These Air Fryer Pumpkin Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of fall flavors! Made with cozy pumpkin spice, they’re perfect for a quick treat without the oven mess.
Trust me, the air fryer makes baking a breeze! I love how easy it is to whip these up and enjoy them warm with a cup of tea. Perfect for those chilly afternoons! 🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is key for moisture and flavor. If you prefer, you can make your own by roasting fresh pumpkin and blending it smoothly. Just make sure it’s not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices!
Granulated Sugar: I like using granulated sugar for sweetness, but you can substitute with brown sugar for a hint of molasses flavor. If you’re aiming for a lower-sugar version, consider monk fruit or coconut sugar.
Butter: Unsalted butter is perfect for controlling the salt level. You can swap it with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, or use apple sauce to lower the fat content.
Spices: The spices bring warmth to these cookies. If you’re out of ground ginger, you can use allspice or nutmeg instead. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your personal taste!
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are delicious, but you could use dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips for a different take. For a healthier option, try dark chocolate chunks or omit them entirely.
How Do I Get Perfectly Soft Air Fryer Cookies?
Achieving the perfect texture in air fryer cookies is all about timing and heat. Here are a few tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter; just combine until no dry flour is visible. This helps keep the cookies soft.
- Preheat your air fryer! A preheated air fryer helps cookies cook evenly. Just 3-5 minutes at 320°F is all it takes.
- Check for doneness around 8 minutes. The edges should be set but the tops may still look slightly soft; that’s okay, they firm up as they cool.
Air fryers can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies the first time you make them!
Air Fryer Pumpkin Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes for preparation and about 15-20 minutes for cooking. So, you can have delicious pumpkin cookies ready in about 30-35 minutes total! Perfect for when you’re craving something sweet and cozy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix them together until everything is smooth and well combined. This will create a yummy, fluffy base for your cookies!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves). This will ensure that all your dry ingredients are evenly distributed and can work their magic in the dough.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough! You want a nice, soft dough.
4. Fold in Chocolate Chips:
Now it’s time to add the chocolate chips! Fold them into the cookie dough so that they are evenly spread throughout. Yum!
5. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to preheat at 320°F (160°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This step is key to ensuring your cookies cook evenly.
6. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or a reusable liner to prevent sticking. This will make it easier to remove your cookies after cooking.
7. Portion the Cookie Dough:
Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop the cookie dough onto the prepared parchment paper. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart, as they will spread a little during cooking.
8. Air Fry the Cookies:
Cook the cookies in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them—when the edges look set and the tops appear slightly dry, they’re done!
9. Cool the Cookies:
Carefully lift the parchment paper out of the air fryer with the cookies on it. Allow them to cool on a wire rack; they will firm up a bit more as they cool.
10. Repeat Cooking Batches:
If you have more dough left, repeat the process until all cookies are cooked!
11. Enjoy Your Cookies!
These delicious cookies can be served warm or at room temperature. Pair them with your favorite beverage, and enjoy the warmth of fall in every bite!
Happy baking! Enjoy your soft, chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies made quickly and conveniently in the air fryer! 🍪🎃
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh pumpkin, make sure to roast it first until soft, then blend it until smooth. Just make sure it’s not too watery to maintain the right cookie texture!
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices Listed?
No worries! You can customize the spice mix based on what you have. If you’re missing ground ginger or cloves, you can increase the cinnamon slightly or use allspice as a substitute.
Can I Make These Cookies Vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken) and use coconut or vegan butter in place of regular butter.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
