Can I bake cookies in an air fryer?

Author: Mr. Jettie Koss I  |  Last update: Thursday, April 9, 2026

I recommend using the air fryer to bake any cookie you prefer chewy or gooey in the middle. Brownie cookies, sugar cookies, chocolate chip, and their endless variations are all great. Crispy cookies like shortbread or biscotti don't do as well — they tend to burn before baking through.

Can you put raw cookie dough in the air fryer?

I find placing the cookie dough into a hot air fryer helps it cook evenly and end up with those perfectly crisp edges.

What cannot be cooked in an air fryer?

Any food with a wet batter should not be placed in the air fryer. You also want to avoid putting food that has a wet batter, like corndogs or tempura shrimp, in air fryers.

Can you use air fryer as oven for baking?

An air fryer can be used for many cooking tasks that an oven can handle, but it has some limitations. It's suitable for baking, roasting, and even some types of frying, but its capacity is smaller than most ovens. For larger dishes or recipes that require a full-size oven, you may still need to use the oven.

Do you need parchment paper for cookies in an air fryer?

Parchment paper is good for food that might stick to the basket, like chicken wings, making clean up a bit easier. If you're tempted to use parchment every day or are simply waste-conscious, consider instead a silicone liner for air fryers. They're reusable and dishwasher safe, cutting down on both waste and worry.

When to Use and NOT to Use Air Fryer Parchment Paper - How To Use Your Air Fryer

Can I put aluminum foil in an air fryer?

Air fryers work by circulating hot air, which originates at the bottom of the fryer. Lining it with foil can constrict the air flow and your food won't cook properly. If you are going to use aluminum foil in an air fryer, use a small amount in the bottom of the basket, making sure not to cover the food.

What is the best thing to put on the bottom of an air fryer?

A slice of bread in the bottom of your air fryer can help collect grease without making a mess.

Why are people getting rid of air fryers?

While air fryers are popular, the most expensive models can start to get a little pricey, which could undermine their status as a budget item. Taking to social media to share their opinions, many people have revealed that they reckon halogen ovens are the best option for frugal cooking.

What is the 20 20 rule for air fryers?

The 20-20 rule

“If you are using recipes that are for conventional ovens, you will generally want to reduce the cooking time by 20% and lower the heat by 20C (that's from the fan temperature) to account for the air fryer's efficiency.”

What temperature do you bake in the air fryer?

A good rule of thumb? Use a temperature about 25 degrees F lower than what you may might be accustomed to with a conventional oven: Baking in the air fryer is typically about 325 instead of 350 degrees F, roasting will be about 400 instead of 425 degrees, and so on.

What is unhealthy about an air fryer?

The two biggest concerns are potential carcinogens called acrylamides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are created in the process of cooking.

What is the first thing I should cook in my air fryer?

Brussels sprouts are the best place to start your air-fried vegetable journey. They crisp up beautifully and take no time at all. If you're making these for a crowd, we suggest frying them up in batches as overcrowding the basket can lead to soggy results.

Can you bake a cake in an air fryer?

If you thought air fryer is solely used for frying food without oil, then you absolutely mistaken. An air fryer can do much more, including baking a cake. It's surprisingly not too different from baking a cake in your regular oven.

Is it better to bake or air fry cookies?

Air fryers are great for quick, crispy results, while ovens remain essential for baking soft, delicate cakes, souffles and yeasted breads. For example, chocolate chip cookies can be air fried for a crispy, crunchy exterior that gives way to a warm, gooey center.

Can i put pillsbury cookies in air fryer?

Line both baskets with aluminum foil. Place 5 cookie dough rounds in each basket, making sure they do not touch and then place baskets in unit. Select Zone 1, select AIR FRY, set temperature to 300°F, and set time to 13 minutes. Select MATCH COOK to match Zone 2 settings to Zone 1.

Can I use baking spray in air fryer?

“Cooking sprays such as Pam, often include soy lecithin, an emulsifier, in the formulation,” says Martin Bucknavage, an expert in food safety in the Penn State Department of Food Science. “This is less stable than high smoke point oils and will deteriorate at temperatures used for air frying.

Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer?

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

How big of an air fryer do I need for a family of 2?

Small: Feeds 1–2 People

Small air fryers can hold between 3 to 4 quarts of food at a time. These air fryer sizes have the capacity to make enough food for two people and satisfy a variety of foods like vegetables, sides, and meats like the mini air fryer, but with a bit more space in the basket.

Can you put a casserole dish in an air fryer?

There are four main types of oven-safe dishware: glass, metal, cast iron, and ceramic, though not all glass is necessarily oven-safe (as we learned with Pyrex recently). Since air fryers are again, essentially mini convection ovens, any oven-safe dish should be safe in an air fryer.

Why do chefs hate air fryers?

Air Fryers Reduce Taste Quality

Out of the top three reasons restaurants don't use air fryers, the taste is the leading cause. It has numerous benefits and can cook food efficiently. However, the taste can be subpar compared to other cooking methods available at the commercial level.

What is replacing air fryers?

Ditch your air fryer and replace it with a countertop oven | CNN.

Why are air fryers banned in college?

Fire hazards are often a major concern with air fryers and so they may be prohibited from dorms unless used in the kitchen. Air fryers cook food much faster than a traditional oven or toaster, allowing college students to quickly prepare a meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

What to avoid when buying an air fryer?

Air fryer buying mistakes – appliance experts reveal 4 errors to...
  • Going too big or too small.
  • Not prioritizing ease of use.
  • Disregarding cleaning and maintenance.
  • Overlooking multifunctionality.

Why put water in bottom of air fryer?

Adding a small amount of water to the bottom of the air fryer can create steam, which keeps the inside of the food tender while allowing the outside to crisp up. For baked goods, such as pastries or bread, a little water can mimic the humid environment of a traditional oven, giving a softer texture or a better rise.

Can I open an air fryer while it's cooking?

Occasionally checking in on air fryer foods while they cook is A-OK. Sometimes, recipes call for flipping, shaking, or spraying food with oil mid-cook. Opening the basket is often an essential part of recipes and allows food to be evenly cooked and crisped to perfection.

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