Tillie Doyle
There's nothing quite like a batch of freshly baked cookies, and one of the easiest ways to achieve this is by using an air fryer. Air fryers are a quick and convenient way to make a small batch of homemade cookies without having to turn on your oven. You can use almost any kind of frozen cookie dough, from pre-made to homemade, and the process is simple: preheat your air fryer, prepare the air fryer basket, and place your frozen cookie dough inside. The exact temperature and time will depend on your air fryer, but you can expect delicious, golden-brown cookies with crispy edges and soft, gooey centres in a matter of minutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of use | Requires minimal cleanup and only one ingredient |
| Taste | Cookies are crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside |
| Convenience | No need to defrost the frozen cookie dough before baking |
| Time | Faster than baking in a conventional oven |
| Temperature | Between 300°F and 350°F, depending on the recipe and air fryer model |
| Cook time | Between 6 and 15 minutes, depending on the size of the cookies and desired crispness |
| Preparation | Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat |
| Storage | Store frozen cookies for up to 3-4 weeks |
What You'll Learn
Air fryer settings and temperature
It is important to note that the temperature should be adjusted based on the original recipe. If you are following a recipe or packet instructions, reduce the required temperature by around 20 degrees Fahrenheit (11 degrees Celsius). This adjustment ensures that your frozen cookies bake evenly and don't burn.
When preparing the air fryer basket, it is recommended to line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step prevents the cookie dough from sticking to the basket and makes cleanup easier. However, it is crucial to check your air fryer manual to confirm if parchment paper is safe to use with your specific model.
The baking time for frozen cookies in an air fryer typically ranges from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the cookie dough and your desired level of doneness. For larger cookies, a longer baking time may be required. It is advisable to start with a shorter baking time, such as 8 minutes, and then check on the cookies. If they need more time, you can add a couple of minutes until they are golden brown around the edges.
Additionally, it is important to allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes after removing them from the air fryer. This cooling time helps the cookies firm up and prevents them from falling apart when handled.
Air Fryer Chicken: Timing for Perfectly Cooked Meat
You may want to see also
Preparing the basket
First, preheat your air fryer. The ideal temperature and time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, but a good starting point is preheating it to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. This step ensures that your cookies cook evenly and efficiently.
Next, line the basket of your air fryer with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step is important as it prevents the cookie dough from sticking to the basket and makes cleanup easier. Parchment paper with holes in it is recommended to allow airflow and prevent fires. However, some air fryers may not be suitable for parchment paper, so be sure to check your air fryer manual for recommendations.
Now, place your frozen cookie dough portions on the parchment paper or silicone baking mat. Leave some space between each cookie dough ball, as they will spread and flatten as they cook. The number of cookies you can place in the basket will depend on the size of your air fryer, so adjust accordingly.
If you're using a baking pan inside the air fryer basket, as recommended by some sources, place the frozen cookie dough balls onto the pan before putting it into the air fryer.
Once you've placed the desired number of cookies in the basket or pan, you're ready to proceed to the cooking stage. Remember, preparing the basket is just one part of the process, and following the subsequent steps for cooking and cooling will ensure your frozen cookies turn out perfectly.
Air Fryer Wings: Salt & Vinegar Style
You may want to see also
Cooking time
The cooking time for frozen cookies in an air fryer varies depending on the air fryer model, the size of the cookies, and how crispy you like them. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. However, different recipes suggest varying temperatures, with some suggesting 320°F (160°C) and others 300°F.
The cooking time can range from 6 to 15 minutes. Some sources suggest 6-7 minutes, while others recommend 8-15 minutes, depending on the size of the cookies and the desired level of crispness. If you are using a recipe that requires a temperature of 320°F (160°C), it is recommended to reduce the temperature by around 20°F if baking from frozen.
It is important to note that frozen cookie dough baked directly in the air fryer basket may melt onto the wires before cooking through, so it is best to use a small pan or baking paper/parchment paper. However, it is crucial to check the air fryer manual before using parchment paper, as some air fryer brands do not recommend it.
Additionally, it is advised to leave space between each cookie dough ball, as they will spread and flatten during cooking. For thicker cookies, it is recommended to use frozen dough balls as they will hold their shape better than fresh dough.
Air-Fryer Latkes: How to Make Them Perfectly
You may want to see also
Cooling the cookies
Once your cookies are baked, it's important to let them cool down before you dig in. The cookies will still be very soft and gooey, so leaving them to cool in the air fryer for a few minutes will make them easier to handle.
The exact cooling time will depend on the recipe and your air fryer model, but most sources recommend leaving the cookies in the air fryer for 2-5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. During this initial cooling period, the cookies will sit inside the warm air fryer, which helps them to firm up.
It's important to note that if you've used parchment paper to line your air fryer basket, you should leave the cookies on the paper when transferring them. This is because the cookies will still be soft and may fall apart if you try to remove them from the paper too soon.
After removing the cookies from the air fryer, it's best to let them cool on a wire rack. This allows air to circulate around the cookies, helping them to cool evenly and preventing them from becoming soggy.
Once the cookies have cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week, or you can freeze them for longer storage.
Reviving Soggy Chips: Air Fryer Tricks for Crispiness
You may want to see also
Storing and reheating cookies
Storing your cookies is a great way to make them last longer and still enjoy them at a later date. If you have baked a large batch of cookies and want to save some for later, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to a year. It is recommended to eat the refrigerated cookies within a few days and freeze the rest if you plan to eat them more than four days after baking.
When storing cookies, it is important to minimise air exposure to keep them fresh. You can do this by placing them in sealable plastic containers designed for the freezer or freezer-safe containers. If you are storing cookie dough, it can be stored in small containers in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to two months.
Now, onto the fun part: reheating cookies! There are several methods you can use to reheat cookies, depending on your preference and the appliances you have available. Here are some common methods:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat them for 3-5 minutes, or until they are warm and slightly soft. This method is great for larger cookies or bigger batches.
- Toaster oven: Set your toaster oven to 350°F or an equivalent setting. Place the cookies on the toaster oven tray or on aluminium foil and bake for 2-3 minutes. This method is convenient for reheating a smaller batch of cookies.
- Microwave: Place one cookie on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat the cookie, as it can quickly become hard and chewy. This method is best for reheating single cookies.
- Stove top: Set your stove to medium heat and place the cookies in a skillet, preferably cast iron. Heat for 1-2 minutes with the lid on, then flip the cookies and heat for another 1-2 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool for a minute or two before enjoying your crispy yet gooey cookies!
- Steam: Wrap the cookies in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 10-15 seconds. The steam from the paper towel will help soften and warm the cookies.
- Air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F and line it with parchment paper. Place the cookies inside and bake for 2-3 minutes. This method is great for reheating cookies and giving them that "freshly baked" flavour and crispy exterior.
Remember, it is best to reheat cookies just before you are ready to eat them, as each time you reheat them, they can lose a little moisture and become drier. Enjoy your warm and gooey cookies!
Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes: A Quick Cooking Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use almost any kind of frozen cookie dough. You can use packaged frozen cookie dough or make your own and freeze it for later.
Preheat your air fryer to 320-350°F (160-175°C) for a few minutes. Line the basket with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Place your frozen cookie dough portions on the paper or mat, leaving space between each cookie to spread. Bake for 6-15 minutes, depending on your air fryer and how large your cookie dough balls are. Remove the basket and allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Frozen cookies can be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3-4 weeks. Cookie dough can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-4 days when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or frozen for up to 2 months.
