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Air Fryer Italian Cookies

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Air-fryer Italian Cookies—The holidays are just around the corner, and we’re all scrambling to find the perfect sweet treat recipe.

I’ve found one that’s quick and easy, doesn’t require any baking skills, and is loved by kids of all ages: Air-fryer Italian Cookies!

This is my grandmother’s recipe, and I love it! I just made them for my mother, and she told me they are better in the Air Fryer than in the oven!

Thanks, Mom!

When I baked these with my grandmother, she told me that they were cookies and not something entirely different. They are an Italian Delight!

And she was right; they’re so good! I have been making these for years!

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.

What Are Italian Cookies?

Italian cookies are a dessert that originated in Italy. They are typically small, sweet, and round with either a crispy or soft texture. Some Italian cookies can be savory, like biscotti. You’ll often find them alongside coffee in the morning when Italians have their espresso break from work.

Today, I will show you how to make some traditional Italian cookies to try for yourself!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Italian Cookies

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Vegetable Oil
Granulated Sugar
Pure Vanilla Extract
Eggs
Anise
All-Purpose Flour
Baking Powder
Powdered Sugar
Milk

How To Make Air Fryer Italian Cookies

In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and anise. Mix until frothy.

Then, add the flour and 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 air fryer oven or air fryer oven 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, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar and 4-5 tablespoons of milk. Mix until the consistency resembles glue, then dip the cookie in and sprinkle with sprinkles or jimmies.

Tips & Variations:

My recipe uses anise, a classical Italian ingredient. However, if you do not have it or want to use something else, you can use pure vanilla or almond extract.
My grandmother’s notes call for a level teaspoon of baking powder, so you must remove the extra baking powder with a knife to get the cookies to rise.
Let the cookies cool before icing them; otherwise, the icing will run off. I recommend using sprinkles. Right after you ice them, shake some sprinkles on them.
You can also sprinkle nuts on top of them for some added crunch.

How To Store Air Fryer Italian Cookies

You can make these cookies ahead of time. FREEZE these cookies without the glaze for the best results. Then, let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Glaze them right before serving.

These bite-sized beauties are perfect for parties–double up what recipe makes so there’s enough for everyone!

Store in an airtight container. They will last for about 2 to 3 days.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

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