Can You Cook Pillsbury Cookies in the Air Fryer A Quick Guide

Yes, you can cook Pillsbury cookies in the air fryer for a quick, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside treat in under 10 minutes. Simply preheat to 325°F, place dough portions in the basket, and air fry for 6–8 minutes—no thawing needed for frozen cookies. This method delivers delicious results with less oil and faster cleanup than traditional baking.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can air fry Pillsbury cookies: Achieve crispy edges and gooey centers with adjusted cook times.
• Preheat your air fryer: Ensures even baking and prevents dough from sticking to the basket.
• Lower temperature is key: Cook at 325°F (160°C) to avoid burning delicate dough.
• Space cookies properly: Leave 1-2 inches between each to allow for even air circulation.
• Check early and often: Air fryers vary—start checking at 8 minutes to avoid over-baking.

Why the Air Fryer Is the Cookie Game-Changer You Didn’t Know You Needed

Let’s be honest: baking cookies is one of those kitchen rituals that feels like a mix of magic and science. You crack the eggs, mix the dough, and suddenly, your kitchen smells like a bakery. But what if I told you there’s a faster, easier way to get those golden-brown, gooey Pillsbury cookies without preheating the oven or waiting 10 minutes for it to reach the right temperature? Enter the air fryer—a kitchen gadget that’s been quietly revolutionizing how we cook everything from fries to salmon. And yes, it can even handle Pillsbury cookie dough. If you’ve ever stood in front of your oven, impatiently tapping your foot while the preheat timer counts down, you’ll understand why this is a revelation.

I first tried cooking Pillsbury cookies in my air fryer on a lazy Sunday afternoon. My oven was being used for a casserole, and my kids were begging for cookies. Desperate for a quick fix, I decided to experiment. Spoiler: it worked. But it wasn’t *perfect*—and that’s the real story here. The air fryer delivers speed and convenience, but it also comes with quirks. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student with a tiny kitchen, or just someone who loves crispy edges and soft centers, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From temperature tweaks to timing tricks, I’ve tested it all so you don’t have to. So, can you cook Pillsbury cookies in the air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes—but let’s dive into the details to make sure yours come out perfectly every time.

How the Air Fryer Works (And Why It Matters for Cookies)

The Science Behind the Air Fryer

Before we get into the cookie specifics, let’s talk about how your air fryer actually works. Unlike a traditional oven, which relies on radiant heat from heating elements, an air fryer uses a high-powered fan to circulate hot air around the food at high speeds. This creates a convection effect, similar to what you’d get in a convection oven. The result? Food cooks faster and more evenly, with a crispy exterior and a juicy interior—ideal for things like french fries, chicken tenders, and, yes, cookies.

The key here is the rapid air circulation. It means your Pillsbury cookies will cook from all sides at once, not just from the top and bottom like in a conventional oven. This can lead to a slightly different texture: crispier edges, a softer center, and a more consistent browning. But it also means you need to be careful about overcrowding and temperature. Too high, and the outside burns before the inside sets. Too low, and you lose that satisfying crunch.

Why This Matters for Pillsbury Dough

Pillsbury cookie dough is pre-portioned and designed for oven baking at 350°F (175°C). The dough balls are typically placed on a baking sheet, spaced apart to allow for spreading. In an air fryer, the same principles apply—but with some adjustments. Because the air fryer basket is smaller and the heat is more intense, you’ll need to:

• Use less dough per batch: Most air fryer baskets can fit 4–6 cookie dough balls at a time, depending on the model. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and flat, merged cookies.
• Adjust the temperature: The intense airflow means you might need to lower the temperature by 25–50°F (about 15–25°C) to prevent over-browning.
• Monitor cooking time closely: Cookies cook faster in an air fryer—often in 6–8 minutes instead of 10–12. This means you’ll need to check them early and often.

Think of it like driving a sports car instead of a minivan: the air fryer is faster and more responsive, but it requires a lighter touch. Once you understand how the air fryer’s mechanics affect your cookies, you’ll be able to tweak the settings for your specific model and preferences.

