Air-Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies: Perfect Timing For Perfection

Air fryers are a great way to make chocolate chip cookies, with their high-powered fans that circulate heat, drying out and crisping the surface of the cookies. The ideal chocolate chip cookie has crispy edges and a fudgy centre, which can be achieved by air frying semi-flattened balls of cookie dough until they spread and puff, and then removing them before the centres collapse. The cooking time varies depending on the air fryer model, but on average, it takes 5-10 minutes to cook chocolate chip cookies in an air fryer.

Characteristics and Values Table for Chocolate Chip Cookies in an Air Fryer

Air fryer chocolate chip cookies recipe

Air fryer chocolate chip cookies are crispy on the outside, and soft and chewy on the inside. They are cooked in the air fryer in under 10 minutes. The air fryer is a great alternative to a traditional oven as it cooks quickly without overheating your kitchen.

Ingredients

• Butter
• Light brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla
• Salt
• Baking soda
• Flour
• Chocolate chips

Method

• In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined.
• Mix in the egg, yolk, and vanilla.
• Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until the dough forms.
• Fold in the chocolate chips.
• Divide the dough into equal portions for small cookies, or roll into one large ball for a giant cookie.
• Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or foil. If using foil, ensure it doesn't touch the sides, so the interior fan can't blow it around.
• Place 3-4 balls of cookie dough into the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough room for the cookies to spread. For thicker cookies, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour.
• Air fry the cookies at 325°F for 5-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly firm and the tops are golden.
• Allow the cookies to cool for at least 5 minutes before removing from the air fryer.

Tips

• If you prefer your cookies salty, sprinkle some flaked salt on top of each cookie right when it comes out of the air fryer.
• If you don't want to bake the whole batch at once, you can cover and refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 72 hours or freeze it for up to 3 months.
• If you want to bake your cookies in the oven, preheat to 350°F and bake for 8-10 minutes.

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking chocolate chip cookies in an air fryer vary depending on the source and the desired texture. Most sources recommend a temperature of 325°F for 5-8 minutes, while others suggest 320°F for 9-10 minutes or 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Some sources also recommend using a pan to ensure the cookies cook evenly, while others suggest using parchment paper or aluminum foil to line the air fryer basket.

It's important to note that air fryer models may vary, so the temperature and time may need adjustment to achieve the desired results. The size and style of the air fryer can also affect the cooking time, and it's recommended to cook 3-5 cookies at a time to ensure even cooking.

For thicker cookies, it's suggested to refrigerate the dough for at least an hour before air frying. Additionally, cookies made in an air fryer may appear darker than those baked in a traditional oven, so it's important to allow them to cool before transferring them to a wire rack to prevent undercooking.

The ideal texture for chocolate chip cookies is often described as having crispy edges and a fudgy or gooey center. This can be achieved by baking semi-flattened balls of cookie dough until they spread and puff up, then removing them from the air fryer before the centers collapse.

Air fryer basket lining

There are several options available for lining your air fryer basket. One popular option is to use parchment paper, which can be placed directly on the base of the basket. Some people choose to pierce holes in the parchment paper, but this is not necessary. Parchment paper is a good choice because it prevents the cookie dough from sticking to the basket and makes removal easier. It is also suitable for baking cookies directly on the air fryer rack without a basket. Small foil pans, such as takeout foil pans, can also be used as liners and are a good option if you want to bake cookies without a basket.

Another option for lining your air fryer basket is to use aluminium foil. Foil can be used instead of parchment paper, but it is important to note that cookies cannot be baked directly on the air fryer rack with foil alone as the batter will leak through the holes. However, if your air fryer has a basket, you can line it with foil, being sure that it does not ride up the sides so that the interior fan cannot blow it around.

Reusable silicone liners are another popular option for air fryer basket lining. These liners are sturdy, dishwasher-safe, and can be found in bespoke sizes for specific air fryer models. Silicone liners with raised grooves are particularly well-liked as they promote airflow and crispiness, as well as making it easy to drain out any collected cooking oil.

