Air Fryer Cookie Hack: Premade Cookies, Perfectly Crispy

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional ovens for baking cookies. They are faster, easier to clean, and can produce a variety of textures, from soft and chewy to crispy. You can use homemade or store-bought dough, and even frozen dough balls for a quick dessert. However, there are a few drawbacks: the size of the air fryer limits the number of cookies you can bake at once, and the powerful air circulation can cause the cookies to blow around and take on an oval shape.

Air fryer cookies: a quick, easy, and tasty treat

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional ovens when it comes to baking cookies. Not only do they yield thick, soft, and chewy cookies, but they also cut down the cooking time by half! Here are some tips and tricks to help you bake delicious cookies using an air fryer.

Advantages of Using an Air Fryer for Cookies

• Air fryers preheat faster than conventional ovens, and their small size means a quicker bake time.
• They create the perfect cookie texture: crispy edges with a soft interior.
• You can make small batches of cookies, which is great for portion control or when you're craving just a few cookies.
• There's almost no cleanup, especially when you use parchment paper.
• You can keep extra cookie dough frozen and bake a few cookies whenever you want a fresh treat.

Disadvantages of Using an Air Fryer for Cookies

• The cookies may not be as pretty as oven-baked ones, as the hot air circulating in the fryer can cause the dough to blow around and form oval-shaped cookies.
• If you prefer your cookies to be super soft, the air fryer might not be the best option, as it tends to make crispier cookies.

Ingredients and Supplies

• Cookie dough: You can use premade dough like Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough or make your own. If making your own, typical ingredients include flour, butter, sugar (white and/or brown), eggs, vanilla, baking soda or bicarbonate of soda, and chocolate chips.
• Air fryer: Any type of air fryer will work, but keep in mind that each fryer may heat slightly differently, so you might need to adjust the baking time.
• Parchment paper or a tray that fits your air fryer: This is necessary to prevent the cookie dough from sticking to the basket and ensure even baking. You can use regular parchment paper, but it's recommended to cut it to size and make some holes in it for better airflow.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Cookies in an Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer.
• Line the basket of the air fryer with parchment paper or a baking sheet.
• Prepare your cookie dough by either slicing premade dough or mixing your own.
• Place the cookie dough on the parchment paper or tray, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
• Set the temperature and time according to your air fryer and the type of dough you're using. As a general guideline, bake at 325°F (160-170°C) for 7-10 minutes.
• Once the timer goes off, open the basket and let the cookies cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to continue cooling.

Tips and Tricks

• If using homemade dough, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least an hour before baking to get thicker cookies.
• Don't skip the resting time after baking. Letting the cookies rest helps prevent breaking and allows them to firm up as they cool.
• Keep an eye on the cookies, as air fryers can vary, and you might need to adjust the time and temperature accordingly.
• Experiment with different mix-ins like walnuts, shredded coconut, candy buttons, or peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips.

Storing and Reheating Cookies

• Store leftover cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 6 months.
• To reheat, simply place the cookies back in the air fryer for a minute or two to regain that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth and crispness.

So, the next time you're craving some warm, gooey cookies, don't hesitate to reach for your air fryer! With this guide, you'll be well on your way to becoming an air fryer baking pro.

The best type of parchment paper for air fryer cookies

When it comes to baking cookies in an air fryer, parchment paper is a must-have. Not only does it make cleanup a breeze, but it also ensures your cookies don't stick to the air fryer basket. But with so many types of parchment paper available, which one is best suited for air-frying cookies? Here are some tips to help you choose the right parchment paper for perfect air fryer cookies.

First and foremost, always use food-grade parchment paper. This is crucial, as you don't want to risk any harmful substances coming into contact with your food. Check the packaging to ensure it is specifically intended for culinary use.

Temperature resistance is another critical factor. Parchment paper typically has a maximum temperature limit, which can range from 400°F to 450°F. Make sure the parchment paper you choose can withstand the heat of your air fryer. The ideal temperature for air-frying cookies is around 325°F, so select a parchment paper with a higher temperature limit to be on the safe side.

The size and shape of the parchment paper are also important considerations. You want the paper to fit snugly in your air fryer basket, allowing enough space for air circulation but not so much that the paper comes into contact with the heating element. Pre-cut, perforated parchment paper rounds or squares designed specifically for air fryers are a convenient option, as they eliminate the need for measuring and cutting.

Thickness and quality are other factors to keep in mind. Thicker parchment paper is generally less likely to wrinkle or tear, which is important when handling sticky cookie dough. Look for a sturdy, high-quality parchment paper that can handle the weight of the cookie dough without ripping or becoming soggy.

Finally, consider the convenience of use. Some parchment papers come in easy-to-use packaging, allowing you to pull out one sheet at a time without disturbing the others. Others may be more challenging to work with, so consider your priorities when making your selection.

• Vailnd Air Fryer Paper Liners: These liners come in various sizes to fit your air fryer and can withstand temperatures up to 428°F. They are perfectly sized for some air fryers, non-stick, and prevent grease accumulation.
• Katbite Heavy Duty Parchment Paper Sheets: Rated for temperatures up to 450°F, these sheets are convenient for a quarter sheet pan and can also be used on larger baking sheets. They absorb oil well and curl only slightly on the edges after baking.
• Reynolds Kitchen Unbleached Parchment Paper Roll: This unbleached and compostable parchment paper is safe to use up to 425°F. It comes in a user-friendly box that makes it easy to tear off a sheet without ripping or wrinkling.

