Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle

Featured in: Sweet Cozy Treats

This classic treat features rich, fudgy chocolate dough coated in powdered sugar for a signature crinkled look. The dough firms up in the fridge before air frying, producing cookies with a slightly crisp exterior and tender center. Ready in under an hour, these delightful crinkles balance deep cocoa flavors with a soft texture. Experiment with extracts or espresso powder for added depth. Perfect for a quick, delicious dessert.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:23:00 GMT
Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, dusted in powdered sugar, look deliciously crackled and ready to enjoy. Save
Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, dusted in powdered sugar, look deliciously crackled and ready to enjoy. | cloverhearth.com

Rich, fudgy chocolate cookies with a signature crinkled appearance and a slightly crisp exterior, made effortlessly in the air fryer.

This was my go-to treat during busy weekends when I wanted something chocolatey without turning on the oven.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, ½ cup (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Coating: ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, beat sugar and oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 3:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
Step 4:
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up (or up to 2 hours for best results).
Step 5:
Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or use a silicone liner.
Step 6:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat generously in powdered sugar.
Step 7:
Arrange balls in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each (bake in batches if needed).
Step 8:
Air fry at 325°F (165°C) for 7 8 minutes, or until cookies are set with crackled tops.
Step 9:
Allow cookies to cool in the basket for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Warm, air-fried Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with a fudgy center and a crisp, sugary exterior promise a great bite. Save
Warm, air-fried Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with a fudgy center and a crisp, sugary exterior promise a great bite. | cloverhearth.com

Baking these cookies has become a sweet bonding moment for me and my children every weekend.

Notes

For extra flavor add ½ teaspoon instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients. Try swapping vanilla extract for orange or peppermint extract for a twist. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, whisk, hand mixer or spoon, measuring cups and spoons, air fryer, parchment paper or silicone liner, wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains eggs and wheat (gluten). May contain traces of nuts or soy depending on ingredient brands check all labels if allergies are a concern.

A delightful view of several Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, freshly baked, on a cooling rack for dessert. Save
A delightful view of several Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, freshly baked, on a cooling rack for dessert. | cloverhearth.com

These cookies are the perfect quick dessert with rich flavor and minimal cleanup.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What gives the cookies their crinkled appearance?

Coating the dough balls generously in powdered sugar before air frying creates the signature crackled surface as the cookies expand and bake.

Can I add any flavor variations?

Yes, try adding instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients or substituting vanilla with orange or peppermint extract to vary the flavor profile.

How do I prevent the cookies from sticking in the air fryer?

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or use a silicone liner to avoid sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

What texture should I expect from these cookies?

The exterior is slightly crisp while the inside remains fudgy and soft, creating a wonderful contrast with every bite.

How long can I store these cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.

Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle

Fudgy chocolate crinkles with a crisp exterior, made effortlessly with air frying.

Prep duration
20 minutes
Cook duration
8 minutes
Overall time
28 minutes
Recipe by Clover Hearth Emily Dawson

Recipe type Sweet Cozy Treats

Skill level Easy

Culinary roots American

Servings made 20 Portion size

Diet preferences Meatless, Free of dairy

What you'll need

Dry Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup granulated sugar
02 ¼ cup vegetable oil
03 2 large eggs
04 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Coating

01 ½ cup powdered sugar

How to make it

Step 01

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.

Step 02

Mix Wet Ingredients: Beat sugar and vegetable oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 03

Form Dough: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a sticky dough forms.

Step 04

Chill Dough: Cover and refrigerate the dough for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for optimal firmness.

Step 05

Prepare Air Fryer: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone liner.

Step 06

Shape and Coat: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions, roll into balls, and coat evenly in powdered sugar.

Step 07

Arrange in Basket: Place dough balls in the basket, ensuring space between each for airflow; bake in multiple batches if necessary.

Step 08

Air Fry Cookies: Cook at 325°F for 7 to 8 minutes until cookies are set with characteristic crackled tops.

Step 09

Cool: Allow cookies to rest in the air fryer basket for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Equipment needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Hand mixer or spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Air fryer
  • Parchment paper or silicone liner
  • Wire rack

Allergy details

Be sure to review every ingredient for potential allergies, and talk to a medical expert if you’re unsure.
  • Contains eggs and gluten.
  • Potential traces of nuts or soy; verify ingredient labels for allergen information.

Nutrition information (each portion)

Only use this data as a helpful reference—it’s not intended to replace professional health guidance.
  • Calorie count: 90
  • Fat content: 3 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 15 grams
  • Proteins: 1 grams