Name: Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup vegan butter (1 stick or 112g, softened to room temperature); 1/2 cup organic white sugar (100g); 1/2 cup brown sugar (100g); 3 tablespoons vegan milk (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 3/4 cups flour (210g); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 3/4 teaspoon sea salt; 8 ounces of chopped vegan chocolate chips/chunks

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If you’ve ever craved a classic cookie experience with a modern, plant-based twist, look no further than these Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies. Perfectly golden on the outside with a luscious, gooey center, this recipe raises the bar for vegan treats while embracing the magic of the air fryer. The end result: irresistible cookies that are crisp, chewy, and loaded with gooey chocolate chunks in every bite. This is your ticket to spark joy in any kitchen, whether you’re a cookie novice or a seasoned pro searching for the ultimate quick cookie fix.

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies plays a role in creating cookies that are both decadent and easy to make. Fresh, simple staples combine for texture, flavor, and that signature scent that fills your kitchen as they bake. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each one matters:

Vegan butter (½ cup, softened): Essential for that melt-in-your-mouth feel and a classic buttery finish—make sure it’s fully softened for the best result.
Organic white sugar (½ cup): Adds crisp edges and a touch of irresistible sweetness.
Brown sugar (½ cup): Brings a deeper flavor and chewy texture, thanks to its molasses content.
Vegan milk (3 tablespoons, room temp): Just the right amount of liquid to help bind and soften the dough without making it heavy.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): The soul of any classic cookie—it elevates every bite with warmth and aroma.
Flour (1 ¾ cups): Provides the structure to cradle all that chocolate and keep the cookie from spreading too thin.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): The secret to keeping these cookies ultra-tender and thick—don’t skip it!
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Adds just the right lift and chewiness to the cookie’s interior.
Sea salt (¾ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate—go for flaky sea salt if you want a little sparkle on top.
Vegan chocolate chips/chunks (8 ounces): The star of the show! Use a mix of chips and chopped chunks for varied pools of melty chocolate.

How to Make Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars

Begin by creaming together the softened vegan butter, organic white sugar, and brown sugar for about 3 minutes. You can use an electric mixer for this, but a sturdy whisk and a bit of elbow grease work perfectly if you’re feeling old-school. This step is crucial for achieving that smooth, fluffy base that sets the foundation for perfectly textured cookies.

Step 2: Add Vegan Milk and Vanilla

Pour in the vegan milk and vanilla extract, then mix for another 30 seconds. This simple addition transforms the creamed mix, making it glossy, fragrant, and ready for the dry ingredients. Room temperature milk is key here to keep the dough from seizing up.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and sea salt. Carefully add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients, stirring gently and just until combined. This prevents overmixing, which can result in tough cookies. Fold in the vegan chocolate chips and chunks, making sure the chocolate is dispersed evenly through the dough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Scoop out the dough in generous 1 1/2 tablespoon portions, but first, let the dough chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the flavors intensify and keeps the cookies from spreading too much in the air fryer. When scooping, leave plenty of space (about 3 inches) between each mound to ensure optimal airflow and even baking.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 325°F. Arrange the chilled dough portions in the basket, making sure they’re not touching. Air fry for 7 minutes, then turn off the machine and let the cookies sit inside the hot fryer (door closed) for another 3 minutes—this allows residual heat to finish baking without overcooking. Remove the tray and let cookies cool for at least 5 minutes before lifting them out. This brief cooldown firms them up while keeping the inside delectably gooey.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Transfer the freshly baked Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies to a wire rack to finish cooling. Waiting until they’re just cool enough to handle but still a little warm ensures that first bite is perfectly soft and full of molten chocolate.

How to Serve Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

For that extra bakery-style touch, sprinkle your Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies with a pinch of flaky sea salt as soon as they emerge from the fryer. This amplifies the chocolate flavor and adds sophisticated crunch. You could also dust them with a whisper of powdered sugar or even press a few extra chocolate chips into the tops while warm for photo-worthy results.

Side Dishes

There’s something magical about serving these cookies alongside a glass of chilled plant-based milk—the classic combo never disappoints. If you’re feeling a little fancy, pair with a scoop of vegan ice cream or a warm cup of espresso for an indulgent dessert plate that turns snack time into a special event.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies into a memorable dessert by crumbling them over parfaits, sandwiching them with your favorite dairy-free ice cream, or stacking them high on a rustic cake stand. For parties, consider baking mini cookie versions and serving them on skewers or wrapping stacks with ribbon as delightful gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extras? Simply store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’ll retain their chew and flavor, making them perfect for a late-night snack or packing into lunchboxes with zero fuss.

Freezing

To savor Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies any time, freeze unbaked scoops of dough on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the fryer time for fresh, warm cookies on demand. Already-baked cookies can also be frozen; wrap them tightly and enjoy within one month for best taste.

Reheating

Restore that just-baked magic by popping a cookie in the air fryer at 300°F for 1 to 2 minutes, or warm in the microwave for 10 seconds. This brings back the gooey goodness and helps revive any slightly stale edges.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour for Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the wheat flour. The texture will be a bit different—slightly more delicate—but you’ll still get delicious results.

Is it okay to skip chilling the dough?

While it’s tempting to bake right away, chilling the dough is key for thick, bakery-style cookies. It gives the flavors time to meld and prevents spreading, so patience is totally worth it.

What if I don’t have vegan butter?

You can use coconut oil in place of vegan butter, but the flavor and texture will be slightly altered. Look for a vegan butter that mimics the creaminess and fat content of dairy butter for the best Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies experience.

How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the air fryer tray?

Line your basket or tray with perforated parchment paper or lightly spritz with a bit of oil. Be sure not to overcrowd—give each cookie space to bake evenly and release easily.

Can I make smaller or larger cookies?

Definitely. For smaller cookies, reduce the air fry time by a minute or two. For larger, bakery-style cookies, add a couple of extra minutes and watch closely for that golden brown finish. Always let the cookies rest in the hot air fryer after baking for perfect texture.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll want to make them again and again. They’re impossibly easy, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to deliver big smiles with every batch. Whip up a tray soon—you’ll see just how magical (and delicious!) your air fryer really can be.

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 22 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: Makes about 18 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of chocolate and vanilla in a vegan-friendly recipe. They are crispy on the outside and perfectly soft on the inside, making them a wonderful dessert or snack option.

Instructions

Cream together the vegan butter and sugar: Beat together the vegan butter and sugars for 3 minutes until creamy. Mix in the vegan milk and vanilla extract for an additional 30 seconds.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and sea salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until fully combined.
Stir in the chocolate chips: Fold in the chopped chocolate chips until evenly distributed. Chill the dough in the fridge for 2 hours.
Scoop out the cookies: Using 1 1/2 heaping tablespoons of dough for each cookie, place them on the air fryer tray with 3 inches of space between each cookie. Keep the dough cold while working.
Air fry the cookies: Preheat the air fryer to 325°F and bake the cookies for 7 minutes. After cooking, let the cookies sit in the air fryer with the heat off for an additional 3 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for at least 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cool and enjoy: Once cooled, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying the delicious treats!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Air frying
Cuisine: American