Remember to always follow the safety guidelines when using parchment paper in your air fryer. Cut the paper to size, ensuring it doesn't obstruct air circulation. Avoid preheating the air fryer with the parchment paper inside, and always weigh it down with food to prevent it from flying around and coming into contact with the heating element.

How to make air fryer cookies from scratch

Yes, you can make premade cookies in an air fryer. Here is a guide on how to make air fryer cookies from scratch:

Ingredients

• Butter (preferably unsalted)
• Sugar (white and/or brown)
• Egg (optional)
• Vanilla extract (optional)
• Flour (all-purpose/plain or gluten-free; cornflour is optional)
• Raising agents (e.g. baking soda or bicarbonate of soda)
• Chocolate chips or other mix-ins (e.g. walnuts, shredded coconut, or peanut butter chips)
• Milk (optional)

Method

• Mix the wet and dry ingredients separately. Cream the butter and sugars together in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer. You can also use a bowl and spoon or an electric hand mixer.
• Combine the wet and dry mixtures. Stir through the milk and vanilla extract.
• Make the cookie dough. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined. Stir through your chosen mix-ins.
• Shape the dough. Line an air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminium foil. Using a cookie scoop, roll out balls of cookie dough.
• Bake the cookies. Place 3-4 cookie dough balls into the air fryer basket, leaving room for the cookies to spread. Air fry at around 170°C/325°F for 7-10 minutes or until the edges are slightly firm/golden.
• Cool the cookies. Remove the cookies from the air fryer basket and let them cool for five minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to continue cooling.

Tips

• You don't need to preheat the air fryer, but you may want to refrigerate the cookie dough for at least an hour if you want thicker cookies.
• Air fry in batches to ensure the cookies have enough room to spread.
• Don't skip the rest time after baking, as this keeps the cookies from breaking.
• Keep an eye on the cookies as air fryers can vary. If your cookies feel raw, continue air frying in one-minute intervals until done.
• You can freeze any leftover cookie dough for up to 3 months.

Air fryer cookies: the best way to make small batches

Air fryers are a great alternative to ovens when it comes to baking cookies, especially if you're looking to make a small batch. They preheat faster, bake faster, and yield thick, soft, and chewy cookies with a gooey centre.

Ingredients

• Butter (preferably unsalted)
• White and brown sugar
• Milk (any type)
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Chocolate chips (or walnuts, shredded coconut, candy buttons, or peanut butter chips)

Steps

• Mix the wet and dry ingredients separately, then combine.
• Stir through the chocolate chips.
• Line an air fryer basket with parchment paper.
• Roll out 12 balls of cookie dough.
• Place 3-4 cookie dough balls into the air fryer basket, leaving room for the cookies to spread.
• Air fry the cookies at 170C/325F for 7-8 minutes or until the edges are slightly firm.
• Remove the cookies from the air fryer basket and let them cool for five minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to continue cooling.

Tips

• You can use aluminium foil or parchment paper in an air fryer, but parchment paper works better as the cookies won't stick to the bottom.
• Air fry in batches to give the cookies enough room to spread.
• For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for at least an hour.
• Don't skip the rest time as it keeps the cookies from breaking.
• Keep an eye on the cookies as air fryers can vary. If they feel raw, continue air frying in one-minute intervals.
• You can swap out the chocolate chips for other ingredients like walnuts, shredded coconut, or candy buttons.

Air fryer cookies: a great alternative to using an oven

Air fryers are a fantastic alternative to using a conventional oven, especially when it comes to baking cookies. Not only do they preheat faster, but they also take less time to bake due to their small size. This makes them perfect for small batches and quick desserts. Here are some tips and tricks for making delicious cookies in your air fryer.

Advantages of Using an Air Fryer for Cookies

• Faster preheating and baking times.
• Perfect for small batches and portion control.
• No need to preheat; just pop the cookies in and bake.
• Crispy edges with a soft and chewy interior.
• Almost no cleanup, especially when using parchment paper.

Disadvantages of Using an Air Fryer for Cookies

• Limited space means you can only bake a few cookies at a time.
• The cookies may not be as pretty, as the hot air can cause the dough to blow around and become oval-shaped.
• Not ideal if you prefer your cookies super soft, as the air fryer tends to make them crispier.

Ingredients and Supplies

• Cookie dough (premade or homemade)
• Parchment paper or a tray/baking sheet that fits your air fryer
• Aluminium foil (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Cookies in an Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer.
• Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a suitable tray. If using parchment paper, ensure it's weighted down to prevent it from blowing around.
• Prepare your cookie dough if making it from scratch. Alternatively, shape premade cookie dough into flat circles.
• Place 3-4 cookies in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them to allow for spreading.
• Bake at 325°F-350°F for 7-11 minutes, depending on your air fryer and desired doneness.
• Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes in the basket before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Troubleshooting

• If baking from frozen, add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
• For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for at least an hour before baking.
• Don't skip the resting time after baking, as it helps the cookies firm up.
• Keep an eye on the cookies, as air fryers can vary, and adjust the time and temperature as needed.
• Experiment with different mix-ins like walnuts, shredded coconut, or peanut butter chips.
• If using aluminium foil, ensure it's secured tightly to the basket or tray to avoid it blowing into the heating coils.

So, the next time you're craving freshly baked cookies, give your air fryer a go! It's a convenient, quick, and easy way to enjoy delicious cookies without the mess of a traditional oven.

Frequently asked questions