Air Fryer Sugar Cookies: A Quick, Easy Treat?

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to baking cookies in the oven, and sugar cookies are no exception. While the results may vary depending on the type of air fryer and the recipe used, air-fried sugar cookies can be just as tasty and quicker to make than their oven-baked counterparts. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of making sugar cookies in an air fryer, provide a step-by-step guide on how to do it, and offer tips for achieving the best results.

Air fryer sugar cookies with Reese's Pieces

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (two sticks)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups Reese's Pieces Candy

Method:

• Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the air fryer basket. Poke holes in the parchment paper to allow for airflow. Set the basket aside until the dough is prepared.
• In a large bowl, combine the butter and the sugar. Mix on medium speed until combined.
• Add in the vanilla and the eggs. Continue to mix for an additional 30 seconds.
• Slowly add in the flour and baking powder, mixing together until a soft dough forms. Use a rubber spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl if necessary.
• Stir in the Reese's Pieces Candy, evenly mixing them into the dough.
• Scoop or spoon small balls of the dough onto the prepared parchment paper inside of the air fryer basket. Leave about 1/2 inch between cookies.
• Cook at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-6 minutes, until cookies are golden on the top and bottom. Remove from the basket and allow cookies to cool.

Tips:

• Store any leftover baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool setting out of direct sunlight for up to 5 days.
• Store leftover cookie dough in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month.
• You can use the same ingredients as you would for oven-baked sugar cookies.
• When baking cookies or cakes in the air fryer, you do not need to preheat beforehand.
• Use parchment paper or lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Ensure the parchment paper is only slightly larger than the cookies to avoid it from lifting and touching the heating elements.
• The cookies are done when they are lightly golden around the edges. They may still be soft in the middle but will harden as they cool.
• Refrigerating the dough can improve the texture and flavor of the cookies. It also makes the dough easier to handle.

Air fryer cookies vs oven-baked cookies

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to baking cookies in the oven, but there are some differences to be aware of. Here is a detailed comparison between air fryer cookies and oven-baked cookies:

Temperature and Timing:

Air fryer cookies require a slightly lower temperature than oven-baked cookies. It is recommended to reduce the temperature by about 10 degrees Fahrenheit when using an air fryer. Additionally, air fryer cookies typically cook faster than oven-baked cookies. For example, a recipe that calls for baking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes in an oven might only need 7-9 minutes in an air fryer.

Batch Size:

Air fryers have limited space, which is perfect for small-batch desserts. You can make a few cookies at a time, which is excellent for portion control and quick cravings. However, if you need to bake a large number of cookies, you might find it more efficient to use your oven alongside your air fryer.

Texture and Appearance:

Air fryer cookies tend to have a crispier exterior and a chewier center compared to oven-baked cookies. The hot air circulating in the air fryer can also affect the shape of the cookies, sometimes resulting in oval-shaped cookies. If you prefer softer cookies, you may find that the air fryer method produces cookies that are too crispy.

Clean-up and Convenience:

Air fryers are known for their ease of use and minimal clean-up. You can often skip the preheating step with air fryers, and they also heat up your kitchen less than a traditional oven. Additionally, air fryers require less clean-up, especially when using parchment paper or liners.

Customization:

Both air fryers and ovens allow for customization of your cookies. You can add mix-ins like candies, chips, or frosting to your cookies, regardless of the baking method. The air fryer is also versatile, allowing you to air fry any type of cookie dough once you get the hang of it.

Overall Taste:

The taste of air fryer cookies is comparable to oven-baked cookies, if not better for some. The air fryer method can result in cookies with a perfect crumb and gooey chocolate chips, depending on the recipe.

Air fryer cookie dough prep

Air fryer cookies are a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing your cookie dough for the air fryer:

Ingredients:

First, gather your ingredients. The basic ingredients for sugar cookies include flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. You can also add in extras like candies, chips, frosting, or sprinkles. For chocolate chip cookies, you will need chocolate chips, of course! You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark or white chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips.

Mixing the Dough:

Start by mixing your dry ingredients in a medium bowl. This includes the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the butter and sugar. Mix on medium speed until they are well combined and have a creamy texture.

Now, add in the wet ingredients: vanilla extract and eggs. Continue mixing until everything is well incorporated.

Forming the Dough:

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. You can use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

At this point, you can also stir in any mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or candy pieces. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Shaping the Cookies:

Scoop or spoon small portions of the dough and shape them into balls. You can use a cookie scoop or your hands to form uniform-sized dough balls.

