Can You Make Cookies in an Air Fryer? Easy Recipe, Tips, and Tricks for Perfect Results

Ever wondered if your air fryer can do more than whip up crispy fries or juicy chicken? Good news—it absolutely can! Air fryers aren’t just for savory dishes; they’re a game-changer for baking too. Yes, you can make warm, gooey cookies in your air fryer, and they’re ready in a fraction of the time it takes in a traditional oven.

Whether you’re craving a quick sweet treat or don’t want to heat up your whole kitchen, air fryer cookies are the perfect solution. The best part? They come out with a slightly crisp edge and a soft, chewy center—just like your favorite oven-baked version. It’s time to rethink how you bake and let your air fryer take the spotlight.

Can You Make Cookies In An Air Fryer?

Yes! You can make cookies in an air fryer, and the process is simple and efficient. By following a few easy steps, you can create delicious cookies with a texture that rivals those baked in traditional ovens. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Prepare Your Cookie Dough

Start by either making your favorite cookie dough from scratch or using store-bought cookie dough. Popular choices include chocolate chip, peanut butter, or sugar cookie dough.

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 320°F for even baking. Preheating typically takes about 3 to 5 minutes depending on your air fryer model.

1. Line The Air Fryer Basket

Use parchment paper or a silicone liner to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Avoid wax paper as it can melt and cause safety issues.

1. Scoop And Place Dough

Form small cookie dough balls, roughly 1.5 tablespoons each, and place them in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Be sure to leave some space (about 1 inch) between each cookie to allow for spreading.

1. Adjust Cook Time

Air fry the cookies for 6 to 8 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. Cooking times may vary depending on your cookie thickness and air fryer brand.

1. Check For Doneness

When the edges are golden brown but the centers look slightly underdone, carefully remove the cookies using tongs or a spatula. The cookies will firm up as they cool.

1. Cool Before Serving

Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack or plate for at least 5 minutes. This helps achieve the perfect texture—crisp edges with a soft, chewy middle.

Using an air fryer not only saves time but also reduces energy usage compared to a traditional oven. Whether you’re craving a quick treat or experimenting with small-batch baking, your air fryer is an excellent tool for making irresistible cookies.

Tools And Equipment Needed

To bake cookies in an air fryer, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure a smooth process and perfect results. These items will make preparation, cooking, and cleanup quick and easy.

Air Fryer

Choose an air fryer with a baking function or adjustable temperature control. Ensure it has enough space to fit the cookies without overcrowding. Most standard air fryers work well, offering even heat distribution for perfectly baked treats.

Mixing Bowls

Use a medium to large mixing bowl for combining your ingredients. A sturdy bowl allows you to mix thoroughly, whether you’re making cookie dough from scratch or preparing store-bought dough.

Measuring Cups And Spoons

Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Have a set of measuring cups for dry ingredients and a set of measuring spoons for smaller quantities of ingredients like baking soda or vanilla extract.

Parchment Paper Or Air Fryer Silicone Mat

Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper trimmed to size, or use an air fryer silicone mat designed for baking. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup while maintaining even cookie shapes.

Spatula

Use a heat-resistant silicone or rubber spatula to transfer the cookie dough to the air fryer basket and remove the cookies once baked. This minimizes damage and keeps the cookies intact.

Ingredients

To make cookies in an air fryer, you’ll need a combination of basic pantry staples. Gather these ingredients to ensure your cookie dough turns out perfect every time.

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• 1/4 cup dried fruits (cranberries or raisins)
• A sprinkle of flaky sea salt for topping (optional)

Directions To Make Cookies In An Air Fryer

Making cookies in an air fryer is simpler than you might think. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly baked cookies with minimal effort.

Prep Step: Preparing The Cookie Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk together until evenly mixed.
2. In a separate bowl, cream 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix well until fully incorporated.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending just until combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure soft cookies.
5. If desired, fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or 1/4 cup of chopped nuts to boost flavor and texture.

Prepping The Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F for about 3 minutes to ensure consistent baking.
2. Cut a piece of parchment paper or use a silicone mat to line the air fryer basket, trimming to fit properly without blocking air circulation. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
3. Lightly spray the parchment or mat with non-stick cooking spray for additional assurance against sticking.

1. Scoop approximately 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of cookie dough and roll them into small balls using your hands.
2. Place the cookie dough balls in the lined air fryer basket, leaving at least 1 inch of space between each ball to allow for spreading. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
3. Gently flatten each dough ball slightly with your fingertips for even baking. Optionally, sprinkle a small pinch of flaky sea salt on top for added flavor.

Air Frying The Cookies

Air frying cookies is a quick and straightforward process, giving you warm, scrumptious treats with minimal effort. Proper temperature, time, and post-cooking steps ensure perfect results.

Temperature And Time Settings

Set your air fryer to 320°F for optimal baking. This ensures even cooking without burning the edges. Depending on your air fryer’s brand and model, cookies generally bake within 6 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies after the 6-minute mark to prevent overbaking since air fryer temperatures can vary slightly. Baking small batches will yield the best results for even texture and consistent doneness.

Checking For Doneness

To check for doneness, look for golden-brown edges while the centers remain slightly soft. This gives you the classic chewy center and crispy edge that cookies are known for. Avoid waiting until the entire surface is firm, as cookies will continue to set while cooling. Use a toothpick or gently press the center of the cookie; it should retain a slight give for the perfect finish.

Tips For Success

Making cookies in an air fryer is a breeze with the right techniques. Follow these tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time.

Tips For Even Cooking

• Space out cookie dough balls evenly in the air fryer basket to allow sufficient airflow around each piece. This prevents uneven cooking or dough spreading into each other.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket. Bake cookies in small batches for the best results. Overloading can lead to underbaked or deformed cookies.
• Rotate the air fryer basket halfway through cooking if your air fryer model doesn’t evenly circulate heat. This step ensures all cookies bake evenly.

Adjusting Recipe For Different Air Fryer Models

• Check your air fryer’s maximum temperature settings. Some models cook hotter than others, so you may need to reduce the cook time slightly to prevent overbaking. Test a small batch first.
• For smaller air fryer models, adjust dough size to make smaller cookie balls to fit the limited baking space.
• If using an air fryer without adjustable temperature controls, closely monitor the cookies and use shorter intervals to avoid burning. Always start with a conservative time range.

• After baking, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack to prevent sogginess during storage.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness. Add a slice of bread in the container to keep cookies soft longer.
• For longer storage, freeze cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Making cookies in an air fryer is a game-changer for anyone seeking quick, delicious treats with minimal effort. With just a few simple steps and basic tools, you can achieve perfectly baked cookies that rival those made in a traditional oven. Whether you’re experimenting with new baking methods or just want a fast way to satisfy your sweet tooth, your air fryer is up to the task. Give it a try and enjoy the convenience and flavor it brings to your kitchen.