These air fryer pumpkin cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with cozy pumpkin flavor. Perfect for fall, they are super easy to whip up and give your kitchen that delicious aroma!
If you love pumpkin spice, these cookies are calling your name! I enjoy dunking them in my morning coffee—they make the perfect snack anytime. Plus, who can resist that golden crust? 🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour is essential for structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree gives the cookies moisture and flavor. If you can’t find it, homemade pumpkin puree works too! Just cook and blend fresh pumpkin.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended, but you can substitute with coconut oil or vegetable oil for a dairy-free version. The cookie may be slightly different in texture, but still delicious!
Sweeteners: The combo of granulated and brown sugar adds depth. You can replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a more wholesome touch.
Chocolate Chips: While semi-sweet chocolate chips are great, feel free to use dark chocolate or white chocolate chips, or even leave them out for a less sweet cookie.
How Do I Make Sure My Cookies are Perfectly Air Fried?
Air frying cookies can be tricky if you’re not used to it. Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Preheat the air fryer! This ensures even cooking from the start.
- Check for overcooking; every air fryer is different. Start with a shorter time and add more if needed.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Space is important, so give each cookie room to spread!
- Let them cool on a wire rack after frying. This helps them firm up and prevents sogginess.
- If you like your cookies a bit crisper, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
With these tips, your air fryer pumpkin cookies will turn out chewy and delicious every time! Enjoy the warm, cozy flavors of autumn!
How to Make Air Fryer Pumpkin Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes approximately 15 minutes of prep time and 8-10 minutes of cooking time in the air fryer. After cooking, allow an additional 10 minutes for the cookies to cool and set. In less than half an hour, you can enjoy warm, homemade pumpkin cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined to ensure an even flavor throughout the cookies.
2. Beat the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter along with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating the right texture in your cookies.
3. Incorporate the Pumpkin and Vanilla:
Add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until everything is smooth and fully combined. The pumpkin gives these cookies their wonderful moisture and flavor!
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies.
5. Add the Chocolate Chips:
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. If you like, reserve a few chocolate chips to place on top of the cookies later!
6. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Before adding the cookies, preheat your air fryer to 325°F (163°C) for about 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking.
7. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone liner to prevent sticking. This helps keep your cookies intact when it’s time to take them out.
8. Portion and Shape the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop about 1.5 tablespoons of cookie dough onto the lined basket, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Flatten them slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon.
9. Garnish with Extra Chocolate Chips:
If you’d like, press a few extra chocolate chips into the tops of the cookies for added decoration and sweetness.
10. Air Fry the Cookies:
Air fry the cookies at 325°F for 8-10 minutes. They should be set on the edges and slightly soft in the center when done. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking!
11. Cool the Cookies:
Carefully remove the cookies from the air fryer basket and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold their shape.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooled, enjoy your delicious pumpkin cookies warm or at room temperature. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect fall treat!
These air fryer pumpkin cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite, filled with rich flavors and delightful textures. Happy baking!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh pumpkin, just cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth. Make sure to drain any excess moisture to avoid altering the dough consistency.
What Can I Substitute for the Butter?
You can substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil, vegetable oil, or even a dairy-free butter alternative for a vegan option. Just ensure it’s in a softened state for the best texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week, but they may lose some of their chewy texture. If desired, microwave them for a few seconds to warm them back up!
Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough before cooking. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just air fry them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.