Air Fryer Orange Sugar Cookies
These air fryer orange sugar cookies feature crisp edges and tender centers with a bright citrus flavor, making them an easy and delightful dessert option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened Room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 4 teaspoons grated orange zest
- 1/3 cup orange juice Freshly squeezed for best flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon extract Can be swapped for vanilla extract.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
- 2 tablespoons 2% milk
- 3 drops orange food coloring (optional) For a more vibrant glaze.
Instructions
Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until smooth and lightly combined.
- Add the room-temperature egg, grated orange zest, orange juice, and lemon extract; mix until incorporated.
- Fold in the all-purpose flour and salt just until a soft dough forms.
- If the dough is slightly tacky, chill briefly on the counter to firm up.
Shape for the Basket
- Form the dough into evenly sized balls, about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons each.
- Flatten each ball into a roughly 1/2-inch thick disk.
Bake the Cookies
- Arrange cookies in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving at least 1 inch of space between each cookie.
- Cook a single test batch first until the edges are set and lightly golden.
- The outside should feel firm while the middle still gives slightly when touched.
Cool before Icing
- Transfer baked cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely.
Ice the Cookies
- In a small bowl, whisk the confectioners' sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth.
- If using, add orange food coloring and mix until uniform.
- Dip the cooled cookies into the glaze and let them set on the rack.
Notes
For best results, bake test cookies to determine your air fryer’s specific cook time. Leave space between cookies for optimal air circulation.