Name: Air Fryer Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons sugar; 1 large egg yolk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1/8 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; 2 teaspoons sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 5 reviews

If you’ve ever craved the perfect soft, cinnamon-scented cookie but wanted to whip it up in a snap, you’re in for a treat with this Air Fryer Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe. Trust me, making snickerdoodles in the air fryer is a game-changer—it’s quick, mess-free, and the cookies come out soft on the inside with just the right crispy edges. I’m excited to share this fan-freaking-tastic recipe that I’ve perfected over several batches and adapted to fit perfectly in the air fryer basket for two perfectly sized cookies. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy Baking: These snickerdoodles bake in just 5 minutes—hello, instant gratification!
Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to get these delicious cookies on your plate.
Perfectly Soft & Chewy: The air fryer keeps the cookies tender inside with a delicate crunch outside.
Small Batch Friendly: Ideal for when you just want a couple of cookies without leftovers tempting you all day.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Air Fryer Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe uses a classic combination of ingredients that come together to create that iconic tangy, cinnamon-sugar sweetness snickerdoodles are famous for. Each ingredient does its job to build texture and flavor while keeping the cookie soft and slightly chewy.

Air Fryer Snickerdoodle Cookies, snickerdoodle cookies in air fryer, cinnamon cookies quick recipe, soft and chewy snickerdoodles, easy air fryer cookies - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl with softened golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white granulated sugar, a clean white ceramic bowl holding bright golden egg yolk, a small white ceramic bowl with pale vanilla extract liquid, a neat pile of fine white all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl containing fine white cornstarch, a small white ceramic bowl with cream of tartar powder, a tiny heap of off-white baking soda powder on a white ceramic dish, a pinch of fine white salt grains on a tiny white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl of warm brown ground cinnamon placed symmetrically — all ingredients fresh and natural, balanced arrangement, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Melts quickly for mixing and adds richness and moisture.
Sugar: Divided into mixing and coating phases for sweetness and that signature cinnamon crust.
Egg yolk: Provides richness and chewiness without drying out the cookie like a whole egg might.
Vanilla extract: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the flavor.
Flour: The structure for your cookie, use all-purpose for best results.
Cornstarch: Keeps the cookies tender and soft by reducing gluten development.
Cream of tartar: Gives snickerdoodles their classic tangy chew.
Baking soda: Helps with a light rise and texture contrast.
Salt: Balances the sweetness perfectly.
Ground cinnamon: The star in the cinnamon sugar coating that makes snickerdoodles so addictive.

Note:
Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Air Fryer Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to add a little extra cinnamon punch or swap ingredients for dietary tweaks, make this cookie your own!

Extra Cinnamon Love: Sprinkle a little more cinnamon on your coating mix if you want a bolder flavor — I always do!
Vegan Twist: Try using a vegan butter substitute and a flax egg instead of egg yolk; it still works surprisingly well in the air fryer.
Size Matters: I stick to two medium-sized cookies, but you can make smaller ones for bite-sized treats — just adjust cooking time slightly.
Texture Variation: For crispier edges, leave them in the air fryer an extra minute or two, but watch carefully so they don’t burn.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Melt Butter & Mix Wet Ingredients

Start by placing your butter in a mixing bowl and microwaving it until just melted—no need to boil it! Then, add 3 tablespoons of sugar, the egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together with a fork until it’s a smooth, glossy mixture. This is the base that makes your cookies soft and rich.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In the same bowl, add the flour, cornstarch, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold everything together until the dough comes together smoothly. The cream of tartar is the secret weapon here for that snickerdoodle tang!

Step 3: Shape & Coat the Cookies

Divide the dough into two balls. Next, mix the remaining 2 teaspoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon on a plate. Roll each cookie ball gently in this cinnamon sugar so they’re well coated. This is what gives snickerdoodles their iconic, crackly cinnamon crust.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the cinnamon sugar-coated cookie balls on a piece of air fryer parchment paper about two inches apart—this prevents them from sticking together. Air fry for exactly 5 minutes. Don’t worry if they seem soft when you pull them out; that’s how they should be!

Step 5: Cool & Shape

Remove the basket but leave the cookies inside to cool for at least 20 minutes. This step is crucial—if you try to move them while warm, they’ll fall apart. Once cooled a bit, if your cookies lost their perfect round shape (the parchment can curl), place a slightly larger bowl or glass over each one and swirl gently; it magically reshapes them into bakery-worthy circles!

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe

Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping to avoid dense, tough cookies.
Use Parchment Paper: It keeps cookies from sticking and helps retain shape inside your air fryer basket.
Don’t Overcook: Five minutes is your sweet spot; overbaking dries out the soft center.
Cool Completely: Patience is key! Letting cookies cool sets their texture perfectly and prevents breaking.

How to Serve Air Fryer Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love serving these cozy cookies with a light dusting of extra cinnamon sugar or a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt. It takes them from simple to sophisticated—plus, it brings out the sweetness and balances the flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair your Air Fryer Snickerdoodle Cookies with a cold glass of milk or a warm mug of chai tea—the cinnamon notes in the cookies beautifully complement the spices in chai. If it’s brunch, they also go surprisingly well with a scoop of vanilla yogurt topped with fresh berries.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like placing these cookies in small treat bags tied with a rustic twine bow or stacking them artistically on a cute dessert plate with cinnamon sticks for an inviting presentation. They also look gorgeous sandwiched with a smear of cream cheese frosting or frosting buttercream if you want to impress guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover snickerdoodle cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for about 3 days. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps keep them moist—trick I learned when making big batches!

Freezing

If I want to save cookies for later, I freeze the baked cookies in a zip-top bag with parchment paper between each cookie to prevent sticking. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months and thaw in minutes at room temperature.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the cookie in the air fryer at 300°F for about 2 minutes or in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh that freshly-baked warmth without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I double this Air Fryer Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe to make more cookies?

Absolutely! Just be mindful of your air fryer’s size. You might need to bake the cookies in batches without overcrowding to ensure even cooking and perfect texture.
What if my cookies spread too much in the air fryer?

This sometimes happens if your dough is too warm or the air fryer temperature is too high. Make sure to chill the dough slightly if needed and keep your air fryer at 350°F as directed.
Can I use parchment paper in any air fryer?

If your air fryer basket has holes, use perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers to avoid blocking air circulation. Otherwise, standard parchment paper works great for solid baskets.
Why do snickerdoodle cookies need cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar gives snickerdoodles their characteristic tangy flavor and chewy texture by reacting with baking soda for a tender crumb. It’s essential for authentic snickerdoodles.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. Just watch the dough consistency and adjust slightly if needed.

Final Thoughts

I can’t tell you how many times this Air Fryer Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe has saved me when I needed a quick treat but didn’t want to turn on the oven or make a huge batch. It’s simple, fast, and absolutely delicious. If you’re a snickerdoodle fan like me, you’ll appreciate the soft centers and crackly cinnamon sugar crust made effortlessly in the air fryer. Give it a try—you might find this becomes your go-to cookie hack for cozy cravings and last-minute dessert moments!