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Pillsbury Cookies in the Air Fryer

Prep Your Air Fryer Basket

First things first: prep your air fryer basket. You have a few options here, and the choice can affect the final texture of your cookies.

• Use parchment paper: Cut a round of parchment to fit the basket. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Just make sure it doesn’t cover the entire bottom—airflow is crucial.
• Lightly grease the basket: If you don’t have parchment, spray or brush the basket with a neutral oil (like canola or avocado). Avoid butter or non-stick sprays with propellants, as they can damage non-stick coatings.
• Silicone molds: For perfectly round, evenly cooked cookies, try using silicone cupcake liners or mini baking cups. These help contain the dough as it spreads and can make removal easier.

Set the Temperature and Time

Here’s where most people make mistakes. The default oven temperature for Pillsbury cookies is 350°F, but in an air fryer, that’s often too high. Here’s my tested approach:

• Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 325°F (163°C) and let it run for 3–5 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the start.
• Place the dough balls: Use the pre-portioned scoops from the Pillsbury tube or roll your own into 1.5-inch balls. Leave about 1–2 inches between each for spreading.
• Cook for 6–8 minutes: Start checking at 6 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown and the centers look set (they’ll firm up as they cool).
• Adjust for your model: If your air fryer runs hot (common with smaller models), try 300°F (150°C) for 8–10 minutes. If it runs cool, go up to 340°F (170°C) for 5–7 minutes.

Cooling and Storing

Don’t skip this step! Air fryer cookies come out hot and delicate. Here’s how to handle them:

• Let them cool in the basket for 1–2 minutes: This helps them firm up slightly before transferring.
• Use a spatula to move them: Slide a thin, flexible spatula under each cookie to avoid breaking them.
• Cool on a wire rack: This prevents the bottoms from steaming and getting soggy. If you don’t have a rack, a clean baking sheet works.
• Store in an airtight container: They’ll stay fresh for 2–3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag.

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake. Air fryers need space for hot air to circulate. If you pack the basket with too many dough balls, the cookies will steam instead of crisp up. They’ll also spread into each other, turning into one giant cookie blob. (Not that that’s a bad thing, but it’s not what most people want.)

Solution: Stick to 4–6 cookies per batch, depending on your basket size. If you’re cooking for a crowd, it’s worth the extra time to do multiple batches. The air fryer reheats quickly, so the second batch will be ready in just a few minutes.

Using the Wrong Temperature

Air fryers vary in power and design. A temperature that works for one model might burn cookies in another. I’ve seen people follow online recipes to the letter, only to end up with charred edges and gooey centers—or the opposite.

Solution: Start with a lower temperature (325°F) and shorter time (6 minutes). If the cookies are underdone, add 30 seconds. If they’re overdone, reduce the time or temp next batch. Keep notes on what works for your specific air fryer.

Forgetting to Preheat

Some air fryer models don’t have a preheat setting, but that doesn’t mean you should skip it. Starting with a cold basket leads to uneven cooking and longer cook times.

Solution: Preheat for 3–5 minutes at your target temperature. If your model doesn’t have a preheat function, just set it to cook and wait before adding the cookies.

Not Checking Early

Because air fryers cook faster, it’s easy to walk away and come back to overcooked cookies. The difference between “golden brown” and “burnt” can be just 30 seconds.

Solution: Set a timer for 6 minutes, then check every 30 seconds after that. Look for set edges and a slightly underdone center—the residual heat will finish cooking them as they cool.

Air Fryer Cookie Tips for Different Pillsbury Varieties

Classic Chocolate Chip

The OG of Pillsbury cookies works beautifully in the air fryer. The chocolate chips melt into gooey pockets, and the edges crisp up nicely. Just be sure to use the pre-portioned dough balls—they spread less than homemade dough, which is ideal for air frying.

Pro tip: For extra gooey centers, pull the cookies out when they’re just set around the edges. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Double Chocolate

These are richer and more delicate than regular chocolate chip cookies. The higher cocoa content means they can burn easily, so keep a close eye on them.

Pro tip: Reduce the temperature to 300°F and cook for 7–9 minutes. The lower heat prevents scorching and ensures the chocolate doesn’t seize.

