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

Yes, you can cook cookies in the air fryer—and they come out perfectly golden, chewy, and delicious in less time than a conventional oven. With quick preheating and even airflow, air fryer cookies bake evenly and retain moisture for the ideal bite every time.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Air fryers bake cookies quickly with crispy edges.
• Preheat first: Ensures even baking and perfect texture every time.
• Small batches work best: Prevents overcrowding and promotes even browning.
• Adjust time/temp: Reduce by 25°F and monitor closely to avoid burning.
• Use parchment paper: Prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup effortlessly.
• Experiment with doughs: Works with store-bought or homemade cookie recipes.

Why You Should Try Baking Cookies in Your Air Fryer

Let’s be honest—baking cookies is one of those small joys in life that never gets old. The smell of butter and vanilla filling your kitchen, the anticipation of that first warm bite… it’s magic. But what if I told you there’s a faster, easier way to get that same golden, gooey goodness without preheating your oven or waiting 10 minutes for the first batch to finish?

Enter the air fryer: that little countertop powerhouse that’s been busy turning frozen fries crispy and reheating pizza like a champ. But can you cook cookies in the air fryer? The short answer is a resounding yes. And not just any cookies—perfectly baked, evenly golden, slightly crisp on the outside, and soft in the middle. I’ve tested this method more times than I’d like to admit (my coworkers are now my official taste testers), and I’m here to share everything I’ve learned—what works, what doesn’t, and how to get that perfect bite every single time.

How Air Frying Works for Cookies: The Science Behind the Crunch

Before we jump into recipes and tips, let’s talk about why air frying works so well for cookies. Understanding the process helps you troubleshoot and customize your results—no more guessing games.

Hot Air, Rapid Circulation

Air fryers use a powerful heating element and a high-speed fan to circulate hot air around your food. This creates convection, which is similar to how a convection oven works, but in a much smaller space. The result? Faster, more even cooking with a crispy exterior—ideal for cookies that need a little crunch.

Unlike traditional ovens, which can have hot spots and uneven heat distribution, air fryers deliver consistent temperature from all sides. This means your cookies bake uniformly, with less risk of one side burning while the other is still raw.

Smaller Space = Faster Bake Times

Because the air fryer basket is compact, heat doesn’t have far to travel. Most cookie batches cook in 6 to 9 minutes, compared to 10–12 in a regular oven. That’s a game-changer when you’re craving cookies at 10 p.m. and don’t want to wait half an hour for your oven to preheat.

One caveat: air fryers vary in size (from 3.5 to 6 quarts), so cooking times may differ slightly. Always keep an eye on your first batch to avoid over-browning.

No Need for Preheating (Usually)

Most air fryers don’t require preheating for small batches of cookies—especially if you’re using a pre-mixed dough. Just drop the dough in, set the timer, and go. However, if you’re using a recipe that calls for a specific temperature (like 350°F), preheating for 2–3 minutes can help ensure consistency.

Best Cookie Types for Air Frying (And Which to Avoid)

Not all cookies are created equal when it comes to air frying. Some thrive in the fast, intense heat, while others can turn into sad, flat puddles. Here’s what works—and what doesn’t.

Chocolate Chip & Classic Drop Cookies

These are the ultimate air fryer winners. The high heat helps the edges crisp up while the centers stay soft and chewy. I’ve made everything from classic Toll House-style cookies to brown butter chocolate chip, and they all turn out beautifully.

Pro tip: Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This prevents spreading and helps the cookies hold their shape in the intense heat.

Peanut Butter & Oatmeal Raisin

These dense, moist cookies do great in the air fryer. The peanut butter cookies develop a slightly crisp exterior with a soft, nutty center. Oatmeal raisin cookies get a lovely golden crust while staying chewy inside.

Just make sure your dough isn’t too wet. If it’s sticky, add a tablespoon of flour or chill it longer.

Soft Sugar Cookies & Snickerdoodles

Yes, you can air fry these! Sugar cookies turn out tender with a delicate crust. For snickerdoodles, the cinnamon-sugar coating gets extra crispy—delicious.

