Air Fryer Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies

These Air Fryer Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are buttery, tender, and packed with sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios. Perfectly crisp on the edges and soft in the center, they’re an easy, festive treat for any time of year.

If you’re looking for a buttery, tender cookie that’s as festive as it is delicious, these Air Fryer Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are it.

Packed with tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios, they’re crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and come together quickly in the air fryer.

Perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or just a sweet treat any time of year, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Buttery and tender – Perfect soft center with crisp edges.
• Festive flavors – Tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios delight every bite.
• Quick and easy – Air fryer makes baking faster and simpler.
• Perfect for gifting – Elegant, flavorful cookies your friends and family will love.
• Versatile treat – Ideal for holidays, parties, or anytime sweet cravings strike.

Ingredients Needed

• Butter: Use unsalted, cold butter. The cold butter really helps makes a great shortbread cookie!
• Granulated Sugar: Use white granulated sugar, or a sugar substitute, if you want a diabetic-friendly recipe!
• Salt: Adds some great flavor to your cookies!
• All-Purpose Flour: If you want to make these cookies gluten-free, use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
• Cornstarch: Helps add some structure to your cookie!
• Cranberries: You can use either fresh, frozen, or dried. Dried cranberries are located near the raisins in the grocery store.
• Pistachio: Use unshelled pistachios, crushed or diced.

How To Make Air Fryer Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies

Step One: Start by cutting the butter into small cubes. Set aside. Next, in a large bowl combine the sugar, salt, flour, and cornstarch.  Add the butter cubes to the dry mixture.

Step Two: Using a hand mixer, stand mixer, your hands or masher thoroughly combine all ingredients. Once it’s mixed well fold in dried cranberries and pistachios with a spatula. 

Step Three: The dough should be a little sticky. Cover the bowl with plastic and refrigerate for two hours. 

Step Four: When you’re ready to bake remove it from the fridge. Preheat the air fryer to 300 degrees F, for 3-5 minutes.

Step Five: After preheating, line basket with parchment. Roll cookies into small two-inch round balls. Place on parchment paper. Set cook time for 16-18 minutes or until they reach a nice golden brown color.  Remove and cool on the wire rack. 

Air Fryer Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies Recipe Tips

• Mixing The Ingredients: When cutting the butter you can use a pastry cutter, if you don’t have one – a potato masher with small squares works really well also.
• Overmixing The Dough: Be sure to not overwork the dough, you want to thoroughly mix the ingredients but don’t overdo it. 
• Cold Butter: It’s also essential that you use cold butter for the integrity of the shortbread!
• Timing: Since every air fryer is different, it’s important to watch these cookies as they cook up. The timing will depend on the air fryer. You can cook cookies in the Ninja Food, any air fryer basket, or air fryer oven.

Storing Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for up to 1 week; allow cookies to come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Place baked cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
• Reheating: Warm in the air fryer at 325°F for 2–3 minutes to refresh the crisp edges and buttery texture.

Air Fryer Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies Recipe Faqs

Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios? Yes! Almonds, pecans, or walnuts work well and add a different crunch.

Can I substitute dried cranberries with another dried fruit? Absolutely. Dried cherries, blueberries, or raisins are great alternatives.

Do I need to chill the dough? Chilling for 1–2 hours is recommended to keep the cookies from spreading too much in the air fryer.

Can I bake these in the oven instead? Yes, bake at 350°F for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Can I make these cookies larger or smaller? Yes. Adjust air fryer cook time slightly: larger cookies may need 1–2 extra minutes, smaller cookies cook faster.

More Air Fryer Cookie Recipes

• AIR FRYER RED VELVET PEANUT BUTTER BLOSSOM COOKIES
• AIR FRYER HERSHEY’S RED VELVET BLOSSOM COOKIES
• AIR FRYER SHORTBREAD COOKIES

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