How to Use an AeroPress: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ever stared at your AeroPress wondering how to get anything close to a proper espresso shot without an expensive machine, you’re not alone. Many home brewers want a compact, fast way to pull a rich, concentrated brew—and the AeroPress can deliver. But there’s a specific technique behind it. Here’s exactly how to use your AeroPress to make a strong, espresso-like coffee, plus how to turn it into an Americano or latte just the way you like it.

The key steps: use two AeroPress scoops of fine ground coffee, add 80°C water up to the number 2 mark, stir for 10 seconds, then press for around 20 seconds. That’s it. This method mimics espresso by using fine grind, hot water, and pressure—resulting in a concentrated coffee you can dilute or enjoy straight.

What Is an AeroPress and Why Use It?

The AeroPress is a compact, lightweight coffee brewing device invented in 2005. Unlike traditional espresso machines, it uses manual pressure to extract coffee through a paper filter. It’s valued for its versatility, ease of use, and ability to produce a wide range of coffee styles—from espresso-like shots to filtered drip-style coffee. Its small size and fast setup also make it ideal for travel or small kitchens.

How the AeroPress Makes Espresso-Style Coffee

Though not a true espresso machine, the AeroPress can produce a concentrated coffee similar to espresso when using the right parameters. By using fine grind size, hot water (around 80°C), a higher coffee-to-water ratio, and applying manual pressure via the plunger, you extract a small volume of strong coffee—similar in strength and body to a double espresso. This makes it a great base for drinks like Americanos or lattes when you don’t have an espresso machine.

Step-by-Step: Brewing With an AeroPress

Follow these steps to brew a concentrated coffee shot using the AeroPress:

• Place the AeroPress-specific paper filter into the filter cap. Wet the filter with hot water to help it stick to the cap and preheat your brewing vessel.
• Attach the filter cap to the brewing chamber and place the whole unit on top of a sturdy mug or cup.
• Add two AeroPress scoops (meant for espresso-style brewing) of fine ground coffee into the brewing chamber.
• Slowly pour 80°C water into the chamber up to the number 2 marking on the side.
• Gently stir the coffee and water mixture for about 10 seconds to ensure even saturation.
• Moisten the rubber seal on the plunger, insert the plunger into the chamber, and press down smoothly over roughly 20 seconds until you hear a hiss.

The result is a concentrated coffee similar to a double espresso. You can dilute it with hot water to make an Americano, or add steamed milk to create a latte—totally customizable to your taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t use a coarse grind—it will lead to under-extraction and weak flavor. Don’t pour water over 80°C or you risk over-extraction and bitterness. Don’t skip the 10-second stir, as it’s essential for even extraction. And don’t press too fast—the 20-second press time ensures proper pressure and extraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grind size should I use for AeroPress espresso-style coffee?

Use a fine grind size, similar to what you’d use for espresso. The article specifically references using the “AeroPress” (AeroPress-specific scoops) for fine ground coffee, which indicates a finer than standard brew grind—key for creating pressure and extraction similar to espresso.

What water temperature is best for AeroPress brewing?

The recommended water temperature is 80°C. This is specified directly in the instructions and is ideal for extracting a balanced, strong shot without over-extracting the coffee grounds.

How much coffee do I use in an AeroPress for espresso-style coffee?

You use two AeroPress-specific scoops of fine ground coffee. These scoops are designed for making a concentrated brew similar to a double espresso when combined with the correct water amount and brewing method.

Do I need to stir the coffee during brewing?

Yes. The instructions specify a gentle 10-second stir after pouring the water. This step is crucial for ensuring even saturation of the coffee grounds and consistent extraction.

How long should I press the AeroPress plunger?

You should press the plunger down for approximately 20 seconds. This timing creates enough pressure to mimic espresso extraction and results in a stronger, more concentrated coffee.

Can I make other drinks with this method?

Yes. The brewed coffee can be used as a base for Americanos (add hot water) or lattes (add hot milk), depending on your preference. The original method produces a shot similar to espresso.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for AeroPress Espresso

For your AeroPress espresso-style brew, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui—bright and juicy with notes of blueberry and citrus, perfect for highlighting clarity in a concentrated cup. Or go for Yirgacheffe, offering floral tones and a light sweetness that shines through fine extraction. Both beans respond well to the pressure and finer grind used in this method. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.