When choosing a liner for your air fryer basket, it is important to avoid using flat paper liners, especially for baked goods. These liners are lightweight and can float up or cover your food, reducing crispiness. They may even pose a fire hazard, especially when used for small portions or during preheating.

By choosing the right liner for your air fryer basket, you can ensure that your chocolate chip cookies turn out perfectly and that cleanup is a breeze.

Air fryer cookie dough preparation

Air fryer cookies are a quick and easy way to make a delicious dessert in half the time of traditional cookies! The prep is slightly different from conventional oven baking, but the process is straightforward and versatile. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing your cookie dough for the air fryer:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

First, gather all your ingredients. The beauty of air fryer cookies is that you can use your favourite cookie dough recipe or a pre-made dough. If you're making the dough from scratch, you'll need the usual suspects: flour, butter, sugar, eggs, baking soda or powder, and, of course, chocolate chips. You can also get creative with mix-ins like walnuts, shredded coconut, or peanut butter chips.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a mixing bowl, add your softened butter and sugars. Use a hand mixer or a spoon to cream them together until they are well combined. Then, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. Slowly add the dry ingredients, such as flour and baking soda, and mix until everything is combined. Finally, stir in your chocolate chips and any other mix-ins you desire.

Step 3: Chilling the Dough (Optional)

Chilling the dough is an optional step, but it can help your cookies maintain their shape and prevent spreading. Cover your mixing bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. If you're in a hurry, 30 minutes of chilling can also make a difference. Chilling the dough also helps if you plan to freeze the dough for later use.

Step 4: Portioning the Dough

Once your dough is mixed and chilled, it's time to portion it out. Use a cookie scoop or your hands to roll the dough into equal-sized balls. A standard scoop is about 2-2.5 tablespoons or 50-60 grams for a classic cookie size. Place the dough balls on a tray or plate as you work. For larger cookies, you may need to flatten the dough balls slightly before baking.

Step 5: Line the Air Fryer Basket

Before you start baking, it's crucial to line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or foil. This step will prevent your cookie dough from sticking to the basket and make cleanup much easier. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the basket, and poke a few holes in it to allow air to circulate. Alternatively, you can use foil that doesn't ride up the sides, so the interior fan can't blow it around.

Step 6: Place the Dough in the Air Fryer

Now, you're ready to put your cookie dough in the air fryer. Place 3-4 dough balls into the lined basket, making sure to leave enough room for the cookies to spread. Don't overcrowd the basket, as this will affect cooking and may cause uneven baking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to bake in batches.

Your cookie dough is now ready for baking in the air fryer! Follow the recommended temperature and timing guidelines for your specific air fryer model and desired cookie texture. Enjoy the delicious aroma of freshly baked cookies, and get ready to indulge in warm, gooey, and chewy treats!

Air fryer chocolate chip cookie variations

Air fryers are a great way to make chocolate chip cookies, but they can also be used to make a variety of other cookies. The circulating hot air in the air fryer dries out and crisps the surface area of the cookies, creating a crispy exterior and a soft, gooey, or fudgy centre.

When it comes to making chocolate chip cookies in an air fryer, you can use a variety of ingredients to alter the flavour and texture. For instance, you can use milk, white, or semi-sweet chocolate chips, or a combination of all three. You can also add peanut butter chips, walnuts, pecans, shredded coconut, candy buttons, or cinnamon. Additionally, you can use a different type of sugar, such as brown sugar, which will give the cookies a deeper flavour and keep them moist for longer, or granulated sugar, which will create crispier edges.

If you want to make a different type of cookie altogether, you can try making brownie cookies, sugar cookies, snickerdoodles, or even Biscoff cookies. However, it's important to note that crispy cookies like shortbread or biscotti tend to burn before they are fully baked through in the air fryer.

The best thing about using an air fryer to make cookies is that you can make a small batch, so you don't have to deal with a full batch. This is perfect for when you just want a couple of warm, freshly baked cookies.

Frequently asked questions