How to Brew Coffee with an AeroPress (2 Easy Methods)

The AeroPress is fast, portable, forgiving and capable of brewing coffee that rivals machines worth thousands.

Whether you want a clean, balanced cup or an espresso-style hit, here are two proven AeroPress recipes to get you started.

What You’ll Need

• AeroPress (chamber + plunger + cap)

• Paper filters

• Freshly ground coffee

• Kettle

• Scales (recommended)

• Stirrer

 

Grind Size: Fine (espresso grind)

 

Method 1: Standard AeroPress Recipe (Clean & Balanced)

This method produces a smooth, full-bodied cup with clarity and depth.

Coffee Ratio: 15g coffee : 225g water (1:15 ratio)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Double the Filter: Place two paper filters in the cap and rinse with hot water. This increases resistance and produces a cleaner cup.

2. Add Coffee: Add 15g of medium-fine ground coffee to the chamber.

3. Add Water: Pour in 225g of boiling water (around 94–96°C). Stir gently to fully saturate the grounds.

4. Create a Seal: Insert the plunger about 1–2cm into the chamber to create a vacuum and prevent dripping.

5. Brew Time: Let it steep for 2 minutes.

6. Press: Press slowly and steadily until you hear a hissing sound. Stop there, don’t force the final air through, as it can add bitterness.

 

What You’ll Get

• Clean flavour

• Balanced body

• Smooth finish

• Strong but not harsh

 

Method 2: AeroPress Espresso-Style (Bypass Method)

This method creates a concentrated brew similar to espresso, perfect for milk drinks or stronger coffee lovers.

Coffee Ratio: 25g coffee : 90–100g water. This produces a concentrated shot that can be diluted or used as a milk base.

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Double Filter Setup: Insert two rinsed paper filters into the cap.

2. Add Coffee: Add 25g finely ground coffee into the chamber.

3. Add Water: Pour 90–100g boiling water into the chamber. Stir firmly to ensure full extraction.

4. Create Pressure: Insert the plunger 1–2cm to create a seal (unless using a pressure attachment).

5. Brew Time: Wait 1 minute 30 seconds.

6. Press Firmly: Press with steady, strong pressure. This helps create body and texture similar to crema.

How to Serve

• Drink as a short black

• Add hot water for an Americano-style coffee

• Add steamed milk for a latte or flat white

 

Why the AeroPress Is So Popular

• Fast brew time (under 3 minutes)

• Portable and travel-friendly

• Highly forgiving

• Easy to clean

• Extremely versatile

 

Common AeroPress Mistakes

• ❌ Using too fine a grind on the standard method

• ❌ Pressing too aggressively too early

• ❌ Forcing out the final air

• ❌ Using water that’s too cool

Consistency in grind and timing is key.

 

FAQ: AeroPress Brewing

What is the best coffee ratio for AeroPress?

Standard: 1:15 (15g coffee to 225g water).

Espresso-style: 1:3–1:4 for concentrate.

How long should you brew AeroPress?

1:30 to 2:00 minutes depending on method.

Should I use one or two filters?

Two filters create a cleaner cup with more resistance.

Is AeroPress coffee strong?

It can be, strength depends on your ratio and dilution.

Is AeroPress better than French press?

AeroPress produces a cleaner cup with less sediment.

 

Pro Tip: Choosing the Right Coffee

The AeroPress highlights flavour clarity.

• Dark roasts = bold and punchy

• Medium roasts = balanced and smooth

• High-caffeine blends = maximum kick

• Single origins = brighter and more expressive

 

If you want intensity without bitterness, choose a roast designed for strength and clean extraction.