Air Fryer Cookies: The Ultimate Quick and Easy Chocolate Chip Treat
Air fryer cookies are a total game-changer when you crave homemade chocolate chip cookies without waiting for your oven to preheat. These cookies bake up soft, warm, and perfectly gooey in just minutes—all thanks to the magic of your air fryer!
I stumbled upon this idea when I was short on time but needed a sweet pick-me-up fast. I have to say, whipping up cookies in my air fryer felt like discovering a hidden kitchen superpower. With minimal prep and quick cook time, this recipe has earned a permanent spot in my dessert rotation. Trust me—once you try these, your air fryer will become your new cookie MVP.
How to Make Air Fryer Cookies
If you’re new to baking with your air fryer, don’t worry. Making cookies this way couldn’t be easier! With one bowl, simple pantry staples, and a few easy steps, you’ll have fresh, warm cookies in under 10 minutes.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cookies
This recipe keeps it flexible, so you can make adjustments to suit your preferences. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: You can use gluten-free flour if needed.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup butter: Use vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar: Adds a rich, chewy texture.
- 1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons white sugar: Provides just enough sweetness.
- 1/4 cup milk: I recommend unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free option, but any milk works.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances that classic cookie flavor.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Go with dairy-free or standard chocolate chips—your choice!
You’ll also need an air fryer and parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to make magic with your air fryer? Follow these easy steps:
- Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a mixing bowl, use a stick or hand mixer to beat the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until fluffy. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
- Combine everything: Gently fold your dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until fully combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Chill the dough (optional): For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for at least an hour.
- Shape the cookies: Remove the dough from the fridge (if chilled). Roll it into 12 evenly sized balls using your hands.
- Prepare your air fryer: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Place 3-4 cookie dough balls in the basket, leaving enough space for the cookies to spread.
- Air fry: Cook the cookies at 170°C (325°F) for 7 minutes, or until the edges are just set.
- Cool in the basket: Let the cookies rest in the air fryer basket for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Repeat: Continue air frying the rest of the cookie dough in batches.
Jake’s Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cookies
These tricks will ensure your cookies bake up perfectly every time:
- Chill the dough for thicker cookies: If you like thick, bakery-style cookies, chilling the dough for at least an hour makes a big difference.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Leave enough space between cookies in the air fryer basket so they don’t merge as they bake.
- Adjust for your air fryer: Air fryers can vary. Keep an eye on your first batch to fine-tune the timing for your specific model.
- Experiment with mix-ins: Swap chocolate chips for nuts, dried fruit, or even white chocolate chunks to customize your cookies.
Air Fryer Cookies FAQs
Still have questions? Let’s tackle them:
Can I make gluten-free air fryer cookies?
Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Your cookies will still turn out soft and delicious.
What’s the best way to store these cookies?
You can keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a ziplock bag for up to six months.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use vegan butter, dairy-free chocolate chips, and almond milk (or any plant-based milk) for totally dairy-free cookies.
Do I have to chill the dough?
No, you don’t have to, but it’s worth the wait if you want thicker cookies with less spreading.
Can I bake more cookies at once?
It’s tempting, but overcrowding can lead to flat, unevenly cooked cookies. Stick to small batches for consistent results.
Try These Sweet Shortcuts Today!
I hope you’re excited to give these air fryer cookies a try! They’re quick, customizable, and unbelievably tasty—perfect for satisfying any cookie craving in record time. Let me know how they turn out by leaving a comment below, or share your photos on social media and tag KitchenShortcuts.net. I can’t wait to see your creations!
Looking for more air fryer desserts? Check out my recipes for other gadget-friendly treats. Happy baking!
Air Fryer Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a mixing bowl, use a stick or hand mixer to beat the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until fluffy. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
- Combine everything: Gently fold your dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until fully combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Chill the dough (optional): For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for at least an hour.
- Shape the cookies: Remove the dough from the fridge (if chilled). Roll it into 12 evenly sized balls using your hands.
- Prepare your air fryer: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Place 3-4 cookie dough balls in the basket, leaving enough space for the cookies to spread.
- Air fry: Cook the cookies at 170°C (325°F) for 7 minutes, or until the edges are just set.
- Cool in the basket: Let the cookies rest in the air fryer basket for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Repeat: Continue air frying the rest of the cookie dough in batches.
Notes
Written by Jake
Hi, I’m Jake — the home cook behind Kitchen Shortcuts. I create easy crockpot meals and slow cooker recipes designed for busy families who want flavorful home-cooked food with less effort.
