Can I Bake My Cookies in the Air Fryer A Quick Guide

Yes, you can bake cookies in the air fryer—it’s a faster, energy-efficient alternative to traditional ovens that delivers crispy edges and chewy centers in minutes. Just adjust the temperature to 325°F (160°C) and reduce baking time by 2–4 minutes for perfectly golden results without the wait.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can bake cookies in an air fryer with great results.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even baking and perfect texture.
• Use parchment paper or silicone liners to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
• Adjust temperature to 325°F–350°F for optimal browning without burning.
• Cook in small batches to maintain airflow and consistent baking times.
• Check cookies 2–3 minutes early—air fryers cook faster than ovens.

Can I Bake My Cookies in the Air Fryer? A Quick Guide

Let’s be honest—baking cookies is one of life’s simple joys. The smell of chocolate chips melting in the oven, the sound of a timer dinging, the first bite of a warm, chewy cookie… it’s pure magic. But what if I told you there’s a way to get that same magic in less time, with less mess, and maybe even a little more control over the outcome? Enter the air fryer.

If you’ve recently joined the air fryer revolution (or you’re still on the fence), you’ve probably wondered: Can I bake my cookies in the air fryer? Maybe you’ve seen TikTok videos of golden-brown chocolate chip cookies emerging from a compact basket, or you’ve heard a friend rave about how their air fryer made the perfect soft-centered cookie in under 10 minutes. You’re not alone. With more people turning to air fryers for everything from crispy chicken to roasted veggies, it’s only natural to wonder if your go-to cookie recipe can make the leap too.

The short answer? Yes—you can bake cookies in the air fryer, and it’s often a fantastic alternative to the oven. But like any kitchen hack, it comes with its own set of rules, tips, and a few things to watch out for. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: from why air frying works for cookies, to how to adjust your favorite recipes, to the best settings and techniques for different types of cookies. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student with limited kitchen space, or just someone who loves experimenting, this is your friendly, no-nonsense roadmap to air fryer cookie success.

Why Baking Cookies in an Air Fryer Makes Sense

Speed and Efficiency

One of the biggest perks of using an air fryer to bake cookies is speed. Traditional ovens take 10–15 minutes to preheat. That’s 10–15 minutes of waiting before you even start baking. Air fryers, on the other hand, heat up in 2–5 minutes. That means you can go from craving a cookie to eating one in under 15 minutes total—no preheating drama.

I remember one rainy afternoon when my kids were begging for cookies. The oven would’ve taken forever to heat, and I was already juggling homework and dinner prep. I grabbed my air fryer, dropped in six chocolate chip cookie dough balls, and had warm, gooey cookies ready in 8 minutes. The kids were thrilled, and I was a kitchen hero. That’s the kind of efficiency we’re talking about.

Even Cooking and Crispy Edges

Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to cook food evenly. This means your cookies get a consistent bake all around, with a slightly crispier edge than you might get in a conventional oven. If you love that contrast between a soft center and a delicate crunch on the outside, the air fryer delivers.

It’s not just about texture, either. The even heat helps prevent undercooked centers or burnt edges—common issues when oven temperatures fluctuate. Plus, because the air fryer is a smaller space, heat is more concentrated, which can help set the structure of the cookie faster, leading to less spreading.

Energy Efficiency and Kitchen Comfort

Let’s talk practicality. Running a full-sized oven for just a dozen cookies uses a lot of energy—and heats up your entire kitchen. In summer, that’s a nightmare. Air fryers use up to 50% less energy than traditional ovens and produce far less ambient heat. That means you can bake cookies without turning your kitchen into a sauna.

And if you live in a small apartment, dorm, or RV, an air fryer might be your only baking option. It’s compact, doesn’t require ventilation like a stovetop, and can handle small batches with ease. For those with limited space or mobility, it’s a game-changer.

How Air Fryer Baking Differs from Oven Baking

Heat Distribution and Airflow

The biggest difference between air fryer and oven baking comes down to airflow. Ovens rely on radiant heat—hot air rising and circulating naturally. Air fryers, however, use a powerful fan to push hot air around the food at high speed. This “forced convection” cooks food faster and more evenly, but it also means your cookies can dry out or brown too quickly if you’re not careful.

Because of this, you’ll need to reduce cooking time and temperature compared to your oven recipe. A good rule of thumb: lower the temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) and cut the time by 2–3 minutes. For example, if your recipe calls for 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes in the oven, try 325°F (160°C) for 7–8 minutes in the air fryer.

