Air-Fryer Cookies: Pillsbury Style

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to ovens when it comes to baking cookies. Pillsbury chocolate chip cookies, for instance, can be prepared in the air fryer in a few simple steps. The air fryer is perfect for baking cookies as it gives them a nice crunch and gooey chocolate chips, without having to spend time in the kitchen mixing dough.

Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Pillsbury Cookies in an Air Fryer

Preparing the air fryer basket

First, take out the air fryer basket. This will give you a clear space to work with and make it easier to arrange the cookie dough. It's important to ensure your hands are clean and dry when handling the dough. Next, open the package of Pillsbury cookie dough. If the dough comes in pre-portioned chunks, simply separate them. If you're working with a log of dough, slice it into individual cookies. The number of cookies you can cook at once will depend on the size of your air fryer basket, so adjust accordingly. A good rule of thumb is to leave about 2 inches (approximately 5 cm) of space around each cookie to allow for even cooking and expansion.

Now, it's time to shape the cookies. Take each piece of dough and gently flatten it into a circle about 1 1/2 inches thick. You don't want to press too thin, as the cookies will spread during baking. Place the shaped dough circles into the air fryer basket, spacing them evenly apart. If you're using parchment paper or foil, put it in the basket first, then place the cookies on top. Parchment paper with holes is recommended to ensure proper airflow, but if using foil, shape it to fit the basket snugly, shiny side up.

Once the basket is loaded with cookies, you're almost ready to start cooking. It's a good idea to preheat your air fryer for a couple of minutes to ensure consistent results. Check your specific air fryer's instructions for guidance on preheating. While it's heating up, you can get your serving plate ready and make sure you have a spatula or similar utensil to remove the cookies once they're done.

Cookie dough preparation

Once you have your cookie dough, open the package and separate the chunks of dough. If you are using a cookie dough log, you will need to slice the cookies first. The individual portions should then be shaped into flat circles, around 1-2 inches thick. A good tip to remember is that the dough will spread while cooking, so be sure not to press the circles too thin and leave space between them.

When shaping the dough, it is also important to consider the size of your air fryer. Most air fryers will hold around 4-7 cookies comfortably, but this will depend on the size of the air fryer basket. If you wish to cook more cookies than your air fryer basket can accommodate, you will need to cook the cookies in batches.

Temperature and timing

When cooking Pillsbury cookies in an air fryer, temperature and timing are crucial to achieving the perfect texture and colour. For the best results, preheat your air fryer to 300°F or 320°F for 2 minutes.

While the air fryer is heating up, separate your cookie dough and shape them into flat circles. It is important not to press them too thin, as the dough will spread during baking. Place the dough circles in the air fryer basket, ensuring a 2-inch space around each one to allow for even cooking and expansion.

The ideal temperature for baking Pillsbury cookies in an air fryer is 300°F. Set the timer for 10 to 14 minutes, depending on your preference for cookie texture. For a softer, chewier cookie, aim for the shorter end of the range, and for a crispier cookie, go for the longer end.

Once the timer goes off, carefully open the air fryer basket. The cookies will be golden brown around the edges, with a soft centre. Allow the cookies to cool in the basket for a few minutes before removing them. This helps the cookies to firm up and ensures they don't fall apart when handled.

Removing cookies from the air fryer

When removing cookies from the air fryer, it is important to be cautious as they will be soft and hot. Using a spatula can help to carefully lift the cookies out of the air fryer basket and onto a cooling rack or plate. It is recommended to let the cookies cool for a few minutes before removing them from the basket, as this will help them firm up and prevent them from falling apart.

Parchment paper can be extremely helpful when removing cookies from the air fryer. By placing the parchment paper in the basket before baking, you can easily lift the paper with the cookies on top out of the fryer. This is especially useful when dealing with soft and gooey cookies. However, it is important to ensure that the parchment paper has holes in it to allow for proper airflow and prevent fires.

If you are baking multiple batches of cookies, it is best to let the cookies cool completely before removing them from the parchment paper or wire rack. This will help them firm up and maintain their shape. Once cooled, you can store the cookies in an airtight container or Ziploc bag at room temperature for up to a week.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Serving and storing

When your cookies are done baking, allow them to sit in the air fryer basket for a few minutes with the basket closed. Then, open the basket and let them sit for another couple of minutes before removing them. This will give the cookies time to cool and set before you lift them out with a spatula.

Once your cookies have cooled, you can serve them with a glass of milk or tea. They are delicious right out of the air fryer, but you can also store them for later.

To store your cookies, place them in an airtight container or a Ziploc bag. This will keep them fresh and delicious. You can also freeze the cookies for longer-term storage.

If you have any leftover cookie dough, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Then, when you're ready to bake again, just preheat your air fryer and follow the same cooking instructions.

Frequently asked questions