Air Fryer Italian Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with sweet almond and citrus flavors. Quick to make and perfect for holidays, desserts, or anytime you want a cozy Italian treat.

Freshly baked soft and chewy air fryer Italian cookies on a cooling rack.
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Bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen with these Easy Air Fryer Italian Cookies.

Soft, chewy, and lightly sweet, they’re infused with classic almond and citrus flavors that make every bite irresistible.

Using the air fryer speeds up baking while keeping the cookies perfectly tender, making them ideal for holidays, special occasions, or simply enjoying as a cozy treat anytime.

Soft and chewy air fryer Italian cookies stacked on a cooling rack with almond and citrus flavor

I love making cookies in the Air Fryer, and this recipe is no different! Some of my favorite Air Fryer Cookie Recipes are AIR FRYER HOMEMADE KOURABIEDES (GREEK SUGAR COOKIES), AIR FRYER COPYCAT MRS. FIELDS WHITE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES, AIR FRYER SUGAR COOKIES, and AIR FRYER SUGAR COOKIES.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Soft and Chewy: Perfectly tender inside with a delicate, satisfying bite.
  • Classic Italian Flavors: Almond and citrus notes bring authentic taste to every cookie.
  • Quick and Easy: Air fryer method makes baking faster and mess-free.
  • Perfect for Holidays: Ideal for gift-giving, dessert tables, or festive treats.
  • Kid and Adult Friendly: Lightly sweet, flavorful, and loved by all ages.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients needed for Easy Air Fryer Italian Cookies on kitchen table.
  • Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and tenderness for soft, chewy cookies
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens dough and helps cookies brown evenly
  • Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor with rich, aromatic sweetness in cookies
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients together and provides structure to cookies
  • Anise: Adds classic licorice-like flavor and warm, fragrant notes
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and body to hold cookie shape
  • Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light and fluffy
  • Powdered Sugar: Smooth sugar for glazing or finishing sweet cookies
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create smooth, creamy glaze

Recipe Variations

  • Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark or white chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies for extra sweetness.
  • Almond Joy: Add chopped almonds or almond extract to intensify the nutty flavor.
  • Citrus Twist: Mix in a little lemon or orange zest for a brighter, refreshing flavor.
  • Glazed Delight: Top with a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze for a shiny finish.
  • Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy twist.
  • Fruit Filled: Press a small dollop of jam or preserves in the center before air frying.
  • Mini Cookies: Make bite-sized versions for easier snacking or cookie platters.

    How To Make Easy Air Fryer Italian Cookies

    Mixing vegetable oil, sugar, vanilla, eggs, and anise in a large bowl until frothy.

    Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and anise until light and frothy.

    Step 2: Next, fold in the all-purpose flour and baking powder until a smooth dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, gradually add 1–2 tablespoons of flour until it’s manageable.

    Scooping Italian cookie dough onto parchment-lined air fryer basket, cooking at 320°F for 3 minutes.

    Step 3: Lightly spray the air fryer tray or line the basket with parchment paper. Scoop about a tablespoon of dough onto the tray. Air fry at 320°F for 3 minutes; these cookies won’t brown, so remove them once fully cooked.

    Step 4: Let cool before adding the icing.

    Add the glaze to the cooked Italian cookies.

    Step 5: To make the icing, whisk together powdered sugar and 4–5 tablespoons of milk until smooth and slightly thick, like glue. Dip each cookie into the glaze, then finish with sprinkles or jimmies.

    Dipping Italian cookies into powdered sugar glaze and topping with colorful sprinkles.

    Easy Air Fryer Italian Cookies Recipe Tips

    • Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep cookies soft and tender.
    • Check Dough Texture: The dough should be soft but not sticky—add a little flour if needed.
    • Use Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
    • Keep Cookies Small: Use about a tablespoon of dough so they cook evenly in the air fryer.
    • Watch the Time Closely: These cookies cook fast and won’t brown, so don’t overcook them.
    • Let Them Cool Before Icing: Cooling helps the glaze set nicely without melting.
    • Adjust Flavor: Add more anise or swap with lemon extract for a different twist.

    Storing, Freezing and Reheating Instructions

    • Storing: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, especially once the glaze has set.
    • Freezing: Freeze cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze them without glaze and add icing after thawing.
    • Reheating: Warm cookies in the air fryer at 300°F for 1–2 minutes if you prefer them slightly warm. Let them cool briefly before serving so the texture stays soft and tender.
    Soft and tender air fryer Italian cookies with glaze and sprinkles on a serving plate.

    Easy Air Fryer Italian Cookies Recipe Faqs

    Why don’t these cookies brown in the air fryer? These cookies are meant to stay light in color. Don’t wait for browning—once they’re set and cooked through, they’re done.

    Can I make these cookies without an air fryer? Yes! Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until set.

    How do I know when the cookies are done? The bottoms should be lightly set and the tops no longer look wet or doughy. They will firm up more as they cool.

    Can I change the flavor from anise? Definitely! Swap anise for lemon, almond, or vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.

    Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before shaping and cooking.

    How long do these cookies stay fresh? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

    Can I decorate these cookies? Yes! Dip them in glaze and add sprinkles, colored sugar, or drizzle icing on top.

    More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

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    Easy Air Fryer Italian Cookies

    Easy Air Fryer Italian Cookies

    5 from 4 votes
    Author: Laurie Fleming
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 6 minutes
    10 minutes
    Total Time: 36 minutes
    Servings: 24 Servings
    Print

    Description

    Easy Air Fryer Italian Cookies are soft, tender, and lightly sweet with classic anise flavor. Quick to make and perfect for holidays, desserts, or sharing with family and friends.

    Ingredients 

    Cookies:

    • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    • 3 large eggs
    • 1/2 teaspoon anise
    • 2 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
    • 3 teaspoons baking powder, (must be level)

    Icing:

    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 4-5 tablespoons milk

    Instructions

    • Mix the 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 3 large eggs, and 1/2 teaspoon anise in a large mixing bowl.
    • Mix until frothy.
    • Then add the 2 2/3 cup all-purpose flour and 3 teaspoons baking powder. The dough should not be sticky. If it is moist, add about 2 tablespoons of flour.
    • Spray your air fryer tray or line your air fryer basket with parchment paper.
    • Then add about a tablespoon of batter. Set in the oven/air fryer and set the temperature to 320 degrees F (air fry) for 3 minutes. THESE COOKIES DO NOT  BROWN, so once they are cooked through, remove them.
    • Let cool.
    • To make the icing: 1 cup powdered sugar and 4-5 tablespoons milk. Mix until the consistency resembles glue, then dip the cookie in and sprinkle with sprinkles/jimmies.

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer, Air Fryer Basket or Air Fryer Oven
    • Cooking Spray, or Parchment Paper

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1ServingCalories: 139kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 63mgPotassium: 29mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 38IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 1mg

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