How to Use an AeroPress® (And Make Espresso-Style Coffee!)

If you love coffee and want a simple, fast, and versatile way to brew at home or on the go, the AeroPress could be your best friend. This small but mighty coffee maker has gained a cult following among coffee enthusiasts for its ability to brew smooth, rich, and full-bodied coffee in just a few minutes. Not to mention, they come in a ton of different sizes, colors, and form factors.

But does the AeroPress make espresso? And if so, how can you make the best espresso-like coffee with it?

We’ll walk through step-by-step AeroPress instructions, cover different AeroPress methods, and show you exactly how to make espresso-style coffee with an AeroPress. Whether you’re new to AeroPress or looking to refine your technique, we hope this will help you get the perfect cup every time.

What Is an AeroPress?

The AeroPress is a compact, lightweight coffee maker invented by Alan Adler in 2005. It works by steeping coffee grounds in hot water and then forcing the brewed coffee through a filter using gentle pressure. The result? A clean, flavorful cup of coffee.

Why Coffee Lovers Swear by the AeroPress:

Portability: Small, durable, and easy to take anywhere.
Versatility: Brew regular coffee, espresso-style coffee, or even cold brew.
Speed: Brews a cup very quickly.
Easy Cleanup: Just pop out the coffee puck and rinse.

Step-by-Step AeroPress Instructions: Classic and Inverted Methods

The Classic AeroPress Method

This is the most straightforward way to brew with an AeroPress. It’s quick, efficient, and perfect for a smooth, balanced cup of coffee.

What You’ll Need:

• 17g of coffee (medium-fine grind) (~⅛ Cup or a hefty tablespoon)

• 220g (about 7.5 oz or 1 cup) of hot water (No thermometer? Wait one minute after your kettle boils!)

• AeroPress with a paper filter

• Stirrer or spoon

• Timer (Your phone works for this)

• Scale (optional but recommended)

• A mug

Brewing Process:

Place the filter in the AeroPress cap and rinse it with hot water to remove any paper taste.
Assemble the AeroPress and place it over your mug.
Add ground coffee into the chamber.
Pour in hot water up to the “4” mark and stir for 10 seconds. Then add the plunger but do not press yet, this will create a vacuum and prevent further drips while the coffee steeps.
Press the plunger down slowly (20-30 seconds, do this off of the scale).
Enjoy!

The Inverted AeroPress Method

This method allows for more control over steeping time and often results in a richer, fuller-bodied cup.

The inverted method requires a bit more coordination and care, but it's one of our favorites because it prevents dripping before the brew is complete!

Brewing Process:

Start with the AeroPress upside down (plunger at the bottom, chamber on top).

Add 17g coffee and pour 220g hot water over it (classic recipe)

Stir and let it steep for 1-2 minutes.

Secure the cap with a filter, flip onto your mug, and press down slowly.

Feel free to try this method with various recipes and ratios!

How to Make Espresso with an AeroPress

Does an AeroPress Make Espresso?

Technically, espresso requires at least 9 bars of pressure (about 150 lbs)... so unless you intend on standing on top of the Aeropress, not exactly. However, the AeroPress can make a strong, concentrated coffee that closely mimics espresso.

AeroPress Espresso Recipe

What You’ll Need:

• 20g finely ground coffee (more fine than drip, but not espresso grind)

• 60g of hot water (195°F / 90°C)

• AeroPress 

• A sturdy mug

Brewing Process:

Heat water to around 195°F (Again, one minute after the water boils is about perfect)

Insert a filter into the AeroPress cap.

Add 20g of finely ground coffee to the AeroPress. Pour in 60g of water and stir, stir, stir!

Press down hard and fast to generate more pressure (aim for a 20-30 second press).

Enjoy your rich, espresso-style coffee!

Pro Tip: To get a more espresso like result, try using the Fellow Prismo attachment or the AeroPress Flow Control Filter Cap.

AeroPress vs. Espresso Machine: What’s the Difference?

While the AeroPress can’t fully replace an espresso machine, it does create a rich, concentrated coffee that works well in lattes, cappuccinos, and americanos.

Tips & Tricks for the Best AeroPress Coffee

• Experiment with Grind Size – Explore what different grind sizes do to the taste and body of the cup.
• Adjust Water Temperature – Similar to grind size, experimenting with different water temperatures can be fun. Warmer water results in a faster extraction. So, a light roast may work better with warmer water, whereas a darker roast may be complimented better by water a bit cooler. This is a rabbit hole into coffee extraction theory, but just play around and find what you enjoy.
• Try Different Filters – Paper filters produce a cleaner cup, while metal filters can give more body.
• Apply More Pressure – Pressing harder can create a thicker, espresso-like shot. Just don’t press the plunger while your brewer is on a scale!
• Make AeroPress Cold Brew – Use cold water and steep for 8-12 hours on the counter, or 24 hours (our preferred method) in the fridge before plunging. This is a great option when traveling and you don’t have access to boiling water. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the AeroPress Make Real Espresso?

Not exactly, but it makes an espresso-style coffee that works great in milk-based drinks.

What’s the Best Grind Size for AeroPress?

For regular coffee, use a medium-fine grind (similar to table salt).
For espresso-style shots, use a fine grind.

Can I Make Cold Brew with an AeroPress?

Yes! Use coarse-ground coffee, add cold water, and let it steep for 8-12 hours on the counter or 24 hours in the fridge before plunging. The inverted method works best for this, because it will prevent the brewer from dripping.

We’ve enjoyed making cold brew in an Aeropress while travelling because it removes the need for a kettle, and you can add more coffee to create a cold brew concentrate, making enough to share between two people. Try 45 grams of coffee with 240mL of water for a cold brew concentrate.

Final Thoughts: Why the AeroPress is a Must-Have

The AeroPress is one of the most versatile, affordable, and easy-to-use coffee brewers on the market. Whether you prefer a classic cup, a bold espresso-style shot, or even cold brew, it delivers consistent results with minimal effort.

Ready to brew like a pro? Grab your AeroPress and start experimenting with different methods to find your perfect cup!