Easy Air Fryer Lemon Cookies Recipe with Lemon Glaze
Who doesn’t love a good cookie? Especially when it’s a lemon cookie made in an air fryer! These Air Fryer Lemon Cookies are not only incredibly delicious, but they’re also a breeze to make. With their delightful lemon flavor and perfect texture, they’re sure to become your new favorite treat.
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Trust me when I say these Air Fryer Lemon Cookies are a game-changer! With over 40 years of self-taught culinary experience, I’ve honed the art of creating simple yet delectable recipes. My journey as a vegetarian home chef has led me to experiment and perfect dishes that appeal to all, regardless of dietary preference. These cookies are a prime example of my commitment to accessible, flavorful cooking for everyone.
Why You Will Love Making Air Fryer Lemon Cookies
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, zesty, and utterly irresistible, then these Air Fryer Lemon Cookies are just the ticket. Here’s why you’ll adore making them:
- Effortless and Quick: The air fryer does most of the work, meaning you get to enjoy homemade cookies without the hassle.
- Deliciously Lemon-Flavored: With fresh lemon juice and zest, these cookies offer a vibrant burst of citrus flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect Texture: They come out wonderfully golden and crisp on the outside, while staying delightfully soft and chewy inside.
- Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual snack or a dessert for a gathering, these cookies are always a hit.
- Fun to Make: There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating these little treats, from zesting the lemons to watching them bake to perfection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Air Fryer Lemon Cookies with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Making these Air Fryer Lemon Cookies is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you get the perfect batch every time:
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by whisking together flour, salt, and baking powder in a small mixing bowl. This ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, add lemon zest to your sugar. Rub them together with your fingers. This releases the oils from the zest, infusing the sugar with a lovely lemon aroma.
Time for your stand mixer! Beat the butter and lemon-infused sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and egg, beating them into the mixture.
Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mix at low speed. You want a smooth, well-combined dough.
Preparing for Baking
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F/175°C. Then, line your air fryer basket with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Next, using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of cookie batter onto the parchment paper, leaving enough space between each for spreading.
Gently flatten them with your palm. Bake for about 5 – 7 minutes until they’re slightly golden. Then, let them cool briefly in the basket before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Glazing
Mix confectioners sugar, lemon zest, and juice to make your glaze. Dip each cooled cookie into the glaze for a sweet, lemony finish.
From oil sprays to muffin cups and from pizza pans to racks, we've got them all, and they make fantastic Christmas presents, too!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Making these Air Fryer Lemon Cookies is pretty straightforward, but here are a few expert tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time:
- Consistency: When making your cookie dough, aim for a consistent texture. If the dough is too wet or dry, adjust with a little extra flour or lemon juice. The dough should be easy to handle and not stick to your hands.
- Zest Like a Pro: For the best lemon flavor, use fresh lemons and zest them finely. The zest is where all the aromatic oils are, so it really boosts the lemony taste in your cookies.
- Watch the Clock: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Air fryers can vary, and you don’t want to overbake them. They should be just golden around the edges for that perfect crisp yet chewy texture.
- Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? Yes, but for the best flavor, I recommend using fresh lemon juice. Bottled juice can sometimes have a more muted flavor.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the dough and keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge for a couple of days before baking.
- Can I make these cookies without an air fryer? Yes, you can bake them in a regular oven. Check out our Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe for the full instructions.
- Can I add other flavors to this recipe? Sure! While lemon is the star here, feel free to experiment with other citrus flavors like orange or lime. For extra lemon flavor, you can add a little lemon extract.
How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Lemon Cookies
Got some leftover Air Fryer Lemon Cookies? Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious:
- Cool Completely: Ensure your cookies are completely cool before storing. This prevents condensation inside the container, which can make them soggy.
- Airtight Containers: Store your cookies in an airtight container. This keeps them crisp and prevents them from absorbing odors from the fridge or pantry.
