The air fryer isn’t just for fries and nuggets. If you love baking, this compact appliance can become your best friend for making crispy cookies and fluffy cakes… in less time and with less hassle!
Why Use an Air Fryer for Baking?
- Saves time: No need to preheat for 15 minutes like a traditional oven.
- More efficient: Perfect for small batches, without using too much energy.
- Great for small spaces: Ideal if you live in an apartment or have a cozy kitchen.
How to Make Cookies in the Air Fryer
Basic ingredients:
- 120 g butter
- 100 g brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 180 g all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 100 g chocolate chips (optional)
Steps:
- Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla, then fold in the dry ingredients.
- Shape dough into balls and place them on parchment paper inside the air fryer basket.
- Bake at 160 °C (320 °F) for 7–9 minutes, until edges are golden.
- Let cool on a rack — they harden as they cool!
And Cakes? You Can Bake Those Too!
Key tips for air fryer cakes:
- Use small silicone or metal pans that fit your air fryer.
- Fill pans only 2/3 full to prevent overflow.
- Bake at 150 °C (300 °F) for 20–25 minutes, depending on pan size.
- Check with a toothpick to see if it’s done.
Flavor tip: Try a vanilla sponge with lemon zest — perfect for tea time.
Pro Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: allow space for air to circulate.
- Use trimmed parchment paper or silicone liners.
- Adjust time/temperature based on your air fryer model.
- For multiple batches, slightly reduce cook time as the fryer stays hot.
Quick Recipe: Mini Oat Cookies
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- Chocolate chips (optional)
Mix, form small rounds, and bake at 160 °C for 6–8 minutes. A quick and healthy treat!
Is Air Fryer Baking Worth It?
Absolutely! For quick, light baking without the mess of a big oven, the air fryer is a smart addition to your kitchen. If you’re just getting started, it’s also a low-stress way to explore baking.
Have you tried baking cookies in your air fryer yet?
Tell me in the comments or share your favorite recipe!
And if you’re looking for one, check out our top-rated models for baking in our gadgets section.
—
Nicole, baker and founder of Biteo the Kitchen