Go Back
+ servings
Air Fryer Shortbread Cookies

Air Fryer Shortbread Cookies

3.67 from 6 votes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 24 Servings

Description

Air Fryer Shortbread Cookies -- Shortbread cookies are one of the most classic holiday desserts. They go well with hot cocoa to coffee and can be decorated in many different ways for any occasion. The following recipe makes about three dozen delicious shortbreads that you can decorate for Christmas or other winter holidays!

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process introduces air into the dough, making the cookies tender.
  • Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
  • Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt into the butter mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to ensure the cookies retain their signature tender texture.
  • If the dough feels too soft to handle, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step makes the dough easier to handle and can enhance the cookies' texture.
  • Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut the dough into desired shapes. Re-roll any scraps and continue cutting until all the dough is used.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). If your air fryer requires preheating, it ensures the cookies start baking at the right temperature.
  • Place parchment paper in the air fryer basket. The parchment paper should be cut to fit and perforated to allow air circulation.
  • Arrange the cookies on the parchment paper in a single layer, leaving some space between each for air to circulate. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
  • Cook the cookies at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model and cookie thickness.
  • Carefully remove the cookies from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Parchment Paper
  • Metal Spatuala
  • Cooking Spray

Notes

PRO TIPS FOR MAKING SHORTBREAD COOKIES

  • You can make the cookie dough well in advance. It keeps for about a week when refrigerated and upwards of three months if frozen! Make sure you wrap it very tightly before storing as cold temperatures will cause the butter to stiffen up, making cutting your cookies much more complicated than it should be - but don't fret because just thawing out some is all that's needed to save this delicious treat for another day :)
  • If your butter isn't room temp just cut the sticks into a few slices and microwave on 50% power for about five seconds.
  • A great add-in is toasted peanuts or nuts.
  • Don't overmix or work the batter. Otherwise, you will end up with dry shortbread cookies. Stop mixing once the ingredients are mixed together, and a dough forms.
  • Remove the tray or basket from the Air Fryer, remove the cookies from the tray with a metal spatula, and put the cookies on a wire cooling rack.
  • Remove used parchment paper and replace it with a fresh sheet. Spray the parchment paper with cooking spray, and repeat until you have used all of the dough up.
  • Sprinkle cookie tops with coarse sugar if desired.
  • Some air fryers require reheating/pre-heating after each cooking cycle. Check your air fryer, I always do one batch of cookies and see if I need to preheat.
  • If you need to preheat, one top to speed along the process, prepare each baking sheet before it goes into the air fryer by spraying the cooking spray and placing the cookies on it so that once the batch is finished cooking, the next batch will be ready to go into the air fryer.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 122kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 1gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 85mgPotassium: 14mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 236IUCalcium: 4mgIron: 0.5mg