Air-Fried Oat Cookies: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Oatmeal cookies are a delicious treat, and baking them in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to make them. Air fryers are great for those who want to avoid using an oven but still want to enjoy homemade cookies. The best part is that you can make a small batch of cookies in under 30 minutes, and they turn out perfectly crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.

Choosing the right oats

Types of Oats

Oat cookies can be made with various types of oats, each contributing to a different texture and flavour. Here are some common types of oats you can use:

• Rolled Oats: These are the most traditional choice for oatmeal cookies, providing a delightful crunch and rustic texture. Rolled oats are flat and have a larger surface area, allowing them to toast up nicely in the air fryer.
• Quick-Cooking Oats: Quick-cooking oats, also known as instant oats, give the cookies a chewy texture without making them too dense. They are ideal for air fryer cookies as they cook faster and provide a nutty flavour.
• Steel-Cut Oats: While steel-cut oats are not recommended for air fryer cookies as they don't soften properly during cooking, you can experiment with blending them into a coarse flour and using them in combination with other types of oats.

Gluten-Free Options

If you're making gluten-free oat cookies, it's important to choose certified gluten-free oats to prevent cross-contamination. Even though oats are naturally gluten-free, they are often processed in facilities that also handle gluten-containing grains, so certified gluten-free oats ensure purity.

Oat Quantity

The amount of oats you use will depend on the recipe and your personal preference for texture. Oat cookies typically call for a substantial amount of oats, usually around 1 to 2 cups, but you can adjust this based on whether you want a denser or lighter cookie.

Blending Oats

Some air fryer oat cookie recipes call for blending or processing the oats before mixing the dough. This step helps break down the oats and creates a mix of powder and whole oats, contributing to a varied texture in the cookies. Be careful not to over-process the oats, as you don't want to turn them into a fine flour.

Add-Ins and Substitutions

The beauty of oat cookies is their versatility. You can experiment with add-ins and substitutions to create unique flavours. For example, you can replace chocolate chips with raisins, nuts, or dried fruit, or even add mashed bananas for a healthier option. Just remember to adjust the quantities of other ingredients to maintain the right balance in your dough.

The importance of parchment paper

Parchment paper is an important tool when making air fryer oat cookies. It is a safe and effective liner to use in an air fryer, and it has several benefits. Firstly, it saves you time on cleanup by preventing food from sticking to the air fryer basket. This is especially useful when cooking something dough-based, as the parchment ensures it doesn't get stuck in the mesh or perforated holes.

Secondly, it is non-reactive, meaning it won't affect the food being cooked on it. On the other hand, aluminium foil, a possible alternative, is reactive and can cause the food to take on a metallic taste.

Thirdly, parchment paper is versatile. It can be used in both an oven and an air fryer, as it can withstand temperatures of up to roughly 450°F (232°C). However, it is important to check the maximum temperature of your specific brand of parchment paper, as well as the heating capacity of your air fryer, to ensure you don't exceed the paper's limit.

When using parchment paper in an air fryer, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

• Always cut the paper to fit the size of your air fryer basket. This ensures that it doesn't block the airflow or come into contact with the heating element.
• If using a basket-style air fryer, perforated parchment paper is ideal as it allows grease to drain away from the food, resulting in a crispier finish.
• Parchment paper should only be added to the air fryer when you are ready to put the food in, as it needs to be weighed down by food to prevent it from blowing around and posing a fire risk.
• Always use food-grade parchment paper and avoid exceeding the maximum temperature limit.

Customising your cookies

There are many ways to customise your air fryer oat cookies. You can add in extra ingredients, such as chocolate chips, dried cranberries, raisins, nuts, or even M&Ms. You can also swap out the chocolate chips for other ingredients, like raisins or nuts.

If you want to make oatmeal raisin cookies, simply add 2-3 tablespoons of raisins to the mixture. For a nutty twist, add 2-3 tablespoons of chopped pecans or walnuts.

For those with a sweet tooth, you can add white chocolate chips, or even candy pieces to your mixture.

If you want to make your cookies extra crispy, substitute butter for vegetable shortening and use granulated sugar. For a chewier texture, use melted butter and brown sugar.

You can also add a teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavour.

For a peanut butter twist, add 1/4 cup of peanut butter to the wet ingredients.

If you want to make your cookies without chocolate chips, you can remove them from the recipe and add up to 2 cups of your favourite add-ins.

You can also experiment with different types of oats to change the texture of your cookies. Quick-cooking oats will give your cookies a chewy texture without making them too dense, while steel-cut oats won't soften properly during cooking.

