How to Make Cookies in an Air Fryer: Recipes and Tips

If you crave freshly baked cookies every now and then but don’t want to bake large batches in the oven, an air fryer is what you need. Baking cookies in an air fryer is fast, energy-efficient and easy. It is suitable for baking small batches whenever your sweet cravings hit. To learn how to make cookies in air fryer, you need to know a few easy recipes and essential tips.  

Why is an Air Fryer a Good Alternative to Make Cookies? 

Air Fryers are home & kitchen appliances that are often associated with making healthier versions of fried snacks like samosas, French fries and pakoras. But they are versatile and are also great for healthy air fryer cookie recipes. The best part is they make the process pretty fast and easy. Here are why air fryer cookies can be a gamechanger if you like baking at home:   

• Faster Cooking Time: Air fryers use rapid air circulation technology that reduces preheating and cooking times. 
• Perfect for Small Batches: With an air fryer, you do not need to bake an entire batch if you are in the mood for easy air fryer cookie ideas. Its compact design makes it easy to cook smaller portions efficiently.    
• Energy Efficient: Being a smaller kitchen appliance, an air fryer is more energy efficient than a microwave oven. It is especially beneficial if your recipe requires preheating and cooking for extended periods.  
• Crispy on The Outside and Soft Inside: Air fryers excel in creating a crispy exterior and a tender inside which helps in making delightful crispy cookies. If you love cookies with a slightly crunchy edge and a gooey centre, an air fryer is what you need. 

Easy To Make Air Fryer Cookie Recipes 

Learn these two easy and quick air fryer cookie recipes:  

1. Buttery Shortbread Cookie In Air Fryer:

These are delightfully rich and delicious cookies that will melt in your mouth. These are easy to make and give that crumbly, sweet texture which is a perfect treat for any time of day. 

Ingredients:  

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 
• ½ cup sugar 
• ½ teaspoon of rock salt 
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida) 

Instructions:  

1. Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C). 
2. Now toss the ingredients into a bowl and cream the butter, sugar and salt until the mixture is smooth. 
3. Gradually add in the flour and continue mixing until it is combined. 
4. Press the dough evenly into an ungreased metal baking pan. 
5. Using a fork, prick the dough to create small holes, which help the cookies bake evenly. 
6. Place the pan in the preheated air fryer and bake for 20-30 minutes until the dough is a light golden brown. Check halfway through. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it with foil. 
7. While still warm, cut the shortbread into bars or triangles and allow them to cool in the pan. 
8. Once done, you can enjoy your cookies with a cup of Tea or Coffee. 

2. Thick and Chewy Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Air Fried Cookie 

These cookies are air fryer dessert recipes to try. They are filled with chocolate chips and require no egg, which makes them a better option for individuals with different dietary preferences.  

Ingredients:  

• 1 cup flour (maida) 
• 1 teaspoon baking soda 
• ½ teaspoon salt 
• ½ cup butter  
• ¾ cup brown sugar 
• ¼ cup white sugar 
• ¼ cup unsweetened milk  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• 1 cup chocolate chips 

Instructions:  

1. Take a small bowl to whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Once done, set it aside. 
2. Now take a mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.  
3. Now, slowly add the milk and vanilla extract and mix until smooth. 
4. Gradually add the dry flour to the butter mixture and keep on whisking. 
5. Now, add chocolate chips and stir the mixture. 
6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least an hour. 
7. Remove the bowl from the refrigerator, if chilled. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper.  
8. Now roll the dough into several balls using your hands. 
9. Place 2-3 balls of dough in the air fryer basket and leave some space for the cookies to spread.  
10. Now, start air frying at 170°C (325°F) for 7-8 minutes or until the edges are set and firm. 
11. Remove the basket from the air fryer and let the cookies sit for 5 minutes. Carefully transfer cookies to a basket to cool completely. Continue air frying the remaining dough balls in batches. 
12. Enjoy your Choco-chip cookies with hot coffee or milk. 

How to Make Cookies in an Air Fryer: Essential Tips 

Follow these air fryer cookie baking tips to get the best results when baking using your electric kitchen appliances like air fryer:   

• Leave enough space in the air fryer basket for even airflow. Consider baking in batches if needed.  
• Spray some oil at the bottom of the basket to prevent dough from sticking on the tray.  
• Preheat for at least 3 minutes to maintain a consistent baking temperature. 
• Ensure parchment paper fits the basket. Leave about ½ inch gap for air circulation. 
• If you have a cookies recipe for oven, consider reducing temperature and baking time to get the desired results in an air fryer.  
• Let baked items sit in the air fryer for a couple of minutes before moving to a wire rack.