Can You Make Cookies in an Air Fryer

Can You Make Cookies in an Air Fryer? A Complete Guide to Perfectly Baked Treats

Air fryers have become a kitchen staple for many, transforming how we cook everything from crispy fries to juicy chicken wings. But can you make cookies in an air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes! Not only is it possible, but air fryer cookies can also be quick, delicious, and perfect for small batches when you’re craving something sweet without heating up the entire kitchen. In this guide, I’ll walk you through why air fryers are great for baking cookies, how to do it step-by-step, and tips to ensure your cookies come out soft, chewy, or crispy—exactly how you like them.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Cookies?

At first glance, an air fryer might seem like an unconventional choice for baking cookies. After all, it’s known for “frying” foods with hot air circulation. But that same technology makes it an excellent tool for baking. The rapid air circulation in an air fryer ensures even heat distribution, which can result in cookies with a perfect balance of crispy edges and soft centers. Plus, air fryers heat up quickly, so you don’t need to preheat for long, if at all, unlike a traditional oven. This makes them ideal for whipping up a quick dessert.

Another big perk is portion control. Most air fryer baskets can only accommodate a few cookies at a time, which is perfect if you’re baking for one or two people and don’t want a dozen cookies tempting you all week. Plus, using an air fryer means you’re not heating up your entire kitchen, which is a lifesaver during warm weather or when you’re short on time.

Choosing the Right Cookie Dough

One of the best things about making cookies in an air fryer is that you can use virtually any cookie dough recipe. Whether you’re a fan of classic chocolate chip, peanut butter, sugar cookies, or even store-bought refrigerated dough, the air fryer can handle it. Here are a few options to consider:

• Homemade Dough: A standard cookie dough with ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, eggs (or egg substitutes), and baking soda works beautifully. For example, a recipe like the one from The Big Man’s World skips eggs for a simpler, allergy-friendly option that yields thick, chewy cookies in just 7 minutes.
• Refrigerated Dough: Brands like Pillsbury or Toll House make pre-shaped or slice-and-bake dough that’s perfect for quick air fryer cookies. This is a great option if you want minimal prep.
• Specialty Cookies: From Biscoff to oatmeal raisin, most cookie doughs adapt well to air fryer baking, though you may need to adjust cooking times slightly for denser doughs.

One thing to keep in mind: air fryers cook quickly, so doughs with high sugar content (like sugar cookies) may brown faster than in a traditional oven. If you’re using a new recipe, keep an eye on your cookies to avoid over-browning.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Cookies

Ready to bake? Here’s a detailed guide to making chocolate chip cookies in your air fryer. This recipe is adaptable, so feel free to swap in your favorite mix-ins or dough type.

Ingredients (Makes about 6-8 small cookies)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (sift for best results; gluten-free flour works too)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (or margarine for a budget-friendly option)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk (any type, like almond or whole milk)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white chocolate)

Equipment

• Air fryer (any brand, like Cosori or Ninja, with a basket or tray)
• Parchment paper (perforated for air circulation)
• Mixing bowls, measuring cups, and a spoon or hand mixer
• Cookie scoop or spoon for portioning

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter with both sugars using a spoon or hand mixer until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and milk. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined, then mix in the chocolate chips. If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 15-30 minutes to make it easier to handle, though this step is optional for air fryer baking.
2. Shape the Cookies: Line your air fryer basket with a piece of parchment paper. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form 6-8 small dough balls (about 1-2 tablespoons each). Flatten each ball slightly to ensure even cooking, as air fryer cookies don’t spread as much as oven-baked ones. Place 3-4 dough balls in the basket, leaving at least 2 inches of space between them for spreading.
3. Bake: Set your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Bake for 7-10 minutes, depending on your air fryer and desired texture. For soft, gooey cookies, aim for 7-8 minutes; for crispier edges, go closer to 10 minutes. Check halfway through and gently press the cookies with a flat-bottomed glass if they’re puffing up too much.
4. Cool: Once baked, let the cookies sit in the air fryer basket for 2-3 minutes to firm up. Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the cookies to a cooling rack for another 3-5 minutes. They’ll be soft at first but will set as they cool.
5. Repeat: Bake additional batches as needed. Store any leftover dough in the fridge for up to 48 hours or freeze for up to a month.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cookies

Getting the hang of air fryer cookies takes a little practice, as different air fryer models (basket vs. oven-style) and wattages can affect cooking times. Here are some tips to ensure success:

• Use Parchment Paper: Always line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Perforated parchment is ideal for air circulation, but if you’re using regular parchment, poke a few holes in it. Avoid aluminum foil, as cookies tend to stick to it, according to Foodness Gracious.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Air fryers have limited space, so bake in small batches (3-4 cookies at a time) to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to unevenly baked cookies.
• Adjust for Your Air Fryer: If your cookies are browning too quickly, lower the temperature to 300°F (150°C) and extend the cooking time by 2-3 minutes. For larger, NYC-style cookies (about 120g each), you may need 13-15 minutes at 300°F.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Try M&M’s, white chocolate chips, or nuts to customize your cookies. Just ensure the add-ins are evenly distributed to avoid uneven cooking.
• Check for Doneness: Cookies may look soft in the center when done, but they’ll firm up as they cool. If they’re too soft after cooling, pop them back in for 1-2 minutes.

Can You Use an Oven Recipe in an Air Fryer?

Absolutely! Most oven-baked cookie recipes can be adapted for the air fryer. The key differences are the cooking temperature (typically 20-30°F lower than oven recipes) and time (often halved). For example, if an oven recipe calls for baking at 350°F for 12 minutes, try 320°F for 7-8 minutes in the air fryer. You can also bake air fryer cookies in a traditional oven if you don’t have an air fryer—just follow the original recipe’s instructions, like baking at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

Common Questions About Air Fryer Cookies

Do I need to preheat the air fryer? Preheating isn’t always necessary, but a quick 2-minute preheat at 320°F can help with even cooking, especially for thicker cookies.

Can I use frozen cookie dough? Yes! Frozen dough balls work well, but add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time. No need to thaw, though flattening them slightly helps them cook evenly.

Why are my cookies too soft or raw in the middle? This could be due to undercooking or a dough that’s too thick. Try extending the cooking time by 1-2 minutes or flattening the dough balls more before baking. As they cool, they’ll firm up, but they should still have a soft, gooey center if that’s your preference.

Why Air Fryer Cookies Are a Game-Changer

Baking cookies in an air fryer is a revelation for anyone who loves fresh-baked treats but doesn’t want the hassle of a full oven setup. They’re quick, customizable, and perfect for small households or spontaneous cravings. Plus, the ability to make just a few cookies at a time means you can indulge without overdoing it. Whether you’re using a tried-and-true recipe or experimenting with store-bought dough, the air fryer delivers warm, delicious cookies in minutes.

So, next time you’re hit with a cookie craving, grab your air fryer and give it a try. You might just find yourself hooked on this speedy, fuss-free way to bake. For more air fryer dessert ideas, check out recipes like air fryer brownies or donuts on sites like Jane’s Patisserie. Happy baking!