- Room Temperature Storage: For short-term storage, keep them at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freezing: If you want to keep them for longer, these cookies freeze well. Just wrap them up and store in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Lemon Cookies
Pairing your freshly made Air Fryer Lemon Cookies with the right beverages or dishes can elevate your snack or dessert experience. Here are some ideas:
Perfect Pairing with Tea or Coffee
Enjoying these lemon cookies with a hot cup of tea or coffee is a classic choice. The zesty flavor of the cookies complements the bitterness of coffee or the subtlety of tea, making for a relaxing afternoon treat. To amplify the lemon flavor, try a green or herbal lemon tea.
Complement with Fresh Fruit
Serve these cookies alongside a bowl of fresh berries or sliced fruits. The natural sweetness and acidity of fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or even a slice of lemon can enhance the lemon flavor in the cookies.
Ice Cream for a Decadent Dessert
Turn your Air Fryer Lemon Cookies into an indulgent dessert by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, crispy cookie and the cold, creamy ice cream is heavenly.
Light Lemonade or Infused Water
For a refreshing option, especially in the summer, serve your cookies with homemade lemonade or citrus-infused water. It’s a delightful way to quench your thirst and enjoy a light, zesty treat.
More Cookie Recipes You Will Love
- How to make Sugar Cookies without Butter
- Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Air Fryer White Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Easy Whoopie Pie Recipe
- Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
Easy Air Fryer Lemon Cookies Recipe with Lemon Glaze
Utensils
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 large egg
For the glaze:
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder and set aside.2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon baking powder
- In a small mixing bowl, add lemon zest and sugar. Using your fingers rub the lemon zest and sugar together.2 tablespoons lemon zest, ¾ cup sugar
- Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and the lemon sugar until it's light and fluffy, then beat in vanilla extract, lemon juice, and egg. On low speed, slowly beat the flour until it's fully combined.1 cup unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 large egg
- Preheat your oven to 350°F/175°C and line your air fryer basket with parchment paper.
- Scoop out the cookie dough by the tablespoon and place it on the prepared paper, leaving space between them as they will spread. Using the palm of your hand gently press down on the cookie dough.
- Bake until the cookies are slightly golden brown and set, approximately 5 – 7 minutes. Remove the basket and let the cookies cool in it for a couple of minutes, and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat the process until all the cookies are baked.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together confectioners sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth. Dip each cookie in the lemon glaze so that it is evenly coated on the top, place them back on the rack until the glaze has set. Serve and enjoy!1 cup confectioners sugar, 4 tablespoons lemon juice, ½ teaspoon lemon zest
Notes
- Consistency: When making your cookie dough, aim for a consistent texture. If the dough is too wet or dry, adjust with a little extra flour or lemon juice. The dough should be easy to handle and not stick to your hands.
- Zest: For the best lemon flavor, use fresh lemons and zest them finely. The zest is where all the aromatic oils are, so it really boosts the lemony taste in your cookies.
- Watch the Clock: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Air fryers can vary, and you don’t want to overbake them. They should be just golden around the edges for that perfect crisp yet chewy texture.
- Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? Yes, but for the best flavor, I recommend using fresh lemon juice. Bottled juice can sometimes have a more muted flavor.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the dough and keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge for a couple of days before baking.
- Can I make these cookies without an air fryer? Yes, you can bake them in a regular oven. Check out our Lemon Glazed Cookies recipe for the full instructions.
- Can I add other flavors to this recipe? Sure! While lemon is the star here, feel free to experiment with other citrus flavors like orange or lime. For extra lemon flavor, you can add a little lemon extract.
How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Lemon Cookies
- Cool Completely: Ensure your cookies are completely cool before storing. This prevents condensation inside the container, which can make them soggy.
- Airtight Containers: Store your cookies in an airtight container. This keeps them crisp and prevents them from absorbing odors from the fridge or pantry.
- Room Temperature Storage: For short-term storage, keep them at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freezing: If you want to keep them for longer, these cookies freeze well. Just wrap them up and store in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
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This was a perfect Christmas cookie indeed! It tastes really awesome, crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. For me personally, the fact that it was so quick and easy to make is the best thing about it!
Yes, they are! I’m glad you liked them, Jillianne!