These homemade air fryer sugar cookies are the perfect, easy dessert recipe when you're craving something sweet! Look no further...this will be your new go-to sugar cookie recipe!

Sugar cookies are a favorite any time of year, from the holiday season to any other day of the year. They are perfect for any occasion and they never fail to disappoint! This recipe is simple and straightforward, but it yields a wonderful result every time.

The air fryer makes these cookies crispy on the outside with a soft center. What's more? Air frying means less mess in our kitchens (less dishes) so we're winning all around with this recipe!

So what are you waiting for? Start reading below to learn how to make air fryer sugar cookies today!

Ingredients

This recipe uses just a handful of ingredients that also happen to be pantry staples. You more than likely already have everything you need right in your kitchen!

Flour - Just a simple all-purpose flour is all you need for this recipe

Sugar - Granulated white sugar is what sweetens these cookies

Butter- You’ll want to make sure it’s softened before you start mixing up the sugar cookies

Vanilla extract - Just a little bit adds amazing flavor, not to mention the smell!

Salt - Adding salts to sweets helps offset the sweetness of the recipe and add more depth of flavor

Baking Powder - Helps to give the cookies a little bit of rise

Cream of Tartar - Another leavening agent (that’s always an ingredient used in snickerdoodle cookies) that also gives the cookies just a tiny bit of tang.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and the sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. This will take about 2 minutes.
   
2. Add the vanilla extract, salt, baking powder and cream of tartar. Continue to mix on medium speed for another minute or two.
    
3. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the flour. Mix until the flour is well combined and the cookie dough is firm. 
   
4. Form the dough into 12, even sized balls of about 2 tablespoons each. Flatten each ball using the bottom of a glass, and sprinkle each cookie with additional sugar. 
   
5. Place the cookies on a sheet of parchment paper, cut to fit the size of your air fryer basket. You may have to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. 
   
6. Bake the cookies on the parchment paper at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes or until golden brown and firm. The cook time may vary depending on the size of your cookies and the size of your air fryer basket. 
   
7. Carefully remove the cookies from the air fryer basket and allow them to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Repeat this process until all of the cookies have been baked. 

What equipment do I need?

The equipment you’ll need for this recipe is an air fryer, a hand mixer or stand mixer, and parchment paper. 

I use the Instant Vortex air fryer and the Kitchenaid Stand Mixer. You don’t absolutely need to use a mixer, it just makes cookie baking easier. 

Storage

You can store these air fryer sugar cookies on the counter for up to 4 days. They don’t need to be refrigerated after cooking. Just cover them using your preferred method. 

I love to just pop them into a zip-loc storage bag. 

Top tips for making sugar cookies in the air fryer

Be sure to check on your sugar cookies while they’re baking. Every air fryer is different and you don’t want to risk burning them! Take a peek into the air fryer basket after 5 minutes and adjust from there. 

I’d say it’s better to underbake these cookies than overbake them and keep in mind that when you pull them out hot, they’ll continue to finish baking while they cool. 

More air fryer dessert recipes

• Air Fryer Keto Chocolate Cake
• Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
• Air Fryer Pop Tarts