If you're looking for the easiest way to make warm, soft sugar cookies using store bought cookie dough, you'll love this Air Fryer Pillsbury Sugar Cookies recipe. Using refrigerated cookie dough means there's no measuring, mixing, or waiting around. Just place the cookies in the air fryer basket and let the appliance do the work.
Air fryers are perfect for baking small batches of cookies when you don't want to heat up the entire kitchen. The circulating hot air helps create lightly golden edges while keeping the centers soft and chewy. Whether you're craving a quick dessert, need an easy after-school snack, or want a simple treat for a holiday gathering, these air fryer sugar cookies come together in minutes.
The best part is that you can customize them with sprinkles, frosting, or your favorite toppings to make them feel homemade with almost no effort.
Check out these other Air Fryer Desserts next!
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Why This Works
- Uses convenient refrigerated cookie dough for a fast dessert
- No need to preheat a large oven
- Perfect for making small batches
- Cookies bake quickly in just a few minutes
- Soft and chewy centers with lightly crisp edges
- Great for holidays, birthdays, and everyday treats
- Easy recipe that beginner cooks can master
- Minimal cleanup required
Ingredients Needed
- Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough – Refrigerated sugar cookie dough provides consistent results and eliminates the need for measuring ingredients.
- Cooking Spray or Parchment Paper (Optional) – Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Sprinkles (Optional) – Add color and fun for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions.
- Frosting (Optional) – A simple way to dress up the cookies after baking.
How to Make Pillsbury Cookies in Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 320 degrees F for 2 to 3 minutes if your model requires preheating.
Place the cookie dough rounds in a single layer in the air fryer basket on top of some parchment paper. Leave space between each cookie since they will spread while baking.
Yes, I know I need to clean my air fryer and I did after this. lol
Air fry at 320 degrees F for 6 to 8 minutes. Check the cookies after 6 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden while the centers may still look slightly soft.
Carefully remove the cookies from the basket and transfer them to a cooling rack. Allow the cookies to cool for several minutes before serving. They will continue to set as they cool. Add frosting or sprinkles if desired.
Pro Tips for Pillsbury Sugar Cookies
- Do not overcrowd the basket. Air circulation is important for even baking.
- Every air fryer cooks a little differently, so start checking the cookies early.
- For softer cookies, remove them when the centers still look slightly underdone.
- If baking multiple batches, keep an eye on later batches since a preheated air fryer may cook faster.
- Use parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers to prevent sticking.
- Let the cookies cool completely before adding frosting.
- For holiday-themed cookies, add colored sprinkles immediately after baking while the cookies are still warm.
Storage
Store leftover sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
If you prefer warm cookies, microwave a cookie for 8 to 10 seconds before enjoying.
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer sugar cookies are delicious on their own, but there are plenty of ways to make them extra special.
- Serve with a glass of cold milk.
- Pair with coffee or hot chocolate.
- Top with vanilla frosting and colorful sprinkles.
- Make cookie ice cream sandwiches using vanilla ice cream.
- Serve on a holiday dessert tray.
- Add a drizzle of melted white chocolate.
- Package them in gift bags for parties and cookie exchanges.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Basket-style and oven-style air fryers both work well. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the model.
The cookies may have been placed too close together. Leave enough room between each dough round for spreading.
No. Sugar cookies do not need to be flipped during cooking.
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Air Fryer Cookie Dough
- Prep Time: 2 min
- Cook Time: 8 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
Description
How to make cookie dough in an air fryer.
Ingredients
1 tube of Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough
Cooking Spray or Parchment Paper (Optional)
Sprinkles (Optional)
Frosting (Optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 320 degrees F for 2 to 3 minutes if your model requires preheating.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with air fryer parchment paper.
- Place the cookie dough rounds in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Leave space between each cookie since they will spread while baking.
- Air fry at 320 degrees F for 6 to 8 minutes.
- Check the cookies after 6 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden while the centers may still look slightly soft.
- Carefully remove the cookies from the basket and transfer them to a cooling rack.
- Allow the cookies to cool for several minutes before serving. They will continue to set as they cool.
- Add frosting or sprinkles if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
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