How to Make Espresso-Style Coffee with AeroPress in 20 Seconds

Ever wanted a rich, strong cup of coffee at home—something close to espresso—but didn’t want to mess with a bulky machine or spend hundreds of dollars? Whether you're after a quick caffeine hit or the base for a latte, making intense coffee without an espresso machine is totally possible.

Yes, you can pull an espresso-style shot in around 20 seconds using just an AeroPress, hot water, and your favourite ground coffee. No machine required. Here’s how it works, why it’s loved, and how to do it right.

What Is an AeroPress and Why Is It So Popular?

The AeroPress is a compact, manually operated coffee brewing device invented in 2005 by Stanford University lecturer Alan Adler. Unlike traditional espresso machines, it uses air pressure and immersion to produce a concentrated brew quickly and simply. Its plastic body, durable design, and straightforward operation have made it a cult favourite among coffee enthusiasts worldwide—from office workers to competition champions.

Coffee Geek once called it “the most valuable tool in the coffee world,” and its annual global brewing competition attracts home brewers who push the limits of what the device can do. Two-time AeroPress Champion Jeff Verellen said: “No other method is as easy and fun.” It costs just $25 (around 150 RMB), and millions have made it their go-to brewer for fast, high-quality coffee.

How the AeroPress Works: Simple Tools, Big Results

The standard AeroPress kit includes a cylindrical plastic chamber, a rubber plunger with a seal, a filter cap, paper filters, a stirring paddle, a scoop, and a funnel. Some kits include enough filters for a year. Its design resembles a large syringe, and it uses gentle pressure to push water through coffee grounds.

To brew, you place a filter in the cap, attach it to the chamber, and set it atop your mug. Then add freshly ground coffee, pour in hot water, stir, and press down the plunger for about 20 seconds. That compression mimics some of the conditions of espresso brewing—especially the pressure and immersion aspects—resulting in a thick, bold shot similar to espresso.

How to Brew Espresso-Style Coffee with AeroPress in 20 Seconds

Here’s the step-by-step method used by many to get an espresso-like concentrate:

• Place an AeroPress filter in the filter cap and rinse it with hot water to improve seal and remove paper taste.
• Assemble the AeroPress with the rinsed cap on top of your mug.
• Add 17 grams of medium-fine ground coffee (similar to table salt) using the included scoop.
• Pour 80°C hot water up to the designated fill line (roughly 100–120ml depending on your dose).
• Stir the coffee and water gently to ensure even saturation.
• Moisten the rubber seal, insert the plunger, and slowly press down over about 20 seconds.
• Stop when you hear a hissing sound. The result is a thick, concentrated coffee similar to espresso.

You can dilute the shot with hot water for an Americano or add steamed milk for a café-style latte. The concentrate has enough body and intensity to stand in for espresso in most drinks.

Why People Love the AeroPress for Quick Coffee

The AeroPress delivers an exceptionally clean yet bold cup. Its total immersion brewing and pressure-based extraction yield a rich, almost crema-like layer on top. More importantly, it’s extremely forgiving—you can adjust grind size, water temperature (ideally 80°C), and brew time to match your taste.

It’s also incredibly easy to clean. The entire device can be rinsed under a tap in under 20 seconds. The paper filter can even be reused up to five or six times without major impact on taste, though most users prefer a fresh one each time.

Is AeroPress Actually Making Espresso?

Not quite. Real espresso is brewed under 9 bars of pressure with very fine grounds and a much shorter extraction window. The AeroPress generates only about 1–2 bars of pressure, so it’s not true espresso. But by using a fine-to-medium grind, hot water (80°C), and pressing for 20 seconds, you can get a similar concentration and mouthfeel—enough to use as a base for lattes, cappuccinos, and other espresso-style drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coffee do you use in an AeroPress to make espresso-style coffee?

Most home brewers use around 17 grams of medium-fine ground coffee when aiming for an espresso-like shot. This is roughly two AeroPress scoops using the included spoon. Adjust to taste based on your preferred strength.

What water temperature is best for AeroPress espresso-style brewing?

An optimal temperature is around 80°C (176°F). This is slightly lower than boiling point but hot enough to extract the flavours needed for a rich, concentrated brew without over-extraction or bitterness.

How long should you press the AeroPress for espresso-style coffee?

Most brewers aim for a 20-second press when making espresso-style coffee. This timing, combined with the right grind and water amount, gives you a thick, bold concentrate similar to espresso.

Can you use AeroPress to make real espresso?

No, the AeroPress does not produce true espresso, which requires 9 bars of pressure typically generated by an espresso machine. However, it can brew a concentrated coffee with similar body and strength that works well as a substitute in drinks like lattes and Americanos.

Is the coffee from AeroPress stronger than drip coffee?

Yes, especially when brewed as a concentrated shot using fine to medium grind and a 20-second press. The resulting brew is much stronger and more intense than typical filter or drip coffee, making it ideal for use as a base in milk drinks or as a standalone shot.

How do you clean an AeroPress after brewing?

Cleaning is simple: disassemble the AeroPress, eject the used coffee puck, and rinse all parts under running water. The whole process takes less than 20 seconds. Filters are single-use but can be rinsed and reused up to 5–6 times if desired.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for AeroPress Espresso Style

For brewing espresso-style coffee with your AeroPress, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend—a smooth, full-bodied mix with rich crema-like texture, ideal for lattes and Americanos. Its (crema) is especially notable even with non-espresso machines. For a more affordable yet tasty option, Black Cocoa Blend offers deep roasted notes and strong body, perfect for bold milk drinks. Both blends perform excellently under the pressure and immersion style of AeroPress brewing. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.