Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Featured in: Sweet & Spicy Treats

Discover a simple way to create rich, fudgy chocolate crinkle delights featuring a signature crackled top and slightly crisp edges. Combining cocoa, vanilla, and a dash of baking powder, the dough firms up in the fridge before being air fried for a tender yet crisp finish. Enjoy a quick 20-minute prep with minimal tools and customizable flavor hints like espresso or peppermint extracts. These treats store well and offer a delightful balance of softness and texture.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:36:00 GMT
Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: A close-up of beautifully cracked, sugar-dusted, homemade cookies. Save to Pins
Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: A close-up of beautifully cracked, sugar-dusted, homemade cookies. | spicra.com

Rich, fudgy chocolate cookies with a signature crinkled appearance and a slightly crisp exterior, made effortlessly in the air fryer.

This recipe quickly became a favorite in my household for its ease and delicious results every time.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, ½ cup (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Coating: ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, beat sugar and oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 3:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
Step 4:
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up (or up to 2 hours for best results).
Step 5:
Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or use a silicone liner.
Step 6:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat generously in powdered sugar.
Step 7:
Arrange balls in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each (bake in batches if needed).
Step 8:
Air fry at 325°F (165°C) for 7 8 minutes, or until cookies are set with crackled tops.
Step 9:
Allow cookies to cool in the basket for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Warm, rich, Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle Cookies just out of the air fryer, perfect for dessert. Save to Pins
Warm, rich, Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle Cookies just out of the air fryer, perfect for dessert. | spicra.com

Baking these cookies has become a cherished family tradition on cozy weekend afternoons.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, whisk, hand mixer or spoon, measuring cups and spoons, air fryer, parchment paper or silicone liner, wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains eggs and wheat (gluten). May contain traces of nuts or soy depending on ingredient brands check all labels if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional Information

Calories 90, Total Fat 3 g, Carbohydrates 15 g, Protein 1 g per serving

See the delightful crinkles on these delicious Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, ready to eat! Save to Pins
See the delightful crinkles on these delicious Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, ready to eat! | spicra.com

These air-fried chocolate crinkle cookies are a perfect combination of ease and deliciousness for any occasion.

Questions & Answers

What temperature is best for air frying chocolate crinkle dough?

Air fry at 325°F (165°C) to achieve a crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender.

How long should the dough be chilled before cooking?

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to firm up, or up to 2 hours for best texture.

Can the vanilla extract be substituted with other flavors?

Yes, try orange or peppermint extracts to add a unique twist to the chocolate flavor.

How do you prevent the dough balls from sticking in the air fryer?

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or use a silicone liner to keep dough balls separate.

What causes the signature crinkle appearance on these treats?

Coating the dough balls generously in powdered sugar and baking at the right temperature creates the crackled, crinkled top.

Can instant espresso powder be added to enhance flavor?

Adding ½ teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients deepens the chocolate flavor for a richer taste.

Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Rich, fudgy chocolate crinkle treats with a crisp exterior made effortlessly in the air fryer.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
8 min
Overall Time
28 min
Recipe by spicra Olivia Carter

Dish Category Sweet & Spicy Treats

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 20 Number of Servings

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly, No Dairy

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup granulated sugar
02 ¼ cup vegetable oil
03 2 large eggs
04 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Coating

01 ½ cup powdered sugar

Cooking Steps

Step 01

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.

Step 02

Mix Wet Ingredients: Beat sugar and vegetable oil in a large bowl until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 03

Form Dough: Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until a sticky dough is formed.

Step 04

Chill Dough: Cover dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to firm.

Step 05

Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or silicone liner.

Step 06

Shape and Coat Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat generously in powdered sugar.

Step 07

Arrange and Air Fry: Place dough balls spaced apart in the basket. Cook at 325°F (165°C) for 7 to 8 minutes until cookies are set with crackled tops.

Step 08

Cool Cookies: Allow cookies to cool in the basket for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Necessary Tools

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Hand mixer or spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Air fryer
  • Parchment paper or silicone liner
  • Wire rack

Allergy Details

Go through each ingredient to spot allergens. If unsure, reach out to a healthcare provider.
  • Contains eggs and wheat (gluten). May contain traces of nuts or soy.

Nutrition Info (each portion)

For informational use only—please talk to your doctor for health advice.
  • Calorie Count: 90
  • Fats: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 1 g