Air Fryer Baking: Pillsbury Cookies, Quick And Easy!

Baking cookies in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to make a small batch of cookies. It's also a great option if you're short on time as air fryers cook faster than conventional ovens. In this article, we'll explore the steps to bake Pillsbury cookies in an air fryer, including the ideal temperature and timing. We'll also discuss some tips and tricks to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

How to bake Pillsbury cookies in an air fryer without parchment paper

Baking Pillsbury cookies in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make delicious treats. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to bake Pillsbury cookies in an air fryer without using parchment paper.

Firstly, it is important to note that the air fryer should be cold when you start. If you preheat the air fryer, the dough will melt. Place the cookies onto a cold air fryer tray, ensuring that the tray has no holes, as the dough will fall through during baking. Set the temperature to 330 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 4 minutes. If your air fryer takes longer to cook food, you may need to increase the time to 5 minutes.

After air frying, let the cookies cool before removing them from the tray. They will harden as they cool. It is also important to let the air fryer cool down between batches. Keep the dough cool while waiting by storing the unbaked cookies in the refrigerator.

If you are using an air fryer basket, be aware that the dough may fall through the holes. To avoid this, you can line the basket with aluminium foil, being careful not to cover the entire basket, as this may cause a safety hazard. Make sure 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 foil.

By following these steps, you can enjoy freshly baked Pillsbury cookies without the need for parchment paper.

The ideal temperature and time for baking Pillsbury cookies in an air fryer

Baking Pillsbury cookies in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy freshly baked cookies without heating up the entire kitchen. The ideal temperature and time for baking Pillsbury cookies in an air fryer may vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer and your desired level of doneness. However, here is a general guide to help you achieve the perfect cookies.

Firstly, it is important to note that you should not preheat your air fryer. This is because the dough will run off and melt if the air fryer is preheated. Place the cookies onto a cold air fryer tray or basket, and ensure that there is space between them to allow for even cooking. If you are using a basket, it is recommended to line it with parchment paper or aluminium foil to prevent the dough from falling through the holes. However, if you are using parchment paper, make sure it is weighted down correctly to avoid it flapping around and causing a fire hazard.

Now, for the ideal temperature and time. Set your air fryer to 320-350 degrees Fahrenheit. The higher the temperature, the crispier the cookies will be. Bake the cookies for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a soft and chewy centre, aim for a lower temperature and a shorter baking time of around 5-7 minutes. If you prefer your cookies slightly crispier, opt for a higher temperature and bake for 7-10 minutes. Keep in mind that the cookies will continue to cook for a few minutes after the air fryer is turned off, so it is important not to overcook them.

Once the cookies are done, remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula and place them on a wire rack to cool. The cookies will continue to cook and harden as they cool, so be patient and allow them to set before indulging in their warm, gooey goodness.

How to make Pillsbury cookies in an air fryer without preheating

Making Pillsbury cookies in an air fryer is a quick and easy process that can curb your sweet tooth cravings in no time! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious Pillsbury cookies without preheating your air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start with refrigerated or frozen Pillsbury cookie dough. If your dough is frozen, there is no need to thaw it first. Simply allow it to sit at room temperature while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. Shape the cookie dough into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. If you prefer thicker cookies, you can make the dough balls larger and more spherical. This is also the perfect time to add any desired toppings or mix-ins, such as sprinkles, chopped nuts, or mini marshmallows.

Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer

Place a piece of parchment paper at the bottom of the air fryer basket. Parchment paper helps with easy cleanup and prevents the cookies from sticking. However, it is not mandatory, and you can choose to cook the cookies directly on the bottom of the frying basket. If you do use parchment paper, ensure it has holes in it to allow proper air circulation. Also, be cautious as loose parchment paper can fly around and catch fire during preheating. Alternatively, you can use aluminium foil or buttered foil instead of parchment paper.

Step 3: Place the Cookies in the Air Fryer

Place the cookie dough balls onto the parchment paper or directly into the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each cookie. The number of cookies that fit in your air fryer may vary depending on its size. For a medium-sized air fryer, four to six cookies are usually the maximum.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Close the air fryer and set the temperature to 325°F to 350°F (or 165°C to 175°C). The ideal baking time will depend on your preferred level of doneness. For softer, meltier cookies, bake for 5 to 7 minutes. If you prefer your cookies crispier and more browned, extend the baking time to 8 to 11 minutes. Keep in mind that Pillsbury cookie dough is safe to eat raw, so you can even enjoy them super soft by baking for just 5 minutes and letting them cool for a couple of minutes.