For an egg-free version, substitute eggs with 1/4 cup of applesauce or mashed banana per egg.

How to store your cookies

Now that you've made your delicious batch of air fryer oat cookies, it's important to store them properly to keep them fresh and tasty. Here are some detailed tips on how to store your cookies:

Storing Cookies at Room Temperature

Room temperature storage is best for softer cookies or those filled with cream or frosting. When stored correctly, cookies can stay fresh for up to a week, depending on the type. Cookies that are meant to be dry or crispy and don't contain perishable ingredients tend to stay fresh longer.

To store cookies at room temperature, use airtight containers, cookie jars, or plastic bags to prevent air exposure and moisture loss. Keep the cookies in a cool, dry area, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or areas with high humidity. If you're using a cookie jar that isn't airtight, put the cookies in a sealable plastic bag before placing them in the jar.

Storing Cookies in the Refrigerator

The refrigerator is ideal for cookies with perishable ingredients, such as cream cheese frosting, jam, or meringue. Cookies can last in the fridge for about one to two weeks. Before placing them in the refrigerator, ensure the cookies have cooled completely to prevent condensation. Use airtight containers or resealable plastic bags for storage.

Storing Cookies in the Freezer

The freezer is the best option if you want to keep your cookies fresh for longer periods. Cookies can be stored in the freezer for up to six months to a year. Before freezing, let the cookies cool completely to prevent freezer burn. You can wrap the cookies individually or in layers with wax paper, then place them in airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent sticking.

General Tips for Storing Cookies

• Always cool cookies completely before storing them, regardless of the storage method.
• Store different types of cookies separately to prevent soft cookies from moistening crisp cookies and to avoid blending of flavours.
• Layer cookies with parchment or wax paper when stacking them in containers to prevent sticking.
• Choose a storage area away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or high humidity.
• Soft and moist cookies, such as brownie-like cookies or those with high moisture content, are best stored at room temperature or in foil to maintain their texture.
• Crispy or dry cookies, like biscotti, shortbread, or gingersnaps, are best stored in airtight containers in cool, dry conditions to retain crispness and prevent staleness.
• Frosted or decorated cookies are best stored in a single layer with parchment paper or wrapped individually to preserve their appearance.
• Cream-filled or delicate cookies are best consumed within a few days of baking for the freshest taste and texture. Store them in a single layer for best results.

Air fryer vs. oven

Air fryers have become increasingly popular, and for good reason. They are versatile, convenient, and can cook a wide range of foods, from fried food to vegetables and even baked goods. When it comes to baking cookies, there are several reasons why using an air fryer might be preferable to a traditional oven.

Speed and Efficiency

One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer over an oven is the reduced cooking time. Air fryers can bake cookies in about half the time it would take in an oven. This is because the heating mechanism in an air fryer circulates hot air at a lower temperature, cooking the food more efficiently. So, if you're short on time or simply can't wait to satisfy your sweet tooth, the air fryer is the way to go.

Convenience and Ease

Air fryers also offer convenience and ease of use. There is no preheating required, which means less waiting time before you can start baking. They are ideal for small-batch cooking, such as when you just want a few cookies to satisfy a sudden craving. Air fryers also result in less mess and are generally easier to clean than ovens.

Texture and Taste

But what about the most important factor—the taste and texture of the cookies? Well, air-fried cookies have a lot to offer in this department too. They tend to have a crispier exterior than oven-baked cookies, with a well-browned appearance, while still retaining a soft and chewy center. This is due to the way air fryers cook food—by rapidly circulating hot air, creating an even crispness.

Customization and Flexibility

Air fryers also allow for customization and flexibility. You can experiment with different add-ins and mix-ins to create your own unique cookie combinations. Additionally, air fryers are great for making small adjustments to the recipe, such as reducing the amount of sugar or substituting butter for vegetable shortening to achieve the exact texture and taste you desire.

Some Considerations

While air fryers have a lot of benefits, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the capacity of an air fryer is smaller than that of a traditional oven, so you can bake fewer cookies at once. Secondly, remember that air is constantly circulating in the air fryer, so cookies with toppings or decorations might not fare well. Stick to cookies with mix-ins, and avoid using parchment paper with holes to prevent any mess or sticking.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, air fryers offer a quick, convenient, and efficient way to bake cookies, resulting in a crispy exterior and chewy center. They are perfect for small batches, customizable recipes, and reducing baking time. However, if you're planning to bake a large number of cookies or prefer cookies with toppings, a traditional oven might be a better option. Ultimately, both methods have their pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions