Can U Make Cookies in the Air Fryer Discover How

Yes, you can make cookies in the air fryer—and they come out perfectly golden, chewy, and delicious in less time than a conventional oven. This quick, energy-efficient method delivers evenly baked cookies with minimal preheating and easy cleanup, making it a game-changer for small batches and busy bakers.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can bake cookies in an air fryer with perfect results.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even baking and golden edges.
• Use parchment paper or liners to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
• Adjust time and temperature—typically 300°F for 8–10 minutes.
• Space dough portions properly to allow air circulation and even cooking.
• Check early for doneness as air fryers cook faster than ovens.

Can U Make Cookies in the Air Fryer? The Sweet Truth

Have you ever found yourself craving fresh, warm cookies but don’t want to wait 20 minutes for the oven to preheat? Or maybe you live in a small apartment with a tiny kitchen and no oven at all? If so, you’re not alone. I was in that exact situation last winter—snowed in, cookie-hungry, and staring at my trusty air fryer like it held the key to dessert salvation. That’s when I asked myself: Can u make cookies in the air fryer? Spoiler alert: yes, you absolutely can. But it’s not quite as simple as dumping dough in and pressing “start.”

As someone who’s experimented with air fryer baking for over three years—yes, I’ve made everything from brownies to banana bread—I’ve learned that air fryers can be a game-changer for quick, small-batch baking. They’re faster, more energy-efficient, and surprisingly precise once you learn the quirks. But cookies? They’re delicate. They need the right heat, timing, and spacing to avoid turning into crispy hockey pucks or undercooked blobs. In this post, I’ll share what I’ve learned, including the best types of cookies to make, how to adjust your recipes, and even a few fails that taught me more than any success ever could. So, whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves cookies, let’s dive in and discover how to make air fryer cookies that are golden, chewy, and totally worth the effort.

Why Air Fryers Are a Cookie-Making Game-Changer

Speed and Efficiency: Bake in Half the Time

Let’s face it: traditional ovens are slow. Preheating alone can take 10–15 minutes, and then you’re waiting another 10–12 minutes for cookies to bake. With an air fryer, you’re often looking at 5–8 minutes total for small batches. Why? Because air fryers use rapid, circulating hot air to cook food evenly and quickly. No preheating is needed (or minimal, at most), and the smaller cooking chamber means heat builds up fast. I’ve made chocolate chip cookies from start to finish in under 15 minutes—including mixing the dough. That’s a win when you’re craving something sweet after dinner.

Energy Efficiency and Small Spaces

If you’re living in a dorm, RV, or tiny home, your kitchen might not have an oven. Or maybe you’re trying to cut down on energy use. Air fryers use up to 50% less energy than conventional ovens, making them a greener choice. Plus, they’re compact and easy to store. I’ve used my 5.8-quart air fryer on a countertop smaller than a microwave, and it works just fine. For renters or travelers, this is a huge perk. No more waiting for a shared kitchen oven or relying on store-bought cookies that never taste as good as homemade.

Even Browning and Crispy Edges

One of the best things about air fryer cookies is the texture. The circulating air creates a slight convection effect, giving your cookies a lightly crisp exterior while keeping the center soft. Think of it like a mini convection oven. My first batch of peanut butter cookies came out with golden-brown edges and a chewy center—exactly what I wanted. The key is spacing: don’t overcrowd the basket. I learned this the hard way when I tried to cram in 12 cookies at once. They stuck together and cooked unevenly. Now, I stick to 4–6 cookies per batch, depending on size.

What Types of Cookies Work Best in an Air Fryer?

Classic Drop Cookies (Chocolate Chip, Sugar, Oatmeal)

Drop cookies are your best bet for air fryer success. These are the ones you scoop with a spoon or cookie scoop and drop onto a tray—no rolling or shaping required. Chocolate chip cookies are a crowd favorite, and they work perfectly in the air fryer. Use your favorite recipe, but keep the dough slightly thicker than usual. Air fryers dry out food faster, so a little extra butter or oil helps prevent dryness. I’ve had great results with a basic recipe: 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and chocolate chips to taste.

