Air Fryer Raspberry Brownie Bites Recipe

Air Fryer Raspberry Brownie Bites Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

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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FAQ about Air Fryer Raspberry Brownie Bites Recipe

These raspberry brownie bites should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing them to prevent condensation inside the container.

Yes, you can freeze the brownie bites. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 1 month. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Yes, you can substitute cashew butter with other nut butters such as almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter, depending on your preference or dietary restrictions.

Yes, you can replace the whole-wheat pastry flour with regular all-purpose flour. However, keep in mind that using whole-wheat flour gives the brownie bites a slightly nuttier flavor and a denser texture.

If you don't have raspberries, you can substitute them with other berries like strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries. You could also try using a fruit jam or puree if fresh or frozen berries are not available.

Yes, preheating the air fryer is essential to ensure even cooking. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) before placing the muffin cups with brownie batter inside.

The brownie bites should be cooked in the air fryer for about 5 minutes. They are ready when they are set in the center, so you can check their firmness before removing them.

Yes, you can bake these brownie bites in a traditional oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the brownie bites in a mini muffin tin for about 12-15 minutes, or until set.

No, these brownie bites are not gluten-free because they contain all-purpose flour and whole-wheat pastry flour. However, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for the flour to make them gluten-free.

Yes, you can make these brownie bites vegan by replacing the egg with a flax egg or another egg substitute, and using a dairy-free butter and chocolate. Additionally, make sure the cashew butter is vegan-friendly.