Air fryers have become popular in recent years for their ability to cook food quickly and with less oil. While they may be most commonly used for frying foods like french fries or chicken wings, they can also be used to make delicious cookies. In this quick guide, we will answer the question of how long do you cook cookies in the air fryer and provide some helpful tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
Cooking Cookies in the Air Fryer
Many people are surprised to learn that you can actually bake cookies in an air fryer. This versatile kitchen appliance can cook a wide variety of dishes, and cookies are no exception. The air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft and chewy interior – the perfect combination for cookies.
Choosing the Right Recipe
Before we dive into the cooking times, it’s important to choose the right cookie recipe for the air fryer. Not all cookie recipes are suitable for this cooking method. It’s best to select a recipe that is specifically designed for air fryers or one that can be easily adapted.
Look for cookie recipes that don’t require excessive amounts of butter since the air fryer uses less oil overall. Recipes that call for shortening or vegetable oil tend to work well. It’s also a good idea to select recipes that don’t require chilling the dough before baking as this can affect the cooking time.
Preheating the Air Fryer
Just like with traditional oven baking, preheating the air fryer is crucial. Set your air fryer to the desired temperature and allow it to preheat for a few minutes before placing the cookies inside. This will ensure that the cookies start baking immediately and cook evenly.
Adapting Cooking Times
When it comes to cooking cookies in the air fryer, the cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the cookie dough. As a general rule, cookies will take less time to cook in the air fryer compared to traditional baking methods.
For example, if a cookie recipe recommends baking at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes in a conventional oven, you can try cooking them in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 7-10 minutes instead. Keep in mind that air fryers can vary in temperature, so it’s a good idea to start with the lower end of the suggested cooking time and then adjust as needed.
Checking for Doneness
One of the challenges of cooking cookies in the air fryer is determining when they are done. Since the cooking time is shorter, it’s important to keep a close eye on the cookies to prevent them from burning.
Start checking for doneness around the minimum recommended cooking time. Gently touch the top of a cookie – if it feels set and slightly firm but still slightly soft to the touch, it’s likely done. Remember that cookies will continue to cook slightly as they cool, so be sure not to overbake them.
Preventing Burning or Overcooking
To prevent burning or overcooking the cookies in the air fryer, there are a few additional tips you can follow. First, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leave enough space between the cookies for the air to circulate freely.
If you’re making multiple batches, allow the air fryer to cool down slightly between batches. This will prevent the cookies from cooking too quickly and ensure they bake evenly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, air fryers can indeed be used to bake delicious cookies. By selecting the right recipe, preheating the air fryer, adapting the cooking times, and checking for doneness, you can achieve perfectly baked cookies with a crispy exterior and a soft and chewy interior. So, next time you’re in the mood for freshly baked cookies, don’t hesitate to use your air fryer for a quick and convenient baking experience. Enjoy!