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Air Fryer Monster Cookies

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: November 16, 2021

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Air Fryer Monster Cookies — Monster cookies are so good and will scare your taste buds immediately! These monster cookies have peanut butter, oats, M&M’s, and chocolate chips.

They’re soft in the middle and slightly crispy on the outside. Trust me when I say you’ll be scarfing these down before you know it. You might even want to double or triple this recipe because they go fast!

What Are Monster Cookies?

Monster Cookies are a delightful and indulgent type of cookie known for being packed with various mix-ins and larger-than-average sizes, hence the name “Monster.” They are a favorite among cookie lovers who enjoy flavors and textures in each bite. Here’s what typically sets Monster Cookies apart:

Variety of Mix-Ins: The defining characteristic of Monster Cookies is the variety of ingredients mixed into the dough. Common additions include oats, chocolate chips, M&M’s or similar candy-coated chocolates, peanut butter, and sometimes nuts or raisins. The combination of these mix-ins creates a rich, multi-textured treat.
Size: As their name suggests, Monster Cookies are often larger than standard cookies. Their generous size makes them especially satisfying and perfect for a hearty snack.
Texture: These cookies usually have a chewy texture, thanks to the inclusion of oats in the dough. The oats also contrast the peanut butter’s smoothness and the chocolate’s crunch and other add-ins.
Peanut Butter Base: Many Monster Cookie recipes include peanut butter, which gives them a distinct flavor and helps to bind the various mix-ins together.
No Flour: Interestingly, many traditional Monster Cookie recipes do not include flour. The combination of oats and peanut butter provides enough structure to hold the cookie together, making it a good option for those looking for a gluten-free treat (as long as the oats are certified gluten-free). They are also known as flourless monster cookies or gluten-free monster cookies.
Versatility: One of the joys of making Monster Cookies is the ability to customize the mix-ins based on personal preference or what you have on hand. This versatility means that almost no two batches of Monster Cookies are precisely the same.
Origin: The exact origin of Monster Cookies is somewhat unclear, but they gained significant popularity in the United States and have become a staple in many home bakers’ repertoires.

Monster Cookies are the perfect choice for those who love a little bit of everything in their cookie, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are both satisfying and delicious.

Why You Will Love This Monster Cookie Recipe

Here are several compelling reasons why you will love this Monster Cookie recipe. It’s more than just a treat; it’s an experience in every bite! Here’s why this recipe is bound to become a fast favorite:

Rich and Flavorful: Thanks to various mix-ins like chocolate chips, M&M’s, peanut butter, and oats, each cookie has an explosion of flavors.
Texture Heaven: The combination of chewy oats, melty chocolate, and the occasional crunch from nuts (if used) makes for an irresistible textural experience.
Customizable: One of the best parts about Monster Cookies is their adaptability. You can easily tailor them to your taste or dietary preferences, whether adding different nuts, using various kinds of chocolate, or even making them gluten-free.
Fun for All Ages: Both kids and adults love these cookies. They’re colorful, fun, and perfect for parties, school treats, or a special snack.
Hearty and Satisfying: The generous size and rich ingredients make these cookies particularly satisfying, perfect for a filling snack or a special dessert.
No Flour Needed: Many Monster Cookie recipes are naturally flourless, which is great for those avoiding gluten (ensure your oats are gluten-free).
Easy to Make: Despite their impressive appearance, Monster Cookies are surprisingly easy to prepare, making them a great recipe for beginner bakers or baking with kids.
Perfect for Sharing: Their eye-catching appearance and delicious taste make Monster Cookies perfect for gifting, sharing at gatherings, or enjoying with family and friends.
Freezer-Friendly: These cookies freeze well, so you can make a big batch and save some for later, ensuring you always have a tasty treat.
Indulgent Yet Wholesome: With ingredients like oats and peanut butter, Monster Cookies strike a lovely balance between indulgent and wholesome.

This Monster Cookie recipe is not just about baking cookies; it’s about creating joy and satisfaction with every batch. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, these cookies will surely make anyone smile!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Monster Cookies

With a few simple ingredients, you can make these delicious treats in minutes, the perfect snack for the afternoon.

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.

Peanut Butter: The creamy, nutty cookie dough base, peanut butter adds rich flavor and helps bind the other ingredients together. Use natural peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, or creamy peanut butter.
Brown Sugar gives the cookies extraordinary flavor, adding moisture and a hint of caramel-like sweetness.
Granulated Sugar: This classic sweetener helps to create a crispy exterior while balancing the richness of the peanut butter and brown sugar.
Eggs act as a binding agent, giving the cookies structure and contributing to their chewy texture.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookies.
Quick Oats: Oats are a vital ingredient in Monster Cookies, providing a chewy texture and a wholesome, hearty feel.
Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a desirable texture.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and elevate the other ingredients’ flavors.
Chocolate Chips: These melty morsels add pockets of chocolatey goodness in every bite, creating a classic cookie experience. Mini chocolate chips are a great choice for these buttery cookies.
M&M’s or Candy-Coated Chocolates: They bring color, crunch, and an extra dose of chocolate, making the cookies visually appealing and even more delicious.
Optional Mix-ins: Feel free to add in nuts, raisins, mini M&M, mini Oreos, white chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, or other favorite cookie mix-ins for added texture and flavor.

