Air Fryer Cookie Dough: How Long To Fry?

Air fryers are a great alternative to conventional ovens when it comes to baking cookies. They are faster, require less preheating time, and yield the same texture and flavour. Cookies made in an air fryer are crisp on the outside and soft and gooey on the inside. The baking time for cookies in an air fryer varies from 5 to 11 minutes, depending on the size of the cookie and whether the dough is frozen or fresh.

Air fryer cookie dough cooking times

Air frying cookie dough is a quick and easy way to make a small batch of cookies. The cooking time will depend on the type of dough you are using, but it typically takes between 5 to 11 minutes.

Air Frying Homemade Cookie Dough

If you are making your own cookie dough from scratch, the cooking time will be between 6 to 8 minutes. Start by preheating your air fryer to 325°F. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and place 3 to 4 balls of cookie dough, leaving enough room for the cookies to spread. Air fry for 7 to 8 minutes or until the edges are slightly firm. Remove the cookies from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Air Frying Refrigerated Cookie Dough

Air frying refrigerated cookie dough will take a little longer, around 8 to 9 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F and line the basket with parchment paper. Place 4 circles of cookie dough, leaving a 2-inch space around each cookie. Air fry for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Allow the cookies to cool in the basket for a few minutes before removing them.

Air Frying Frozen Cookie Dough

If you are using frozen cookie dough, increase the cooking time to 9 to 11 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F and line the basket with parchment paper. Place the frozen dough balls onto the parchment paper and air fry for 9 to 11 minutes. As with the other methods, allow the cookies to cool in the basket for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Air Frying Cookies

• Always use parchment paper when air frying cookies to prevent them from sticking and to ensure even baking.
• If using homemade or refrigerated dough, it is best to chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least an hour before air frying to achieve thicker cookies.
• Do a test run with one cookie first to determine the optimal cooking time and temperature for your air fryer.
• Be mindful of the size of your air fryer and adjust the number of cookies accordingly to allow for proper spacing.

Air fryer temperature settings

Air fryers are a great way to make freshly baked cookies with gooey melted chocolate chips in just a few minutes. The air fryer can make a batch of cookies in 5 minutes when using the bake feature, or 8 minutes when using the air fry feature.

When baking cookies in an air fryer, it is important to note that the temperature and timing may vary depending on the type of air fryer and the desired cookie texture. For example, if you prefer gooey cookies, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. For crispier cookies, add an additional minute to the cooking time.

• Set the temperature to 320 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the cookies for 5-6 minutes if you have a multi-function air fryer with a bake feature.
• Use the Air Fry feature at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-8 minutes for a slightly longer cooking time.
• For thicker cookies, it is recommended to refrigerate the dough for at least an hour before baking.
• If you are using a conventional oven recipe, reduce the temperature by about 25 degrees Fahrenheit when baking in an air fryer. For example, if a recipe calls for 350 degrees Fahrenheit, set your air fryer to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Additionally, it is important to use parchment paper or aluminium foil to line the air fryer basket and prevent the dough from sticking. However, make sure that the parchment paper is weighed down with dough, as air circulation may lift it up.

By following these temperature guidelines and tips, you can achieve the perfect cookie texture and avoid any sticking issues when baking cookies in an air fryer.

Air fryer basket prep

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Before you begin, it's a good idea to preheat your air fryer, especially if you're baking cookies. This helps ensure even cooking and the best results. Simply turn on your air fryer and let it run for 2-3 minutes to reach the desired temperature.

Step 2: Line the Air Fryer Basket with Parchment Paper

Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the base of your air fryer basket. You can use regular parchment paper or purchase parchment paper with perforations specifically designed for air frying. This is an important step as it prevents the cookie dough from sticking to the basket and makes cleanup easier. Some people recommend piercing holes in the parchment paper, but this is not necessary for all air fryers.

Step 3: Prepare the Cookie Dough

If you're making homemade cookie dough, cream together the butter and sugars in a large mixing bowl. Then, add the dry ingredients and mix until a moist dough forms. Finally, stir in your choice of mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. If you're using pre-made cookie dough, simply remove it from the refrigerator and proceed to the next step.

