Air-Fried Toll House Cookies: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

Toll House Cookies are a classic, and now you can make them in an air fryer! This method is perfect for when you don't want to turn on the oven or only want to make a small batch. You can use refrigerated cookie dough, make the batter from scratch, or even use cake mix. The cookies will be soft and delicious, and you can make them in just a few minutes. So, if you're craving a warm, homemade cookie but don't want to go to the effort of baking a whole batch, give this a go!

Using pre-made dough vs. homemade dough

When it comes to making toll house cookies in an air fryer, you can use either pre-made dough or homemade dough. Pre-made dough offers convenience and consistency, while homemade dough allows for customization and a more traditional baking experience. Here's a detailed comparison between the two options:

Pre-made Dough:

Pre-made cookie dough, such as the popular Nestle Toll House or Pillsbury brands, provides a quick and easy option for making toll house cookies in an air fryer. These doughs come in a variety of formats, including rolled tubes, pre-cut cubes, and dry mixes. Pre-made dough saves time and effort, as you don't need to measure and mix ingredients or wait for butter to come to room temperature. Simply shape the dough into flat circles, place them in the air fryer, and bake for a few minutes. The convenience of pre-made dough is ideal when you're short on time or craving a quick dessert. Additionally, pre-made dough ensures consistency in the size and shape of your cookies, resulting in a more uniform batch.

Homemade Dough:

On the other hand, making your own dough from scratch allows for greater customization and a more personalized baking experience. With homemade dough, you have the freedom to experiment with different ingredients, flavours, and add-ins. For instance, you can adjust the amount of chocolate chips or try incorporating other mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits. If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, homemade dough gives you the flexibility to make gluten-free or vegan cookies. Moreover, baking with homemade dough can be a fun and rewarding activity, especially if you enjoy the process of measuring, mixing, and creating something from scratch. It's a great option when you want to involve your family or friends in the baking process and create a memorable experience together.

Both pre-made and homemade doughs have their advantages. Pre-made dough offers convenience, consistency, and a quicker baking process, making it ideal for busy individuals or those who want a simple dessert option. On the other hand, homemade dough allows for customization, experimentation, and the satisfaction of creating cookies from scratch. Ultimately, the choice between pre-made and homemade dough depends on your personal preferences, time constraints, and the level of customization you desire in your toll house cookies.

Parchment paper vs. foil

Air fryers are incredibly useful kitchen appliances that allow you to cook a variety of foods quickly and with minimal mess. However, it is important to be cautious when using parchment paper or foil in an air fryer as there are safety risks involved.

Parchment paper is generally safe to use in an air fryer, but it is important to take some precautions. Firstly, ensure that you are using food-grade parchment paper and check the maximum temperature restriction printed on the box. Cut the paper slightly smaller than the bottom of your air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation, and perforate the paper to further assist with airflow and grease drainage. Do not add the parchment paper until after preheating, as it may fly around and burn if it is not weighed down by food. Parchment paper is especially useful for cooking foods that may stick to the basket, like chicken wings, and it makes cleanup easier. However, it is important to note that using parchment paper may pose some risk due to the circulating fan and hot heating elements in the air fryer.

Foil, or tin foil, can also be used in an air fryer and is considered safe as it does not operate like a microwave. It can be useful for locking in flavour and helping with cleanup. However, it is important to follow some guidelines when using foil. Do not cover the food or the base of the air fryer completely with foil, as this will block airflow and prevent the food from cooking properly. Always use foil with food or a dish on top to weigh it down, and cut it to fit the exact footprint of your air fryer to avoid excess touching the heating element. Avoid using foil with acidic foods such as tomatoes, peppers, and citrus, as these can react with the foil.

Both parchment paper and foil have their pros and cons when used in an air fryer. They can help lock in flavour but may also lock in excess oil, and you may not achieve the desired crispy texture. They are not essential for cooking in an air fryer, so only use them if you feel they would benefit your dish.

Additionally, there are other alternatives to consider, such as silicone liners or silicone baskets, which are reusable, dishwasher-safe, and reduce waste.

Air fryer temperature and timing

If you are using refrigerated dough, preheat your air fryer to 320-325°F for 2 minutes. Then, place the dough in the air fryer and bake for 7-13 minutes. Check on the cookies after 5-8 minutes to ensure they don't overcook. The cookies are done when they are golden brown on top. Let them cool in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes before removing them.

