Air Fryer Sugar Cookies
Ready in about 23 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
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.
Written for 12. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
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.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer sugar cookies steams instead of browning.
- Pulling air fryer sugar cookies the moment the timer ends without checking the centre.
- Letting wet coating pieces touch, which peels the crust and keeps it soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer sugar cookies?
A typical starting point is 160°C / 320°F for 7-9 min. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
Can I make air fryer sugar cookies ahead?
Cook it, cool it quickly, and refrigerate. Reheat in the air fryer at a slightly lower temperature so the outside does not dry before the middle is hot.
How many people does air fryer sugar cookies serve?
This recipe is written for 12. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.