Step 4: Scoop the Cookie Dough onto the Parchment Paper

Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the dough into balls. Place the dough balls onto the parchment paper, leaving about 1-2 inches between each ball to allow for spreading. Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as proper air circulation is important for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may fit 3-6 cookies in each batch.

Step 5: Air Fry the Cookies

Once your cookies are prepared and placed in the air fryer basket, it's time to start cooking! Set the air fryer to Bake and follow the recommended temperature and timing guidelines for your specific air fryer and cookie recipe. For example, a basic chocolate chip cookie recipe suggests baking at 325°F for 5 minutes in the air fryer. Remember to bake in batches if you have more cookies than your air fryer can accommodate.

Step 6: Let the Cookies Cool

After air frying, remove the basket from the air fryer and let the cookies cool for a few minutes. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. Repeat the process with the remaining batches of cookie dough until you've baked all your cookies!

Air fryer cookie dough ingredients

Air fryer cookies are a great way to make a small batch of cookies quickly, without needing to preheat an oven. The air fryer's small size means better air circulation and faster preheating.

There are many different recipes for air fryer cookies, but most include the following ingredients:

• Flour — All-purpose or plain white flour is most commonly used. You can also use gluten-free flour if needed.
• Butter — Unsalted butter is usually recommended, and it's best to use butter from a stick rather than a tub, as the latter may contain added water that can affect the texture of the cookies.
• Sugar — Most recipes call for a combination of white and brown sugar. White sugar helps keep the edges of the cookies crisp and firm, while brown sugar keeps the middle soft and chewy.
• Milk — Any type of milk can be used.
• Vanilla extract — A common ingredient in cookie recipes, adding flavour.
• Leavening agent — Baking soda or baking powder is used to help the cookies rise and prevent them from overspreading.
• Salt — Just a pinch of salt is usually added to bring out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
• Chocolate chips — You can use milk, dark, or white chocolate chips, or a mixture. You can also get creative and use other mix-ins like walnuts, shredded coconut, candy buttons, or peanut butter chips.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup melted (but not hot) salted butter of choice
• 1/4 cup granulated white cane sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup (100g) all-purpose flour, scooped and leveled off (don't pack the flour down)
• 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 320 degrees F (160 C).
• Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter with the white sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes lighter in colour.
• Add the sea salt, flour, and baking soda to the wet mixture. Sift the dry ingredients together with a fork, then mix until a moist dough forms.
• Mix in the chocolate chips until just combined.
• With a cookie scoop or spoon, make 5-6 balls of dough and place them on the parchment paper, leaving some space between them.
• Air fry for 6-7 minutes for fresh dough, 8-9 minutes for refrigerated dough, or 9-11 minutes for frozen dough.
• Remove from the air fryer and let the cookies cool in the basket for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and add-ins to create your own unique air fryer cookie recipe!

Air fryer cookie dough storage

Air-fried cookies are a quick and easy dessert option. They are also a great way to curb your sweet tooth without making a mess of the kitchen. Here are some tips for storing your air fryer cookie dough:

Storing Cookie Dough for Later Use:

If you want to store your cookie dough for later use, you can scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Put the baking sheet in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes to let the dough firm up. Once the dough balls are frozen, transfer them to a large freezer bag or wrap them in plastic wrap. Frozen cookie dough can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

Storing Baked Cookies:

If you have already baked your cookies, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a ziplock bag and storing them in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Parchment Paper for Air Fryer:

When using parchment paper in an air fryer, it is important to use parchment paper with perforations to allow for proper airflow and even baking. Regular parchment paper can be used, but it may not provide the same level of airflow. If using regular parchment paper, be sure to cut some slits in the paper to allow for air circulation.

Tips for Baking Cookies in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to ensure even heating.
• Use parchment paper or aluminium foil to line the air fryer basket for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• If using frozen dough, let it come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before air frying. This will help the dough spread more and result in a less rounded shape.
• Do a test run with one cookie first to determine the optimal temperature and timing for your air fryer. Adjust the temperature and time as needed.
• Always allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the air fryer basket to avoid breakage.

Frequently asked questions