Air-Fried Sugar Cookies: A Quick, Easy Treat?

Sugar cookies are a classic, and making them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Air fryer sugar cookies are golden and crispy on the outside, with a soft and chewy centre. They're simple to make and only require a few basic ingredients, such as butter, sugar, flour, eggs, and vanilla. You can also add your own twist with extras like candies, chips, frosting, or sprinkles. The air fryer method is perfect for small batches, so you can easily whip up a few fresh cookies whenever the craving hits without any fuss or mess.

Air fryer sugar cookie recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg at room temperature
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• Optional toppings: sprinkles, coloured sugars, candies, chips, frosting, or even leave them plain

Method:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream the sugar and butter together.
• Add egg yolks and vanilla. Beat again.
• Add flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Beat again.
• Form the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and flatten them gently.
• Place them in an air fryer basket lined with parchment paper 2 inches apart. You will need to bake them in batches.
• Air fry at 350ºF for 7-11 minutes or until golden brown and slightly cracked on top.
• Remove from the air fryer and cool on a rack, if desired.
• Serve and enjoy!

Tips:

• If you want to add sprinkles, dip one side of the cookie dough slices into a shallow bowl filled with sprinkles before baking.
• You can use foil in an air fryer, but it should be secured tightly to your food or the cooking container.
• You can use regular parchment paper, but you will need to cut it to the correct size and cut some holes in it to allow for air circulation.
• You can refrigerate the dough for about an hour before baking to improve the texture and flavour of the cookies and make the dough easier to handle.
• If you want to decorate your cookies with frosting, a thin layer will be enough—you don't want to overpower the cookies.

Storage:

• Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to two weeks at room temperature or up to one week in the fridge.
• You can freeze baked cookies in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to six months.
• To freeze cookie dough, roll the dough into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months.

Advantages of air fryer baking

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional ovens when it comes to baking. Here are some advantages of using an air fryer for baking:

Quick and Easy

Baking with an air fryer is a quick and convenient option, especially when you're in a hurry or only want to bake a small batch. Air fryers require no preheating, so you can simply prepare your cookie dough, place it in the air fryer, and start baking. This makes air fryers ideal for satisfying sudden cravings!

Energy Efficient

Air fryers are also more energy-efficient than traditional ovens. They use less energy to reach higher temperatures, resulting in faster cooking times. This makes air fryers a more environmentally friendly option for baking.

Easy Cleanup

Air fryers are known for their easy cleanup. When baking cookies, you can use parchment paper or a tray, resulting in minimal mess. This is especially true when using premade cookie dough, as there is no need to worry about mixing bowls or other utensils.

Versatile

Air fryers offer a versatile way to bake cookies. You can experiment with different types of cookie dough, such as peanut butter, chocolate chip, or even adding candies and chips to your sugar cookies. This makes air fryers perfect for those who like to get creative in the kitchen.

Consistent Results

Air fryers provide consistent results when baking cookies. The hot air circulation ensures even cooking, resulting in cookies that are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. With an air fryer, you can achieve that perfect texture and taste every time.

Disadvantages of baking cookies in the air fryer

While baking cookies in an air fryer is a convenient option, there are some disadvantages to this method. Here are some of the drawbacks you may encounter:

• Limited batch size: Due to the compact size of air fryers, you can only bake a small number of cookies at a time. This can be inconvenient if you want to make a large batch of cookies.
• Oval-shaped cookies: The high air circulation in the fryer can cause the dough to blow around, resulting in cookies that are more oval-shaped than round.
• Difficulty in achieving soft cookies: Air fryers are known for producing crispy cookies. If you prefer your cookies soft and chewy, the air fryer method may not be ideal.
• Unsightly appearance: The intense air circulation and close proximity to the heating elements can make air-fried cookies look less aesthetically pleasing than oven-baked cookies.
• Bottoms of cookies may not cook evenly: Some people have reported issues with the bottoms of their cookies not cooking properly in the air fryer. This may be due to the design of the air fryer or the type of cookie dough used.
• Adjustment of temperature and timing: When using an air fryer, you may need to adjust the temperature and timing settings from traditional oven-baked recipes. This can involve some trial and error to get the desired results.

Air fryer sugar cookies vs. oven-baked sugar cookies

Air fryer sugar cookies are a convenient alternative to oven-baked cookies, offering a quicker and easier way to satisfy your sweet tooth. While both methods have their pros and cons, this comparison will outline the key differences between air fryer and oven-baked sugar cookies to help you decide which approach suits your needs.

Preparation and Convenience:

Air fryer sugar cookies excel in convenience and speed. They require minimal preparation, and you can bake them in small batches, making it easy to whip up a quick dessert. The air fryer also eliminates the need for preheating, reducing the overall cooking time. On the other hand, oven-baked cookies typically require a larger batch and involve a lengthier process, including preheating the oven.

Texture and Appearance:

Air fryer sugar cookies tend to have a crispy exterior with a chewy center, giving them a unique texture. However, they may not be the prettiest cookies due to the hot air circulation in the fryer, which can cause the dough to blow around and result in oval-shaped cookies. In contrast, oven-baked cookies have a more traditional appearance and can provide a super soft texture if that's your preference.

Taste and Customization:

Both air fryer and oven-baked sugar cookies offer delicious results, but the air fryer method allows for a crispy texture that might be preferable for certain tastes. Additionally, you can experiment with different mix-ins and toppings for both types of cookies, such as candies, chips, frosting, or sprinkles.

Clean-up:

Air fryer sugar cookies generally result in a quicker and easier clean-up process, especially when using premade dough and parchment paper. Oven-baked cookies may require more extensive clean-up, depending on the recipe and the number of batches baked.

Storage:

Both air fryer and oven-baked sugar cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. They can also be frozen for extended periods, ensuring you always have a sweet treat on hand.

In summary, air fryer sugar cookies offer convenience, speed, and a unique crispy texture, while oven-baked cookies provide a more traditional appearance and the option for a softer texture. Ultimately, both methods deliver delicious results, and the choice between the two depends on your specific preferences, time constraints, and desired batch size.

Air fryer sugar cookie history

Air fryer sugar cookies are a relatively recent phenomenon, with the earliest mention I could find being from July 2022. The recipe is a variation on the traditional sugar cookie, adapted for air fryers.

Air fryer recipes have become increasingly popular, and air fryer desserts are no exception. The appeal of making sugar cookies in an air fryer is that it allows for small batches of cookies to be made quickly and with minimal cleanup. The air fryer method also means cookies can be made without heating up an entire kitchen, which is especially appealing to those in hot climates.

The first air fryer sugar cookie recipes appeared online in 2022, with several sources providing detailed instructions on how to make them. The cookies can be made from scratch or using pre-made dough, and there are a variety of optional toppings and mix-ins that can be added to the dough, such as sprinkles, candies, chips, or frosting.

The cooking time for air fryer sugar cookies varies depending on the air fryer model, but most recipes recommend a cooking time of around 4-6 minutes at 350-370 degrees Fahrenheit. The cookies are done when they are lightly golden brown and will harden as they cool.

The air fryer sugar cookie recipe has been well-received by those who have tried it, with many commenting on how easy and convenient it is to make fresh cookies using this method.

Frequently asked questions