Guide

How To Make AeroPress Coffee

Learn how to make AeroPress coffee with a simple recipe, ratio, grind size, water temperature and troubleshooting tips.

By Online Coffee Guide Editorial TeamPublished May 30, 2025Updated March 7, 20263 min read

AeroPress coffee setup with brewer, mug, kettle, beans, scoop, filters, and ground coffee on a kitchen counter.

On This Page5 Sections

Quick Answer

To make AeroPress coffee, start with 16-18g coffee, medium-fine grind, about 220-240g water, a short stir, 60-90 seconds of steeping, and a slow 20-second press. The AeroPress is flexible: use less water for a stronger cup, more water for a filter-style cup, or brew concentrated coffee and dilute with bypass water.

Key Takeaways

1AeroPress is forgiving because it combines immersion, filtration and light pressure.
2Medium-fine grind and a short steep are a good starting point.
3Do not press too hard; a slow press usually tastes cleaner.

Hands pressing an AeroPress over a mug with coffee, kettle, and beans nearby. — A steady AeroPress press usually tastes cleaner than forcing the plunger down quickly.

AeroPress is one of the most flexible home brewers. It can make a clean single cup, a stronger concentrate-style coffee, or a travel-friendly brew with minimal gear. The main advantage is control: you can change grind, steep time, water amount and dilution easily.

Starting Recipe

Reader GuideCoffee Reference Table
	Variable	Starting Point
	Coffee	16-18g
	Water	220-240g
	Ratio	Around 1:13 to 1:15
	Grind	Medium-fine
	Water temperature	85-94 C
	Steep	60-90 seconds
	Press	20 seconds, gentle pressure

The official AeroPress guidance commonly uses 16-18g coffee and water around 185 degrees F / 85 C, but many specialty recipes use hotter water for lighter roasts. Treat temperature as a tuning variable.

Step-By-Step Method

Insert the paper filter and rinse if desired.
Place the AeroPress on a sturdy mug.
Add 16-18g medium-fine coffee.
Add water and stir briefly.
Steep for 60-90 seconds.
Attach the plunger and press gently.
Stop pressing when resistance becomes high or the hiss begins.
Taste, then adjust grind or water.

Troubleshooting

Reader GuideCoffee Reference Table
Problem	Likely Cause	Fix
Sour	Too coarse, too cool or too short	Grind finer, use hotter water or steep longer
Bitter	Too fine or too long	Grind coarser or reduce steep
Weak	Too much water or low dose	Use less water or add coffee
Muddy	Too fine or pressed too hard	Grind coarser and press slowly
Inconsistent	Uneven stirring or dose variation	Weigh coffee and water

What To Read Next

Use this with the AeroPress method page, Immersion Brewing Guide, Coffee Grind Size Guide, and Coffee to Water Ratio Guide. For method selection, continue with Coffee Brewing Methods Guide. For grinder decisions, continue with Coffee Grinder Guide.