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Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies (Small Batch)

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Cook Time 8 minutes
Pre-heat 5 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened but not melted
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 large egg yolk (reserve the white for another use)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (70 g; spooned and leveled)
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/8 teaspoon fine salt (use 1/4 teaspoon if using unsalted butter and you like a saltier cookie)
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or mix of chips and chunks)
  • Optional: a pinch of flaky sea salt for topping
  • Air fryer-safe parchment or a reusable silicone liner trimmed to fit your basket

Instructions
 

  • Prep the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3–5 minutes. This helps the cookies bake evenly. Line the basket with parchment or a silicone liner with holes. Do not preheat with loose parchment.
  • Cream the butter and sugars: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until creamy and slightly fluffy, about 1–2 minutes.
  • Add egg yolk and vanilla: Stir in the egg yolk and vanilla until smooth and glossy. Scrape the bowl so everything’s well combined.
  • Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the wet ingredients and mix just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
  • Fold in chocolate chips: Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed. If the dough feels sticky or warm, chill for 10 minutes to help the cookies hold shape.
  • Portion the dough: Scoop 1 heaping tablespoon of dough per cookie. Roll into balls and place in the lined basket, leaving at least 1–1.5 inches between them. Work in batches if needed.
  • Flatten slightly: Gently press each dough ball to about 1/2 inch thick. This helps them spread just right in the air fryer.
  • Bake: Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 6–8 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers look just set. Cookies will firm up as they cool.
  • Rest and finish: Let cookies cool in the basket for 3–5 minutes, then move to a rack. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if you like that salty-sweet finish.
  • Repeat with remaining dough: Bake the rest in the next batch. Every air fryer is different; adjust time by 1–2 minutes as needed.