Pro tip: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much. I once skipped this step and ended up with flat, greasy puddles. Not a good look.

Refrigerated or Pre-Made Dough (Yes, Even Store-Bought!)

Running low on time? No problem. You can use refrigerated cookie dough or even frozen dough balls. Just thaw them slightly so they’re easy to handle, then place them in the air fryer. I’ve made Toll House cookies from a tube and they came out just as good as homemade—maybe even better because they’re pre-portioned. For frozen dough, add 1–2 minutes to the cooking time. And yes, you can even make air fryer cookie dough bites—just roll small balls of edible (egg-free) dough, freeze for 20 minutes, and air fry at 325°F for 4–5 minutes. They’re like cookie croquettes!

Soft-Baked vs. Crispy: Know Your Preferences

Air fryers can make both soft and crispy cookies, but you’ll need to adjust the time and temperature. For soft, chewy cookies: 325°F for 5–6 minutes. For crispier edges: 350°F for 6–7 minutes. I prefer the lower temp because I like my cookies gooey in the center. But if you love a snappy cookie (like classic sugar cookies), crank it up to 350°F. Just keep an eye on them—air fryers cook fast, and overbaking is a real risk. I once left a batch at 350°F for 8 minutes and ended up with charcoal. Lesson learned.

Cookies to Avoid (and Why)

Not all cookies are air fryer-friendly. Here’s what to skip:

• Thin, delicate cookies: Like lace cookies or tuiles. The intense airflow can blow them apart or burn the edges.
• Very large cookies: Anything bigger than 3 inches across. They won’t cook evenly and may stick to the basket.
• High-sugar doughs: Excess sugar burns easily. If your recipe is sugar-heavy (like some gingersnaps), reduce the temp by 25°F.

I tried making macarons once. They looked beautiful going in—and came out looking like deflated pancakes. Stick to sturdier doughs, and you’ll save yourself the disappointment.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Air Fryer Cookies

Prep the Air Fryer Basket

First things first: prep your basket. Use a liner (parchment paper or a silicone mat) to prevent sticking. I love the pre-cut parchment circles—they fit perfectly in my basket and save me from cutting them myself. If you don’t have liners, lightly grease the basket with non-stick spray or a dab of oil. But don’t overdo it—too much oil can make the cookies greasy. I once sprayed so much that the cookies slid around like hockey pucks. Not ideal.

Portion and Space the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough. For even cooking, leave at least 1 inch between each cookie. I usually fit 4–6 medium cookies in my 5.8-quart basket. If you’re making mini cookies, you can fit 8–10. Just remember: spacing is key. Overcrowding traps steam and leads to undercooked centers. I learned this when I tried to make a “double batch” and ended up with one giant cookie blob. Not my finest moment.

Set the Right Temperature and Time

Here’s a general guide for common cookie types:

• Chocolate chip: 325°F, 5–6 minutes
• Sugar cookies: 350°F, 6–7 minutes
• Oatmeal raisin: 325°F, 6 minutes
• Peanut butter: 325°F, 5 minutes

Start with the lower end of the time range. You can always add more time, but you can’t uncook a cookie. I set a timer for 5 minutes and check with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they’re done. If not, add 30 seconds and check again.

Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool in the basket for 2–3 minutes—they’ll firm up as they cool. Then transfer them to a wire rack. I’ve made the mistake of eating them straight out of the air fryer (because patience is hard). They’re delicious, but they’re also super fragile. Cooling gives them structure. Serve with milk, ice cream, or just enjoy them solo. My family’s favorite is warm chocolate chip cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—melty, gooey perfection.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Overcrowding the Basket

As mentioned, this is a big no-no. Crowded cookies steam instead of bake, leading to soggy centers and uneven browning. The fix? Bake in smaller batches. It might take a few rounds, but it’s worth it. I once tried to bake 10 cookies at once and had to toss half because they were raw in the middle. Now, I bake 4 at a time and enjoy perfect cookies every time.