Tip: Roll them into balls and flatten slightly before placing in the air fryer. This ensures even cooking and prevents them from rolling around.

Cookies to Skip (For Now)

• Thin, crisp cookies like shortbread or lace cookies. They can burn too quickly.
• Very delicate or meringue-based cookies that need slow, gentle heat.
• Large, thick cookies (like giant bakery-style chocolate chip). They may cook unevenly or stay raw in the center.

If you’re set on making one of these, try cutting the dough into smaller portions or using the air fryer’s lowest temperature setting (usually 320°F).

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

Now for the fun part—actually making them. Here’s my tried-and-true method, with tips to avoid common mistakes.

1. Prep Your Dough

Use your favorite cookie recipe or a trusted store-bought mix. If making from scratch, chill the dough for 30–60 minutes. This is crucial—cold dough holds its shape better and bakes more evenly.

Portion the dough into 1–1.5 tablespoon scoops. I use a small cookie scoop for consistency. Place them on a plate or tray and chill again while you prepare the air fryer.

2. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Line the basket with parchment paper or a silicone liner. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Avoid using foil—it can create hot spots and damage the basket coating.

Alternatively, lightly spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray. But parchment is my go-to—it’s reusable and works like a charm.

3. Arrange the Cookies

Place the cookie dough balls in the basket, leaving at least 1 inch between each. Air fryers need space for air to circulate. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and flat cookies.

For a 5-quart air fryer, I usually fit 4–5 cookies per batch. Smaller models may only hold 3.

4. Set Temperature and Time

Most cookies bake well at 325°F to 350°F. Here’s a quick guide:

• 325°F: Best for softer cookies (sugar, snickerdoodles)
• 350°F: Ideal for chocolate chip, oatmeal, peanut butter

Start with 6 minutes for 325°F or 5 minutes for 350°F. Then check and add 1–2 minutes if needed.

5. Bake and Rotate (If Needed)

Air fryers don’t usually require flipping, but some models have less even heat. If your cookies brown too quickly on one side, pause the cooker, rotate the basket, and continue.

Look for golden edges and slightly soft centers. Remember: cookies continue cooking a bit after removal, so don’t wait until they’re fully firm.

6. Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool in the basket for 1–2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. This prevents sogginess from steam buildup.

Enjoy warm, or let cool completely for a firmer texture. I like mine with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Even with the best intentions, things can go sideways. Here’s what I’ve learned from my cookie experiments—so you don’t have to.

Cookies Are Too Flat

Cause: Dough was too warm, or too much fat (butter/oil) in the recipe.

Fix: Chill the dough longer (up to 2 hours). If it’s still spreading, add 1–2 tablespoons of flour or oats to thicken it.

Cookies Are Burnt on the Outside, Raw Inside

Cause: Temperature too high, or cookies were too large.

Fix: Lower the temp to 325°F and bake longer (7–8 minutes). Or make smaller cookies (1 tablespoon instead of 1.5).

Dough Sticks to the Basket

Cause: Not enough non-stick protection.

Fix: Always use parchment paper or a silicone liner. If using spray, make sure it’s a light, even coat.

Cookies Are Too Dry

Cause: Overbaked or too much flour in the dough.

Fix: Set a timer and check 1–2 minutes early. For future batches, reduce flour by 1–2 tablespoons or add an extra egg yolk for moisture.

Uneven Baking

Cause: Overcrowding or hot spots in the air fryer.

Fix: Leave space between cookies. Rotate the basket halfway through if needed. Some air fryers have “rotate” settings—use them!

Recipe Roundup: 5 Delicious Air Fryer Cookie Ideas

Ready to get baking? Here are five of my favorite air fryer cookie recipes, tested and loved by my taste-tester crew.

1. Classic Chocolate Chip (The Crowd Pleaser)

Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter (softened), 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 3/4 cups flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup chocolate chips.

Method: Chill dough 1 hour. Portion into 1-tbsp balls. Air fry at 350°F for 6–7 minutes. Let cool 2 minutes before removing.

