Easy Air Fryer Oatmeal Cookies | Quick Dessert Recipe

These Air Fryer Oatmeal Cookies take just 30 minutes and deliver perfectly chewy, golden-brown results every single time. If you’re craving homemade cookies but don’t want to deal with a traditional oven, pull out your air fryer because it’s about to save the day!

I love this recipe because it’s simple, quick, and keeps my kitchen cooler than baking cookies the old-fashioned way. Plus, the air fryer gives these cookies that slightly crisp edge with no compromise on the soft, gooey center. Trust me, you’re going to love the convenience of these homemade air fryer cookies, especially on busy weeknights or when that sweet tooth strikes out of nowhere.

Why This Air Fryer Oatmeal Cookies Recipe Is a Game-Changer

• Quicker than the oven: Traditional cookies can take up to 15 minutes per batch to bake, but the air fryer gets it done in 8-10 minutes.
• Crispy edges, soft centers: The circulating hot air creates that perfect cookie texture without overbaking.
• Energy-efficient: Your air fryer uses significantly less energy than preheating and running a whole oven.
• No guesswork: Set the temp, set the timer, and you’re good to go. It’s as hands-off as cookie baking gets.
• Batch-friendly: Because the dough chills so well, you can prep ahead and bake only as many as you want at a time.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Air Fryer Oatmeal Cookies

You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe, just your trusty air fryer and a couple of kitchen basics:

• Air fryer: A standard basket-style air fryer works great. Look for the 325°F setting for this recipe. If you’ve got a larger air fryer with multiple racks, you can bake more cookies at once.
• Mixing bowls: You’ll need one large bowl for creaming together butter and sugars, plus a smaller bowl for your dry ingredients.
• Wire rack: Cooling the cookies properly ensures they maintain their crisp edges.

Pro Tip: Always preheat your air fryer before starting so the cookies bake evenly!

Simple Ingredients for Air Fryer Oatmeal Cookies

This recipe uses pantry staples, which makes it even easier to whip up these delicious oatmeal chocolate chip cookies in no time:

• Butter: Softened butter is key for that creamy cookie dough texture. Don’t skip this!
• Brown sugar: Adds richness and chewiness to these cookies, and it pairs beautifully with the oats.
• Quick-cooking oats: The star ingredient! These bring that hearty texture and flavor, plus they’re easy to find in any grocery store.
• Instant vanilla pudding mix: This secret ingredient ensures your cookies stay soft and moist even after cooling. Trust me on this one.

If you’re out of an ingredient, don’t panic. Swap semisweet chocolate chips with dark or white chocolate, or skip the nuts if you’re going nut-free.

Air Fryer Oatmeal Cookies Recipe Details

• Servings: 6 dozen
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

Air Fryer Oatmeal Cookies Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped nuts

How to Make Air Fryer Oatmeal Cookies

1. Preheat your air fryer to 325°F for even baking.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, dry pudding mix, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
6. Drop dough by tablespoonfuls onto a greased air fryer tray, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon.
7. In batches, air fry for 8-10 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned. Keep an eye on the first batch to fine-tune the timing.
8. Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Jake’s Tips for the Best Air Fryer Oatmeal Cookies

• Chill the dough: Refrigerating your cookie dough for 30 minutes reduces spreading and produces thicker cookies.
• Preheat your air fryer: A hot air fryer ensures even baking from the get-go.
• Don’t overcrowd: Baking in batches might take a touch longer, but it keeps cookies from sticking together.
• Switch things up: Swap chocolate chips for raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity twist.
• Storage tip: Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze dough balls for quick desserts anytime.

Easy Air Fryer Oatmeal Cookies Variations

• Peanut Butter Twist: Swap 1/4 cup of butter for creamy peanut butter for a nutty flavor boost.
• Raisin Spice: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and replace chocolate chips with raisins for a cozy version.
• Nut-Free: Skip the nuts altogether and double the chocolate chips for chocoholic-level indulgence.
• Trail Mix Cookies: Toss in a mix of seeds and dried fruit for a wholesome snack.

Air Fryer Oatmeal Cookies FAQs

Why use an air fryer for cookies?

The air fryer speeds up baking time while delivering crispy edges and soft centers. It’s also more energy-efficient than a traditional oven.

Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely! Scoop the dough into balls, freeze on a tray, and store in a zip-top bag. Just air fry straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the cook time.

Do I need to grease the air fryer basket?

Yes, lightly greasing the tray prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Can I make these cookies without chocolate chips?

Of course! Swap chocolate chips for dried fruit, white chocolate chunks, or even butterscotch chips for variety.

These Air Fryer Oatmeal Cookies are so quick and easy, they’ll become your go-to dessert in no time—whether it’s a weeknight treat or a last-minute party snack. What’s your favorite air fryer dessert? Let me know in the comments!