Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle cookies are rich, fudgy, and delightfully crackled on top. Using an air fryer makes them quick and easy, delivering soft, chewy results without heating up your oven. Perfect for a sweet treat any time of year.

Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until well combined.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar and vegetable oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 3: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
- Step 4: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for firmer dough.
- Step 5: Prepare the air fryer by lining the basket with parchment paper or a silicone liner.
- Step 6: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Roll the balls generously in powdered sugar to coat completely.
- Step 7: Place the dough balls in the air fryer basket, spacing them evenly to prevent sticking. Cook in batches if needed.
- Step 8: Air fry at 325°F for 7 to 8 minutes, until the cookies are set and have crackled tops.
- Step 9: Let the cookies cool in the air fryer basket for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For extra fudginess, slightly underbake the cookies and allow them to set as they cool.
- Swap vegetable oil for melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Add a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate taste.
- Use mini chocolate chips folded into the dough for a gooey surprise.
Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm gently in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes until soft.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake these cookies in a regular oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, bake at 350°F for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies have crackled tops and are set. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary.
Why do the cookies need to be coated in powdered sugar?
The powdered sugar creates the signature crinkled crust on top and adds a subtle sweetness and texture contrast that makes these cookies special.
Print
Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 53 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18 cookies 1x
Description
These Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle cookies offer a delightful twist on the classic crinkle cookie by using an air fryer for a quicker, fuss-free baking process. Rich in cocoa and covered with a powdered sugar crust, these cookies are chewy, fudgy, and perfectly crackled on top, making them an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Coating
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to ensure they are evenly mixed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar with the vegetable oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition, then stir in the pure vanilla extract for flavor.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a sticky dough forms that can hold shape but remains moist.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours. Chilling helps the dough firm up and improves the cookie texture.
- Prepare Air Fryer: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone liner to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Shape and Coat: Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Generously coat each ball with powdered sugar to create the signature crackled appearance.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the coated dough balls into the air fryer basket in a single layer, spacing them evenly to allow for expansion. If necessary, bake in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook Cookies: Air fry at 325°F (163°C) for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the cookies are set and feature crackled tops. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool in the air fryer basket for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them finish setting and preserves texture.
Notes
- Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and proper expansion of cookies.
- Chilling the dough is important to prevent excessive spreading and to create the characteristic crackled texture.
- Use fresh cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate crinkle cookies, air fryer cookies, easy chocolate cookies, fudgy cookies, holiday cookie recipe, air fried dessert

