Warm, gooey, and made without an oven—Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate small-batch treat for cookie lovers who want quick results with zero fuss. These cookies turn out crispy on the edges and soft in the middle, with melty chocolate in every bite.
Whether you’re baking for one or treating the whole family, the air fryer delivers bakery-style results in just minutes. Perfect for weeknight cravings, last-minute desserts, or when you just don’t want to heat up the oven.
Let’s explore how to make the best chocolate chip cookies in an air fryer with simple ingredients, minimal prep, and loads of delicious flavor.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Quick & easy: Done in under 10 minutes
- Small batch-friendly: Bake just 2–6 cookies at a time
- Crispy edges + chewy center: Perfect texture every time
- No oven needed: Ideal for dorms, RVs, or summer baking
- Customizable: Add nuts, swap chocolates, go gluten-free
Whether you’re craving a single cookie or a cozy batch for movie night, these air fryer cookies are the answer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make this classic Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe. You likely have most of these in your pantry already!
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-Ins:
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: chopped walnuts, sea salt, or dark chocolate chunks
Tip: Want richer cookies? Use a mix of dark and milk chocolate chips!
Tools & Equipment for Baking Cookies in Air Fryer
To make Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll need:
- An air fryer (basket or tray style – Ninja, Cosori, or Instant Vortex work well)
- Parchment paper rounds or silicone air fryer liners
- Mixing bowl and rubber spatula or hand mixer
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Cooling rack
Why Use Parchment Paper?
Lining your air fryer basket with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and keeps the dough from falling through the grates. Make sure the parchment is perforated or weighted with dough to prevent it from flying during circulation.
How to Make Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies (Step-by-Step)
1. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and mix well.
2. Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
3. Fold in Chocolate Chips
Add your chocolate chips (and nuts if using), folding them gently into the cookie dough.
4. Scoop the Dough
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form dough balls. Flatten slightly for better shape in the air fryer.
5. Line the Basket
Place parchment paper in the air fryer basket. Arrange 3–4 cookie dough balls in a single layer, leaving space between them.
6. Air Fry
Cook at 320°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers are still soft. Let them rest in the basket for 2–3 minutes to finish cooking before transferring to a cooling rack.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cookies Every Time
- Don’t overcrowd: Leave space between cookies for air circulation.
- Chill the dough (optional): Prevents spreading and adds flavor.
- Use parchment liners: Keeps the basket clean and cookies shaped.
- Check early: Air fryers cook fast—don’t overbake.
- Let cookies rest: They finish baking from residual heat.
Flavor Variations to Try
Looking to switch things up? Try these creative variations:
- Double Chocolate Cookies: Add cocoa powder to the dough.
- White Chocolate Macadamia: Swap chips and add chopped nuts.
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip: Add quick oats and cinnamon.
- Peanut Butter Chips: Stir in for a nutty twist.
- Vegan Air Fryer Cookies: Use plant-based butter and flax egg.
Storage & Reheating
How to Store
- Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cookie dough balls or baked cookies up to 3 months.
Reheating Cookies in the Air Fryer
To revive a soft, warm cookie, air fry for 1–2 minutes at 300°F. They’ll taste like freshly baked!
FAQ: Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies
Can I use store-bought cookie dough in an air fryer?
Yes! Slice & bake dough works great. Follow the same time and temp.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Try chilling the dough or reducing the sugar slightly. Also, avoid overmixing.
Can I freeze air fryer cookie dough?
Absolutely. Scoop dough balls, freeze them, and bake from frozen with 1–2 extra minutes.
Can I make gluten-free air fryer cookies?
Yes—just swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Try This Next
If you loved this sweet treat, don’t miss our Air Fryer Avocado Toast recipe. It’s a savory, healthy breakfast topped with creamy avocado and optional extras like eggs or chili flakes. Quick, nourishing, and made in the air fryer—just like these cookies!
With minimal prep and big flavor, Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect dessert when you’re short on time but still want something homemade and delicious. You’ll get the same warm, melty, bakery-style results—without preheating your oven.
Whether you enjoy them plain or load them with goodies, this easy air fryer cookie recipe is guaranteed to be a repeat favorite in your kitchen.
You can also follow me on Instagram, and Pinterest for more easy & air fryer baking recipes.

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugars. Add egg and vanilla.
- Mix dry ingredients separately, then combine.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough and flatten slightly.
- Air fry at 320°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Let rest before transferring to a rack.
Notes
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