Air Fryer Cream Cheese Brownies
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I fell in love with Air Fryer Cream Cheese Brownies the moment I sliced into the pan and saw that clean white ribbon of cream cheese running right through the center. The brownies are dense and fudgy, and the filling adds a smooth, mild tang that makes every bite feel like a little surprise. Cut into squares and they’re honestly stunning.
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I make these for birthday parties, holiday gatherings, and any time someone asks me to bring dessert because they always get the biggest reaction of anything on the table. The air fryer gets them done faster than the oven, which is a huge win on a busy day. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Air Fryer Cream Cheese Brownies with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
Here’s how to pull these together from start to finish with no stress at all.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 320°F (180°C). Getting it hot before the batter goes in helps the brownies cook evenly from the start.
Make the Brownie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth with a hand mixer. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
Stir in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt until just combined. Don’t overmix at this stage or the brownies will lose that soft, fudgy texture you’re going for.
Prep the Pan and Add the First Layer
Grease or line a square baking pan or baking dish that fits inside your air fryer basket with parchment paper. Spread half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan in an even layer.
Having a well-greased or lined pan is really important here since these brownies are layered, and you want clean squares when you cut them.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls over the brownie batter and spread them into an even layer across the top using an offset spatula.
Top with the Remaining Brownie Mixture
Spoon the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese mixture and smooth it out gently. Take your time here so you don’t disturb the cream cheese layer too much. It doesn’t have to be perfectly smooth since a slightly uneven top actually looks great once baked.
Air Fry the Brownies
Air fry for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick or a cake tester inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Every air fryer runs a little differently, so start checking around the 22-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
Cool and Slice
Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into squares using a clean, sharp knife. Cutting too early will give you a messy slice since the cream cheese layer needs time to fully set. Once cooled, serve and enjoy!
Since this fudgy brownie recipe travels well and is a great choice for potlucks and gifting, they’re worth packing properly. Once fully cooled and sliced, layer them in an airtight container with parchment between layers so they don’t stick together.
If you’re transporting them in warm weather, keep the container in a cooler or insulated bag since the cream cheese layer can soften quickly at room temperature. They hold their shape best when kept cool and transported flat.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and salt until just combined.1 cup unsalted butter, 2 cups sugar, 3 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Grease a baking dish that fits inside your air fryer basket. Spread half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan.
- In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls over the brownie batter and spread into an even layer. Top with the remaining brownie batter, smoothing it out gently.8 ounces cream cheese, ⅓ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Air fry for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
Nutrition
How to Store Leftovers
Once the brownies have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. Because of the cream cheese layer, I recommend refrigerating them. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, the brownies freeze really well. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge so they stay moist.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Cream Cheese Brownies
A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside these brownies is a classic pairing that really works. The cold, creamy vanilla against the dense, rich chocolate and tangy cream cheese is a combination that just works.
A drizzle of hot fudge or caramel sauce on top takes it even further for a crowd. A scoop of coffee ice cream on the side works beautifully too if you love that chocolate-coffee combination.
For drinks, a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk is honestly all you need. Coffee cuts through the richness really well and makes the whole thing feel even more indulgent.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
You’ll also love these other easy, rich air fryer dessert recipes.