2. Brown Butter Pecan Cookies (Gourmet Twist)

Ingredients: Brown 1/2 cup butter until nutty. Cool, then mix with 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup chopped pecans.

Method: Chill 30 minutes. Air fry at 325°F for 7–8 minutes. The brown butter gives them a deep, caramel-like flavor.

3. Peanut Butter & Jam Thumbprints (Kid-Friendly)

Ingredients: 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 egg, 1/2 tsp vanilla, 1 1/4 cups flour, 1/4 tsp salt. Jam for topping.

Method: Roll into balls, press a thumbprint in the center, fill with jam. Air fry at 325°F for 6 minutes. So good!

4. Snickerdoodle Swirl (Cinnamon Lover’s Dream)

Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup sugar, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla, 2 3/4 cups flour, 2 tsp cream of tartar, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 2 tbsp sugar + 2 tsp cinnamon (for coating).

Method: Roll dough balls in cinnamon-sugar. Air fry at 325°F for 6–7 minutes. Crispy outside, soft inside.

5. Oatmeal Raisin with a Twist (Healthier Option)

Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup honey, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 cup oats, 3/4 cup flour, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/2 cup raisins, 1/4 cup chopped walnuts.

Method: Chill 30 minutes. Air fry at 325°F for 7 minutes. Chewy, wholesome, and satisfying.

Data Table: Air Fryer Cookie Settings at a Glance

Cookie Type	Temp (°F)	Time (min)	Batch Size	Chill Time
Chocolate Chip	350	6–7	4–5	30–60 min
Peanut Butter	350	6–7	4	30 min
Snickerdoodles	325	6–7	4	30 min
Sugar Cookies	325	5–6	4	30 min
Oatmeal Raisin	325	7	4	30 min
Brown Butter Pecan	325	7–8	4	30 min

Note: Times and temps are based on a 5-quart basket air fryer. Adjust slightly for smaller or larger models.

Final Thoughts: The Perfect Bite Is Closer Than You Think

So, can you cook cookies in the air fryer? Absolutely. And once you try it, you might never go back to the oven for small batches. The speed, the even baking, the minimal cleanup—it’s a total win.

But here’s the real magic: the air fryer gives you control. Want a crispier edge? Bake a minute longer. Prefer gooey centers? Pull them out early. You’re not just baking cookies—you’re crafting your perfect bite, every time.

I’ve had nights where I’ve made three different cookie types in under an hour—no oven heat, no mess, just pure cookie joy. And the best part? My kitchen stays cool, and I’m not stuck waiting for the oven to preheat.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student in a dorm, or just someone who loves cookies (guilty as charged), the air fryer is a game-changer. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about getting that warm, golden, slightly crisp, soft-in-the-middle cookie faster and with less hassle.

So grab your favorite dough, line that basket, and give it a try. Start with the classic chocolate chip—it’s the ultimate test. And when you take that first bite, I hope you feel the same little thrill I do: the satisfaction of a perfect cookie, made just the way you like it. Because yes, you can cook cookies in the air fryer. And yes, they’re every bit as delicious as the ones from your oven—maybe even better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you 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 with a soft, chewy center—all with less preheating and energy than a traditional oven.

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

The best way to cook cookies in an air fryer is to preheat it to 325°F (160°C), place dough balls on parchment paper or a silicone liner, and air fry for 8–10 minutes. Leave space between cookies for even air circulation.

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

Air fryer cookies have a slightly crispier exterior due to the rapid circulation of hot air, but the inside stays soft and rich. The overall taste is nearly identical, making it a great alternative for small batches.

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

Most cookies take 8 to 10 minutes to bake in an air fryer at 325°F (160°C), depending on size and thickness. Since air fryers cook faster, always check them 1–2 minutes before the timer ends.

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

Yes, store-bought cookie dough works perfectly in the air fryer. Just shape it into balls, space them apart, and follow the same cooking time as homemade dough—no thawing needed for most brands.

Do I need special tools to make cookies in the air fryer?

No special tools are required, but using parchment paper or a silicone baking liner helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. A cookie scoop ensures uniform size for even cooking in your air fryer.