Air-Fryer Toll House Cookies: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to ovens for baking cookies, especially if you want to avoid heating up your kitchen. You can use pre-packaged or homemade refrigerated cookie dough to make a variety of cookies, including chocolate chip, peanut butter, and sugar cookies. The air fryer is also great for making small batches, so you can enjoy freshly baked cookies whenever your sweet tooth strikes without having to bake a whole batch.

Choosing the right parchment paper

When making toll house cookies in an air fryer, choosing the right parchment paper is essential for optimal results and safety. Here are some key considerations to help you select the right parchment paper:

• Food-grade parchment paper: Ensure that you are using parchment paper specifically intended for culinary purposes. Do not substitute it with other paper products like wax paper, as this could be dangerous and damage your air fryer.
• Temperature resistance: Always check the maximum temperature restriction specified on the box of your parchment paper. Parchment paper can generally withstand temperatures up to 400°F (200°C) or more, making it safe for air fryer use. However, it's crucial not to exceed this limit to prevent the paper from igniting.
• Perforated design: Opt for parchment paper with perforated holes, which allow for better airflow and even cooking. The hot air circulating underneath the basket through these holes will result in crispier and juicier cookies.
• Size and fit: Cut the parchment paper to fit the bottom of your air fryer basket. It's advisable to make it slightly smaller to ensure adequate air circulation. You can also purchase pre-cut, perforated parchment paper rounds specifically designed for air fryers, which offer added convenience.
• Weight considerations: When using parchment paper in an air fryer, it's important to ensure that the paper is weighed down by food or another object. This prevents the paper from flying around inside the unit and coming into contact with the heating element, which could lead to burning or fire hazards.
• Clean-up ease: Parchment paper is an excellent tool for simplifying the clean-up process. It catches crumbs, grease, and other cooking residues, making it easier to dispose of mess and maintain a clean air fryer.
• Biodegradability: If sustainability is important to you, look for parchment paper that is biodegradable and compostable. This way, you can conveniently dispose of it after use without contributing to waste.

Preparing the dough

If you are using pre-made dough, remove the desired amount of dough from the packaging. If the dough is chilled, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften. The amount of dough you use will depend on the size of your air fryer, but generally, you will want to use about 4-6 dough squares or balls.

Once you have the desired amount of dough, roll it into balls of approximately 1-2 inches in diameter. If you are using dough squares, roll them into round balls and then flatten them slightly in the palm of your hand to about a 1½-inch circle.

Now it's time to arrange the dough in the air fryer. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper, which will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Place the dough balls or circles on top of the parchment paper, leaving enough space between them to allow for spreading while baking. Avoid overcrowding the basket and be sure to place the dough evenly to help hold the parchment paper in place while air frying.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for making Toll House cookies in an air fryer will depend on the type of dough you are using.

If you are using refrigerated cookie dough, preheat your air fryer to 320°F for 2 minutes. Then, place the cookies in the air fryer and bake at 325°F for 7 to 13 minutes. Check on the cookies around the 8- to 10-minute mark. The cookies are done when they are golden brown on top. Once done, let the cookies sit in the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes before removing them carefully and placing them on a wire rack to cool.

If you are using frozen premade Toll House cookies, air fry at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes.

Note that air fryer settings can vary according to brand and model. It is important to monitor the cookies closely when using an air fryer, as the cooking time and temperature may need to be adjusted depending on your specific air fryer.

Cooling the cookies

Once your cookies are done in the air fryer, it's important to let them cool. Leave them in the basket for a few minutes—they will still be very soft and need to set. The air fryer will also finish up the baking process during this time, even if it's turned off.

After a few minutes, carefully remove the cookies and place them on a wire rack to fully cool. You can also transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. It's important to let them cool properly before serving or storing.

If you're making a large batch of cookies, keep the remaining dough chilled until you're ready to bake the next batch for consistent results.

Storing the cookies

Once your toll house cookies are baked, cooled, and ready to eat, you might be wondering how to store them to keep them fresh. Here are some tips for storing your air-fried treats:

Room Temperature Storage:

If you plan on enjoying your cookies within a week, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh and chewy. Make sure the container is sealed properly to prevent the cookies from drying out or becoming stale. You can also leave the lid of the container a little loose if you prefer crispier cookies.

Refrigerator Storage:

For longer-term storage, you can keep your baked cookies in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag and store them in the fridge. They should stay fresh for up to two weeks. This is a great option if you want to make a large batch of cookies and enjoy them over time.

Freezer Storage:

If you want to store your cookies for even longer, freezing is a great option. Again, place them in an airtight container or a sealed freezer bag. Frozen cookies can last for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature or pop them in the oven or toaster for a quick warm-up.

Serving Tips:

When serving your stored cookies, you might want to warm them slightly to recapture that freshly baked taste and texture. You can place them in the oven or toaster oven at a low temperature for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can pop them into the air fryer for a minute or two to warm them up and give them a little extra crispness.

Decorating and Variations:

Before serving your stored cookies, you can also decorate them to add a special touch. Drizzle melted chocolate over them, or sprinkle powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar on top. You can even turn them into ice cream sandwiches by adding a scoop of ice cream between two cookies. Get creative and experiment with different toppings and fillings!

Storing the Cookie Dough:

If you have any leftover cookie dough, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply shape it into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in an airtight container to prevent drying out. You can also freeze cookie dough for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight, then shape and bake as usual.

Frequently asked questions