Craving something sweet and chewy, but don’t want to heat up the entire kitchen with your oven? Your air fryer is here to save the day! Gone are the days when air fryers were solely used for crisping up chicken wings and french fries. This versatile kitchen gadget can also be your secret weapon for baking up a batch of deliciously chewy cookies. Below, we’ll explore the ins and outs of using your air fryer to create these treats, ensuring you satisfy your sweet tooth in a snap.
Before we dive into the cookie-making process, let’s take a moment to understand how an air fryer works. Essentially, an air fryer is a compact convection oven. It circulates hot air around the food, which allows for quick and even cooking. This circulation also means that the food doesn’t need to be submerged in oil to achieve a crispy texture, which is why the air fryer has become synonymous with healthier “fried” food options.
To create chewy cookies in an air fryer, you’ll need:
Feel free to add in any extras like nuts, dried fruit, or a different variety of chocolate to customize your cookies to your taste.
The secret to chewy cookies lies in the dough. Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, cream the butter with both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This can take a few minutes, so patience is key.
Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just enough to blend everything together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips or any other mix-ins you’ve chosen.
Most air fryers don’t require preheating, but check your model’s instructions to be sure. If preheating is necessary, set your air fryer to around 320°F, which is generally the sweet spot for baking cookies.
Cut out a piece of parchment paper to fit the basket of the air fryer. This step is crucial as it prevents the cookies from sticking and helps with easy cleanup. Some air fryers have pre-cut parchment paper that fits perfectly inside the basket.
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, form the dough into balls and place them on the parchment paper inside the basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the cookies, as they will spread while baking. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Gently place the basket back into the air fryer and set the timer for 5-8 minutes. The exact time will depend on your air fryer model and how chewy you like your cookies. Keep an eye on them after the 5-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
Once the cookies are done, carefully remove the parchment paper from the basket and transfer it to a wire rack. Allowing the cookies to cool on the rack will ensure they maintain their chewy texture.