Step 5: Let the Cookies Cool

Once the cookies are done to your liking, let them cool inside the air fryer for a few minutes with the basket closed. Then, open the basket and allow the cookies to cool for an additional 2 to 5 minutes before removing them. This is important because the cookies will still be very soft and may fall apart if handled too soon. As they cool, they will firm up and become easier to lift off the parchment paper or air fryer basket.

Tips for Customization and Troubleshooting:

• If you are using a basket-style air fryer, be cautious as the dough may fall through the holes during baking. Using parchment paper or aluminium foil can help prevent this.
• Experiment with different toppings and mix-ins to customize your cookies. Some popular options include sprinkles, chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, and chopped candy canes.
• If you are baking multiple batches, let the air fryer cool down between batches to prevent overcooking.
• Always keep an eye on the cookies as air fryers cook quickly, and the cookies can go from perfectly baked to overcooked in a matter of seconds.
• For consistent and reliable results, some recipes recommend preheating the air fryer before adding the cookies. However, this is not mandatory, and you can choose to add an extra minute to the baking time to compensate for the lack of preheating.

The best type of container for baking Pillsbury cookies in an air fryer

When baking Pillsbury cookies in an air fryer, the best type of container to use is a glass or metal container. Placing the container in the air fryer before preheating it will result in crispier, more melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

If you are baking cookies in an air fryer basket, you will need to line the basket with parchment paper or aluminium foil to prevent the dough from falling through the holes. However, if you are using an air fryer tray, you can place the cookies directly on the tray without any need for a container or liner.

When using parchment paper, it is important to ensure that the dough is scattered carefully so that it does not become loose and start a fire. Alternatively, you can use pre-cut parchment paper sheets designed specifically for cookie baking.

If you prefer to use aluminium foil, it is recommended to butter it before placing the cookies on top. You can also place foil underneath and around the edges of the parchment paper to add weight and prevent it from flapping or catching fire.

Overall, the best approach is to consult your air fryer's instruction manual for specific guidelines or restrictions regarding the use of containers, liners, or directly placing food on the tray or basket.

How to prevent Pillsbury cookies from burning in an air fryer

Air fryers are a convenient way to bake up a few cookies in about half the time an oven takes, and they don't need much time for preheating. However, cookies can burn quickly in an air fryer, so it's important to take certain precautions. Here are some tips to prevent Pillsbury cookies from burning in an air fryer:

Temperature and Timing:

• Reduce the temperature: When baking in an air fryer, it's generally recommended to reduce the heat by about 15% or 25°F compared to a conventional oven recipe. For example, if a cookie recipe calls for 350°F in a conventional oven, set your air fryer to around 325°F.
• Shorten the bake time: Air fryers cook faster than conventional ovens due to their circulating air, so you'll also need to reduce the bake time. Start checking your cookies a few minutes earlier than the recipe suggests.
• Monitor closely: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake in the air fryer. Cookies can go from baked to burnt very quickly due to their small size.
• Adjust as needed: Every air fryer is different, so you may need to experiment with temperature and timing to find the sweet spot for your particular model.

Air Fryer Setup and Cookie Placement:

• Use a baking pan: To avoid a mess and prevent dough from dripping through the basket, use a baking pan that fits your air fryer, if possible.
• Line the basket: If you don't have a baking pan, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminium foil to catch any drips. Make sure the lining is secure and doesn't obstruct the airflow or heating element.
• Avoid overcrowding: Place the cookies in a single layer, leaving space between them to allow for even cooking and proper airflow. You may need to bake in batches.
• Keep the air fryer cool: Don't preheat your air fryer, as this can cause the dough to melt and run off. Let the air fryer cool down between batches.
• Keep the dough cool: Store unbaked cookie dough in the refrigerator while waiting to bake the next batch.

Cookie Types and Toppings:

• Choose incorporated ingredients: Cookies where all the ingredients are mixed in, such as chocolate chip or lemon cookies, tend to work better in an air fryer. Cookies with toppings, especially sugary or jammy ones, can burn more easily.
• Avoid gooey toppings: Gooey or sticky toppings can be tricky to get right in an air fryer as they may burn before the cookies are fully baked.

By following these tips, you can help prevent Pillsbury cookies from burning in your air fryer and achieve the perfect level of doneness. Remember to adjust your approach based on your specific air fryer model and always monitor your cookies closely during baking.

Frequently asked questions