Air Fryer Fried Cookies Recipe
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside cookies with all the satisfaction of deep-fried treats but made healthier in an air fryer.
Ingredients
<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">220g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon baking powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 teaspoon salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">115g unsalted butter, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Cooking spray (preferably olive oil spray)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For coating:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 teaspoons ground cinnamon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Optional: 60g powdered sugar for dusting</li></ul>
Equipment
<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper (cut to fit air fryer basket)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Electric mixer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Cookie scoop or tablespoon</li></ul>
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Directions
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This ensures your leavening agent is distributed throughout for even rising.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 150g sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This process incorporates air into the fat, which helps create a tender cookie texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully incorporated and smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can develop too much gluten and result in tough cookies.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time firms up the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during cooking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>While the dough chills, preheat your air fryer to 180°C for about 3 minutes. In a small bowl, mix together the 50g granulated sugar and cinnamon for coating.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into 2cm balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Cut parchment paper to fit your air fryer basket (with small holes poked in it for air circulation) and lightly spray with cooking spray. Place cookie balls on the parchment, leaving about 3cm between each to allow for spreading.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Air fry the cookies at 160°C for 7-8 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. The lower temperature ensures the cookies cook through without burning on the outside. Don't worry if they look underdone - they'll continue firming up as they cool.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Allow the cookies to cool in the air fryer basket for 3 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. If using, dust with powdered sugar while still warm.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Repeat with remaining dough, making sure to let the air fryer return to temperature between batches. For the crispiest exterior, don't crowd the basket - cook in small batches even if your air fryer is large.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4>Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To refresh them later, pop in the air fryer for 1 minute at 160°C for that fresh-baked crispness.</li></ol>
Chef’s Notes
A few helpful details for making this recipe.
Can I make these cookies without an air fryer?
While an air fryer gives the unique crispy-outside-soft-inside texture, you can bake these cookies in a conventional oven at 180°C for 10-12 minutes. They'll still be delicious but might lack the distinctive fried-like exterior that makes the air fryer version special.
Why do my air fryer cookies spread too much during cooking?
Excessive spreading typically happens when the dough is too warm or the butter too soft. Always chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before air frying. Also check that your air fryer temperature isn't too high, as this can cause butter to melt too quickly.
How can I adapt the flavours for these air-fried treats?
These versatile cookies can be customised with various flavourings like orange zest, cardamom or cocoa powder in the dough. Try different coating variations such as lemon-sugar, chai spice mix, or chocolate drizzle after cooking for exciting alternatives to the classic cinnamon-sugar coating.
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