Can I Cook Cookies in the Air Fryer Discover the Perfect Bite

Yes, you can cook cookies in the air fryer—and they come out perfectly crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside in under 10 minutes. No need to heat up the oven; the air fryer delivers fast, even baking with minimal cleanup, making it the ultimate hack for fresh, warm cookies anytime.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook cookies in an air fryer for a quick, crispy treat with less oil.
• Use parchment paper or silicone molds to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
• Preheat the air fryer to guarantee consistent results and golden edges.
• Adjust time and temperature—shorter cook times (8–12 mins) at 325°F prevent over-browning.
• Batch size matters—avoid overcrowding to let hot air circulate for perfect texture.
• Experiment with dough types—refrigerated or homemade both work with minor tweaks.

Why the Air Fryer Might Be Your New Cookie Baking Secret

Let’s be honest—baking cookies can feel like a chore. Preheating the oven, waiting for it to reach the right temperature, and then babysitting the timer so your precious treats don’t burn. Sound familiar? I’ve been there. One day, after burning a batch of chocolate chip cookies (again), I thought, “What if I tried this in the air fryer?” I was skeptical at first. After all, the air fryer was supposed to be for crispy chicken tenders and reheating leftovers, right? But curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to experiment. Spoiler alert: I’m now a full-blown air fryer cookie convert.

So, can I cook cookies in the air fryer? The short answer is a resounding yes—and not just “yes, but they’re okay.” We’re talking about golden, chewy, perfectly baked cookies that rival your oven results, with less mess, less energy, and faster cleanup. Whether you’re a busy parent, a small-kitchen dweller, or just someone who loves a good kitchen hack, this method might just become your new go-to. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: how it works, what to expect, the best recipes to try, and even a few pitfalls to avoid. Let’s get into it.

How Air Fryers Work (and Why They’re Great for Cookies)

The Science Behind the Crisp

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food at high speed using a powerful fan and heating element. This creates a convection effect—similar to a convection oven, but in a much smaller space. The result? Food cooks faster and more evenly, with a crispy exterior and moist interior. For cookies, this means the outside gets that beautiful golden-brown crust while the inside stays soft and chewy. Unlike traditional ovens, which take 10–15 minutes to preheat, most air fryers are ready in 3–5 minutes. That’s a game-changer when you’re craving cookies on a whim.

Size and Space Advantages

One of the biggest perks? You don’t need to heat up your entire oven for just a dozen cookies. Air fryers are compact and energy-efficient, making them perfect for small batches. Plus, you can fit 6–8 standard-sized cookies in a typical 5–6 quart basket. No more waiting for the oven to cool down after baking, and no more wasted energy. I’ve even made cookies in my tiny studio apartment’s kitchen without setting off the smoke alarm (a miracle, I tell you).

Texture Control: Crispy vs. Chewy

Here’s the fun part: air fryers give you more control over texture. Want a crispier cookie? Just extend the cook time by a minute or two. Prefer them soft and gooey? Pull them out a little early. The rapid airflow means you can fine-tune the outcome with precision. For example, I like my chocolate chip cookies with a slightly crisp edge and a molten center. With the air fryer, I can nail that every time by baking them at 325°F for 8 minutes. In the oven, I’d have to guess and hope for the best.

Step-by-Step: How to Bake Cookies in Your Air Fryer

Preparing Your Air Fryer

First things first: prep your air fryer. Lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper (cut to fit). This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Some people swear by reusable silicone liners—I’ve tried them, and they work great, but parchment is cheaper and more accessible. Pro tip: if you’re using parchment, make sure it doesn’t block the airflow. Trim it so it sits flat in the basket without curling up the sides.

Portioning and Spacing

Cookie dough spreads, so spacing is crucial. Use a small cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) to portion your dough. Roll it into balls and place them in the basket, leaving at least 1–2 inches between each. Crowding leads to flat, uneven cookies. I learned this the hard way when I tried to fit 10 cookies in a 5-quart basket—they merged into one giant “cookie blob.” Not cute. Stick to 6–8 for best results.

Baking Time and Temperature

Here’s the golden rule: start low and slow. Air fryers cook faster than ovens, so you’ll need to adjust your usual recipe. A good starting point is 325°F for 7–9 minutes. Here’s how I tweak my classic chocolate chip recipe:

• Preheat the air fryer for 3 minutes at 325°F.
• Bake 6 cookies at a time.
• Check at 7 minutes: the edges should be golden, and the center slightly soft.
• Add 1–2 minutes if needed, but watch closely—air fryers can overcook quickly.

For softer cookies, reduce the time to 6–7 minutes. For crispier ones, go up to 10 minutes. Always let the cookies rest in the basket for 1–2 minutes after baking. They’ll firm up as they cool.

Testing Doneness

How do you know when they’re done? Look for a light golden color around the edges. The center should look set but still slightly underbaked—this is key for chewy cookies. If you press the top gently, it should spring back but leave a slight indentation. Overcooked cookies will feel firm all over. I keep a timer handy and set a reminder to check at the 7-minute mark. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Best Cookie Recipes for the Air Fryer (and a Few to Avoid)

Classic Chocolate Chip

This is the ultimate test. My go-to recipe: 1 stick butter (softened), 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1 cup chocolate chips. Mix, scoop, and bake at 325°F for 8 minutes. The result? A cookie with a crisp edge, a soft center, and melty chocolate. Perfection.

Double Chocolate and Oatmeal Raisin

For chocolate lovers, try double chocolate: add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and double the chocolate chips. Bake at 325°F for 7–8 minutes. The air fryer’s heat gives these a fudgy texture that’s hard to achieve in the oven. Oatmeal raisin fans? Use your favorite recipe (I love adding a pinch of cinnamon) and bake for 8–9 minutes. The oats crisp up beautifully, and the raisins stay plump.

