Can I Make Cookies in the Air Fryer

I’m always on the lookout for a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie, but sometimes I don’t want to heat up the whole kitchen firing up the oven for a full batch. That’s where my air fryer comes in. I’ve learned you can make delicious cookies in an air fryer — perfectly crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and ready in about half the time it takes to bake in a conventional oven. It’s a total game-changer when you’re craving a quick sweet treat!

Why Use an Air Fryer for Cookies?

Air fryers are essentially mini convection ovens, using high-powered fans to circulate hot air around food, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. This makes them ideal for baking cookies, especially if you’re aiming for that perfect balance of crunchy edges and gooey centers. The compact size means faster preheating (if needed at all) and shorter cooking times compared to a traditional oven. Plus, it’s a lifesaver for small-batch baking—perfect for when you want just a few cookies without the temptation of a whole tray. Another perk? You won’t heat up your entire kitchen, which is a blessing during warm weather.

Can You Really Bake Cookies in an Air Fryer?

Absolutely! Air fryers can bake cookies just as well as a regular oven, and in many cases, the results are even better due to the concentrated heat and air circulation. You can use homemade dough, refrigerated store-bought dough, or even frozen dough. Chocolate chip, peanut butter, sugar cookies, and other varieties with incorporated ingredients work best. However, cookies with gooey toppings like jam or sprinkled sugar might burn on top before the center is fully cooked, so stick to simpler recipes for the best results.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Cookies

Here’s how to whip up a batch of delicious chocolate chip cookies in your air fryer. This method works for both homemade and store-bought dough, and I’ll share tips to ensure success.

Ingredients (for Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies, Makes About 12 Cookies)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (sift to avoid clumps; gluten-free flour works too)
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (or melted and cooled for no-chill dough)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg (or egg replacer for eggless cookies)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or mix-ins like nuts, white chocolate, or M&M’s)

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer (any brand, though cooking times may vary slightly)
• Parchment paper (preferably perforated for air fryers) or a small baking pan that fits your air fryer
• Cookie scoop or spoon for portioning
• Mixing bowls and a spatula (for homemade dough)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: If making homemade dough, cream the butter and sugars in a large bowl using a hand mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips. For store-bought dough, simply open the package and proceed to shaping.
2. Chill (Optional): Chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour helps prevent excessive spreading and enhances flavor, but many air fryer recipes skip this step for speed. If you’re in a rush, you can bake right away, especially with store-bought dough.
3. Prep the Air Fryer: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper cut to fit, ensuring it’s weighed down by the dough to prevent it from lifting into the heating element. Perforated parchment designed for air fryers is ideal for better air circulation. Alternatively, use a small oven-safe baking pan or tray that fits your air fryer. Avoid baking directly on the basket’s grate, as dough can drip through the holes, creating a mess.
4. Shape the Cookies: Scoop dough into 1-2 tablespoon portions (about 50-60g each) and roll into balls. Flatten slightly to help them spread evenly, as air fryers don’t always promote spreading like ovens do. Place 3-4 cookies in the basket, leaving 1-2 inches between each for spreading.
5. Bake: Set the air fryer to 300-325°F (150-165°C). For most air fryers, bake for 5-8 minutes if using the “Air Fry” setting, or 5-6 minutes if using the “Bake” setting (if available). Cookies are done when the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly set but still soft. Check at the 5-minute mark, as air fryer models vary, and add 1-2 minutes if needed.
6. Cool: Let the cookies sit in the basket for 2-5 minutes after baking to firm up, as they’ll be very soft initially. Gently lift the parchment to transfer them to a cooling rack for another 5 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough in batches.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cookies

• Test a Single Cookie First: Air fryers vary in power, so bake one cookie to dial in the time and temperature for your model. If the cookie browns too quickly, lower the temperature by 20-25°F. If it’s undercooked, add 1-2 minutes.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Bake in small batches (3-4 cookies at a time) to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking together.
• Use Parchment Wisely: Never preheat with just parchment paper in the basket, as it can lift and touch the heating element, posing a fire risk. Perforated parchment or a pan ensures even baking and easy cleanup. The Kitchn recommends perforated parchment for optimal airflow.
• Customize Mix-Ins: Swap chocolate chips for peanut butter chips, chopped nuts, or even crushed Oreos for variety. Just keep the total mix-in amount around ¾ cup.
• Store or Freeze: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Freeze extra dough balls in a concealer and blue bags for quick baking later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Using a Liner: Baking without parchment or a pan can lead to dough dripping through the basket, making cleanup difficult and affecting texture.
• Overbaking: Air fryers cook faster than ovens, so check early to avoid hard cookies. The centers should look slightly underdone when you remove them, as they’ll firm up while cooling.
• Using the Wrong Recipe: Cookies with wet toppings (like jam) can burn on top. Stick to recipes designed for air fryers or adjust oven recipes by lowering the temperature by 25°F, as suggested by King Arthur Baking.

Adapting Oven Recipes for the Air Fryer

If you want to use your favorite oven-baked cookie recipe, reduce the temperature by about 25°F and check for doneness a few minutes earlier than the recipe suggests. For example, if a recipe calls for 350°F for 10-12 minutes in the oven, try 325°F for 5-8 minutes in the air fryer. Flattening the dough slightly before baking helps achieve even cooking, as air fryers don’t promote spreading as much as ovens do.

Storing and Reheating

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 300°F for 1-2 minutes for that freshly baked warmth. Frozen dough balls can be baked straight from the freezer; just add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time and let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes for better spreading.

Why Air Fryer Cookies Are a Game-Changer

Air fryer cookies are perfect for small households, dorm rooms, or anyone craving a quick dessert without the hassle of a full oven. They’re ideal for portion control, require minimal cleanup, and deliver that crave-worthy texture in record time. Experiment with different flavors and mix-ins to make them your own. For more air fryer dessert ideas, check out recipes like air fryer brownies or donuts on The Big Man’s World.

So, the next time a cookie craving hits, don’t wait for the oven to preheat. Grab your air fryer, some dough, and enjoy warm, gooey cookies in under 10 minutes. You’ll wonder why you didn’t try this sooner!

Wait until you try my air fryer cookies! They are crisp around the edges while gooey and perfect in the center. I can’t believe how easy and how absolutely delicious they turn out!