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Air-Fryer Sugar Coated Sugar Cookies

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If you're looking for a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth, these air-fryer sugar coated sugar cookies are the perfect treat! With just a few simple ingredients and the convenience of an air fryer, you can enjoy warm, soft, and perfectly golden sugar cookies in no time. Coated in a sweet layer of sugar, these cookies are crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside—making them an irresistible snack for any occasion (aka a random Monday).
Course Dessert
Keyword cookies
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 24 cookies

Equipment

  • Electric Hand Mixer
  • Parchment Paper
  • 1-2 tbsp. Cookie Scoop

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter (2 sticks) softened
  • 1 cup White Granulated Sugar
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
  • 2 & 1/2 cups AP Flour
  • 1 tsp. Baking Soda
  • 1/4 tsp. Salt

Instructions

  • Start by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric hand mixer. Beat them together for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. If your butter isn’t softened yet, simply microwave it for 10-15 seconds until it’s soft but not melted
    1 cup butter (2 sticks), 1 cup White Granulated Sugar
  • Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Continue mixing for another 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined.
    1 large Egg, 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder and salt.
    2 & 1/2 cups AP Flour, 1 tsp. Baking Soda, 1/4 tsp. Salt
  • Gradually add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  • After the first half is mixed in, add the remaining dry ingredients and continue to mix until the dough comes together. If you need to use a spatula in the end to ensure everything is mixed in you can do so.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  • After the dough has chilled, take small portions (about 1 tablespoon each) of dough and roll them between your hands into smooth balls. Once rolled, coat each dough ball in granulated sugar, ensuring it’s evenly covered.
  • Place each sugar-coated dough ball onto a parchment-lined baking tray or air fryer basket. Use your fingers to slightly flatten each cookie.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Once preheated, Air fry the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re just getting golden around the edges.
  • After cooling slightly on the pan after taking them out, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • ENJOY!

Notes

Storage Tips For These Air-Fryer Sugar Coated Sugar Cookies

  • Room Temperature:
    Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This will keep them soft and prevent them from becoming too hard. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers of cookies to avoid sticking.
  • For Longer Freshness:
    If you'd like to keep them fresh for longer, you can add a slice of bread or a small piece of apple inside the container. This will help keep the cookies moist for an extra few days as they absorb moisture from the bread or fruit.
  • Freezing:
    To keep your cookies fresh for even longer, you can freeze them. Simply place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe airtight container or a zip-top bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. Store them for up to 3 months. To thaw, just leave them at room temperature for a few hours or microwave them for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
  • Freezing the Dough:
    If you want to bake cookies later, you can freeze the dough! Roll the dough into balls, coat them in sugar, and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the air-fryer sugar coated sugar cookies dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, just pop the frozen dough balls into the air fryer (no need to thaw) and air fry for a few extra minutes.

Common FAQ's Related to This Recipe

  • Can I make these sugar cookies without an air fryer?
    • Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these cookies in a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Make sure to space the cookies out on a baking sheet and watch them closely to avoid over-baking.
  • Can I substitute the butter with something else?
    • You can substitute the butter with margarine or vegetable oil, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly. Butter gives the cookies a rich flavor and soft texture, so using margarine or oil will produce a slightly different result. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based butter substitute.
  • How do I know when the sugar cookies are done in the air fryer?
    • The cookies should be golden brown around the edges and slightly firm to the touch. They may appear soft in the center but will continue to firm up as they cool. It's always a good idea to check the cookies after 8 minutes to prevent overcooking.
  • Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
    • Yes, you can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a more moist and flavorful cookie. The air-fryer sugar coated sugar cookies will have a slightly different texture and flavor with brown sugar, giving them a richer, caramel-like taste.
  • Can I make the sugar cookie dough ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will allow the dough to firm up and make it easier to roll into cookie balls. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage (up to 3 months) and bake the cookies straight from frozen, adjusting the cooking time slightly.
  • Why are my cookies spreading too much in the air fryer?
    • If your cookies spread too much, it might be because the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping and baking. Chilled dough helps prevent excessive spreading during cooking.
  • How do I prevent my cookies from sticking to the air fryer basket?
    • To prevent sticking, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper (make sure it fits and doesn’t block air circulation). Alternatively, you can lightly grease the basket with a non-stick spray or oil.
  • Can I skip the sugar coating on the sugar cookies?
    • While the sugar coating gives the cookies their signature sweet crunch, you can skip it if you prefer a less sweet cookie. The cookies will still be delicious, though the texture and appearance will be different.

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