If you are using frozen dough, increase the baking time by 1 minute. Preheat your air fryer to 300°F and bake the cookies for 7-8 minutes for a soft and melty texture or 9 minutes for a crispier cookie. Check on the cookies after 6 minutes to avoid overcooking. Again, let them cool in the air fryer for a few minutes before removing them.

It's important to note that all air fryers heat differently, even those from the same manufacturer. Therefore, it's crucial to keep a close eye on your cookies during the first batch to determine the ideal timing for your specific air fryer. Additionally, using parchment paper with holes or aluminium foil is recommended to ensure even cooking and prevent the paper from flying around or catching fire.

How to store leftover cookies

Cookies are best eaten fresh out of the oven, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in a few different ways to keep them tasting great for longer. The best method depends on the type of cookie you're dealing with and how long you want to keep them fresh.

Storing Crunchy Cookies

Moisture is the enemy of crunchy cookies, so avoid storing them in an airtight container or zip-top plastic bag, as this will trap moisture inside and make them go soft. Instead, leave the bag partially unsealed, and they should stay fresh for several days.

If you want to enjoy your crunchy cookies later on, it's best to freeze the unbaked dough. Shape the dough into logs, wrap them in plastic, and place them in a zip-top plastic freezer bag or airtight container. You can also flash-freeze individual scoops of dough on cookie sheets and then place the frozen balls of dough in a zip-top plastic freezer bag.

Storing Soft Cookies

For soft cookies, a little moisture will help them retain their texture. If you plan to eat the cookies within a few days, place them in an airtight container or zip-top plastic bag. You can also place a slice of sandwich bread inside the container, which will absorb excess moisture and keep the cookies soft.

If you want to pre-bake soft cookies to enjoy later, let them cool completely before freezing them on cookie sheets. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight container or zip-top plastic freezer bag.

Defrosting Cookies

To defrost your frozen cookies, place them on a paper towel-lined plate at room temperature. You can also crisp them up in the oven by warming them at 300°F for 5 minutes or 425°F for 4 to 5 minutes.

General Cookie Storage Tips

Regardless of the type of cookie, always let them cool completely before storing them. If you don't, the container will trap heat and condensation, making your cookies soggy. Avoid icing or frosting cookies before storing them, as the additional moisture may make your cookies softer than you'd like, and they'll take up a lot of space.

Air fryer basket prep

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating to 300°F (150°C) or 320°F, but you can also experiment with higher temperatures like 350°F or 400°F. Preheating ensures that your air fryer is ready to cook the cookies evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Parchment Paper

Line the bottom of your air fryer basket with parchment paper. Cut the parchment paper to fit the basket snugly. Some people recommend using parchment paper with holes to ensure even air circulation. However, others suggest that this is not necessary, and you can bake the cookies directly on the bottom of the frying basket.

If you do use parchment paper, consider using a glass or metal container inside the air fryer and placing the parchment paper inside it. This helps weigh down the paper and prevents it from flying around or flapping during cooking, which can lead to fires.

Step 3: Prepare the Cookie Dough

While your air fryer is preheating, prepare your cookie dough. You can use refrigerated or frozen Toll House cookie dough, or make your own from scratch. If using frozen dough, allow it to defrost first, or add an extra minute to your baking time.

Flatten and shape your cookie dough into balls or circles, keeping them uniform in size for even cooking. If desired, you can add toppings such as sprinkles, chopped nuts, or mini marshmallows to the raw cookie dough.

Step 4: Place the Cookie Dough in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the cookie dough balls or circles into the air fryer basket, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. The number of cookies you can fit will depend on the size of your air fryer. For a medium-sized air fryer, you can typically fit four to six cookies.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Close the air fryer and bake the cookies for 7-8 minutes for soft, melty cookies, or a few minutes longer for crispier, browner cookies. Check on the cookies after 6 minutes to ensure they don't overcook.

Once the cookies are done to your liking, let them sit in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes to finish the baking process and set. Then, carefully remove them from the air fryer and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success:

• Always use a wire rack to cool the cookies.
• If using parchment paper, ensure it is weighed down with food to prevent it from flying around and potentially catching fire.
• Keep an eye on the cookies during the first batch to determine the ideal cooking time for your air fryer, as cooking times may vary.
• Experiment with different flavors of Toll House cookie dough, such as chocolate chip, sugar, or peanut butter.

Frequently asked questions