Imagine warm, gooey cookies with crisp, golden edges straight from your countertop—no oven required! Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies are your new secret weapon for satisfying those spontaneous cookie cravings in under 20 minutes. With their irresistible balance of buttery dough, melty chocolate, and that signature homemade chew, these cookies prove that the air fryer isn’t just for fries or wings. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or simply treating yourself to something special. Let’s turn your air fryer into the cookie machine you never knew you needed!

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients that come together deliciously. Each component plays a key role in creating the ideal cookie—soft centers, crisp edges, and melty chocolate in every bite.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives the cookies a rich, tender crumb and delightful buttery flavor. Let it come to room temperature for easier creaming.
Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a hint of molasses for that classic chewy texture.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Creates just the right amount of crispness around the edges.
Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and helps the cookies rise.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the dough with warm, aromatic undertones.
All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The foundation that brings structure to your cookies.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Gives your cookies a light lift for thickness and softness.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to heighten all the sweet, rich flavors.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): You can’t have Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies without plenty of gooey, melty chocolate in every bite!

How to Make Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Begin by beating together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture is pale, creamy, and utterly irresistible (don’t be afraid to sneak a taste!). Creaming incorporates air and ensures your cookies will be perfectly tender with just the right amount of chew.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract to your butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is smooth and glossy. These ingredients meld into the dough, ensuring each cookie is rich and won’t crumble apart.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures the leavening and salt are evenly distributed, so every cookie bakes up with the same fabulous rise and flavor.

Step 4: Make Your Cookie Dough

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in the mini mountains of semi-sweet chocolate chips. At this point, the dough should be soft but not sticky, dotted with chocolate chips ready to burst into pools of gooeyness.

Step 5: Prepare and Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 320°F. While it’s heating, line the basket with parchment paper (cut to fit if necessary). This prevents any sticky mess and keeps your cookies perfectly shaped. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, just work in batches—you’ll thank yourself for it.

Step 6: Scoop and Air Fry

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and space them apart on the parchment in your air fryer basket—the cookies will spread a bit as they bake. Air fry each batch for 7 to 9 minutes, keeping a close eye after the 7-minute mark. They’re ready when the edges are golden but the centers still look a touch soft; they’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest in the basket for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This little break allows them to set up for the perfect chewy texture. Once cooled barely enough not to burn your fingers, dig in to your homemade Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies!

How to Serve Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

Once out of the air fryer, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the warm cookies for a gourmet touch that highlights the chocolate. Pair with a dash of powdered sugar, mini chocolate chips on top, or even a drizzle of warm caramel to elevate your dessert experience.

Side Dishes

Nothing complements Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies like an ice-cold glass of milk or a hot mug of coffee. For dessert platters, mix them with fresh berries, vanilla ice cream, or a side of dulce de leche for that extra wow factor. If you’re feeling decadent, sandwich a layer of ice cream between two cookies for the ultimate treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Wow your family and friends by stacking cookies and tying them with baker’s twine for a nostalgic, giftable presentation. Layer them inside a mason jar with a handwritten label, or arrange on a fun, colorful plate for a last-minute party platter. For a fancy twist, serve alongside homemade whipped cream or chocolate ganache for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies tasting fresh, store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay chewy and flavorful for up to 4 days. If they start to dry out, tuck a slice of bread in the container to restore softness.

Freezing

This recipe is perfect for making ahead! Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months. If you prefer just-baked flavor, freeze scooped dough balls and bake directly from frozen—just add a minute or two to the air fryer time.

Reheating

Nothing beats warm, freshly baked cookies. Pop leftovers into your air fryer at 300°F for 2 to 3 minutes, or give them a quick zap in the microwave for about 10 seconds. They’ll be soft, gooey, and just as good as day one.

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate chips in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips. You can also mix in chopped chocolate bars or fun additions like butterscotch or peanut butter chips for a playful twist.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

For this Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe, chilling isn’t necessary, but if you have the time, a quick 20-minute chill can help the flavors meld and prevent excess spreading. Either way, they’ll turn out deliciously chewy!

How do I keep the cookies from sticking to the air fryer?

Always line your air fryer basket with parchment paper, cut to fit so that air can circulate. This makes removal easy and keeps the cookies perfectly shaped, without sticking or breaking apart.

What’s the best way to make smaller or larger batches?

The recipe easily doubles or halves based on your needs. If making a small batch, simply divide the ingredients in half; for a party, double the recipe—but bake in batches so the cookies have plenty of space in the air fryer.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans are fantastic in these Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies. Try coconut flakes, cinnamon, or your favorite dried fruits for an exciting variation. Just don’t overload the dough with too many extras to maintain the perfect texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a quick, comforting treat, you’ll want to try Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies at least once (but we bet you’ll be hooked!). They’re fun to make, even more fun to eat, and sure to become a go-to when you’re craving something sweet and homemade. Trust me—these cookies will have everyone asking for seconds!

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 12 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies are quick and easy to make, with a perfect balance of crispy edges and a soft, chewy center. Using the air fryer gives them a lovely golden hue, making them irresistible treats for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate into the wet mixture.
Stir in Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips gently.
Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 320°F.
Prepare Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto lined air fryer basket, leaving space between each.
Air Fry: Cook for 7–9 minutes until golden brown but still soft in the center.
Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool in the basket for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.