Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle

Featured in: Family Favorites

These chocolate crinkle treats deliver a rich, fudgy center with a signature crackled top. Using an air fryer allows for a quick, even bake that produces a slightly crisp exterior, perfect for satisfying dessert cravings. The dough rests chilled to ensure the ideal texture and is rolled in powdered sugar to create the classic crinkle effect. Simple ingredients like cocoa, vanilla, and eggs combine to create this easy, delicious indulgence.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 12:27:00 GMT
Fudgy, crinkled Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle Cookies dusted with powdered sugar, ready to savor. Save
Fudgy, crinkled Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle Cookies dusted with powdered sugar, ready to savor. | berrycottage.com

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

This recipe quickly became a favorite for satisfying chocolate cravings with minimal effort and delicious results.

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.
Golden-brown air fryer Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, each with a perfect crackle and rich chocolate flavor. Save
Golden-brown air fryer Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, each with a perfect crackle and rich chocolate flavor. | berrycottage.com

These cookies always bring smiles at family gatherings, reminding us of warm, cozy moments around the kitchen.

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.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 90 calories, 3 g total fat, 15 g carbohydrates, 1 g protein

Freshly baked Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, a delightful dessert with crispy edges and a soft, chewy inside. Save
Freshly baked Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, a delightful dessert with crispy edges and a soft, chewy inside. | berrycottage.com

Enjoy these cookies fresh for the best texture or store them properly to keep them soft and delicious.

Recipe FAQ

What gives the cookies their signature crackled appearance?

Rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking helps them develop the distinctive crinkled surface as they expand and set.

How does the air fryer impact the texture of these treats?

The air fryer circulates hot air evenly, creating a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside moist and fudgy.

Can the resting time of the dough be adjusted?

Yes, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes firms it up and prevents spreading, but resting up to 2 hours enhances texture further.

Are there suggestions for flavor variations?

Adding instant espresso powder intensifies chocolate depth, and swapping vanilla for orange or peppermint extract offers refreshing twists.

How should these treats be stored for freshness?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their fudgy texture and crisp exterior.

Air-Fried Chocolate Crinkle

Fudgy chocolate crinkles with crisp tops, made quickly using air fryer techniques.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
8 min
Complete duration
28 min
Created by Lily Anderson


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 20 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-free, No dairy

Components

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

Directions

Direction 01

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

Direction 02

Mix Wet Ingredients: Beat sugar and vegetable oil in a large bowl until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.

Direction 03

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

Direction 04

Chill Dough: Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for optimal firmness.

Direction 05

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

Direction 06

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

Direction 07

Arrange in Air Fryer: Place dough balls in the basket, spacing them evenly. Bake in batches if necessary.

Direction 08

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

Direction 09

Cool: Let cookies cool in the air fryer basket for 5 minutes before transferring 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 information

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice if you have concerns.
  • Contains eggs and wheat (gluten).
  • May contain traces of nuts or soy depending on ingredient brands.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 90
  • Fats: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 1 g