Air-Fryer Cookies: Pillsbury Style

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to ovens for baking cookies. Pillsbury cookie dough can be cooked in an air fryer to make delicious, fresh, and warm cookies with a golden crunch. The air fryer is perfect for baking cookies, and the process is straightforward. The first step is to place the cookies on a cold air fryer tray. It is important to ensure that the air fryer is not preheated, as this will cause the dough to melt. The cookies should be placed about 2 inches apart to prevent them from sticking together and to allow room for spreading during cooking. The temperature is then set to between 300°F and 330°F for around 4 to 10 minutes. After air frying, the cookies should be allowed to cool before removing them from the tray, as they will harden as they cool.

How to Make Pillsbury Cookies in the Air Fryer

Preparing the air fryer basket

Firstly, take out the air fryer basket. It's important to note that the air fryer should be cold when you start, so don't preheat it. Line the basket with parchment paper or foil. Parchment paper is a good option to prevent the dough from falling through the holes in the basket. If using foil, carefully shape it to fit snugly inside the basket, ensuring it doesn't cover the holes completely to avoid safety hazards.

Now, open the package of cookie dough. If you're using pre-portioned cookie dough, separate the cookies. If you have a log of dough, slice the cookies first. Place the cookies about 2 inches apart in the basket to allow for even cooking and spreading. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket, as this can cause the cookies to stick together. A typical air fryer basket can fit around 5-7 cookies, depending on their size.

Once you've arranged the cookies in the basket, you're almost ready to start cooking. Just remember to set the temperature and timer according to your specific cookie recipe before returning the basket to the air fryer. By preparing the air fryer basket properly, you'll ensure your Pillsbury cookies turn out perfectly cooked and delicious!

Additionally, it's worth noting that some sources recommend using a cold air fryer tray instead of a basket. This can make the process easier and more suitable for baking cookies. However, if you're using a basket, following the above steps will help you achieve the best results.

Setting the temperature and time

When making Pillsbury cookies in an air fryer, the temperature and time settings can vary slightly depending on the type of cookies you are making and the specific model of your air fryer. However, here is a general guide to help you set the temperature and time for delicious, perfectly cooked cookies.

Firstly, it is important to note that you should not preheat your air fryer. The air fryer needs to be cold when you start the process, otherwise, the dough will melt and run off. Always place your cookie dough onto a cold air fryer tray or basket.

For Pillsbury Sugar Cookies, a temperature of 330 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 minutes is recommended. However, it is important to note that every air fryer is different, and yours may require a slightly longer cooking time of 5 minutes. Remember to let the cookies cool in the air fryer after cooking before removing them, as they will harden as they cool. Additionally, be sure to let the air fryer cool down in between batches.

If you are making Pillsbury Chocolate Chip Cookies, a slightly lower temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. The cooking time will be longer, around 10 minutes. Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the cookies from the air fryer using a spatula and let them cool slightly before enjoying them warm.

For Air Fryer Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies, the temperature should be set to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cooking time will be between 13 and 14 minutes. After removing the basket, place a candy in the centre of each cookie and let them stand in the basket for another 5 minutes. Then, carefully remove the cookies from the basket to a cooling rack and let them cool for about 15 minutes before serving.

Remember to always refer to your air fryer's instruction manual for specific guidelines and adjustments. Enjoy your freshly baked Pillsbury cookies straight from the air fryer!

Removing the cookies

Firstly, it is important to let the cookies cool down slightly after air frying. This will allow them to harden and makes them easier to handle. The cookies will continue to cook and harden as they cool, so be sure to let them rest for a few minutes. The cookies will be soft and delicate when first removed from the air fryer, so allowing them to set is essential.

Once the cookies have cooled slightly, you can begin the removal process. Carefully take the air fryer basket out of the air fryer. Using a spatula, gently lift the cookies off the basket or tray, taking care not to break them. If you have lined the basket with parchment paper or foil, you may be able to lift the cookies out on the paper or foil, which provides a firmer base.

Place the cookies on a cooling rack or a plate. If you have baked the cookies in batches, you can return the first batch to the warm air fryer to keep them warm while the others cook. This will ensure all the cookies are served warm and fresh.

It is important to note that the cookies will be very hot initially, so it is best to let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow them to firm up and be comfortable to eat.

Finally, enjoy your freshly baked Pillsbury cookies! They will be golden brown, with a nice crunch, and, depending on the variety, filled with delicious chocolate or caramel. Serve them with a glass of milk, a cup of tea, or coffee for the perfect treat.

Cooling the cookies

After the cookies are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer using a spatula and transfer them to a serving plate or a cooling rack. It is important to let the cookies cool slightly before enjoying them. This allows the cookies to harden and attain the perfect texture. The cookies will continue to cook slightly and set as they cool, so be patient for the best results.

For air fryer caramel chocolate chip cookies, remove the basket from the air fryer and place a candy in the centre of each cookie. Let the cookies stand in the basket for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully remove the cookies from the basket to a cooling rack or a plate. Use a spatula to lift the foil out of the basket if needed. Allow the cookies to cool for at least 15 minutes before removing them from the foil. This extra cooling time ensures that the cookies firm up and don't fall apart when removed from the foil.

It is also important to let the air fryer cool down in between batches. This helps maintain the temperature needed for the cookies to cook evenly. If you are baking multiple batches, keep the dough for the next batch in the refrigerator while waiting. This ensures that the dough remains cool and doesn't start to melt before it goes into the air fryer.

By following these cooling instructions, you will ensure that your Pillsbury cookies made in the air fryer turn out perfectly cooked, with the right texture and taste.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve Pillsbury cookies made in an air fryer. Here are some suggestions:

For a classic combination, serve the cookies with a glass of milk. This is a perfect afternoon snack, especially for kids. You could also pair the cookies with tea or coffee. If you're feeling indulgent, why not try a cinnamon dolce latte, tea with honey and lemon, or a keto pumpkin spice latte?

For a more decadent dessert, try adding some extra toppings to your cookies. For example, you could make caramel chocolate chip cookies by adding Rolo chewy caramels to the centre of each cookie. Alternatively, you could serve your cookies with a scoop of ice cream on the side.

If you're looking for a healthier option, some recipes for healthy chocolate banana ice cream (which is dairy-free, vegan, and paleo-friendly) could complement your cookies.

Finally, consider the occasion and the presentation. These cookies are great for holidays and special occasions, so feel free to get creative with your plating and decorations. You can also make a batch of cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container to serve later. They can be a great make-ahead option for parties or gatherings.

Frequently asked questions