Gather these ingredients, and you’re all set to make these fun, flavorful, and irresistible Air Fryer Monster Cookies that everyone will love!

How to Cook Monster Cookies In Air Fryer

Cooking Monster Cookies in an air fryer is a fantastic way to enjoy this classic treat with a unique twist. The air fryer provides a convenient and quick method to bake cookies, perfect for when you crave something sweet without much wait. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

Cream The Butter and Sugar Together, Monster Cookies Air Fryer

Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. Combine the quick oats, baking soda, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir in the chocolate chips, M&M’s, and any other mix-ins.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees (175°C). This step is essential for even cooking.
Shape the Cookies: Form the dough into balls, using an ice cream scoop or medium cookie scoop, making them slightly larger than a golf ball, then flatten them a bit. Monster Cookies are traditionally quite large, but make sure they will fit in your air fryer basket.
Bake the Cookies: Place the cookies in the air fryer basket, ensuring enough space for air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
Cooking Time: Set cook time for 6-8 minutes until the cookies are golden and the edges are slightly crispy. The exact time might vary depending on your air fryer model.
Cool the Cookies: Once done, let the cookies cool in the basket for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool.
Repeat: If you have more dough, repeat the process with the remaining batches.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, your Monster Cookies are ready to be enjoyed! They are perfect as a snack or a dessert.

Pro Tips:

Creating the perfect batch of Air Fryer Monster Cookies can be a joy, especially when armed with some pro tips to ensure they turn out right. Here are some expert suggestions to help you make the most of your cookie-making experience:

Achieving the Right Dough Consistency: Monster cookie dough should be thick and sticky. If it’s too runny, add more oats; if it’s too dry, a splash of milk can help.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Like an oven, preheating your air fryer ensures a consistent and even cooking temperature, which is crucial for perfectly baked cookies.
Use Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and ensure easy removal, use parchment paper in the air fryer basket. Ensure it’s suitable for air fryers and doesn’t cover all the air holes for proper circulation.
Size Matters: Since the air fryer basket is smaller than a typical oven tray, consider making your cookies slightly smaller than the traditional monster size to fit more at a time. Use a small cookie scoop to make smaller cookies for a smaller air fryer basket.
Avoid Overcrowding: Give each cookie enough space for air to circulate. This might mean baking in batches, but it’s worth it for evenly cooked cookies.
Flatten the Cookies: Gently press down the cookie dough balls before cooking. Air fryers cook from the top, which will help get an even bake.
Monitor the Baking Time: Cooking times can vary depending on your air fryer model. Start checking your cookies a bit earlier than the recipe suggests, as they can go from perfect to overdone quickly.
Cooling is Key: Let the cookies cool in the air fryer basket for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. They will firm up as they cool.
Get Creative with Mix-Ins: Monster cookies are all about the mix-ins. Don’t hesitate to try different chocolate chips, candies, nuts, and dried fruit.
Storage for Freshness: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They can last for about a week. For any longer storage, place the leftover cookies into a freezer bag and place them into the freezer.
Baking in Batches: If you’re baking multiple batches, the air fryer may get hotter, so you might need to adjust the cooking time for subsequent batches.
Clean Air Fryer Basket Between Batches: If crumbs or pieces of mix-ins are left in the basket, quickly clean between batches to prevent burning.

Recipe Variations

Peanut Butter: You can use either creamy or chunky peanut butter. You can also use homemade, but make sure that you mix it before using it since the oil tends to settle on top.
Candy: You can use any chocolate-covered candy, the most popular being M&Ms, but you can also change it to Reese’s Pieces.
Oats: This recipe can use either Old-Fashioned Oats or Rolled Outs.
Other Cookie Add-Ins: You can add any add-ins to this cookie. Popular options are rainbow sprinkles, chocolate, confetti, dried cranberries, shredded coconut, crystallized ginger, diced toffee bars, crushed candy canes, and even chopped mini marshmallows.

Can I use regular cookie dough for Monster Cookies in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Monster Cookies are essentially a jazzed-up version of regular cookies. Add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, M&M’s, and oats to your cookie dough.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much in the air fryer?

Chilling the dough before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading. Also, avoid using too much butter or other liquid ingredients in your dough.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can make them gluten-free by using gluten-free oats and ensuring that all other mix-ins are gluten-free. The good news is that these homemade cookies do not contain any flour, making them naturally gluten-free.

What’s the best way to store leftover Monster Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about a week.

How many cookies can I bake at once in the air fryer?

This depends on the size of your air fryer. Ensure there’s enough space for air to circulate around each cookie. Typically, you can bake 4-6 cookies at a time.

Can I make Monster Cookie dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Do I need to flip the cookies during baking?

No, you don’t need to flip the cookies. Air fryers circulate air around the food so they bake evenly without flipping.

Can I use parchment paper in the air fryer?

Yes, using parchment paper is recommended to prevent sticking. Make sure it’s perforated or suitable for air fryers.

What if my cookies aren’t baking evenly?

If you notice uneven baking, you may need to rotate the position of the cookies halfway through the cooking time, especially if your air fryer doesn’t circulate air evenly.

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