Air Fryer Cookies: Pillsbury's Easy Treats

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to ovens for baking cookies. You can use the air fryer to bake Pillsbury chocolate chip or sugar cookies. The cookies will turn out perfectly cooked and golden brown on the outside with a nice crunch. The air fryer is also a safer option, as it doesn't require preheating, which can cause the dough to melt and run off.

Air Frying Pillsbury Cookies

Air Fryer Settings and Temperatures

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to traditional ovens and are perfect for baking cookies. When preparing Pillsbury cookie dough in an air fryer, there are a few key settings and temperatures to keep in mind for optimal results.

Firstly, it is important to ensure that your air fryer is cool before placing the cookie dough inside. Avoid preheating the air fryer, as this will cause the dough to melt and run off. Always use a cold air fryer tray or basket when starting.

The ideal temperature setting for baking Pillsbury cookies in an air fryer is around 300°F to 330°F. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the temperature slightly. Set the timer for 4 to 10 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the cookies as they bake, as the timing can vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the number of cookies you are baking.

If you are using an air fryer basket, line it with parchment paper or aluminium foil to prevent the dough from falling through the holes. Make sure the foil is weighted down correctly and does not cover the entire basket, as this could create a safety hazard. Always refer to your air fryer's instruction manual for specific guidelines and recommendations.

When baking multiple batches of cookies, allow the air fryer to cool down between batches. Keep the dough cool by storing it in the refrigerator while waiting for the air fryer to reach the desired temperature. This helps maintain consistent results with each batch.

Preparing the Cookie Dough

To prepare the cookie dough for air frying, start by taking out the air fryer basket. If you're using pre-portioned cookie dough, break the cookies apart or slice them if they're in a log form. Place the cookies about 2 inches apart in the basket to prevent them from sticking together and to allow room for spreading during cooking. An air fryer basket typically holds around 7 cookies, so you may need to bake in batches.

If you're using Pillsbury cookie dough, opt for the refrigerated option. You can choose from a variety of flavours, such as chocolate chip or sugar cookie dough. For chocolate chip cookies, the air fryer will bake the dough to perfection, resulting in a golden brown exterior with a nice crunch and gooey chocolate chips.

When arranging the cookies in the air fryer basket, ensure they are placed in an even layer and spaced evenly apart. This will ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to uneven baking or the cookies sticking together.

Once you've placed the cookies in the air fryer basket, it's time to set the temperature and cooking time. For chocolate chip cookies, a temperature of 300°F for 10 minutes is recommended. However, every air fryer is different, so you may need to adjust the time slightly. For sugar cookies, a temperature of 330°F for 4 minutes is suggested, but again, adjust as needed for your specific air fryer.

Placing the Cookies in the Air Fryer

To start, take out the air fryer basket and open the package of cookie dough. If you are using Pillsbury cookie dough, you will need to break apart the cookies from the dough if they are pre-portioned. If you are using a cookie dough log, you will need to slice the cookies first. Place the cookies about 2 inches apart in the basket so that they don't stick together and have room to spread while cooking. If you are using an air fryer tray, simply place the cookies onto the cold tray.

It is important to note that if you are using an air fryer basket, the dough will fall through the holes when the cookies bake. Therefore, it is recommended to line the basket with parchment paper or aluminium foil. However, be careful not to cover the entire basket, as this may cause a safety hazard. Make sure that the foil is weighted down correctly so that it does not catch in the heating element. Always consult your air fryer's instruction manual before using any new materials.

Once you have placed the cookies in the air fryer, set the temperature accordingly. For chocolate chip cookies, a temperature of 300F for 10 minutes is recommended. However, for sugar cookies, a temperature of 330 degrees F for 4 minutes is suggested. Keep in mind that every air fryer is different, so you may need to adjust the temperature and timing slightly. Additionally, it is recommended to let the air fryer cool down between batches.

After setting the temperature and timing, return the basket to the air fryer and let the cookies bake. Once the time is up, carefully remove the cookies from the air fryer using a spatula and transfer them to a serving plate. Allow the cookies to cool slightly before enjoying them warm.

Baking Time and Process

The baking time for Pillsbury cookies in an air fryer varies depending on the type of cookie and the specific air fryer model. For instance, the recommended baking time for Pillsbury chocolate chip cookies is 10 minutes at 300 degrees Fahrenheit, while for Pillsbury sugar cookies, it is suggested to bake them for 4 minutes at 330 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to note that different air fryer models may require slightly different temperatures and timings, so adjustments may be necessary.

When preparing the cookies for baking in an air fryer, it is crucial to follow these steps:

• Start with a cold air fryer tray or basket. Do not preheat the air fryer, as this may cause the dough to melt and run off.
• Place the cookie dough onto the air fryer tray or basket. If using a basket, line it with parchment paper to prevent the dough from falling through the holes. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during cooking.
• Set the temperature and timer according to the recommendations for your specific cookie type and air fryer model.
• After the baking time has elapsed, carefully remove the cookies from the air fryer using a spatula and transfer them to a serving plate.
• Allow the cookies to cool slightly before serving. They will harden as they cool.
• It is recommended to let the air fryer cool down between batches. Additionally, keep the dough cool between batches by storing it in the refrigerator.

By following these steps and adjusting the temperature and timing based on your specific air fryer model, you can ensure perfectly baked Pillsbury cookies every time.

Serving Suggestions

These air-fried Pillsbury cookies are a great snack option for any time of the day. They are delicious, fresh, and warm straight out of the air fryer, with a crunchy exterior and a gooey, soft interior. They are perfect for when you want to indulge in something sweet without putting in too much effort.

The cookies can be enjoyed on their own or with a traditional glass of milk, tea, or coffee. For a more indulgent treat, pair them with a glass of vegan chocolate banana ice cream, a cinnamon dolce latte, tea with honey and lemon, or a Mexican hot chocolate.

If you're looking to balance out the sweetness of the cookies, consider serving them with something savoury, such as air fryer shrimp tempura, air fryer zucchini fries, or air fryer tortilla pizza. These savoury snacks can also be prepared in the air fryer, making it a quick and convenient option for serving a variety of snacks.

For a festive twist, you can opt for Pillsbury's holiday-themed cookies, which are available in various shapes and varieties for different occasions, such as Halloween, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, and Easter. These cookies can be enjoyed as a fun treat during the holiday season and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Frequently asked questions