If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further than your air fryer and a package of Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough. In this article, I’ll guide you through how to make air fryer Pillsbury sugar cookies in just a few minutes.
1. Air Fryer Sugar Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
You only need one main ingredient for this recipe, but feel free to customize it with your favorite add-ins!
For the Cookies:
- 1 package of Pillsbury Ready-to-Bake Sugar Cookie Dough (pre-portioned for easy baking)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Sprinkles (for a pop of color)
- Chocolate chips or M&M’s (for added texture and flavor)
- Icing (for decorating after baking)
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Parchment paper (to line the air fryer basket)
- Tongs or a spatula (for removing cookies from the air fryer)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional)
Depending on your air fryer model, preheating may be required. Set your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and let it preheat for 2-3 minutes. If your air fryer doesn’t require preheating, you can skip this step.
Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the air fryer basket. This will prevent the cookie dough from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Alternatively, you can use silicone air fryer liners if you have them.
Step 3: Arrange the Cookie Dough
Take the pre-portioned Pillsbury sugar cookie dough and place a few pieces in the air fryer basket. Be sure to leave enough space between them (at least 1-2 inches) since they will spread out as they bake.
Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to bake the cookies in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Step 4: Air Fry the Cookies
Set the air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and cook the cookies for 7-9 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer model and how crispy or soft you like your cookies.
For soft and chewy cookies, aim for the lower end of the cooking range (around 7 minutes). For crispier edges, cook them closer to 9 minutes.
The cookies are done when they are slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Keep in mind that they will continue to firm up a little as they cool.
Step 5: Let the Cookies Cool
Using tongs or a spatula, carefully remove the cookies from the air fryer basket and place them on a cooling rack or a plate.
Let the cookies cool for a few minutes. They will firm up as they cool down, so don’t worry if they look slightly underbaked when you first remove them.
Step 6: Optional Decorating
If you want to get creative, you can decorate the cookies with sprinkles, icing, or other toppings after they have cooled slightly. You can even drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle on some powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
2. Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Sugar Cookies
Use Parchment Paper: Lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper helps prevent the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier. Be sure to cut the parchment to fit the basket and avoid blocking the airflow.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Leave space between the cookie dough portions to allow the cookies to spread and bake evenly. Overcrowding may result in uneven baking or cookies sticking together.
Check for Doneness Early: Air fryers can vary in terms of heat intensity, so start checking your cookies around the 6-7 minute mark. If they are browning too quickly, lower the temperature slightly.
Customize the Dough: Pillsbury sugar cookie dough is a great base for customization. Try adding toppings like chocolate chips, M&M’s, or sprinkles before baking for added fun and flavor.
Let the Cookies Cool: While it’s tempting to eat them right out of the air fryer, the cookies will be very soft when they are hot. Allow them to cool for a few minutes to firm up before serving.
3. How to Serve Air Fryer Sugar Cookies
These air fryer sugar cookies are a delightful treat on their own, but they can also be paired with other sweet accompaniments for a more indulgent dessert. Here are a few serving ideas:
Classic: Serve the warm cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic and comforting snack.
With Ice Cream: Turn your sugar cookies into a fun dessert by making ice cream sandwiches. Simply sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies.
Topped with Icing: Decorate the cooled cookies with royal icing or buttercream frosting for a festive look. Add sprinkles, colored sugar, or edible glitter to match the occasion.
Crumble Over Desserts: Crumble leftover sugar cookies over vanilla ice cream or a yogurt parfait for added texture and flavor.
4. How to Store & Reheat Leftover Cookies
Storing: Once the cookies have fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They will stay soft and chewy if stored properly.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: If you want to enjoy the cookies warm, you can reheat them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 300°F (150°C). This will help restore their freshly baked texture.
Making Pillsbury sugar cookies in the air fryer is a fast, fun, and easy way to enjoy freshly baked cookies without the need for a conventional oven. In just a few minutes, you can have delicious, golden-brown cookies with minimal effort and cleanup. This method is especially convenient for making small batches, and it’s perfect for satisfying those last-minute cookie cravings.
