Can I Bake Cookies in a Air Fryer Discover the Easy Method

Yes, you can bake cookies in an air fryer—and it’s a game-changer for quick, evenly cooked treats with minimal cleanup. Using parchment paper or silicone molds, preheat the air fryer to 325°F (160°C), then bake for 8–12 minutes depending on size and desired crispness. This method delivers golden edges and soft centers faster than a conventional oven, making it perfect for small batches or last-minute desserts.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can bake cookies in an air fryer—it’s fast, easy, and yields crispy, delicious results.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even baking and prevent sticking.
• Use parchment paper or silicone molds to protect cookies and simplify cleanup.
• Adjust time and temperature—air fryers cook faster than ovens (try 320°F for 8–10 mins).
• Don’t overcrowd the basket—leave space for air circulation for consistent browning.
• Experiment with dough types—works with store-bought, homemade, or even no-bake recipes.

The Air Fryer Cookie Revolution: Is It Really Possible?

Remember that first time you tried making cookies in your brand-new air fryer? I sure do. I stood there, spatula in one hand, a bowl of chilled cookie dough in the other, wondering if I was about to ruin a perfectly good batch of chocolate chip delights or discover my new favorite kitchen hack. Spoiler: I did both. Some batches turned out like little golden-brown gems, while others… well, let’s just say my smoke alarm got a workout. But that’s the beauty of cooking—sometimes you learn by doing, and sometimes you do it with a little trial, error, and a lot of cookie crumbs on the counter.

So, can I bake cookies in an air fryer? The short answer is yes—absolutely! But it’s not quite the same as popping a tray into the oven and walking away. Baking cookies in an air fryer is a game of precision, patience, and knowing your machine. Whether you’re short on time, want to avoid heating up your entire kitchen, or just love experimenting with new cooking methods, the air fryer might just become your new cookie-making best friend. And if you’re anything like me, you’re already eyeing that air fryer basket like it holds the secret to perfect, gooey-centered treats. Let’s dive in and discover how to do it—the easy way.

How Does Air Fryer Baking Work? (And Why It’s Different from Ovens)

Before we get into cookie specifics, let’s talk about how air fryers actually work. If you’re picturing a mini deep fryer, you’re not alone—but you’re also not quite right. Air fryers use rapid air circulation technology, meaning a powerful fan pushes hot air around the food at high speed. This creates a crispy exterior while cooking the inside more evenly than traditional ovens in many cases. Think of it like a convection oven on turbo mode, but in a smaller, more efficient package.

Hot Air, Small Space, Big Results

The compact cooking chamber is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it heats up quickly and uses less energy. On the other, it means heat is more intense and less forgiving. Unlike a full-sized oven, where heat radiates gently from the top and bottom, air fryers blast hot air from all angles. This is great for crispy wings or roasted veggies, but for delicate cookies? It means you need to pay close attention.

• Air fryers preheat in 2–3 minutes (vs. 10–15 minutes for ovens)
• Cooking times are typically 30–50% shorter
• Heat is more concentrated, so food browns faster
• Smaller batch sizes (usually 4–6 cookies at once)

For cookies, this means you can’t just set it and forget it. But once you get the rhythm, the speed and efficiency are unbeatable—especially if you’re craving a warm cookie at 9 p.m. and don’t want to wait an hour for your oven to heat up.

Why Cookies Can (and Do) Work in Air Fryers

Despite the intense heat, cookies are actually one of the best things to bake in an air fryer—if you do it right. The key is understanding how the hot air affects different cookie types:

• Drop cookies (like chocolate chip): Do well due to their soft, spreadable texture
• Rolled or cut-out cookies (like sugar cookies): Can work but require careful spacing to avoid over-browning edges
• Bar cookies (like blondies or brownies): Best in small silicone molds or parchment-lined baskets

I’ve found that the air fryer’s ability to crisp the outside while keeping the center soft is perfect for achieving that “bakery-style” cookie—crispy edges, chewy center. But it’s all about timing and temperature. Too hot, too long? You’ll have hockey pucks. Too low, too short? Doughy mess. The sweet spot? Usually around 325°F–350°F for 8–12 minutes, depending on your model and cookie type.

Step-by-Step: How to Bake Perfect Air Fryer Cookies

Let’s walk through the process like we’re making cookies together in your kitchen. Grab your dough, a silicone liner or parchment paper, and let’s get started. This method works for most standard cookie recipes—just remember to adjust for size and thickness.

