little tricks that take them from good to “oh my gosh, how did you make these?!” Here are my top secrets:
Room temperature ingredients are your friends: That egg really does blend better when it’s not straight from the fridge. I just pop it in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes if I forgot to take it out earlier. Same goes for tahini – if yours separated in the jar, give it a good stir and let it sit on the counter for a bit.
Grease like you mean it: I can’t stress this enough – really coat that pan! I use butter and a pastry brush to get into every nook, then dust with a bit of cocoa powder instead of flour (no white spots on our brownies!). Or, my new favorite trick is using that leftover tahini oil from the jar to grease the pan – brilliant, right?
Rotate for even cooking: Every air fryer has hot spots. About halfway through cooking, I carefully rotate my pan 180 degrees. This gives those brownies the perfect, even bake with no burnt edges. Just be quick so you don’t lose too much heat!
The doneness dance: These brownies continue cooking a bit after they come out, so pull them when the toothpick has a few moist crumbs, not completely clean. And that ly top? It’s normal if it looks a bit shiny in the center – that’s where the fudgy magic happens as it cools.
Tahini texture matters: If your tahini seems super thick, warm it slightly first. I’ll sometimes microwave the jar (without the lid!) for 10 seconds to loosen it up. Makes mixing so much easier!
Variations for Your Tahini Brownies
Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe (and fallen in love with it like I have), let’s play around! These brownies are like the perfect little black dress – endlessly adaptable. Here are my favorite ways to dress them up when I’m feeling fancy:
Nutty delight: Swap out those chocolate chips for chopped walnuts or pecans. The crunch against the fudgy texture? Absolute perfection. I use about 1/3 cup – enough to get a bite in every piece without overwhelming the tahini flavor.
Citrus sparkle: Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the batter. The bright citrus notes cut through the richness in the best possible way. My sister swears this version tastes like a fancy chocolate orange dessert from a gourmet shop!
Double chocolate madness: When regular brownies just won’t cut it, I’ll replace 1 tablespoon of the flour with extra cocoa powder. You’ll get these intensely chocolatey brownies that still have that wonderful tahini backbone. Warning: These disappear even faster than the original!
Remember, baking is all about making it yours. Don’t be afraid to experiment – I’ve even added a pinch of espresso powder or swapped in maple syrup for half the sugar with great results. The tahini base is so forgiving and versatile! For more on the benefits of sesame seeds, check out this resource on sesame seeds.
Serving and Storing Air Fryer Tahini Brownies
Oh, the joy of serving these warm tahini brownies straight from the air fryer – that’s when they’re at their absolute best! The chocolate chips are still melty, the edges crisp, and that tahini richness just sings. My favorite way? Plop a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top while they’re still warm and watch it melt into all those s and crevices. Pure dessert heaven!
If you’re feeling fancy (or just extra hungry), here are my go-to serving ideas:
- Ice cream sandwich: Slice a brownie in half horizontally and sandwich your favorite ice cream in between. The tahini flavor pairs amazingly with caramel swirl or coffee ice cream!
- Breakfast treat: Who says you can’t have brownies for breakfast? Warm one up slightly and serve with Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a “balanced” morning treat.
- Dessert board: Cut into small squares and arrange with fresh fruit, nuts, and a drizzle of extra tahini for a stunning dessert spread.
Now, about storing these beauties – they’ll keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 days. I like to layer them with parchment paper so they don’t stick together. The tahini keeps them surprisingly moist! If you are looking for other quick air fryer desserts, check out these air fryer donut holes.
For reheating, you’ve got options:
- Quick microwave: 10-15 seconds brings back that fresh-from-the-air-fryer warmth
- Air fryer refresh: Pop them back in at 300°F for 1-2 minutes to crisp up the edges
- Cold and chewy: Honestly? They’re delicious straight from the fridge too – the texture becomes extra fudgy!
Pro tip: If you want to freeze them (smart move for future cravings), wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap then foil. They’ll keep for up to 2 months – just thaw at room temperature or give them a quick zap in the microwave when the craving hits!
Air Fryer Tahini Brownies FAQs
I get so many questions about these tahini brownies – which makes me so happy because it means you’re making them! Here are answers to the ones that pop up most often in my kitchen (and inbox):
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Absolutely! I’ve done this when I wanted a more natural sweetener. Use 1/3 cup honey instead of the 1/2 cup sugar, and reduce any other liquids slightly (maybe skip the vanilla if your honey is super flavorful). The texture will be a bit more cakey than fudgy, but still delicious. Just watch the cooking time – honey brownies can brown faster!
What if my tahini is too thick?
Oh, I’ve been there – that stubborn tahini at the bottom of the jar! Two easy fixes: 1) Warm it gently (10 seconds in the microwave does wonders) to loosen it up, or 2) Add a teaspoon of neutral oil (like avocado or vegetable) while mixing. The batter should be thick but pourable – if it’s more like paste, these little adjustments will save the day.
Can I double the recipe?
You bet! Doubling works beautifully if your air fryer basket is big enough. Use an 8-inch square pan instead of the small one, and increase cooking time to about 22-25 minutes (check at 20). The only caution? Make sure your tahini and sugar mixture gets fully creamed – sometimes doubling means you need to mix a bit longer to get that perfect smooth consistency.
Bonus tip I get asked about: Yes, you can make these gluten-free by swapping the flour for your favorite GF blend. I’ve had great results with almond flour too – just expect a denser, more decadent texture that’s absolutely worth trying! For more on gluten-free baking adjustments, you might find this baking guide helpful.
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I know we all like to have an idea of what we’re eating – especially when it’s something as delicious as these tahini brownies! Keep in mind these are estimates that can vary based on your specific ingredients (like if you used dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet). Here’s the breakdown per brownie (based on the batch into 9 generous squares):
- Calories: 180 (worth every single one!)
- Fat: 10g (6g unsaturated from that glorious tahini)
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g (thank you, cocoa powder!)
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 4g (tahini packs a surprising protein punch)
- Sodium: 80mg
Now, let’s be real – we’re not eating brownies for their nutritional benefits. But isn’t it nice to know these have some redeeming qualities? That tahini gives you healthy fats and a bit of calcium, while cocoa powder brings antioxidants to the party. My philosophy? Everything in moderation – including moderation! Sometimes you just need a darn good brownie. If you are interested in learning more about the nutritional profile of cocoa, look here: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Well, there you have it – my absolute favorite way to make tahini brownies in the air fryer! I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and fall in love with it like I have. There’s nothing better than seeing that first batch come out perfectly fudgy and smelling like chocolate heaven.
I’d be over the moon if you’d come back and tell me how yours turned out! Did you stick with the classic version or try one of the fun variations? Snap a photo of your beautiful brownies and tag me – I live for those kitchen success stories. And if you have any brilliant tweaks you discovered, please share! Some of my best recipe improvements have come from readers’ clever ideas.
Most importantly – enjoy every bite! These brownies were made for sharing (or not sharing… no judgment here). Whip up a batch when you need a quick chocolate fix, when friends drop by unexpectedly, or just because it’s Tuesday. Happy baking, my friends – may your tahini always be smooth and your brownies forever fudgy!
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“30-Minute Air Fryer Tahini Brownies – Irresistibly Fudgy!”
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Decadent brownies made with tahini and cooked in an air fryer for a rich, fudgy texture.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
- Mix tahini and sugar until smooth.
- Add egg and vanilla extract, mix well.
- Sift cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt into the mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into a greased baking pan.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Use smooth tahini for best results.
- Check brownies early to avoid overcooking.
- Adjust sugar to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American