Air Fryer Lemon Oreos Recipe

Learn how to make these homemade air fryer lemon Oreos with the perfect balance of tangy lemon and sweet cream filling. This easy baking recipe uses the air fryer for quick results without sacrificing flavor. The best part? They're ready in minutes with a golden, crispy exterior and melt-in-your-mouth center!

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

8 mins

Serves:

12 sandwich cookies

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">180g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g unsalted butter, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp fresh lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp lemon zest</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp baking powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp lemon extract (optional, for enhanced flavor)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the filling:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120g powdered sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g unsalted butter, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp heavy cream</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Pinch of salt</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving

🔥 Calories: 185 calories

🥑 Fat: 9 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 5 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 24 g

🍭 Sugar: 14 g

🍗 Protein: 2 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 35 mg

🧂 Sodium: 120 mg

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">Stand mixer or electric hand mixer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Cookie cutter (5cm/2-inch round)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Microplane or zester</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This creates air pockets in the dough which will help your cookies achieve the perfect texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon extract (if using), lemon juice, and lemon zest to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined and fragrant. The acid in the lemon juice might make the mixture look slightly curdled – this is perfectly normal.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can develop too much gluten and make your cookies tough rather than tender.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flour to fully hydrate and the butter to firm up, resulting in cookies that hold their shape better during cooking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>While the dough is chilling, prepare the cream filling. Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream. Beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. The filling should be stiff enough to hold its shape but soft enough to pipe or spread.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 160°C (320°F) for 3 minutes. While it's preheating, roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 5mm (1/4 inch) thickness. Cut out circles using your cookie cutter.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Line your air fryer basket with a piece of parchment paper cut to fit (with holes or slits for air circulation). Place cookie rounds on the parchment, leaving about 2cm between each cookie as they will spread slightly. Don't overcrowd – work in batches if necessary.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Air fry the cookies for 6-8 minutes until the edges are just turning golden. The cookies may look slightly underdone in the center, but they'll continue cooking as they cool. Remove them carefully using a spatula and let cool completely on a wire rack.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Once cookies are completely cool, pipe or spread about 1-2 teaspoons of filling onto the flat side of half the cookies. Place another cookie on top, flat side down, and gently press to spread the filling to the edges.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>For the classic Oreo look, you can press the edges of the sandwich cookies into a small amount of granulated sugar mixed with a tiny bit of lemon zest. For the best flavor development, allow the cookies to sit for about 30 minutes before serving, allowing the lemon flavor to permeate throughout. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Air Fryer Lemon Oreos Recipe?

The recipe requires all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, butter, egg, fresh lemon juice and zest, baking powder, salt, vanilla extract, and optional lemon extract. The filling needs powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and salt.

How to cook Air Fryer Lemon Oreos Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Air Fryer Lemon Oreos by first making a lemon-infused cookie dough, chilling it, then cutting into rounds. Cook in a preheated air fryer at 160°C for 6-8 minutes until golden. Once cooled, sandwich pairs together with homemade vanilla cream filling for a quick, delicious treat with crispy exteriors and soft centres.

Can I make these lemon sandwich cookies without an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake these lemon cookies in a conventional oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes. While they won't have the exact same texture as air-fried versions, they'll still be delicious. Just watch them closely as oven temperatures can vary.

How do I get the most lemon flavour in my homemade sandwich cookies?

For maximum lemon flavour, use both zest and juice from fresh lemons, not bottled juice. Adding lemon extract intensifies the flavour further. Let the zest steep in your butter mixture for 10 minutes before continuing with the recipe for even more pronounced citrus notes.

Why are my air fryer cookies turning out too dark or cooking unevenly?

Air fryers can cook unevenly due to concentrated heat circulation. Try cutting parchment paper to fit with holes for airflow, reduce temperature by 10°C, check halfway through cooking time, and rotate cookies if needed. Always preheat your air fryer for 3 minutes for best results.

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