Air Fryer Raspberry Brownie Bites Recipe
This recipe yields 20 delicious brownie bites, with a perfect combination of rich chocolate and tart raspberries. Ideal for an air fryer, these treats are quick to prepare and will satisfy your sweet cravings.
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 2 tablespoons cashew butter
- 2 tablespoons water
- 4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Directions:
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 350F (175C). Lightly coat 20 (1 3/4-inch) foil muffin cups with cooking spray.
Step 2: In a small saucepan, cook the raspberries over medium-low heat. Stir and mash them with a fork until they break down and become soft, about 2 to 4 minutes. Transfer the raspberries to a mini food processor, add the cashew butter and water, and pure until smooth.
Step 3: In a stainless-steel bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate, butter, and canola oil. Set the bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 20 minutes.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the egg, egg yolk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture at medium-high speed for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens.
Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole-wheat pastry flour, and cocoa powder. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the egg mixture, adding it half at a time until fully incorporated.
Step 6: With the mixer running on medium-low speed, slowly add the cooled melted chocolate mixture. Mix until well combined.
Step 7: Spoon 2 teaspoons of brownie batter into each prepared muffin cup. Add 1 teaspoon of raspberry pure on top of the batter, followed by another 1/2 teaspoon of brownie batter.
Step 8: Arrange the muffin cups in an even layer inside the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed. Cook the brownie bites in the preheated air fryer for about 5 minutes or until set. Remove and cool on a wire rack.
Step 9: Once cooled, store the brownies in an airtight in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
| Nutrition | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 148 | |
| Total Fat | 9g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 16% |
| Cholesterol | 34mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 41mg | 2% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 16g | 6% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 6% |
| Total Sugars | 8g | |
| Protein | 2g | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 13mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 82mg | 2% |
The Story Behind Air Fryer Raspberry Brownie Bites
Air Fryer Raspberry Brownie Bites are a modern twist on the classic American brownie, combining the rich, chocolatey texture of traditional brownies with the tart, vibrant flavor of fresh raspberries. Brownies themselves originated in the United States in the late 19th century, often credited to housewives experimenting with chocolate cake recipes to create a denser, fudgier treat. The incorporation of fruit into brownies became popular as bakers sought to balance sweetness with natural acidity, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal.
Regional Variations and Influences
While brownies are universally beloved across the U.S., adding raspberries is particularly popular in coastal regions where fresh berries are abundant. In the Pacific Northwest, for example, recipes often feature local blackberries or raspberries for a tangy contrast to rich chocolate. The use of an air fryer is a more recent innovation, gaining traction in urban areas where convenience and speed are highly valued. This method allows the brownies to maintain a moist interior while developing a slightly crisp exterior without the need for traditional oven baking.
Distinguishing Features from Similar Desserts
What sets these brownie bites apart from standard brownies or other chocolate desserts is the layering of flavors and textures. Unlike regular brownies, which are typically baked in a single slab and cut into squares, these bites combine a creamy raspberry pure with rich chocolate batter in miniature portions. Compared to raspberry chocolate muffins or cupcakes, these bites emphasize a dense, fudgy consistency rather than a light, airy crumb, giving them a decadent mouthfeel while still being portable and easy to serve.
Common Serving Occasions
Air Fryer Raspberry Brownie Bites are frequently served as party treats, at afternoon teas, or as an elegant dessert for casual dinner gatherings. Their small, individual portions make them ideal for catering events, potlucks, or even as lunchbox treats. Due to the balance of chocolate and fruit, they are often paired with coffee, tea, or light dessert wines, enhancing their appeal for both children and adults.
Interesting Facts
- The use of an air fryer drastically reduces cooking time, allowing these brownie bites to be ready in under 10 minutes once the batter is prepared.
- Combining cashew butter with raspberries is an unusual but effective method to stabilize the fruit pure, preventing it from seeping excessively into the chocolate and maintaining distinct layers.
- Though brownies are traditionally oven-baked, the air fryer method gives each bite a slightly caramelized edge, intensifying the chocolate flavor without extra sugar.
- These bites are naturally portion-controlled, making it easier to enjoy a dessert treat without overindulging.
- Chocolate and raspberries have historically been paired due to their complementary flavor profiles, a combination dating back to European desserts in the 18th century.
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