Simple Cookie Recipe Air Fryer: Quick, Delicious & Healthy
Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, offering a quick and healthier way to enjoy our favorite recipes. One of the most delightful creations you can make in an air fryer is cookies! Whether you’re craving a classic chocolate chip cookie or experimenting with flavors, this Simple Cookie Recipe Air Fryer is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without compromising on taste or convenience. Not only are these cookies incredibly easy to prepare, but they’re also ready in a fraction of the time compared to traditional oven baking. Plus, they require minimal equipment, making them ideal for beginners or those with limited kitchen space.
In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know to make these delectable cookies, including the preparation process, nutritional information, and tips for achieving the perfect texture. Let’s get started!
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Dessert or Snack
- Servings: 12 cookies
- Calories per Serving: ~150 calories
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Active Time (Cooking): 8 minutes per batch
- Resting Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer with a flat basket or tray
- Parchment paper or reusable silicone liner (optional)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or spoon
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups (150 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Mix-ins:
- ½ cup (85 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup (30 g) chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans)
- ¼ cup (30 g) dried cranberries or raisins
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or whisk to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until combined.
- Fold in your desired mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.
2. Prepare the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone liner to prevent sticking.
3. Shape and Cook:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Flatten slightly with your palm.
- Place the cookies in the air fryer basket, ensuring at least 1 inch of space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.
- Air fry at 325°F (160°C) for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set.
4. Cool and Serve:
- Carefully remove the cookies from the air fryer basket using a spatula.
- Let them rest on a wire rack or plate for 5 minutes to firm up before serving.
Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: ~150
- Total Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Sugars: 12 g
- Protein: 2 g
Tips for Perfect Cookies in the Air Fryer
- Avoid Overcrowding: Leave enough space between cookies to allow proper air circulation. This ensures even cooking.
- Check Doneness Early: Since air fryers vary in performance, start checking your cookies at the 6-minute mark to prevent overcooking.
- Experiment with Textures: For softer cookies, slightly undercook and let them cool on the rack. For crisper edges, extend the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating ensures consistent temperatures, which is crucial for evenly baked cookies.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Cookies?
The air fryer is a game-changer for baking small batches of cookies. Unlike traditional ovens, air fryers require no lengthy preheating and bake cookies in almost half the time. The circulating hot air creates a perfectly golden exterior while keeping the interior soft and chewy. Plus, the smaller cooking chamber means less energy consumption—perfect for eco-conscious bakers.
Variations and Customization Ideas
- Healthier Cookies: Substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for lower fat content.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Seasonal Flavors: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice for a warm, seasonal twist.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and a flaxseed “egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water).
Conclusion
This Simple Cookie Recipe Air Fryer is a fantastic option for anyone looking to enjoy homemade cookies quickly and easily. With minimal prep and clean-up, it’s a great solution for weeknight treats, holiday baking, or satisfying a sudden craving. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize the flavors and mix-ins to your liking. Plus, the nutritional benefits of air frying mean you can indulge guilt-free!
So, grab your air fryer and whip up a batch of these delicious cookies today—you won’t be disappointed!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.