Air Fryer Sugar Cookies
Ready in about 23 minutes.
Updated 7 September 2026
Soft, buttery sugar cookies with lightly crisp edges and a tender centre, baked in small batches in the air fryer. They are perfect for decorating and come together with everyday store-cupboard ingredients.
Ingredients
- 150 g (2/3 cup) softened butter
- 150 g (3/4 cup) caster sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 250 g (2 cups) plain flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Extra sugar, for rolling
Method
- 1Cream the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, then beat in the egg and vanilla.
- 2Fold in the flour, baking powder and salt to form a soft dough.
- 3Roll into balls, coat in extra sugar and flatten slightly.
- 4Preheat the air fryer to 160°C/320°F and line the basket with parchment.
- 5Air fry in batches for 7-9 minutes until pale golden at the edges but still soft in the middle.
- 6Let them firm up on the tray for a few minutes before moving.
Tips for the best results
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft to handle.
- They look underdone when they come out but set as they cool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer sugar cookies?+
Cook at 160°C / 320°F for 7-9 min.