You know that moment when you suddenly remember you promised to bring dessert to your holiday party—tomorrow? That was me last Christmas, scrambling to whip up something festive without turning my kitchen into a disaster zone. Enter these magical Christmas Air Fryer Brownie Bites! In less time than it takes to untangle Christmas lights, you’ll have rich, fudgy bites ready to dazzle. I love how the air fryer gives them the perfect crackly top while keeping the centers gloriously gooey. Plus, tossing in holiday sprinkles makes them look like edible ornaments—guaranteed to disappear faster than Santa’s cookies!
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Air Fryer Brownie Bites
Oh my goodness, where do I even start? These little bites of holiday joy check ALL the boxes:
- Lightning fast – From mixing bowl to plate in under 20 minutes (Santa’s elves would be jealous!)
- Festive fun – Those Christmas sprinkles turn them into edible decorations that kids adore
- No oven drama – Your air fryer keeps the kitchen cool while baking up perfect batches
- Easy cleanup – One bowl, no messy cookie sheets, and silicone molds pop right out
- Crowd-pleasers – I bring these to every holiday gathering and they vanish before the eggnog!
Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your new Christmas baking tradition!
Ingredients for Christmas Air Fryer Brownie Bites
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these festive little wonders – and trust me, you probably have most of this in your pantry already! I’ve learned through many batches (some more successful than others!) that quality ingredients really make a difference here.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – Spoon it lightly into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Don’t pack it down or you’ll end up with dense bites!
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – I’m obsessed with Dutch-processed for its rich flavor, but regular works great too
- 1 cup granulated sugar – This gives that perfect crackly top we all love
- 1/2 tsp baking powder – Just enough lift without making them cakey
- 1/4 tsp salt – Brings out all those chocolate flavors beautifully
- 1/2 cup melted butter – Unsalted is my go-to, cooled slightly so it doesn’t scramble the eggs
- 2 large eggs – Room temperature blends in smoother – just set them out 30 minutes before
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Pure vanilla makes all the difference
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips – Because more chocolate is always better at Christmas!
- Christmas sprinkles – For that festive pop (totally optional but oh-so-pretty)
Psst – for gluten-free friends, swap the flour 1:1 with your favorite GF blend. I’ve had great results with almond flour too, though the texture gets a bit more fudgy (not that anyone complained!).
Equipment Needed
Okay, let’s talk tools! You’ll be shocked how little you actually need for these Christmas Air Fryer Brownie Bites. Here’s what I always grab:
- Your trusty air fryer – Any model works, though basket sizes vary (more on that later)
- Mini muffin tins or silicone molds – The silicone ones are lifesavers for easy popping out!
- One medium mixing bowl – My favorite is the chipped blue one that’s seen a million Christmases
- A sturdy spatula – For scraping every last bit of that glorious batter
That’s it! Though I sometimes cheat and use a cookie scoop for perfectly even portions – totally optional but oh-so-satisfying.
How to Make Christmas Air Fryer Brownie Bites
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – making these adorable little holiday treats! I promise it’s so easy you’ll be dancing around the kitchen like you’re in a Christmas movie. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have perfect brownie bites in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
First things first – let’s make that luscious brownie batter. In your mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder and salt. In another bowl (or just a measuring cup), mix the melted butter, eggs and vanilla. Now here’s the key – pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are totally fine. Gently fold in those chocolate chips last. The batter should be thick but scoopable – like a really indulgent pudding.
Step 2: Fill and Cook in Air Fryer
While you’re mixing, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your mini muffin tins or silicone molds – I use a quick spritz of baking spray. Fill each cup about 3/4 full (a cookie scoop makes this so easy!). Carefully place the molds in your air fryer basket, leaving a little space between them for air to circulate. Cook for 8-10 minutes – start checking at 8! You want a toothpick to come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. They’ll keep cooking a bit as they cool.
Step 3: Decorate Your Christmas Brownie Bites
The best part – making them festive! Let the bites cool just enough to handle, then go wild with Christmas sprinkles while they’re still slightly sticky. For extra holiday magic, drizzle with melted white chocolate or dust with powdered sugar “snow.” I sometimes add a tiny holly leaf candy on top for parties. They’re almost too pretty to eat… almost!
Tips for Perfect Christmas Air Fryer Brownie Bites
After making dozens (okay, maybe hundreds) of these brownie bites, I’ve learned a few tricks that guarantee perfect results every time. First, always start checking for doneness early – air fryers can vary wildly, and those last 2 minutes can mean the difference between fudgy heaven and dry disappointment. Second, silicone molds are worth their weight in gold – nothing sticks, and they pop out picture-perfect bites. Third, don’t crowd your air fryer basket! Give those bites some breathing room for even cooking. And finally, let them cool just a minute in the molds before transferring – they firm up beautifully.
Variations and Substitutions
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can mix it up! Feeling festive? Swap the vanilla for peppermint extract – just 1/2 teaspoon gives that classic holiday flavor without overpowering. Dairy-free? No problem – coconut oil works beautifully instead of butter (though I miss that rich buttery taste). For nut lovers, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans – my aunt insists they’re mandatory! And if you’re out of chocolate chips, chopped candy canes make a fun seasonal twist. The possibilities are endless!
Storing and Reheating
Here’s the best part – these Christmas Air Fryer Brownie Bites taste just as amazing the next day! I store them in an airtight container at room temperature (if they last that long – mine never do!). They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, though the sprinkles might lose their crunch. To bring back that just-baked magic, pop them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 300°F. They’ll come out warm and gooey like you just made them!
Nutritional Information
Each festive brownie bite comes in at about 90 calories – perfect for holiday indulgence! Remember, these values are just estimates and can change based on your specific ingredients. The sprinkles are pure joy and don’t count towards your daily intake (at least in my book!).
Frequently Asked Questions
I get asked the same excited questions about these Christmas Air Fryer Brownie Bites every holiday season, so let me share what I’ve learned through all my batches (and happy mistakes!).
Can I use a regular oven instead of an air fryer?
Absolutely! Just bake them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes in your mini muffin pan. They won’t get that signature air fryer crisp on top, but they’ll still be deliciously fudgy.
How do I prevent sticking without silicone molds?
No silicone? No worries! Grease your mini muffin tins really well with butter or non-stick spray, getting into all the nooks. For extra insurance, you can use those cute foil liners – they’ll peel right off.
Can I make these brownie bites ahead of time?
You bet! These keep beautifully for 3 days in an airtight container at room temp. I often make them the night before parties – the flavors actually deepen a bit!
What if I don’t have mini muffin tins?
Get creative! I’ve used oven-safe ramekins in a pinch, filling them halfway. Or make larger brownie “cookies” by dropping spoonfuls directly in the air fryer basket – just reduce the cooking time by a minute or two.
Why are my brownie bites dry?
Oh no! They probably just cooked a minute too long. Air fryers vary so much – start checking at 7 minutes next time. Remember, they continue cooking as they cool in the molds.
Share Your Holiday Treats!
I’d love to see your festive creations! Snap a photo of your Christmas Air Fryer Brownie Bites and tag me – nothing makes me happier than seeing your holiday baking adventures!
Print
Magical Christmas Air Fryer Brownie Bites in Just 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy and delicious Christmas-themed brownie bites made in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- Christmas sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Spoon batter into greased mini muffin tins or silicone molds.
- Place molds in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly, then remove from molds.
- Decorate with Christmas sprinkles if desired.
Notes
- Use silicone molds for easy removal.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American