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

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to baking cookies in a conventional oven. You can make Toll House cookies in an air fryer using refrigerated or frozen cookie dough. The cookies will be ready in under 15 minutes, and you can make them in small batches. The key to success is using parchment paper with holes to ensure proper air circulation and even baking.

Air fryer temperature and timing

Air Fryer Temperature:

• It is recommended to set your air fryer to 325°F (150°C) for baking Toll House cookies. This temperature setting ensures that the cookies bake evenly and achieve the desired level of doneness.
• If you prefer a softer and meltier cookie, set the temperature to 300°F (150°C). This lower temperature will result in a softer and gooier texture.
• For crispier cookies, you can increase the temperature to 350°F. However, be cautious as this temperature may be too high for certain air fryers, and you don't want to end up with overcooked cookies.

Air Frying Time:

• The cooking time for Toll House cookies in an air fryer can vary depending on your desired level of doneness. As a general guideline, air fry your cookies for 10-13 minutes at 325°F.
• For softer cookies, aim for the lower end of the time range, around 10-11 minutes. This will give you cookies that are slightly underdone and gooey in the center.
• If you prefer your cookies crispier and more well-done, increase the cooking time to 12-13 minutes. Keep in mind that different air fryers may vary in terms of heat distribution, so it's important to keep an eye on your cookies to avoid overcooking.
• For refrigerated cookie dough, start checking your cookies around the 8-10 minute mark to ensure they don't overcook.
• If you're using frozen cookie dough, add an extra minute to the cooking time to ensure they bake through properly.
• For mini Toll House chocolate chip cookies, adjust the cooking time to 4-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
• Remember that the cookies will continue to cook for a few minutes even after you turn off the air fryer, so it's important to factor in this additional cooking time.

Additional Tips:

• Always use parchment paper with holes in it to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. Place the parchment paper in the air fryer basket before adding the cookie dough.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leave enough space between each cookie to allow for even cooking and air circulation.
• Be cautious when using parchment paper, as it can sometimes fly up into the heating element and catch on fire. Ensure that the parchment paper is weighed down by the cookies or other weighted objects.
• Don't preheat your air fryer with just parchment paper inside, as this can also pose a fire hazard.
• Let the cookies cool in the air fryer basket for 3-5 minutes after cooking. They will continue to cook and set during this time.
• For best results, follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your air fryer, as settings and temperatures may vary between different models.

Parchment paper usage

Parchment paper is a nonstick, grease-resistant surface that is a baker's best friend. It is often used in conventional ovens to keep the bottom of baked goods from burning and to make cleanup easier.

You can use parchment paper in an air fryer, but it is not recommended for regular use. Parchment paper can block airflow in the air fryer, which is paramount to how the appliance cooks. It can also pose a fire risk if it blows up toward the heating element.

If you do use parchment paper in an air fryer, make sure to follow these precautions:

• Use food-grade parchment paper.
• Check the maximum temperature restriction printed on the box and do not exceed it.
• Cut the paper to fit the bottom of your air fryer basket. It is best to cut it slightly smaller to allow for better air circulation.
• Perforating and trimming the paper can further assist with air circulation and allow grease to drain away from food.
• Do not pre-heat your air fryer with parchment paper inside. Only add the parchment paper after the air fryer has been pre-heated, and make sure it is weighed down by food so it does not blow around inside the unit.
• Ensure the food you are cooking is heavy enough to keep the parchment paper in place and prevent it from blowing toward the heating element.
• Always supervise the air fryer when it is in use.

If you are looking for an alternative to parchment paper, you can use aluminium foil, or a reusable silicone liner.