Peanut Butter and Sugar Cookies

Peanut butter cookies are a natural fit. The high fat content helps them crisp up without drying out. My recipe: 1 cup peanut butter, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 egg, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Roll into balls, flatten with a fork, and bake at 325°F for 7 minutes. Sugar cookies? Same deal—just add 1/4 cup more sugar and 1/2 tsp vanilla. Bake for 6–7 minutes for soft, pillowy cookies.

Recipes to Skip (and Why)

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

• Thin, delicate cookies (like lace cookies): they’ll burn or fly around due to the airflow.
• Large, thick cookies (like 4-inch diameter): they won’t cook evenly and may stay raw in the center.
• Frosted or decorated cookies: frosting can melt or slide off during baking.
• Meringues: the high heat can cause them to brown too quickly or collapse.

Stick to medium-sized, sturdy doughs for the best results. If you’re unsure, start with a small test batch.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake. I’ve been guilty of it too—trying to fit “just one more” cookie. But crowding leads to uneven cooking. The outer cookies will brown while the center ones stay doughy. The fix? Bake in batches. It might take a few extra minutes, but your cookies will thank you. If you’re impatient (like me), try baking 4 cookies first, then the remaining 4. You’ll get two perfect batches instead of one mediocre one.

Using the Wrong Temperature

Air fryers are hotter than ovens, so high temps (like 350°F+) can burn cookies. I once set mine to 375°F and ended up with charcoal disks. Oops. The sweet spot is 325°F–350°F. For most recipes, 325°F works best. If your air fryer runs hot (check your manual), reduce it to 315°F. You can always add time, but you can’t un-burn a cookie.

Not Preheating

Skipping preheat? Big mistake. A cold basket means uneven cooking and longer bake times. Always preheat for 3–5 minutes. I set a timer so I don’t forget. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, just run it empty at your baking temp for a few minutes.

Forgetting the Parchment

Cookie dough is sticky. Without parchment or a liner, you’ll spend 20 minutes scraping dough off the basket. I keep pre-cut parchment rounds on hand for easy cleanup. If you don’t have parchment, spray the basket with oil—but be careful not to overdo it. Too much oil can make cookies greasy.

Air Fryer Cookie Baking: Data and Tips at a Glance

To make your life easier, here’s a quick-reference table of my most-tested cookie recipes and their air fryer settings:

Cookie Type	Preheat (°F)	Bake Temp (°F)	Bake Time (Min)	Yield	Texture Notes
Chocolate Chip	325	325	7–8	12 cookies	Chewy center, crisp edge
Double Chocolate	325	325	7–8	12 cookies	Fudgy, rich
Oatmeal Raisin	325	325	8–9	12 cookies	Crunchy oats, soft raisins
Peanut Butter	325	325	7	12 cookies	Crisp exterior, soft inside
Sugar Cookie	325	325	6–7	12 cookies	Soft, pillowy

Pro tips:

• Rotate the basket halfway through if your air fryer has uneven heat (some models do).
• Let cookies cool in the basket for 1–2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them firm up.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for 3–4 days. Re-crisp in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes if needed.
• Freeze dough balls for quick future baking. No need to thaw—just add 1–2 minutes to the cook time.

The Verdict: Should You Try Air Fryer Cookies?

After months of testing, tweaking, and (let’s be honest) eating way too many cookies, I can confidently say: yes, you should absolutely try baking cookies in your air fryer. It’s faster, more efficient, and delivers delicious results. The texture is spot-on, the cleanup is minimal, and the energy savings are real. I’ve even started using my air fryer for other baked goods—brownies, mini muffins, even cinnamon rolls—and they all turn out great.

That said, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re baking 3 dozen cookies for a party, your oven is still the better choice. But for everyday cravings, small batches, or when you’re short on time? The air fryer wins. I’ve converted a few skeptical friends, and now they’re hooked too. One friend told me, “I can’t believe I waited this long to try it. My oven feels so outdated.”

So, to answer the original question: can I cook cookies in the air fryer? Absolutely. And once you do, you’ll wonder why you ever used the oven for small batches. Give it a shot—start with chocolate chip, follow my steps, and enjoy that perfect bite. Happy baking! And if you have questions or want to share your air fryer cookie adventures, drop me a comment. I’d love to hear from you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook cookies in the air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook cookies in the air fryer! It’s a quick and efficient way to achieve crispy edges and soft centers without heating up your entire oven.

What’s the best way to make air fryer cookies?

For perfect air fryer cookies, preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C), space dough portions evenly, and cook in batches for 8–12 minutes. Lightly greasing the basket prevents sticking and ensures even browning.

How long do cookies take in the air fryer compared to an oven?

Cookies cook faster in the air fryer—usually 8–12 minutes versus 10–15 in a conventional oven. The circulating hot air speeds up cooking while giving cookies a deliciously crisp texture.

Can I use store-bought cookie dough in the air fryer?

Yes, store-bought cookie dough works great in the air fryer. Just portion it into balls, leave space for spreading, and follow the recommended air fryer temperature and time for best results.

Do I need to flip cookies when cooking in the air fryer?

No, flipping isn’t necessary when you cook cookies in the air fryer. The even air circulation ensures consistent baking on all sides, making flipping unnecessary for most recipes.

Can I bake multiple cookie sheets at once in the air fryer?

Most air fryers can only handle a single layer of cookies at a time due to space and airflow. Cooking in batches ensures even baking and the perfect bite every time.