You know those nights when chocolate cravings hit hard, and you NEED something sweet NOW? That’s how this air fryer mug brownie with simple ingredients was born in my kitchen. I was rummaging through my pantry at midnight (we’ve all been there), desperate for a quick fix. Seven minutes later? Magic happened. No fancy equipment, no waiting for the oven to preheat—just a mug, a few pantry staples, and my trusty air fryer. This single-serving brownie is my go-to when I want dessert fast without a sink full of dishes. The best part? It’s so easy you’ll memorize the recipe after making it once.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Mug Brownie

This little brownie is a game-changer, and here’s why:

Ready in minutes – From craving to first bite in under 15 minutes? Yes, please!
No fancy ingredients – Everything’s probably already in your pantry right now
One mug = no mess – Mix, cook, and eat all from the same mug (my lazy soul cheers!)
Perfect portion – Just enough to satisfy that chocolate urge without overdoing it
Air fryer magic – Crispy edges with a fudgy center, no oven required

Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever survived midnight cravings without it.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Mug Brownie

Here’s everything you’ll need for that perfect single-serving chocolate fix:

2 tbsp flour – All-purpose works great, but I’ve used whole wheat in a pinch
2 tbsp sugar – Pack it lightly in your measuring spoon for just the right sweetness
1 tbsp cocoa powder – The darker, the better for that rich chocolate flavor
1 tbsp melted butter – I zap mine for 15 seconds in the microwave
2 tbsp milk – Any kind works, but whole milk makes it extra creamy
1/4 tsp vanilla extract – The secret flavor booster!
Pinch of salt – Just a tiny bit makes all the flavors pop

See? Nothing fancy – just simple ingredients that come together for something magical.

Equipment You’ll Need

Here’s all you need to whip up this brownie in a flash:

Microwave-safe mug – I use my favorite 8-oz one (bonus points if it’s cute!)
Air fryer – Any model works, but cooking times might vary slightly
Measuring spoons – For those perfect tablespoon measures

Nice-to-haves: A small whisk makes mixing smoother, but a fork works just fine in a pinch. That’s it – no fancy gadgets required!

How to Make Air Fryer Mug Brownie

Okay, let’s make some magic happen! This is so easy you’ll laugh – but the results are seriously delicious. Just follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab your mug and toss in the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and that tiny pinch of salt. Now, here’s my trick – stir these together really well before adding anything else. I use a fork and make little circles until every bit of cocoa is mixed in. No one wants a surprise pocket of plain flour in their brownie!

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in your melted butter, milk, and vanilla. Now, gently fold everything together – don’t go wild with mixing! About 15-20 strokes should do it. You want it smooth but not overworked. The batter will be thick but pourable – if it looks like wet sand, you’re golden.

Step 3: Air Fry the Brownie

Carefully place your mug in the air fryer basket – center it if you can. Set to 350°F (180°C) for 8 minutes. After that, do the toothpick test – poke the center and if it comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are fine!), you’re done. If not, add 1-2 more minutes. Watch it closely – air fryers vary!

Pro tip: The brownie keeps cooking a bit after you take it out, so don’t wait for it to look completely dry. That’s how you get that perfect fudgy center with slightly crispy edges – my favorite part!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Mug Brownie

After making this dozens of times (yes, I have a problem), here are my foolproof tips:

Watch that mug! Some air fryers have taller baskets – if yours does, angle the mug slightly so it doesn’t touch the heating element.
Room temp milk blends better – Cold milk can make the butter clump. I zap mine for 10 seconds first.
Don’t overfill – Leave about 1 inch at the top or you’ll have a chocolate volcano (ask me how I know).
Peek at 7 minutes – All air fryers run differently. Better to check early than end up with a hockey puck!

Follow these and you’ll get that perfect fudgy-crispy combo every time.

Variations for Air Fryer Mug Brownie

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these fun twists:

Chocolate chips – Fold in a tablespoon for melty pockets of joy
Crushed walnuts – Adds crunch and makes it feel fancy
Espresso powder – Just 1/8 tsp deepens the chocolate flavor
Peanut butter swirl – Drop a spoonful on top before cooking

My personal favorite? A pinch of cinnamon – it’s like a warm hug in mug form!

Serving Suggestions

This brownie is delicious straight from the mug, but here’s how I take it next-level:

Vanilla ice cream – The classic pairing that melts into all those warm crevices
Whipped cream – Dollop it on top while the brownie’s still warm
Fresh berries – Strawberries or raspberries cut through the richness perfectly
Caramel drizzle – My guilty pleasure when I’m feeling extra indulgent

My midnight snack confession? Sometimes I just eat it with a big spoon right from the mug – no judgment!

Storage & Reheating

Let’s be real – this brownie rarely lasts long enough to store! But if you must, pop a lid on the mug (or cover with plastic wrap) and keep it at room temp for up to 2 days. To reheat, microwave for 15-20 seconds until just warm – any longer and it’ll dry out. Honestly though? It’s absolute magic fresh from the air fryer when the edges are still crisp!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what’s in your mug (estimates vary based on exact ingredients):

Calories: About 250
Sugar: 20g
Fat: 10g

Not bad for a chocolate emergency! Remember, toppings like ice cream will add more – but sometimes that’s totally worth it.

Common Questions About Air Fryer Mug Brownie

I’ve gotten so many questions about this recipe – here are the ones that pop up most often:

Can I use oil instead of butter? Absolutely! Swap the melted butter for 1 tbsp vegetable oil. It’ll be slightly less rich but still delicious. Coconut oil works too if you like that flavor.

Can I double the recipe? I don’t recommend it – the brownie won’t cook evenly in one mug. Instead, make two separate batches (more brownies is never a bad thing!).

Is a microwave-safe mug necessary? Yes! Regular ceramic mugs can crack from the sudden heat. Look for “microwave-safe” on the bottom to be safe.

Why is my brownie dry? You probably overcooked it – air fryers vary, so start checking at 7 minutes next time. Also, don’t skip the butter!

Try this recipe and share your results! Tag me with your mug brownie creations – I love seeing your chocolatey masterpieces.

7-Minute Air Fryer Mug Brownie with Simple Ingredients

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Author: flavorcheap_firstpin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A quick and easy air fryer mug brownie made with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

2 tbsp flour
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tbsp melted butter
2 tbsp milk
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a microwave-safe mug.
Add melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
Place the mug in the air fryer basket.
Cook at 350°F (180°C) for 8-10 minutes.
Check for doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Let cool slightly before eating.

Notes

Use a microwave-safe mug.
Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
Top with ice cream or whipped cream for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American