Oatmeal cookies are a classic treat that many people love. They are not only delicious, but they also offer some health benefits due to the use of oats. Traditionally, oatmeal cookies are baked in an oven, but did you know that you can also bake them in an air fryer? Air fryers have gained popularity in recent years as a healthier alternative to deep frying. In this article, we will guide you on how to bake oatmeal cookies in an air fryer, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and healthy treat.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start baking, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. For oatmeal cookies, you will need the following:
– 1 cup of rolled oats
– 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (softened)
– 1/2 cup of brown sugar
– 1/4 cup of white sugar
– 1 egg
– 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preferences or dietary needs. You can also add additional ingredients such as raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
Prepare the Cookie Dough
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to prepare the cookie dough. Follow these steps:
1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl and continue mixing until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition. Mix until a soft dough forms.
5. If you want to add any additional ingredients like raisins or nuts, fold them into the dough at this stage.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Before you start baking, preheat your air fryer to the required temperature. The precise temperature and time may vary depending on your specific air fryer model, so it’s crucial to consult the manufacturer’s instructions. In general, preheating the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) is a good starting point for baking oatmeal cookies.
Shape and Bake the Cookies
Once the cookie dough is prepared and the air fryer is preheated, it’s time to shape and bake the cookies.
1. Take a small portion of the cookie dough and roll it into a ball between your palms. The size of the ball can vary depending on your preference, but aim for consistency to ensure even baking.
2. Place the dough ball onto a baking tray or air fryer basket lined with parchment paper. Leave enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
3. Gently press down on each dough ball with the back of a spoon to flatten them slightly. This step helps to ensure that the cookies bake evenly.
4. Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the baking tray or air fryer basket into the air fryer.
5. Bake the cookies in the air fryer for approximately 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning. The cookies should turn golden brown around the edges and slightly firm in the center.
6. If you are baking multiple batches, allow the air fryer to cool down slightly before repeating the process with the remaining dough.Cool and Enjoy
After baking, remove the cookies from the air fryer and allow them to cool on a wire rack. This step is essential for the cookies to firm up and develop their characteristic texture. Once cooled, bite into a delicious and healthy oatmeal cookie.
Cleaning the Air Fryer
Cleaning the air fryer is relatively easy. After removing the cookies, let the air fryer cool down completely before cleaning. The detachable components, such as the basket and tray, can be washed with warm soapy water or placed in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe. Wipe down the interior of the air fryer with a damp cloth to remove any residue. Make sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for specific cleaning guidelines.
Conclusion
Baking oatmeal cookies in an air fryer is a simple and convenient way to enjoy a delicious and healthy treat. It allows you to indulge in the goodness of oats without compromising on taste. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily bake a batch of oatmeal cookies that are crispy on the outside and delightfully chewy on the inside. So, why not give it a try and surprise your friends and family with some homemade oatmeal cookies baked in an air fryer? Happy baking!