Air Fryer Cookies Recipe
Crisp on the edges with soft centers, these air fryer cookies deliver perfect texture and gooey chocolate chunks in a fraction of the traditional baking time.
Ingredients
<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">115g unsalted butter, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g light brown sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg, at room temperature</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">5ml vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">175g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2g baking soda</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2g salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g chocolate chunks (or chocolate chips)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Parchment paper (or perforated air fryer liner)</li></ul>
Equipment
<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing bowls</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Electric hand mixer (or stand mixer)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Ice cream scoop or tablespoon measure</li></ul>
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Directions
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). This creaming process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps create a tender cookie texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until fully incorporated and smooth, about 1 minute.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make cookies tough rather than tender.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Gently fold in the chocolate chunks using a rubber spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This chilling time allows the flour to hydrate and prevents excessive spreading during cooking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of your air fryer basket. Some air fryers come with perforated liners specifically designed for them, which work wonderfully for cookies as they allow air circulation.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Using an ice cream scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into 40g balls (about 1½ tablespoons each). Place 3-4 dough balls on the parchment paper in the air fryer basket, leaving at least 5cm between each to allow for spreading.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Set your air fryer to 160°C and cook the cookies for 6-8 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep a close eye on your first batch. The cookies should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center when done.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Carefully remove the cookies from the air fryer using a spatula and allow them to cool on the parchment paper for 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so resist the urge to handle them too soon!</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Repeat with the remaining cookie dough, using fresh parchment paper for each batch. Let the cookies cool completely before storing in an airtight container for up to 5 days – though I doubt they'll last that long!</li></ol>
Chef’s Notes
A few helpful details for making this recipe.
Why do cookies baked in an air fryer cook faster than in a conventional oven?
Air fryers cook cookies faster because they're smaller, require no preheating, and use rapid air circulation technology. The compact cooking chamber and powerful fan create intense heat distribution, resulting in cookies with crispy exteriors and soft centres in just 6-8 minutes rather than the typical 10-12.
Can I use cookie dough from the supermarket in my air fryer?
Yes, store-bought cookie dough works brilliantly in air fryers! Simply slice pre-made rolls into portions, place 3-4 pieces in your lined air fryer basket, and cook at 160°C for 5-7 minutes. The results are often even better than oven-baked, with perfect crispy-chewy textures.
How do I prevent my chocolate chip cookies from spreading too much in the air fryer?
To prevent excessive spreading, chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before cooking, use slightly less butter than traditional recipes, ensure your air fryer is properly preheated, and don't overcrowd the basket. Adding an extra tablespoon of flour can also help maintain shape.
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