30-Minute Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
Soft and chewy oatmeal cookies studded with fresh apple pieces and warm spices, made quickly in the air fryer. The combination of cinnamon and apple pie spice creates a cozy fall flavor, while the sweet glaze adds an extra touch of indulgence. These cookies bake in just 6-8 minutes per batch, making them perfect for when you want homemade cookies without heating up the whole oven. The air fryer creates a lovely texture with slightly crisp edges and tender centers.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flourgluten-free flour blend1:1gluten-freegluten-free
Use 1:1 baking flour blend for best results
- 1 ½ cups quick oats
- 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups light brown sugar
- ½ cup apple sauce, unsweetened
- 1 large eggflax egg1:1veganeggs-free
Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water, let sit 5 minutes
Full guide → - 1 large apple, chopped
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- 1
Melt the butter in a medium bowl and set aside
- 2
Combine flour, oats, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl and whisk together
- 3
Add apple pie spice, vanilla extract, and brown sugar to the melted butter and mix well
- 4
Add applesauce and egg to the butter mixture
- 5
Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix thoroughly
- 6
Fold in the chopped apple pieces
- 7
Preheat air fryer to 315 degrees F
- 8
Line air fryer basket with parchment paper
- 9
Scoop cookie dough into balls about two inches wide using ice cream scoop or spoon
- 10
Place dough balls on parchment paper leaving inch and a half space between them
- 11
Air fry cookies for 6-8 minutes
- 12
Repeat batches keeping unused dough chilled in refrigerator
- 13
Remove cookies and place on cooling rack
- 14
Combine confectioners sugar and heavy cream for glaze and mix well
- 15
Adjust glaze consistency with more cream or sugar as needed
- 16
Drizzle glaze over completely cooled cookies
Tips
Keep unused cookie dough chilled in the refrigerator between batches to prevent spreading and maintain shape during air frying
Leave adequate space between cookies as they will spread during cooking - about an inch and a half between each dough ball
Test one cookie first to check timing as air fryer models vary - cookies should be golden around edges but still soft in center
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
Cookie dough can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored covered in refrigerator
Best served at room temperature, allow glaze to set for 10 minutes before serving
Common Mistakes
Don't skip chilling dough between batches to avoid overly flat cookies
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket or cookies will bake unevenly
Don't add glaze to warm cookies or it will melt off
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water, let sit 5 minutes
Full guide →Gluten-Free Swaps
Use 1:1 baking flour blend for best results
FAQ
Can I make these without the glaze?
Yes, these cookies are delicious on their own. You can dust with powdered sugar or enjoy them plain for a less sweet option.
What if I don't have apple pie spice?
Mix together 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/8 tsp allspice, and a pinch of ginger as a substitute for 1 tsp apple pie spice.
How long will these cookies keep?
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months.