Air Fryer Cookie – A Quick and Delicious Baking Treat 

An air fryer cookie is a great innovation in baking. Air frying your cookies is a faster and more energy-efficient way to bake delicious treats without the hassle. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic chocolate chip cookie, a healthy gluten-free or keto alternative, the air fryer offers easy and endless possibilities. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making cookies in the air fryer – from ingredients and instructions to common baking challenges for flawless baking every time. 

An air fryer cookie is baked using the air fryer’s hot air circulation system instead of a conventional oven. The circulating hot air creates a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside soft and gooey, resembling the results of a traditional oven but in less time. With shorter cooking times and less energy usage, air fryers are becoming a popular choice for quick treats and small cookie batches. 

Air fryers are known for quick and oil-free frying, but they’ve also revolutionized baking. Here are some of the major reasons why you should consider baking cookies in an air fryer. 

Quick Baking Times  

Air fryer cookies typically take between 6-10 minutes, depending on thickness and recipe. This rapid cooking time is ideal when you need cookies fast. 

Energy Efficiency 

Air fryers use less energy than conventional ovens. You don’t have to preheat an air fryer before baking, which saves both time and energy. 

Perfect for Small Batches 

For those who don’t want to bake a whole tray of cookies, air fryers are ideal for making just a few cookies at a time. This is perfect for satisfying cravings without needing to make a full batch. 

Healthier Option 

While cookies are inherently indulgent, air frying reduces the need for added fats, which can make your treats a bit healthier than oven-baked versions. 

Baking cookies in an air fryer is simple and quick. Here’s how to do it. 

Step 1: Prepare the Dough  

Start with your favourite cookie dough recipe. The basic ingredients used in cookie dough are all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips (if needed). 

Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Lastly, fold in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add chocolate chips if needed. 

Step 2: Temperature and Time Settings 

Most cookies will bake perfectly at 300°F (150°C) for about 6-8 minutes. Larger or thicker cookies may need an additional minute or two. Remember, every air fryer model is a bit different, so it’s a good idea to monitor your first batch. 

Step 3: Line the Air Fryer Basket 

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Make sure to leave enough space for airflow around the cookies. 

Step 4: Air Fry the Cookies 

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto parchment paper. Bake the cookies at 300°F (150°C) for 6-8 minutes or as required. 

Step 5: Let the Cookies Cool 

Remove the cookies and let them cool on the parchment paper for a few minutes. This allows the cookies to firm up before serving. 

Important Tip: 

Depending on the size and model of your air fryer, you may need to bake in batches. Make sure cookies are spaced evenly, so they have room to spread. 

Not all cookies bake the same way in an air fryer. Whether you’re craving something classic (chocolate chip or sugar cookies) or a healthy alternative (like gluten-free or keto air fryer cookies), you can bake these all in a good quality air fryer faster and without any hassle. 

Chocolate Chip Cookies 

Chocolate chip cookies are a perfect starting point for air fryer baking. They come out with crispy edges and a soft centre, thanks to the air fryer’s hot, circulating air. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• ½ cup softened butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking soda
• A pinch of salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips 

Instructions: 

• Mix butter and sugar until creamy.
• Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly. 
• Combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt) and add them to the wet mixture.
• Fold in the chocolate chips.
• Set the temperature of the air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and line the basket with butter paper. 
• Scoop dough onto the paper, leaving spaces between cookies. Air fry for at least 6-8 minutes until the edges are golden brown. 
• Let them cool down for 4-5 minutes and serve. 

Sugar Cookies 

These bake well and can be decorated once cooled. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking powder
• A pinch of salt 

Instructions: 

• Cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth. 
• In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, forming a dough. 
• Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to firm it up, which helps the cookies hold their shape. 
• Set the air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Line the basket with baking paper.
• Roll the dough into small balls and flatten slightly with your hands. Place them in the air fryer basket. 
• Bake the cookies for 6-8 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. 
• Once cooled, decorate with icing or sprinkles as desired.  

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies 

The air fryer crisps the edges beautifully while keeping the inside soft. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup rolled oats
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup raisins
• A pinch of salt

Instructions: 

• Cream together the butter and sugars in a large bowl. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix well. 
• In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this to wet ingredients, mixing until combined. Stir in the raisins. 
• Set the temperature of the air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Line the basket with parchment paper.
• Scoop spoonfuls of dough and place them on the baking paper, flattening them slightly. 
• Air fry for up to 7-9 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the centres are soft. 
• Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the basket. 

Peanut Butter Cookies 

Another great option for the air fryer with a perfectly chewy texture. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, sugars, egg, vanilla essence, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined. 
• Set the temperature to 320°F (160°C) and line the basket with butter paper. 
• Roll the dough into small balls, flattening them slightly with a fork in a crisscross pattern. 
• Air fry the cookies for 7-8 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. 
• Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes before serving. 

Gluten-free Air fryer Cookies 

Gluten-free cookies are another great option for the air fryer. Substituting regular flour with gluten-free flour ensures these cookies are chewy and delicious without any gluten. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup gluten-free flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup coconut oil or butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg (or flaxseed egg)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

• Whisk together coconut oil and brown sugar.
• Add the egg (or flaxseed egg).
• Stir in the gluten-free flour and baking powder until the dough forms. 
• Fold in the chocolate chips.
• Set the temperature to 300°F (150°C) and bake for 7-8 minutes. 
• Serve after 4-5 minutes. 