Forgetting to Adjust Recipes

Air fryers are smaller and hotter than ovens, so you can’t just swap them in for an oven without tweaks. Here’s what to remember:

• Reduce temperature by 25°F from your original recipe (unless the recipe is already air fryer-specific).
• Reduce cooking time by 2–3 minutes. Start with less and add more if needed.
• Use less sugar or add extra fat (like butter or oil) to prevent dryness.

I once used a standard oven recipe at full temp and time—disaster. The cookies were burnt on the outside and raw inside. Now, I always adjust first.

Ignoring the “Doneness Test”

Don’t rely on time alone. Every air fryer is different. Use the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of a cookie. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re done. If it’s gooey, add 30 more seconds. I’ve also learned to look for visual cues: golden edges, slight puffing, and a matte surface (not glossy).

Not Letting Cookies Cool

Hot air fryer cookies are delicate. If you try to move them too soon, they’ll break. I’ve had cookies crumble when I tried to flip them with a spatula. Now, I wait 2–3 minutes, then gently lift them with a silicone spatula. They come out clean every time.

Data Table: Air Fryer Cookie Settings at a Glance

Cookie Type	Temperature (°F)	Cook Time (Minutes)	Batch Size (Max)	Notes
Chocolate Chip	325	5–6	6	Chill dough first
Sugar Cookies	350	6–7	4	Watch for browning
Oatmeal Raisin	325	6	5	Add 1 tbsp oil for softness
Peanut Butter	325	5	4	Don’t overbake
Refrigerated Dough	325	6–7	6	Thaw slightly first
Frozen Dough Balls	325	7–8	5	Add 1–2 mins for frozen

Final Thoughts: Should You Try Air Fryer Cookies?

So, can u make cookies in the air fryer? Absolutely. But like any new skill, it takes a little practice. The benefits are clear: faster baking, energy savings, and the ability to make fresh cookies anytime, even in small spaces. I’ve used my air fryer to bake cookies for movie nights, last-minute guests, and even as a fun activity with my kids. They love watching the cookies puff up through the basket window—it’s like a mini science experiment.

That said, air fryers aren’t perfect. They have limitations: small batch sizes, the need for careful temperature adjustments, and the risk of overcooking. But once you get the hang of it, the results are impressive. I’ve served air fryer cookies to friends who had no idea they weren’t baked in an oven—and they loved them. The texture is slightly different (a bit crispier on the outside, which I actually prefer), but the flavor is just as rich and satisfying.

My advice? Start simple. Try a batch of chocolate chip cookies using the settings in the table above. Use parchment liners, chill your dough, and don’t overcrowd the basket. If they come out a little underdone, no worries—just add 30 seconds next time. And if they’re a little overdone? Well, that’s what ice cream is for.

The bottom line: if you’ve got an air fryer and a cookie craving, go for it. You might just discover a new favorite way to bake. And who knows? You could end up like me—baking air fryer cookies on a snowy night, with a glass of milk in one hand and a warm, gooey cookie in the other. Now that’s what I call a sweet victory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can u make cookies in the air fryer without parchment paper?

Yes, you can make cookies in the air fryer without parchment paper by lightly greasing the basket or using a silicone liner. Just ensure the cookies don’t stick by checking them halfway through cooking.

What’s the best temperature to cook cookies in an air fryer?

The ideal temperature for baking cookies in the air fryer is 325°F (160°C). This ensures even browning without burning, though you may adjust slightly based on your air fryer model.

Can u make cookies in the air fryer with store-bought dough?

Absolutely! Store-bought cookie dough works perfectly in the air fryer—just portion it into balls and follow the same cooking time as homemade dough, usually 6-10 minutes.

How long does it take to bake cookies in an air fryer?

Most cookies take 6-10 minutes in the air fryer at 325°F (160°C). Thinner cookies cook faster, so monitor them closely to avoid over-baking.

Do air fryer cookies taste different than oven-baked ones?

Air fryer cookies are slightly crispier on the outside but equally soft inside. The rapid circulation of hot air gives them a unique texture while keeping the classic cookie flavor intact.

Can u make cookies in the air fryer in batches?

Yes, but avoid overcrowding the basket—cook in small batches to ensure even heat distribution. Reheat the air fryer for 1-2 minutes between batches for consistent results.