Basket Size and Batch Limitations

Air fryers come in different sizes—typically 3 to 6 quarts. Most standard models can fit 6–8 cookie dough balls at a time, depending on the size. That’s much smaller than a standard baking sheet, which can hold 12–24 cookies.

So, if you’re baking for a crowd, you’ll need to do multiple batches. But here’s the upside: each batch bakes faster, and you don’t have to worry about overloading the space. Just remember to space the dough balls at least 1 inch apart to allow for spreading and proper airflow. Crowding leads to steamed, uneven cookies.

No Need for Parchment Paper (But You Can Use It)

Unlike ovens, where parchment paper is often essential to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup, air fryers usually come with non-stick baskets. You can often place cookie dough directly on the basket—no paper needed. However, if you’re making gooey or buttery cookies (like double chocolate or oatmeal raisin), a small piece of parchment or a silicone liner can help with cleanup and prevent sticking.

Pro tip: Lightly grease the basket with non-stick spray or a dab of oil if you’re not using parchment. And always wait for the air fryer to preheat before adding the cookies—this helps prevent sticking and ensures even browning from the start.

Adjusting Your Cookie Recipe for the Air Fryer

Temperature and Time Adjustments

As mentioned, you’ll need to tweak your recipe for the air fryer. Here’s a quick conversion guide:

• Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes → Air fryer: 325°F (160°C) for 7–9 minutes
• Oven: 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes → Air fryer: 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes
• Oven: 325°F (160°C) for 12–14 minutes → Air fryer: 300°F (150°C) for 9–11 minutes

Always start with the lower end of the time range. You can always add 30–60 seconds if needed, but you can’t un-burn a cookie. Use visual cues: the edges should be golden, and the centers should look slightly underdone. They’ll firm up as they cool.

Dough Consistency Matters

Air fryers are less forgiving with wet or overly soft dough. If your cookie dough is very sticky (like some no-bake or high-moisture recipes), it can spread too much or stick to the basket. For best results, chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents excessive spreading.

For example, I tried baking my favorite chewy chocolate chip cookies straight from the fridge—and they spread into one giant cookie blob. After chilling the dough for an hour, they held their shape beautifully and baked evenly. Lesson learned: chill your dough, especially for air fryer use.

Size and Shape Control

Since air fryers have limited space, stick to smaller cookies—about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion dough evenly. This ensures consistent baking and prevents undercooked centers or burnt edges.

If you’re making drop cookies (like chocolate chip or oatmeal), roll the dough into balls and gently press down slightly—about 1/4 inch thick. This helps them cook through without drying out. For bar cookies (like blondies or brownies), you can use a small oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer basket.

Best Types of Cookies to Bake in an Air Fryer

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

These are a no-brainer. A batch of 6–8 chocolate chip cookies in the air fryer turns out golden, chewy, and perfectly gooey. I use my standard recipe, chill the dough, and bake at 325°F for 7–8 minutes. The chocolate chips get just melty enough without burning, and the edges crisp up beautifully.

Tip: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for that gourmet bakery touch.

Oatmeal Raisin and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip

Oatmeal cookies are ideal for air frying because they hold their shape well and benefit from the crisp edges. The oats absorb moisture, so the cookies don’t spread as much. Bake at 325°F for 7–9 minutes. For oatmeal chocolate chip, reduce the raisins and add chips—same great result.

No-Bake and Energy Balls (Yes, Really!)

Surprisingly, you can “bake” no-bake cookies and energy balls in the air fryer to firm them up. For example, roll your favorite no-bake cookie mixture (like peanut butter and oats) into balls, then air fry at 300°F for 4–5 minutes. This sets the texture without melting the chocolate or burning the edges.

Energy balls (made with dates, nuts, and cocoa) also firm up nicely in the air fryer. It’s a great way to make them more shelf-stable or give them a slightly toasted flavor.

Brownies and Blondies (Mini Versions)

While you can’t bake a full 9×13 pan in most air fryers, you can use a small oven-safe dish (like a 6-inch round pan or silicone mold). Pour your brownie or blondie batter into the dish, place it in the air fryer, and bake at 325°F for 12–15 minutes. The result? Fudgy, dense, and perfectly portioned.

Bonus: You get that crispy top layer without overcooking the center.

What to Avoid: Delicate or High-Fat Cookies

Not all cookies are air fryer-friendly. Avoid recipes with very high fat content (like shortbread or butter cookies) unless you chill the dough thoroughly. These can melt and spread too much in the intense heat.

