Air Fryer Lemon Brownies
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My absolute favorite thing about these Air Fryer Lemon Brownies is how dense, buttery, and perfectly lemony they turned out in less time than the oven. Each bar is rich and fudgy with lemon zest and juice, finished with a thick, glossy lemon glaze that’s sweet and perfectly tangy. Bold, bright, and absolutely beautiful in every single square.
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I make these for spring gatherings, Easter, Mother’s Day, and summer parties when I want something citrusy, beautiful, and a little different from the usual chocolate desserts. They’re easy to make ahead, slice into clean, perfect squares, and always get more compliments than I expect. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Air Fryer Lemon 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.
Getting these delicious lemon brownies from bowl to air fryer is easier than you’d think, and the result is absolutely worth it.
Prep Your Pan and Cream the Butter
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar, and fresh lemon zest until light and fluffy.
A stand mixer or a hand mixer makes this step quick and easy, giving you that perfect pale, creamy base.
Add the Eggs and Lemon Juice
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the fresh lemon juice until everything is well combined. I use a citrus squeezer, which makes juicing quick and mess-free, extracting every last drop from your lemon.
Adding the eggs individually keeps the batter smooth and prevents it from breaking.
DO MORE WITH YOUR
AIR FRYER
This eBook is a collection of 86 recipes I make again and again in my own kitchen. If you love good food and easy instructions, this book was made for you.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Cheesy Egg Bites
∙ Broccoli Cheddar Soup
∙ Asparagus Casserole
∙ Walking Taco Casserole
∙ Chocolate Cake Cookies
...and much more!
Fold In the Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in the flour and baking powder just until no streaks remain. A silicone spatula is great for this step since it lets you fold without overworking the batter. Avoid overmixing here.
Bake in the Air Fryer
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth out the top. Bake in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. A cake tester is much more precise than a toothpick and makes checking doneness quick and easy.
Let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
Make the Lemon Glaze
While the brownies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. I always use this mini whisk as it works perfectly here to get a lump-free glaze in seconds.
Glaze and Serve
Spread the glaze evenly over the warm brownies using an offset spatula for a clean, even layer. Let cool completely, then cut into 16 squares and enjoy!
Once the glaze has fully set and the brownies are completely cool, they travel really well. Stack them in a single layer inside a sheet pan carrier lined with parchment paper to keep the glaze intact. They hold up well at room temperature for a few hours, making them a great option for potlucks, bake sales, or spring gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 lemon zest
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup salted butter softened
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
For the Glaze:
- ½ lemon zest
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar, and lemon zest together until the mixture is light and fluffy.1 lemon zest, ¾ cup sugar, ½ cup salted butter
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the lemon juice until well combined.2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Gently fold in the flour and baking powder just until no streaks remain. Avoid overmixing.¾ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool for 10–15 minutes in the pan.
- While the brownies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.½ lemon zest, 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice, ¾ cup powdered sugar
- Spread the glaze evenly over the warm brownies. Let cool completely, then cut into 16 squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Use room temperature butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly with the sugar, so pull it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you start.
- Zest before you juice: Always zest your lemon before cutting and juicing it. Once it’s cut, it’s nearly impossible to zest cleanly.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Fold in the flour and baking powder just until no streaks remain. Overmixing develops the gluten and leads to dense, tough brownies.
- Check early: Air fryer temperatures can vary between models, so start checking at the 10-minute mark. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when they’re done.
- Glaze while warm: Spreading the glaze over slightly warm brownies lets it soak in just a little for a more intense lemon flavor throughout.
- Flash-freeze for clean storage: If you’re freezing these, flash-freeze the cut squares on a baking sheet for 1 hour first, then transfer them to a container so they don’t stick together.
Nutrition
DO MORE WITH YOUR
AIR FRYER
This eBook is a collection of 86 recipes I make again and again in my own kitchen. If you love good food and easy instructions, this book was made for you.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Cheesy Egg Bites
∙ Broccoli Cheddar Soup
∙ Asparagus Casserole
∙ Walking Taco Casserole
∙ Chocolate Cake Cookies
...and much more!
How to Store Leftovers
Once the brownies have cooled completely and the glaze has set, store them in an airtight glass container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap to prevent the glaze from sticking.
For longer storage, freeze the cut squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Lemon Brownies
They’re lovely on a dessert spread alongside other fruity or delicate sweets. Think fresh berry pavlova, a light vanilla sheet cake, or a bowl of mixed seasonal fruit. They pair beautifully with something creamy, like a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
For drinks, a cold glass of lemonade is the obvious and perfect match. Hot tea, an iced lavender latte, or even a sparkling water with citrus all complement the bright flavor without competing with it.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
If you love making desserts in your air fryer, these are worth trying too.
About the Author
Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
