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Air Fryer Spiced Maple Cookies – Crispy Edges, Soft 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
  • 1/3 cup (70 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup (Grade A amber preferred)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (optional but nice)
  • 2–3 tablespoons granulated sugar, for rolling (optional)
  • Neutral oil or spray for the air fryer liner (if needed)

Method
 

  1. Cream the butter and sugar. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the maple syrup and beat again until smooth.
  2. Add egg and vanilla. Mix in the egg and vanilla until just combined. Scrape the bowl so everything blends evenly.
  3. Combine dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
  4. Bring the dough together. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until no dry streaks remain. The dough will be soft but not sticky. If it feels very sticky, rest it 5–10 minutes to firm up.
  5. Preheat the air fryer. Set to 320°F (160°C) for 3 minutes. This helps the cookies bake evenly.
  6. Shape the cookies. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions (about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons each). Roll into balls. If you like a crisp-sparkly edge, roll the balls in granulated sugar.
  7. Prepare the basket. Line the air fryer basket with a piece of parchment cut to fit and poke a few small holes in it for airflow. Lightly oil if your parchment isn’t nonstick.
  8. Arrange the dough. Place dough balls on the parchment with space to spread—usually 6–8 cookies per batch, depending on basket size. Gently flatten to about 1/2 inch thick for even cooking.
  9. Air fry. Cook at 320°F (160°C) for 6–8 minutes. The cookies should be set around the edges and slightly soft in the center. If your air fryer runs hot, start checking at 5 minutes.
  10. Rest and cool. Let cookies sit in the basket for 2 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a rack. They’ll continue to set as they cool.
  11. Repeat with remaining dough. If the basket gets too warm, give it a minute to cool between batches to prevent over-browning.