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Air Fryer Orange and Pecan Cookies - Crispy Edges, Chewy Centers

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (55 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest (from 1 large orange)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 3/4 cup (85 g) pecans, chopped and lightly toasted
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon for warmth
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons coarse sugar for sprinkling
  • Oil spray or parchment liners designed for air fryers

Method
 

  1. Toast the pecans: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast chopped pecans for 3–4 minutes, stirring, until fragrant. Let cool completely.
  2. Cream the butter and sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 2–3 minutes until light and creamy.
  3. Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla until smooth. Scrape the bowl.
  4. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
  5. Combine: Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low just until no streaks remain. Fold in cooled pecans.
  6. Chill the dough: Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape in the air fryer.
  7. Preheat the air fryer: If your model allows, preheat to 320°F (160°C) for 3 minutes. Line the basket with a perforated parchment liner or lightly mist with oil.
  8. Portion the dough: Scoop 1 1/2-tablespoon balls (about 30–35 g each). Place in the basket with 2 inches of space between cookies. Gently press to a thick disk. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if you like.
  9. Air fry: Cook at 320°F (160°C) for 6–8 minutes until edges are golden and centers look just set. Every air fryer runs a bit different, so check at 6 minutes.
  10. Rest: Let the cookies sit in the basket for 3–4 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a rack to cool. Repeat with remaining dough.