If you’re like me, you love a quick and easy dessert that still packs a punch in flavor. That’s exactly what you’ll get with these Air Fryer Cake Mix Cookies. Using just a few simple ingredients, you can have soft, chewy cookies ready in no time—perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth without the hassle. Whether you’re in the mood for a snack or need a last-minute treat for a gathering, this recipe is a go-to.
The best part? You don’t even need to worry about mixing up complicated batters or worrying about the oven temperature. The air fryer works its magic, turning the cake mix into the perfect cookie dough that crisps up beautifully. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Cake Mix: The base of this recipe is the cake mix. Any flavor will work, but I usually go for vanilla or chocolate for classic cookie vibes. The cake mix acts as the foundation, giving the cookies their soft, chewy texture and sweetness.
Eggs: Eggs are crucial to help bind the cake mix and give structure to the dough. You’ll need just one egg to keep things simple. It also helps with the texture, making the cookies just the right amount of soft and chewy.
Vegetable Oil: The oil adds moisture to the cookie dough. It helps create that soft, slightly tender bite that you want from a cake mix cookie. Plus, it gives the cookies a nice golden color when they bake in the air fryer.
Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla brings out the sweetness and adds a layer of flavor. It’s a simple ingredient that makes a huge difference, enhancing the overall taste of the cookies.
Optional Add-ins: This is where you can get creative! You can add chocolate chips, sprinkles, nuts, or even dried fruit to mix things up. It’s all about personalizing the cookies to your liking.
Ingredients List
- 1 box cake mix (vanilla or chocolate)
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts
How to Make Air Fryer Cake Mix Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined. If you’re adding any optional mix-ins, now’s the time to fold them into the dough.
Step 2: Shape the Dough into Balls
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form tablespoon-sized dough balls. Place them on a parchment-lined plate or tray. Leave space between each ball, as they will spread slightly while cooking.
Step 3: Air Fry the Cookies
Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for about 3 minutes. Then, carefully place the cookie dough balls into the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, depending on how soft or crispy you like your cookies. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overcook.
Step 4: Cool and Enjoy
Once the cookies are golden brown on the edges, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack. These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, though they stay soft and delicious for a couple of days in an airtight container.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Ensure that the cookies have enough space to expand while they cook. This will help them cook evenly and give them room to spread slightly.
- Use parchment paper: For easy cleanup and to prevent the cookies from sticking, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or use a silicone liner.
- Adjust the cooking time: Depending on your air fryer model, cooking times may vary. Start checking the cookies after 6 minutes to ensure they don’t burn.
- Mix-in creativity: Feel free to add extras like mini marshmallows, peanut butter chips, or a handful of crushed-up candy bars for extra flavor.
- Storage: These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and they freeze nicely too.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix? Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix that you prefer! Chocolate, strawberry, or red velvet are great options, depending on your taste.
Can I make these cookies without eggs? If you need an egg-free version, you can substitute the egg with unsweetened applesauce (about 1/4 cup) or a flax egg.
Can I use butter instead of oil? Yes, you can use melted butter in place of vegetable oil for a richer flavor, though the texture may vary slightly.
How do I make the cookies more crispy? If you like your cookies crispier, air fry them for an additional minute or two, keeping an eye on them to avoid burning.
Enjoy these quick and easy Air Fryer Cake Mix Cookies—they’re a fun and simple dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!