Place the dough balls on a prepared sheet of parchment paper. Leave some space between them, as they will spread during baking. You can also flatten the dough balls slightly with the bottom of a glass before placing them in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Preparation:

Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or an air fryer liner to prevent sticking. You can also lightly grease the basket if needed.

Place the shaped cookies into the air fryer basket, making sure to leave enough space between them for air circulation. You will likely need to cook the cookies in small batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Baking:

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 325-370 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once preheated, place the basket of cookies into the air fryer and set the timer. The baking time will vary depending on your air fryer, but it typically ranges from 4-11 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies to ensure they don't overcook.

Cooling:

Remove the cookies from the air fryer and allow them to cool. You can place them on a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

And that's it! You now have delicious, freshly baked cookies made right in your air fryer. Enjoy the sweet rewards of your labour!

Air fryer settings for cookies

Air fryers are a great alternative to baking cookies in an oven. They are faster, easier to clean, and can make small batches of cookies. However, they may not be ideal for large batches or for certain types of cookies.

• Preheat your air fryer: Preheating is not always necessary, but it can help to nail down baking times and ensure even cooking. Most air fryers will take 2-3 minutes to preheat, which is significantly faster than a conventional oven.
• Use the "bake" setting: This setting will automatically set the temperature to around 350°F, which is suitable for most cookie recipes. If your air fryer doesn't have a "bake" setting, you can use the "air fry" setting, but your cookies may brown more quickly.
• Adjust the temperature: If your air fryer allows you to adjust the temperature, you can set it according to your specific cookie recipe. For example, meringues bake at 200°F, while drop cookies are usually baked at 375°F.
• Use parchment paper or an air fryer liner: This will prevent the cookies from sticking to the basket and make cleanup easier. If using parchment paper, cut it to fit the basket and poke holes in it to allow for airflow.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer: Leave enough space between the cookies to allow hot air to circulate. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking together and ensure even cooking.
• Flatten the dough: Flattening the dough balls slightly before placing them in the air fryer will help them cook evenly and prevent them from puffing up too much.
• Check the cookies frequently: Cookies baked in an air fryer will cook much faster than in a conventional oven, so keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Rotate the pan: If you have a toaster oven-style air fryer, rotate the pan front-to-back halfway through the baking process to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Let the cookies cool: Once the cookies are done, let them cool on a wire rack before serving. This will help them firm up and become less fragile.
• Temperature and time: Set your air fryer to 350°F and bake the cookies for 4-6 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and the type of pan you are using. Parchment paper may require a slightly longer baking time (5-6 minutes) compared to a cookie sheet (4-5 minutes).
• Dough preparation: Slice the cookie dough into 1/4" thick pieces. If desired, dip one side of the dough into sprinkles or other toppings before placing them in the air fryer.
• Spacing: Leave about 2" of space between each cookie to allow for even cooking and to prevent overcrowding.
• Cooling: Once the cookies are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for at least 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Air fryer cookie pros and cons

Air fryer cookies are a quick and easy way to make a small batch of cookies. They can be a great alternative to using an oven, especially if you are short on time or want to avoid heating up your kitchen. Here are some of the pros and cons of making cookies in an air fryer:

Pros:

• Quick and easy: Air fryer cookies are speedy and effortless to make. They can be ready in as little as 5 to 15 minutes, which is much faster than traditional oven-baked cookies.
• Small batches: Air fryers are perfect for making small batches of cookies. You can easily satisfy a craving without having to bake an entire batch.
• Less clean-up: Air fryers require less clean-up than ovens, especially if you use parchment paper or an air fryer liner.
• No pre-heating required: Most air fryer cookie recipes do not require pre-heating, so you can get started right away.
• Versatile: You can air fry any type of cookie dough and add various mix-ins like candies, chips, or frosting.

Cons:

• Limited space: Air fryers have limited cooking space, so you can only make a few cookies at a time.
• Shape and texture: The high heat and air circulation in the air fryer can cause the cookies to spread and become oval-shaped. They may also turn out crispier than soft-baked oven cookies.
• Adjustments needed: You may need to adjust the temperature and time settings on your air fryer to achieve the desired bake.
• Not ideal for large batches: While air fryers are great for small batches, they are not ideal for baking large quantities of cookies. You may need to use your oven alongside your air fryer for larger batches.

Frequently asked questions