Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle

Featured in: Sweet Desserts

These chocolate crinkles deliver a rich, fudgy center with a signature crackled top and slightly crisp edges. Made by mixing cocoa, flour, sugar, and eggs, the dough chills to develop flavors and texture. Coated in powdered sugar before air frying, these treats cook quickly at moderate heat to achieve a perfect balance of moistness and crispness. Ideal for easy indulgence, they offer a quick snack or dessert with minimal fuss and maximum taste.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:32:00 GMT
Image of air-fried chocolate crinkle cookies: crackled, powdered sugar tops on a plate. Pin
Image of air-fried chocolate crinkle cookies: crackled, powdered sugar tops on a plate. | forkandbloom.com

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

I first baked these cookies to satisfy my chocolate cravings and was amazed at how perfectly the air fryer created the crinkled edges and soft interiors.

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 78 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.
Pin
| forkandbloom.com

These cookies quickly became a family favorite especially during holiday gatherings bringing smiles all around.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

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.

Air-fried Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with a fudgy interior and beautiful crackled surfaces, ready to enjoy. Pin
Air-fried Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with a fudgy interior and beautiful crackled surfaces, ready to enjoy. | forkandbloom.com

These air-fried chocolate crinkle cookies are a simple yet impressive treat perfect for any occasion.

Recipe Q&A

How does air frying affect the cookie texture?

Air frying creates a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside fudgy and moist, thanks to circulating hot air.

Can I substitute cocoa powder with another ingredient?

Unsweetened cocoa powder provides the deep chocolate flavor; replacing it may alter the taste and texture significantly.

What is the purpose of chilling the dough?

Chilling firms the dough, helping to maintain shape during cooking and enhancing the crackled surface.

Are there flavor variations suggested for these cookies?

Adding instant espresso powder or swapping vanilla for orange or peppermint extract can add unique twists.

How should these cookies be stored after cooking?

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

Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle

Fudgy chocolate crinkles with a crisp exterior, made effortlessly in an air fryer.

Prep duration
20 min
Cooking duration
8 min
Complete duration
28 min

Category Sweet Desserts

Skill level Easy

Origin American

Yield 20 Portions

Dietary specifications Vegetarian, Dairy-free

Components

Dry Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour (125 g)
02 ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (45 g)
03 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
02 ¼ cup vegetable oil (60 ml)
03 2 large eggs
04 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Coating

01 ½ cup powdered sugar (60 g)

Directions

Step 01

Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until homogeneous.

Step 02

Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat sugar and vegetable oil until fully blended. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.

Step 03

Form dough: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a sticky dough forms.

Step 04

Chill dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up; chilling up to 2 hours enhances flavor and texture.

Step 05

Prepare air fryer: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone liner to prevent sticking.

Step 06

Shape and coat cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat generously in powdered sugar.

Step 07

Arrange for cooking: Place cookie balls in the air fryer basket, spacing them apart to allow air circulation; cook in batches if necessary.

Step 08

Air fry: Cook at 325°F (165°C) for 7 to 8 minutes until cookies are set and the characteristic crackled tops appear.

Step 09

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about anything.
  • Contains eggs and wheat (gluten). May contain traces of nuts or soy depending on ingredient brands.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Calories: 90
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Carbs: 15 g
  • Protein: 1 g