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

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to traditional ovens, and they can be used to make delicious sugar cookies with crispy exteriors and chewy centres. The air fryer method is ideal for small batches and saves time and energy. While the cookies may not be as aesthetically pleasing as those baked in an oven, the air fryer's ability to bake in small quantities and its quick cooking time make it a convenient option for satisfying sudden cravings.

Advantages of making sugar cookies in an air fryer

There are several advantages to making sugar cookies in an air fryer. Here are some of the key benefits:

Quick and Easy

Air fryer sugar cookies are quick and easy to make. The air fryer method allows you to bake cookies in small batches, satisfying your craving for freshly baked treats without the hassle of making an entire batch. It is perfect for when you want a quick dessert, as you don't need to preheat the air fryer, and it bakes everything super fast.

Convenience and Cleanup

Making sugar cookies in an air fryer is convenient, especially if you live in a hot climate. You can make cookies without heating up your entire kitchen, and cleanup is a breeze. The air fryer basket can be lined with parchment paper, making cleanup almost nonexistent. Additionally, you can store extra cookie dough in the freezer for future cravings.

Customization and Variety

Air fryers allow you to experiment with different types of cookie dough and mix-ins. You can use premade dough or make your own, and add candies, chips, frosting, or leave them plain. The small-batch nature of air fryer baking also encourages experimentation with different flavors and add-ins without wasting a large batch of dough.

Time-Saving

Air fryers can save you time, especially if you are baking multiple batches of cookies. You can bake a large number of cookies simultaneously in your oven and air fryer, reducing the overall baking time. This is especially helpful for busy individuals or those tasked with baking for family and school events.

Versatility

Air fryers offer the versatility to bake cookies from scratch or use premade dough. You can also decorate your sugar cookies with icing, sprinkles, or food coloring to create festive treats for various holidays and occasions.

Disadvantages of making sugar cookies in an air fryer

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

Oval-Shaped Cookies: The circulating hot air in the air fryer can cause the dough to blow around, resulting in oval-shaped cookies instead of the desired circular shape. This can be a disadvantage if you are looking for perfectly shaped cookies.

Difficulty in Achieving Desired Texture: Air fryers are known for producing super crispy cookies. If you prefer your sugar cookies to be soft and chewy, the air fryer method may not be ideal. It is challenging to achieve a soft and gooey texture without overbaking the cookies.

Limited Batch Size: Air fryers have smaller capacities than conventional ovens, which means you can only bake a limited number of cookies at once. This can be inconvenient if you are looking to bake a large batch of cookies.

Uneven Cooking: Due to the concentrated heat and rapid cooking of an air fryer, there is a risk of uneven cooking. The cookies may brown or cook faster on one side, requiring careful monitoring to avoid overcooking.

Adjustments in Temperature and Timing: When using an air fryer, you may need to adjust the temperature and timing settings compared to traditional oven baking. This can be a trial-and-error process, and you may need to experiment to find the perfect settings for your desired cookie texture.

Potential for Mess: While air fryers can reduce cleanup compared to traditional baking, there is still a potential for messiness. The hot air can cause the sugar from the cookies to blow around, resulting in a sticky residue on the air fryer walls and surrounding surfaces.

Ingredients for making sugar cookies in an air fryer

Sugar cookies are a classic dessert that can be made in an air fryer with just a few simple ingredients. Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make delicious air-fried sugar cookies:

• Flour: All-purpose flour is typically used in sugar cookie recipes. If you want to experiment with different types of flour, such as gluten-free flour, you may need to adjust the recipe accordingly.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for this recipe. If you only have salted butter, you can omit the salt from the recipe. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted or very cold.
• Sugar: Any type of granulated sugar will work. This includes white, brown, or raw sugar. Caster sugar is also an option, but granulated white sugar may be easier to combine with butter.
• Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together and give the cookies a nice texture. You can also use egg substitutes or aquafaba to make vegan sugar cookies.
• Vanilla extract: This ingredient adds a delicious flavour to the cookies. You can also use vanilla bean paste or any other essence you prefer.
• Baking powder: This ingredient helps the cookies rise and become fluffy. However, if you want flat cookies that are easier to ice, you may want to omit the baking powder or use a smaller amount.
• Salt: A small amount of salt enhances the flavour of the cookies, especially if you are using unsalted butter.
• Optional toppings: Sprinkles, coloured sugars, or candies like Reese's Pieces can be added to decorate your cookies.

Once you have gathered your ingredients, you can start preparing your cookie dough. Combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) in one bowl, and the wet ingredients (butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla) in another. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms. You can then shape the dough into balls, flatten them, and place them in the air fryer to cook.

Step-by-step instructions for making sugar cookies in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Optional: Sprinkles, coloured sugars, candies, chips, frosting, or other mix-ins

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 325-370 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
• In a separate bowl, beat the butter until creamy. This should take about 1 minute.
• With the mixer on medium speed, add the sugar to the butter and cream for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
• Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until combined.
• With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the dough into balls. Then, flatten the dough balls slightly with the bottom of a glass.
• Line the basket of the air fryer with parchment paper or a baking sheet. Place the flattened dough balls in the basket, leaving enough space between them to allow for air circulation and prevent them from spreading into each other.
• Air fry the cookies for 9-11 minutes at 325 degrees Fahrenheit, or 4-6 minutes at 370 degrees Fahrenheit, until they are lightly golden brown.
• Once they are done, remove the cookies from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• It is important to not overcrowd the air fryer to ensure even cooking and prevent the cookies from sticking together.
• You can use store-bought cookie dough instead of making your own.
• If you want to decorate your cookies, you can dip the top of the cookie dough slices into some sprinkles before baking.
• To prevent the cookies from sticking to the air fryer, use parchment paper or lightly grease the basket.
• If you are using parchment paper, cut it to fit the basket with a slight overlap, and poke holes in it to allow for airflow.

Tips for making sugar cookies in an air fryer

• You can use store-bought or homemade cookie dough. If you're using store-bought dough, follow the package instructions for ingredient quantities.
• If you're making your own dough, combine flour, baking powder, salt, butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. You can also add in extras like candies, chips, frosting, or sprinkles.
• Avoid using leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda, as these will cause the cookies to puff up.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Leave enough space between the cookies to allow hot air to circulate.
• Preheat your air fryer before adding the cookies to help them cook evenly and prevent them from sticking.
• Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or an air fryer liner to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Depending on your air fryer, you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time. Air fryers work more like convection ovens, so decrease the temperature by at least 10 degrees Fahrenheit compared to a conventional oven.
• Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving. This will help them firm up and become less fragile.
• You can make cookies from scratch or use pre-made dough. If using pre-made dough, slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick pieces before placing them in the air fryer.
• If decorating the cookies, dip the top of the cookie dough slices into sprinkles or icing before baking.
• Store leftover cookie dough in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month.

Frequently asked questions