Air Fryer Frozen Cookies: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

If you're craving freshly baked cookies but don't want to heat up your oven, you can make frozen cookies in an air fryer. This method is quick, easy, and perfect for small batches. You can use store-bought or homemade frozen cookie dough and go straight from the freezer to the air fryer—no need to defrost! The cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the size of your cookies, but it usually takes around 5 to 15 minutes. So, if you're looking for a fast way to satisfy your sweet tooth, give this a go!

Can you make frozen cookies in an air fryer?

Air fryer temperature and cooking time for frozen cookies

Baking frozen cookies in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to make a small batch of freshly baked cookies. The air fryer temperature and cooking time will depend on the type of cookie dough you are using, the size of your air fryer, and your desired level of crispiness.

Air Fryer Temperature for Frozen Cookies

Most sources recommend setting your air fryer temperature between 320-350°F (160-180°C) when cooking frozen cookies. This is slightly lower than the temperature typically used for baking cookies in a conventional oven. If you are following a specific recipe or packet instructions, it is recommended to reduce the required temperature by around 20°F.

Air Fryer Cooking Time for Frozen Cookies

The cooking time for frozen cookies in an air fryer will depend on the size of your cookies and your desired level of doneness. Most sources recommend cooking frozen cookies in an air fryer for 5-15 minutes. For smaller cookies, a shorter cooking time of 5-7 minutes may be sufficient. Larger cookies may require a longer cooking time of up to 15 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on your cookies while they are cooking in the air fryer, as they can burn quickly.

Tips for Baking Frozen Cookies in an Air Fryer

• Line your air fryer basket or tray with perforated parchment paper or foil to prevent the cookies from sticking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Bake in batches if necessary.
• Experiment with cook time to achieve your desired level of crispiness and gooeyness.
• Check your air fryer manual to ensure that it is safe to use parchment paper or foil in your specific model.

How to prevent cookies from sticking to the air fryer basket

To prevent cookies from sticking to the air fryer basket, you can try the following:

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating the air fryer helps to ensure that your food cooks evenly and consistently. It also helps to prevent the food from sticking to the basket. The hot surface can act as a barrier between the food and the basket.

Use Oil

Adding a small amount of oil to your food before placing it in the air fryer can help prevent sticking. The oil forms a barrier between the food and the basket, making it easier to remove after cooking. It can also help to add flavour and create a crispy, golden crust.

Don't Overfill the Air Fryer

Overfilling the air fryer basket can cause the food to cook more slowly and stick together. It also means there is no room to turn or shake the food during cooking, which can contribute to sticking.

Use Parchment Paper

Parchment paper is treated with silicone, making it non-stick and heat-resistant. It creates a barrier between the food and the basket, preventing sticking and making cleaning easier.

Use a Foil Sling

A sheet of aluminium foil folded and placed in the basket can prevent sticking and make removing the food easier.

How to store frozen cookie dough

To store frozen cookie dough, you'll need an airtight container or freezer bag. You can also use zip-top bags or plastic wrap.

First, shape the cookies as you would before baking, either by rolling them flat and cutting them out, or rolling them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Once they're frozen solid, transfer them to your container or bag, and label with the recipe name, date, baking temperature, and bake time.

Frozen cookie dough will keep for up to three months. When you're ready to bake, simply follow your recipe's instructions, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time to account for the dough being frozen.

How to store freshly baked cookies

If you want to store freshly baked cookies, there are a few different methods you can use, depending on how long you want to keep them for.

Room Temperature

Storing cookies at room temperature is the best way to keep them fresh for whenever you crave a cookie. Soft cookies, or those filled with cream or frosting, do best at room temperature. When stored properly, cookies can stay fresh for up to a week, depending on the type of cookie. Cookies that are meant to be dry or crispy and don't contain perishable ingredients stay fresh longer.

To store cookies at room temperature, use airtight containers, cookie jars, or plastic bags to prevent air exposure and moisture loss. Keep cookies in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or areas with high humidity. If you need to stack cookies within a container, separate each layer with parchment or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.

Refrigerator

Storing cookies in the refrigerator is a great technique for maintaining freshness. Cookies stored in the refrigerator can remain fresh for about 1 to 2 weeks. This method best suits cookies without fillings or frostings, such as sugar cookies, shortbread, and biscotti.

To store cookies in the refrigerator, use airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. Before placing the cookies in containers, make sure they’ve cooled completely to prevent condensation. Label containers or bags with the date to keep track of freshness and set the refrigerator to a slightly higher humidity setting to help cookies maintain moisture. Allow cookies to come to room temperature before eating so they can regain their texture and flavors.

Freezer

To keep cookies fresh for longer, try sticking them in the freezer. This method is the most effective for preserving cookies for long periods. Cookies can retain their quality for 1 to 3 months in the freezer when stored properly. Almost any type of cookie does well in the freezer, including chocolate chip, oatmeal, and peanut butter.

Before placing your cookies in the freezer, let them fully cool to prevent freezer burn. You can wrap cookies individually or in layers with wax paper before placing them in airtight containers or freezer bags to stop them from sticking together. Label containers or bags with the type of cookie and date of storage. Thaw frozen cookies in their sealed container at room temperature or in the refrigerator before eating.

Flavour variations for frozen cookies

Dark Chocolate Chunks and Toasted Chopped Pecans

Instead of using semi-sweet chocolate chips, substitute them with dark chocolate chunks and add some toasted chopped pecans to the mix. This will give your cookies a deeper, richer flavour and a satisfying crunch.

Dried Cranberries and White Chocolate Chips

For a festive twist, swap the chocolate chips for dried cranberries and white chocolate chips. The tartness of the cranberries combined with the sweetness of the white chocolate will create a delicious contrast in your cookies.

Chopped Salted Peanuts and Milk Chocolate Chips or Peanut Butter Chips

If you're a fan of sweet and salty combinations, try adding chopped salted peanuts to your cookie dough along with milk chocolate chips or peanut butter chips. The salty peanuts will enhance the flavour of the chocolate or peanut butter, taking your cookies to the next level.

M&Ms or Peanut Butter Candy Pieces

Add some colour and fun to your cookies by mixing in M&Ms or peanut butter candy pieces. This variation is perfect for those who want a more playful and vibrant treat.

Frequently asked questions