Craving warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies but don’t want to turn on the oven? The air fryer is your new best friend. These air fryer chocolate chip cookies are crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and ready in minutes—perfect for late-night treats or small batches without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: chopped nuts, sea salt for garnish
How To Make Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Preheat Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for about 3 minutes. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. - Cream Butter and Sugars
In another bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy. Add egg and vanilla, and mix until combined. - Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Fold in the chocolate chips. - Shape Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and flatten slightly. Place 3–4 cookies at a time on a piece of parchment paper that fits your air fryer basket (don’t overcrowd). - Air Fry
Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 6–8 minutes until edges are golden and centers are soft. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing—they’ll firm up as they cool.
You Must Know
- Small batches work best—don’t overcrowd or stack.
- Use parchment paper with holes or perforated liners for better airflow.
- Cookies may look underdone when time is up—they continue to cook as they cool.
- Refrigerate leftover dough and bake fresh batches on demand!
Topping Variations
- Sea Salt Flakes – sprinkle on top before baking for a sweet-salty combo
- Mini Marshmallows – press a few in for s’mores-style bites
- White Chocolate Chips – swap or mix for a twist
- Crushed Pretzels – for crunch and salt
- Peanut Butter Drizzle – drizzle post-bake for richness
Make It A Meal
Turn your air fryer dessert night into a full-on treat spread:
- Pair cookies with a scoop of air fryer baked apples
- Serve with vanilla or caramel ice cream
- Make mini ice cream cookie sandwiches
- Add a warm cup of air fryer hot chocolate
Pro Tips
- Chill the dough for 15–30 minutes before air frying to reduce spread.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes = even cooking.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze raw dough balls for a cookie anytime moment.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
Yes! Just follow the same temperature and cook time, adjusting by 1–2 minutes if needed.
Do I need to flip the cookies?
No flipping is required—just ensure even spacing and a parchment liner.
Why did my cookies come out too crispy?
Your air fryer may run hot. Reduce temperature slightly or cook for less time next batch.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
How many cookies can I cook at once?
Typically 3–4 at a time depending on basket size. Keep them spaced apart.
Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 18 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 stick
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 egg, at room temperature if possible
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
-
Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 10-20 seconds or just until the butter begins to melt. Add the brown and white sugars and beat until fully combined. Beat in the egg and vanilla and beat for another 30 seconds. Stir in remaining ingredients until fully combined.
-
Place in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes to overnight (optional step). Line the air fryer racks with parchment paper. Scoop 2-tablespoon dough balls into the air fryer basket, about 1.5 inches apart. You should be able to fit 2-4 depending on the size of your air fryer.
-
Air Fryer at 325F degrees F for 5-7 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Allow cookies to rest 2-3 minutes in the air fryer before removing.