Vegan Air Fryer Cookies 

Replace the butter with coconut oil and the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water). These vegan cookies turn out just as chewy and delicious as traditional cookies. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
• ¼ cup coconut oil (or vegan butter, softened)
• 1 flaxseed egg
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• ½ tsp baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• ½ cup vegan chocolate chips 

Instructions:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens.
• In a bowl, cream together coconut oil and sugar. Add the flax egg and vanilla extract, and mix well. 
• In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. 
• Fold in the vegan chocolate chips. 
• Set the temperature to 320°F (160°C) and line the basket with baking paper. 
• Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes before serving. 

Keto Air Fryer Cookies 

For those following a keto diet, almond flour and sugar-free sweeteners like erythritol make the perfect low-carb cookie. Air fry these at 300°F (150°C) for 7-9 minutes until golden. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup almond flour
• ½ cup erythritol (or another keto-friendly sweetener)
• ¼ cup butter (softened)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 
• ½ tsp baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• ½ cup sugar-free chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

• In a bowl, cream together the butter and erythritol until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla essence, and mix well.
• In a separate bowl, combine almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined. 
• Fold in sugar-free chocolate chips if desired. 
• Set the temperature to 300°F (150°C) and line the basket with parchment paper. 
• Form the dough into small balls and place them on the parchment paper. Flatten slightly with your hand. Bake for 7-9 minutes. 
• Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes before removing them from the air fryer basket.   

These air fryer cookie recipes are easy, quick, and versatile. Whether you’re making classic sugar cookies, chewy oatmeal raisin cookies, or healthier options like vegan and keto cookies, the air fryer offers a convenient way to enjoy freshly baked treats with less time and effort! 

Even with a great recipe, mistakes can happen. Here’s how to avoid the most common pitfalls when baking cookies in an air fryer:

Burning the Edges 

Issue: Air fryers circulate hot air quickly, which can cause cookies to burn at the edges while the centre remains undercooked. 

Solution: Check the cookies after 5 minutes and rotate the basket midway through cooking to ensure even baking. Adjust the temperature or time for your specific air fryer model. 

Overcrowding the Basket 

Issue: Placing too many cookies close together in the air fryer prevents proper airflow, leading to uneven baking and oddly shaped cookies. 

Solution: Bake in smaller batches, ensuring there’s enough space between cookies for air to circulate. 

Skipping the Parchment Paper 

Issue: Without parchment paper, cookie dough can stick to the basket or fall through the grates, ruining the cookies. 

Solution: Always line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. 

Issue: Air fryers can vary in temperature, leading to cookies that are undercooked or overcooked if not closely monitored. 

Underbaking or Overbaking 

Solution: Adjust baking time based on your specific air fryer, and always check cookies a minute or two before the recommended time to prevent overcooking. 

Cookies spreading too much 

Issue: Warm dough can spread excessively in an air fryer, resulting in flat, uneven cookies. 

Solution: Chill the cookie dough for 20-30 minutes before baking to help cookies hold their shape better during cooking. 

 To ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time, follow these tips: 

Chill the Dough 

Chilling cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much. This also intensifies the flavours. 

Adjust the Temperature 

Different air fryers cook at slightly different speeds. Always check your cookies a minute or two before the suggested time to ensure they don’t overbake. 

Use Room-temperature Ingredients 

Room-temperature butter and eggs mix more evenly into the dough, resulting in a softer, more consistent cookie texture. 

If you’re short on time, store-bought cookie dough is a convenient alternative to homemade dough. Here’s how to bake it in an air fryer. 

• Set the temperature of the air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
• Line the basket with parchment paper.
• Place cookie dough balls in the basket, leaving space for spreading. 
• Bake for 7-9 minutes, depending on the size of the dough balls.
• Let the cookies cool slightly before serving as they will continue to firm up.  

How to Store Air Fryer Cookies 

Store air fryer cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to prepare ahead of time, you can freeze the cookie dough. 

Freezing Cookie Dough for Later Use 

Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a tray, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them into the air fryer and add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time. 

Cookies are Too Soft or Undercooked 

This might be due to overly thick dough balls. Flatten the dough slightly before baking or increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. 

Cookies Spread Too Much 

If your cookies are spreading excessively, it could be because the dough is too warm. Chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking helps cookies hold their shape better in the air fryer. 

Once your cookies are done, cleaning up is essential to ensure your air fryer stays in good working condition. Here’s how to maintain your air fryer:

• Remove the baking paper from the basket.
• Wipe down the basket with a damp cloth to remove crumbs and grease. 
• If there are any stuck-on bits of dough, use a soft brush or sponge with mild soap to clean the basket. 
• Make sure the air fryer is completely dry before using it again. 

Baking an air fryer cookie is a fast, energy-efficient way to enjoy delicious cookies without the hassle of preheating an oven. Whether you’re trying out gluten-free recipes, using store-bought dough, or experimenting with keto options, the air fryer offers endless possibilities for cookie lovers. With a few simple tips, you can create cookies that rival traditional oven-baked versions, all in under 10 minutes. Give it a try and experience the convenience and flavour of air fryer cookies for yourself.