Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (115 g), softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (65 g)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional add-ins: chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts (1/4 cup)
Tip: Make sure your butter is soft, not melted. Soft butter gives cookies a nice texture.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer (3–6 liter capacity works best)
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Cooling rack
Step 1: Prepare Your Air Fryer
- Cut parchment paper to fit your air fryer basket.
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Preheating helps cookies cook evenly.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
- In a large bowl, mix softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Beat until light, fluffy, and smooth (about 2–3 minutes).
- Scrape the sides to make sure everything is mixed evenly.
Properly creamed butter and sugar gives cookies a soft, fluffy texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
- Crack 1 egg into the butter-sugar mixture.
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Mix until smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, combine:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Whisk together to remove lumps.
Optional: Sift the flour for lighter cookies.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Mix gently with a spatula until just combined.
- Fold in optional add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
Avoid overmixing; overmixing makes cookies tough.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
- Use a teaspoon or small scoop to portion dough.
- Roll into 1-inch balls.
- Place on parchment paper in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each.
- Optional: Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
Cookies will spread slightly while cooking.
Step 7: Air Fry the Cookies
- Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 8–12 minutes.
- Check at 8 minutes: edges should be lightly golden, centers soft.
- Cook in batches if needed.
Note: Every air fryer is different, so adjust time slightly if needed.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
- Use a spatula to remove cookies carefully.
- Cool on a rack for 5–10 minutes.
- Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