Snickerdoodle

The cinnamon-sugar coating on these cookies can burn quickly in an air fryer. To prevent this, try lightly brushing the tops with water before adding the dough balls. This creates a steam barrier that protects the sugar while still allowing the edges to crisp.

Pro tip: If you notice the sugar browning too fast, cover the basket with a piece of aluminum foil (tented to allow airflow) for the last minute of cooking.

Seasonal Flavors (Pumpkin, Sugar Cookie, etc.)

Seasonal Pillsbury varieties often have unique ingredients (like pumpkin puree or extra spices) that affect cooking time and texture. These can be more prone to spreading or drying out.

Pro tip: For pumpkin cookies, which tend to be softer, use silicone molds to contain the dough. For sugar cookies, which are firmer, you can skip the molds and just space them out more.

Data Table: Air Fryer vs. Oven for Pillsbury Cookies

Factor	Air Fryer (325°F, 6–8 min)	Oven (350°F, 10–12 min)
Prep Time	5 min (preheat + basket prep)	15 min (oven preheat + tray prep)
Cook Time	6–8 min	10–12 min
Energy Use	Lower (smaller space, faster cook)	Higher (larger space, longer cook)
Texture	Crispy edges, soft center	Uniformly soft with golden edges
Batch Size	4–6 cookies	12–24 cookies (standard tray)
Cleanup	Easy (parchment or greased basket)	Moderate (baking sheet, potential drips)
Best For	Small batches, quick snacks, crispy texture	Large batches, soft texture, traditional feel

This table highlights the key differences between air fryer and oven baking. The air fryer wins on speed and energy efficiency, but the oven is better for large batches or if you prefer softer cookies. Your choice depends on your priorities—and how hungry you are right now.

Final Thoughts: Is the Air Fryer Worth It for Pillsbury Cookies?

So, can you cook Pillsbury cookies in the air fryer? Absolutely. And in many cases, you *should*. The air fryer offers a faster, more energy-efficient way to get warm, fresh cookies with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for:

• Small households or solo bakers who don’t want to heat up a whole oven for a few cookies.
• Busy weeknights when you need a quick dessert after dinner.
• Summer days when turning on the oven feels like a punishment.
• Crispy cookie lovers who enjoy that slightly firmer edge.

That said, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re baking a dozen cookies for a party, the oven is still the better choice. And if you love the soft, cakey texture of oven-baked Pillsbury cookies, the air fryer might not give you exactly what you’re looking for. But with a little practice—and a few tweaks to temperature and timing—you can get close. The key is to treat the air fryer like a tool, not a magic bullet. It’s fast, convenient, and fun, but it requires attention and adaptation.

My personal verdict? I now use my air fryer for Pillsbury cookies about 80% of the time. The other 20%? When I’m feeling nostalgic and want to relive that classic oven-baked cookie experience. But for quick, crispy, gooey cookies that satisfy a craving in under 15 minutes? The air fryer is my go-to. Give it a try, experiment with the settings, and find what works for you. You might just discover your new favorite way to bake cookies—one air-fried batch at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook Pillsbury cookies in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook Pillsbury cookies in the air fryer for a quick and crispy treat. Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and cook for 6–8 minutes, adjusting time based on your model.

What temperature should you use to air fry Pillsbury cookies?

For best results, set your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). This ensures even baking without burning the edges of the cookies.

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

Most Pillsbury cookies take 6–8 minutes in the air fryer. Thicker varieties may need an extra minute or two, so monitor closely.

Do you need to adjust the cooking time for air frying Pillsbury cookies vs. an oven?

Yes, air fryers cook faster than ovens, so reduce the time by 2–4 minutes compared to package instructions. Check cookies early to avoid over-baking.

Can you cook frozen Pillsbury cookie dough in the air fryer?

Yes, but add 1–2 minutes to the cooking time. Keep the dough spaced apart and avoid overcrowding the basket for even results.

How do you prevent Pillsbury cookies from spreading too much in the air fryer?

Place cookie dough balls at least 2 inches apart in the air fryer basket. Chilling the dough for 10–15 minutes beforehand can also help reduce spreading.