There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, and when those cookies are made in an air fryer, the joy is multiplied. Air fryer chocolate chip cookies are not only quicker to make but also deliver a delightful texture—crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. These cookies have become a staple in my home, especially on busy days when a sweet treat is just what we need to lift our spirits.
What makes these air fryer cookies truly special is their luscious flavor profile. The combination of vegan butter and sugars creates a rich, sweet base, while the chocolate chips offer little bursts of indulgence in every bite. Whether you’re vegan or just looking for a fun way to enjoy cookies, these treats will satisfy your cravings without a hitch.
Why you’ll love this
- Quick cooking time: Bake in just 7 minutes.
- No need for an oven: Perfect for small spaces or warm days.
- Chewy texture: Combines crisp edges with a soft, gooey center.
- Plant-based ingredients: Great for vegan diets without sacrificing flavor.
- Easily customizable: Add nuts or dried fruit to fit your taste.
"These are the easiest, most delicious cookies I’ve ever made!"
Step-by-step overview
Making air fryer chocolate chip cookies involves a few simple steps: cream together the vegan butter and sugars, mix in the wet ingredients, combine the dry ingredients, and then fold in those delightful chocolate chips. After chilling the dough, you’ll scoop and air fry for a quick finish. It’s simple, satisfying, and yields cookies to enjoy in no time.
What you’ll need
- ½ cup vegan butter (1 stick or 112g, softened to room temperature)
- ½ cup organic white sugar (100g)
- ½ cup brown sugar (100g)
- 3 tablespoons vegan milk (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups flour (210g)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- 8 ounces of chopped vegan chocolate chips/chunks
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Vegan butter: Can be replaced with coconut oil for a slightly different flavor.
- Sugars: Use coconut sugar for a richer, caramel-like taste.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but gluten-free flour blends work well too.
- Milk: Almond or oat milk are great substitutes for the vegan milk.
How to make it
Air frying cookies is incredibly straightforward. In just a few steps, you can have warm treats ready for any occasion.
Cream the vegan butter and sugars: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened vegan butter with the white and brown sugars for about 3 minutes until fluffy. A whisk is a great alternative if you don’t have an electric mixer.
Add wet ingredients: Pour in the vegan milk and vanilla extract. Mix for another 30 seconds until combined.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and sea salt. Gradually mix this dry blend into the wet ingredients until fully combined (about 1 minute).
Fold in the chocolate: Gently stir in the chopped chocolate chips or chunks. Be careful not to over-mix—just until everything is combined.
Chill the dough: Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for 2 hours. This step is essential for achieving the right texture and preventing the cookies from spreading too much when air frying.
Shape the cookies: Take out the chilled dough and scoop out generous heaping tablespoons (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each), leaving about 3 inches between each cookie. Keep the dough cold as you work—this helps maintain their shape.
Air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 325°F. Place the cookie scoops in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for approximately 7 minutes.
Rest: Once the time is up, do not open the air fryer just yet. Let them sit for another 3 minutes in the warm air as they continue to cook slightly—this helps enhance that soft texture.
Cool completely: Carefully remove the cookies after the resting period and allow them to cool on a wire rack for at least 5 minutes before moving to a cooling tray.
Helpful cooking tips
- Keep it cold: Maintaining the coldness of the dough is crucial for these cookies to turn out perfectly. It helps them hold their shape and creates that amazing texture.
- Batch baking: If you have a larger air fryer, you can double the recipe and bake more cookies at once, just make sure to space them out.
- Baking time might vary: Depending on your air fryer model, keep an eye on the cookies as cooking times can slightly differ.
Best ways to enjoy it
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh and warm! Serve them with a glass of almond milk, a scoop of vegan ice cream, or even crumbled on top of your favorite dessert like brownies. They also pair beautifully with coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
Storage & reheating tips
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for about 3-5 days. If you want to freeze them, layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature or pop them back in the air fryer for a minute to warm them up when you’re ready to indulge!
How to fix common issues
- Cookies turning out dry: Make sure not to over-measure the flour. Spoon it into the measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag to avoid compacting it.
- Spreading too much: If your dough isn’t chilled sufficiently, the cookies may spread too thin. Ensure a full two-hour chill before air frying.
- Undercooked centers: If the exterior looks done but the inside feels soft, let them sit in the air fryer with the door closed for additional time—or put them back for 1-2 more minutes.
Creative twists
Try customizing these cookies by adding your favorite mix-ins. Nuts like walnuts or pecans are great for crunch, while dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can bring a touch of tartness. Experiment with different flavors of chocolate or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a gourmet twist.
Common questions
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes! While all-purpose flour is standard, you can substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure it’s suitable for baking to achieve the right texture.
How stiff should the cookie dough be?
The dough should be soft but manageable. If it feels too sticky, consider adding a little more flour, but be cautious not to overdo it, as too much flour can lead to tough cookies.
Do air fryers really work for baking cookies?
Absolutely! Air fryers not only bake cookies quickly but can also yield a delightful texture, perfect for those who prefer a chewy outer layer with a soft center.
Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, cream the vegan butter with the white and brown sugars for about 3 minutes until fluffy.
- Add the vegan milk and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix for another 30 seconds until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and sea salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until fully combined.
- Fold in the chopped chocolate chips gently until everything is combined.
- Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
- Preheat your air fryer to 325°F.
- Scoop generous tablespoons of dough (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each) and place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring to leave space between each cookie.
- Air fry for approximately 7 minutes.
- Let the cookies sit in the air fryer for an additional 3 minutes after the cooking time is up.
- Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack for at least 5 minutes.