Air-Frying Cookies: Baking Toll House Style

Baking cookies in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a small batch of cookies. You can use refrigerated or frozen cookie dough, and the cookies will be ready in as little as 6 minutes for a soft cookie or 9 minutes for a crispy one. It's important to note that not all air fryers heat the same way, so you may need to adjust the temperature and timing to suit your particular air fryer. Parchment paper can be used to line the air fryer, but it's important to use parchment paper with holes to ensure proper air circulation and avoid the risk of fire.

Air fryer temperature and timing

Temperature Settings:

• Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). It is recommended to use the air fry setting instead of the bake or any other setting.
• If you prefer crispier cookies, preheat a glass or metal container inside the air fryer before adding the cookie dough.
• For toaster-oven-style air fryers with a tray, preheat the air fryer to 325°F.

Timing:

• While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your cookie dough by flattening and shaping it into balls or flat circles.
• Place the cookie dough into the air fryer basket or container, leaving about 2 inches of space between each piece of dough.
• Bake the cookies for 7-8 minutes. For softer, meltier cookies, aim for the lower end of the time range, and for crispier, more browned cookies, go for the higher end.
• Check on the cookies at the 6-minute mark, especially if your air fryer tends to run hot.
• For mini Toll House chocolate chip cookies, adjust the baking time to 4-5 minutes, checking on them after 5 minutes.
• After removing the cookies from the air fryer, let them set for 3-5 minutes before serving or transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Additional Tips:

• The number of cookies you can bake at once will depend on the size of your air fryer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking.
• You can use parchment paper, but it is not necessary. If using parchment paper, ensure it has holes to facilitate proper air circulation. Alternatively, you can use aluminium foil or buttered foil.
• Keep in mind that air fryer settings and temperatures may vary depending on the brand and model. Always refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions and guidelines.

Parchment paper

When using parchment paper in an air fryer, it's important to take some precautions. Firstly, ensure that you are using food-grade parchment paper. Check the maximum temperature restriction on the box and cut the paper to fit the size of your air fryer basket. Perforating and trimming the paper can assist with air circulation and allow grease to drain away from the food. It's also important to ensure that the parchment paper is weighed down by food, as loose paper can float around and come into contact with the heating element.

If you are baking cookies in your air fryer, place the cookies on the parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch space around each cookie. Air fry at 325°F for 10-13 minutes, checking on them around the 8-10-minute mark. Once done, allow the cookies to sit in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes before carefully removing them and placing them on a wire rack to cool fully.

Using parchment paper in an air fryer can be a convenient way to cook and reduce cleanup time, but it's important to follow safety guidelines to avoid any fire risks.

Customisation

There are many ways to customise your Toll House cookies when baking them in an air fryer. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Type of Dough

You can use either refrigerated or homemade cookie dough. Refrigerated cookie dough is convenient and can save time, but making your own dough allows you to customise the flavour and ingredients to your liking. For example, you can add different mix-ins such as walnuts, shredded coconut, candy buttons, or peanut butter chips.

Brand of Cookie Dough

If you opt for refrigerated cookie dough, you can choose from various brands such as Nestle Toll House Cookie Dough or Pillsbury. Both options will work well in the air fryer, so it's a matter of personal preference.

Size and Shape

You can make your cookies uniform in size and shape by using pre-shaped cookie dough or a cookie scoop. Alternatively, you can roll the dough into balls by hand for a more rustic look. If you want larger cookies, you can use a bigger scoop or roll bigger balls of dough. Just remember that you'll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Type of Chocolate

Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate. You can even mix and match different varieties to create a unique flavour profile.

Add-Ins and Toppings

In addition to chocolate chips, you can add other mix-ins such as nuts, dried fruit, or candy pieces. For a special treat, try adding a chunk of chocolate to the centre of each cookie before baking. You can also get creative with toppings, such as sprinkling sea salt or rolling the edges of the cookies in mini chocolate chips.

Temperature and Timing

As mentioned earlier, the temperature and timing may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of your cookies. It's important to monitor the cookies closely, especially if you're baking them for the first time. Adjust the temperature and timing as needed to achieve the desired doneness.

Remember, the key to successful customisation is experimentation. Don't be afraid to try new ingredients, flavours, and techniques to find what works best for you and your taste preferences. Happy baking!

Reheating cookies

Preparation and Storage:

Before reheating, it's important to store your cookies properly. If you plan to eat them within a week, simply place them in an airtight container and store them in a dry and dark area. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies individually wrapped in a tightly sealed freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Thaw frozen cookies at least an hour before reheating.

Air Fryer Settings and Timing:

Set your air fryer to 350°F and line it with parchment paper. Place the cookies inside, leaving some space between them to ensure even heating. Reheat for 2-3 minutes. If you're reheating frozen cookies, you may need to add a minute or two. Check on them regularly to avoid overcooking.

Cooling and Serving:

Once the cookies are heated to your desired level of warmth and gooeyness, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a cooling rack for a minute or two. This will help achieve the perfect texture before serving.

Customization and Variations:

You can reheat different types of cookies, such as chocolate chip, oatmeal, or sugar cookies, using this method. Experiment with various cookie types and adjust the timing slightly depending on their size and composition.

Comparison to Other Reheating Methods:

While the air fryer provides excellent results, other methods like using a stove top, oven, toaster oven, or microwave can also be used. However, the microwave is generally not recommended as it can dry out or harden the cookies.

Air fryer vs oven

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional ovens when it comes to baking cookies. They can deliver the ideal combination of a gooey centre and crispy edges that many cookie enthusiasts seek. However, it's important to note that air fryers have a smaller capacity than ovens, so they are better suited for baking smaller batches.

When using an air fryer, it is recommended to line the bottom basket with foil or parchment paper with holes in it to ensure even heat circulation. While preheating is not necessary, it is crucial to keep a close eye on the cookies during baking, as different air fryers may vary in terms of heat distribution and timing. The recommended temperature for baking cookies in an air fryer is around 320-325°F for 7 to 13 minutes, depending on the starting temperature of the dough.

In contrast, oven-baked cookies tend to yield flatter and crispier results. The larger chamber of a standard oven means that only the edges of the cookies will crisp, while the tops and middles stay softer. Additionally, ovens are better suited for larger batches of cookies. When baking cookies in an oven, it is generally recommended to preheat the oven to 350°F and spoon the dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The baking time varies depending on the desired level of crispiness, typically ranging from 12 to 15 minutes.

Both air fryers and ovens have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to baking cookies. Air fryers excel at creating the desired texture combination of crispy edges and gooey centres, but their smaller capacity limits the batch size. On the other hand, ovens are more suitable for larger batches and produce flatter, crispier cookies with softer tops and middles. Ultimately, the choice between an air fryer and an oven depends on personal preferences for cookie texture, batch size, and convenience.

Frequently asked questions