Customising Toll House cookies

Toll House Cookies are a versatile treat that can be customised in numerous ways to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Customise the dough: The Toll House Cookie dough can be customised by adjusting the ratio of brown sugar to granulated sugar. If you prefer a chewier, softer cookie, increase the amount of brown sugar. On the other hand, if you like your cookies crispier and more spread out, follow the traditional Toll House recipe, which tends to produce crispier cookies. Additionally, you can experiment with adding more vanilla extract to enhance the flavour.
• Add toppings: There are endless possibilities for toppings to elevate your Toll House Cookies. Consider adding toppings like mini marshmallows, rainbow sprinkles, chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts), crushed candy canes, or even crushed potato chips. You can also get creative with toppings like dried cranberries, coconut flakes, or fruity pebbles. Simply push these toppings into the raw cookie dough before baking.
• Experiment with temperature and time: The baking temperature and time play a crucial role in achieving your desired cookie texture. For a softer, meltier cookie, opt for a lower temperature and shorter baking time. Conversely, if you prefer your cookies crispier and more browned, increase the temperature or extend the baking time. Remember that every air fryer is different, so it's essential to keep a close eye on your cookies to avoid overcooking.
• Try different types of chocolate chips: While the classic Toll House recipe calls for semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can experiment with different varieties. Try using milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips to find your favourite flavour combination.
• Add a secret ingredient: Believe it or not, a simple ingredient like water can transform your Toll House Cookies. Adding a small amount of water to the dough can make your cookies chewier and crispier, especially if you're using shortening or other pure fats in your recipe.
• Customise the shape and thickness: Whether you prefer thick or thin cookies, you can customise the shape and thickness of your Toll House Cookies. For thicker cookies, form more spherical dough balls before placing them in the air fryer. If you're going for a thinner, crispier cookie, flatten the dough balls slightly before baking.

Reheating cookies

There are several ways to reheat cookies, including using an oven, toaster oven, stove top, microwave, or air fryer. The best method for you will depend on the number of cookies you want to reheat, the type of cookie, and your personal preference.

If you're reheating cookies in an air fryer, it is recommended to set the air fryer to 350°F and line it with parchment paper. Place the cookies in the air fryer and bake for 2-3 minutes. Then, set the cookies aside on a cooling rack for a minute or so before serving.

If you're reheating cookies that have been frozen, place them carefully into the air fryer and set it to 300°F without preheating. Bake for 3 minutes if you're reheating one cookie, or 4 minutes for two or more cookies.

If you're reheating cookies that have been stored in the fridge, place them carefully into the air fryer and set it to 300°F without preheating. Bake for 2-3 minutes if you're reheating one cookie, or 3 minutes for two or more cookies.

If you're reheating cookies that are at room temperature, place them carefully into the air fryer and set it to 300°F without preheating. Bake for 1-2 minutes if you're reheating one cookie, or 2 minutes for two or more cookies.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the number of cookies you're reheating. Be sure to keep an eye on the cookies to avoid overcooking or burning.

Additionally, if you're reheating cookies with toppings, you can choose any of the methods mentioned above. Just be sure to allow the cookies to cool for a moment before adding any additional toppings.

Air fryer cookies vs. oven-baked cookies

Air fryers are a great alternative to baking cookies in the oven, especially if you're short on time or only want to bake a small batch. They can also be a good option if you're looking for a more crispy and gooey texture to your cookies.

Advantages of Using an Air Fryer:

• Faster baking time: Air fryers can bake cookies in as little as 6 to 13 minutes, depending on the desired doneness and the type of air fryer.
• Small batch baking: Air fryers are perfect for baking just a few cookies at a time, making it convenient if you're craving a quick treat or don't want to deal with a full batch.
• Customization: You can easily customize your cookies by topping the dough with sprinkles, nuts, or other ingredients, and shaping it to your preferred thickness.
• No preheating required: Unlike traditional ovens, air fryers don't always require preheating, saving you time and energy.

Tips for Baking Cookies in an Air Fryer:

• Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminium foil to prevent the cookies from sticking and for easier cleanup. However, some people recommend baking directly on the bottom of the basket for better results.
• Leave enough space between the cookies to allow for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to bake in batches.
• Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake, as air fryers can vary in temperature and cooking time. Check your cookies regularly to avoid overcooking or burning.
• Let the cookies cool for a few minutes before removing them from the air fryer to allow them to finish cooking and to firm up.

Differences Between Air Fryer and Oven-Baked Cookies:

• Texture: Air fryer cookies tend to have crispier edges and gooey centres due to the intense heat and close proximity of the air circulation. Oven-baked cookies may have a more consistent texture throughout.
• Batch size: Air fryers are ideal for small batches, while ovens can accommodate larger batches, making them more suitable for baking multiple cookies at once.
• Cooking time: Air fryers generally cook cookies faster than ovens, making them a good choice when you're short on time.

In conclusion, both air fryers and ovens can be used to bake delicious cookies, but each method has its own advantages and considerations. Air fryers are great for quick, crispy, and gooey cookies, while ovens are better suited for larger batches and more consistent baking results. Ultimately, the best method depends on your personal preferences and the equipment you have available.

Frequently asked questions