Also, delicate cookies like meringues or lace cookies may burn or collapse due to the strong airflow. Stick to sturdier, dough-based recipes for best results.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting Common Issues

Use the Right Accessories

While most air fryers come with a basic basket, investing in a few accessories can improve your cookie game:

• Silicone baking cups or liners – Great for preventing sticking and easy cleanup.
• Oven-safe silicone molds – For mini brownies, cookie cups, or even individual cookie cakes.
• Small baking dishes – Ideal for bars or layered cookies.

Just make sure any accessory fits comfortably in your basket and leaves room for airflow.

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

This is the #1 mistake. Even if you’re tempted to squeeze in one more cookie, don’t. Overcrowding blocks airflow, leading to uneven cooking and soggy centers. Stick to 6–8 cookies max, spaced evenly.

I once tried fitting 10 cookies in my 5.8-quart model. Half were undercooked, half were overdone. Lesson learned: less is more.

Check for Doneness Early

Air fryers cook fast. Set a timer for 1 minute less than your expected time and check. The cookies should look set around the edges and slightly soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool on a wire rack.

If they’re still too soft, add 30 seconds and check again. Overbaking leads to dry, crumbly cookies.

Clean the Basket Between Batches

Even with non-stick surfaces, residual grease and crumbs can burn and smoke in the next batch. Wipe the basket with a damp cloth or use a paper towel with a little oil between batches to keep things clean and prevent off-flavors.

Let Cookies Cool Before Removing

Freshly baked cookies are fragile. Let them sit in the basket for 1–2 minutes after baking. This allows them to firm up slightly. Then, use a silicone spatula or fork to gently lift them out. Don’t use metal tools—they can scratch the non-stick coating.

Air Fryer Cookie Baking: A Quick Data Comparison

Cookie Type	Oven Temp (°F)	Oven Time (min)	Air Fryer Temp (°F)	Air Fryer Time (min)	Batch Size	Notes
Chocolate Chip	350	10–12	325	7–9	6–8	Chill dough for best shape
Oatmeal Raisin	350	10–12	325	7–9	6–8	Holds shape well
Brownies (mini)	350	20–25	325	12–15	1 small dish	Use oven-safe mold
No-Bake Balls	N/A	N/A	300	4–5	6–8	Sets texture, not baked
Peanut Butter	350	8–10	325	6–8	6	May spread; chill dough

Remember, these are starting points. Every air fryer varies slightly, so take notes and adjust as needed.

So, can you bake your cookies in the air fryer? Absolutely. With a few tweaks and some smart techniques, you can enjoy warm, delicious cookies faster than ever. Whether you’re craving a quick treat, saving energy, or just love experimenting in the kitchen, the air fryer is a surprisingly versatile tool for cookie lovers.

The key is to start small, chill your dough, and adjust time and temperature to match the intense heat of the air fryer. Don’t be afraid to try new recipes—just keep a close eye on the first batch. And most importantly, have fun with it. Baking should be joyful, not stressful.

Next time you’re hit with a cookie craving, skip the oven and reach for your air fryer. You might just find that your new favorite way to bake cookies is also the fastest, cleanest, and most satisfying. Happy baking—and even happier eating!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake my cookies in the air fryer instead of an oven?

Yes, you can bake cookies in the air fryer for a faster, crispier result. Just adjust the temperature (usually 25–50°F lower than oven recipes) and check them early.

How do I prevent air fryer cookies from spreading too much?

Chill your dough for 30+ minutes before baking and leave 2-inch spacing between cookies. The air fryer’s rapid airflow can cause excessive spreading if dough is too warm.

What’s the best temperature for baking cookies in an air fryer?

Most cookies bake well at 325–350°F in the air fryer. Reduce the time by 2–3 minutes compared to oven baking and rotate the basket halfway for even browning.

Can I use parchment paper or silicone molds for air fryer cookies?

Yes! Parchment liners or silicone molds prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. Just ensure they’re air fryer-safe and don’t block airflow around the cookies.

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

Air fryer cookies typically take 6–10 minutes, depending on size and thickness. Start checking at 5 minutes to avoid over-baking, as air fryers cook faster than ovens.

Can I bake frozen cookie dough in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Bake frozen dough at 325°F for 8–12 minutes, no thawing needed. Add 1–2 minutes to the time and ensure pieces aren’t overcrowded for even cooking.