Step 1: Prep Your Air Fryer Basket

Never place raw cookie dough directly on a bare metal basket. The heat will cause sticking, and you’ll lose half your cookie to the bottom. Instead:

• Line the basket with parchment paper (cut to fit) or use a reusable silicone liner
• Lightly grease the liner with non-stick spray or a dab of butter (optional, but helps prevent sticking)
• Leave space around each cookie—at least 1 inch between dough balls

I once skipped the liner because I was in a rush. Let’s just say my cookies fused into one giant chocolate chip pancake. Lesson learned.

Step 2: Shape and Space the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion your dough. For air fryer cookies, slightly flatten the dough balls—this helps them spread evenly and cook uniformly. If your recipe calls for chilling the dough (like for chocolate chip), keep it cold until ready to bake. Cold dough spreads less, which is good in an air fryer where heat is intense.

• Roll into 1.5-inch balls
• Flatten to 0.75-inch thickness
• Space at least 1 inch apart
• Don’t overcrowd—4 cookies in a 5.8-quart basket is plenty

Pro tip: If you’re making double batches, bake in two rounds. The air fryer loses heat when opened, so re-preheating between batches ensures consistency.

Step 3: Set Temperature and Time

Here’s where the “Can I bake cookies in an air fryer?” question gets its real answer: It depends on your air fryer model. But here’s a solid starting point:

• Temperature: 325°F (for delicate cookies) to 350°F (for crispier ones)
• Time: 8–12 minutes (start checking at 7 minutes)
• Preheat: Always preheat for 2–3 minutes—this ensures even baking from the first minute

I use a 350°F setting for most chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin cookies. For softer cookies like snickerdoodles, I drop it to 325°F to prevent over-browning.

Step 4: Monitor and Rotate (If Needed)

Unlike ovens, most air fryers don’t have a rotating tray. So, if your cookies are browning too quickly on one side, gently rotate the liner halfway through cooking. Not all models need this, but it’s a good habit if you notice uneven browning.

Also, don’t open the basket too often. Every time you do, you lose heat and extend cooking time. Use the window (if your model has one) or peek briefly at the 7-minute mark.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Here’s a golden rule: Let cookies cool in the basket for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They’ll firm up as they cool. If you try to move them too soon, they’ll fall apart. I learned this after my first batch of “cookie shards.”

Best Cookie Recipes for Air Fryer Baking (With Real Results)

Not all cookie recipes are created equal when it comes to air fryer success. Some thrive in the hot air environment; others struggle. Here are my tested-and-approved favorites, with notes on what works—and what doesn’t.

1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

This is the gold standard. I use a basic Toll House-style recipe, but I chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Why? Cold dough spreads less in the air fryer’s intense heat.

• Time: 9–10 minutes at 350°F
• Texture: Crispy edges, chewy center—just like the oven version, but faster
• Tip: Add a pinch of cornstarch to the dough for extra softness

One night, I made these for my neighbor’s birthday. She asked if I used a special oven. Nope—just the air fryer and a little patience.

2. Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

These do best at 325°F to prevent the edges from burning. I also flatten them a bit more than usual to help them cook through evenly.

• Time: 10–11 minutes
• Texture: Tender, with a slight crisp on the outside
• Tip: Soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to the dough—this plumps them up and prevents dryness

3. Peanut Butter Cookies

These are a hit because they don’t spread much. I use the classic fork-pressed method, which works perfectly in the air fryer.

• Time: 8 minutes at 350°F
• Texture: Crunchy outside, soft inside
• Tip: Brush the tops with milk before baking for a golden shine

4. Sugar Cookies (Cut-Out Style)

These are trickier because they’re thin and prone to over-browning. I recommend using a silicone liner and baking at 325°F for 7–8 minutes.

• Time: 7–8 minutes
• Texture: Crisp, but not hard—great for decorating
• Tip: Freeze cut-out cookies for 10 minutes before baking to maintain shape

5. Brownies (Yes, They Count!)

For mini brownies, use a silicone mold or line the basket with parchment. I use a boxed mix (yes, I’m not above it) or a simple homemade recipe.

• Time: 12–14 minutes at 325°F
• Texture: Fudgy center, slightly crisp top
• Tip: Insert a toothpick at 10 minutes—clean or slightly gooey is perfect

Recipes to Avoid (or Adapt): Macarons, delicate lace cookies, or anything with delicate sugar work. The air fryer’s turbulence can ruin the structure. Stick to sturdy, forgiving recipes for best results.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even after baking dozens of air fryer cookies, I still make mistakes. Here are the ones I see most often—and how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Overcrowding the Basket

It’s tempting to fit in as many cookies as possible, but crowding blocks airflow. The result? Unevenly cooked cookies, some burnt, some raw. Always leave space. I use a 5.8-quart air fryer and bake 4 cookies at a time. It’s slower, but worth it.

Mistake 2: Not Preheating

Air fryers need that initial blast of heat to start cooking evenly. Skipping preheat leads to longer cook times and inconsistent results. Always preheat for 2–3 minutes.

Mistake 3: Using the Wrong Temperature

Too hot = burnt edges. Too low = raw centers. Start at 325°F for soft cookies, 350°F for crispier ones. Adjust based on your model. My Ninja Air Fryer runs hotter than my Cosori, so I always drop the temp by 25°F.

Mistake 4: Forgetting the Liner

As mentioned earlier, direct contact with the basket leads to sticking and broken cookies. Always use parchment or a silicone liner. I keep a stack of pre-cut parchment rounds in my drawer for quick use.

Mistake 5: Not Adjusting for Altitude or Humidity

If you live in a high-altitude area or a humid climate, you may need to adjust baking time. Humid air slows browning; dry air speeds it up. I’ve found that in my coastal town, I need to bake cookies 1–2 minutes longer than the recipe suggests.

Mistake 6: Expecting Oven Results

Air fryer cookies are different. They’re smaller, cook faster, and have a unique texture. Embrace the difference. They’re not worse—just a new kind of delicious.

Air Fryer vs. Oven: Which Is Better for Cookies?

Let’s settle this once and for all. Both have pros and cons. Here’s a side-by-side comparison based on my experience:

Factor	Air Fryer	Conventional Oven
Preheat Time	2–3 minutes	10–15 minutes
Cooking Time	8–12 minutes	10–15 minutes
Energy Use	Low (smaller appliance)	Higher (larger space to heat)
Batch Size	4–6 cookies	12–24 cookies
Texture	Crispier edges, faster browning	More even, softer spread
Cleanup	Easy (removable, non-stick basket)	Harder (cookie sheets, spills)
Best For	Quick batches, small households, avoiding oven heat	Large batches, delicate recipes, traditional results

So, which is better? It depends on your needs. If you’re making cookies for a party, the oven wins. But if you’re craving one warm cookie after dinner, the air fryer is faster, easier, and just as tasty. I use both—depending on the situation.

One night, I made a double batch in the oven for a bake sale. The next day, I used the air fryer to reheat a few for breakfast. They came out just as good—maybe even better, because the edges got a little extra crisp.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Absolutely Can Bake Cookies in an Air Fryer

So, to answer the big question: Can I bake cookies in an air fryer? Yes—and not just “yes,” but “yes, and it’s actually pretty amazing.” It’s not magic, and it’s not foolproof, but with a little practice, you’ll be pulling out golden, gooey cookies faster than you can say “chocolate chip.”

What I love most is the convenience. No preheating for 15 minutes. No heating up the whole kitchen. Just a quick line, a few scoops of dough, and 10 minutes later—warm cookies. It’s perfect for late-night cravings, small households, or anyone who loves a kitchen shortcut that actually works.

But don’t expect perfection on the first try. Like any new method, it takes a few batches to get the timing, temperature, and spacing right. My advice? Start with a simple recipe (chocolate chip is your friend), use a liner, and don’t walk away. Watch the process. Learn from each batch. And when you finally pull out that perfect cookie—crispy on the outside, soft in the middle—you’ll know it was worth it.

So go ahead. Dust off that air fryer. Grab your favorite cookie recipe. And discover the easy method for yourself. Who knows? You might just find that your air fryer isn’t just for fries and wings—it’s a cookie-baking powerhouse in disguise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake cookies in an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake cookies in an air fryer! It’s a quick and energy-efficient method that delivers crispy edges and soft centers with minimal preheating.

What’s the best way to bake cookies in an air fryer?

Place spoonfuls of cookie dough on parchment paper or a greased air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes, adjusting time for your model.

Do air fryer cookies taste the same as oven-baked ones?

Air fryer cookies are slightly crispier on the outside but equally delicious. The rapid circulation of hot air ensures even baking while locking in moisture for a gooey center.

Can I use regular cookie dough in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Store-bought or homemade dough works well. Just portion it into small balls and avoid overcrowding to ensure even air circulation and perfect browning.

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

Most cookies take 8–12 minutes at 325°F (160°C). Smaller batches cook faster, so check at 7 minutes to prevent over-baking—ideal for quick, fresh batches.

Do I need special tools to bake cookies in an air fryer?

No special tools required! Parchment paper, silicone mats, or a light oil coating prevent sticking. A cookie scoop helps maintain uniform size for even baking.