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Delicious Air Fryer Gingerbread Cookies: A Festive Treat

The festive season is upon us, and what better way to embrace the holiday spirit than with homemade gingerbread cookies? Traditionally baked in an oven, these delightful treats can also be prepared using an air fryer, offering a quicker and equally delicious alternative. The result is perfectly spiced, soft-centred gingerbread cookies that are sure to impress your family and friends. In this article, we will take you through an easy and delightful recipe for air fryer gingerbread cookies, complete with tips for perfecting your festive baking.

Ingredients

To get started with your air fryer gingerbread cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 250g plain flour
• 100g brown sugar
• 75g unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 100g golden syrup or treacle
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• A pinch of salt

Optional Decorating Ingredients

• Royal icing
• Colourful sprinkles
• Edible glitter
• Additional spices for dusting

Method

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and then stir in the golden syrup or treacle. In a separate bowl, combine the plain flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until well combined. The dough will be slightly sticky.

2. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in cling film and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.

3. Roll and Cut: Once chilled, roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create your desired shapes, whether traditional gingerbread men or festive stars and trees.

4. Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 160°C (320°F). If your air fryer has a baking dish or tray, line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

5. Air Fry the Cookies: Place the cut-out cookies in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the tray, ensuring there’s enough space between them for air circulation. You may need to bake in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until the edges are firm and the cookies are slightly puffed. Keep an eye on them, as air fryers can vary in cooking times.

6. Cool and Decorate: Once baked, remove the cookies from the air fryer and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, you can decorate them with royal icing, colourful sprinkles, or any other festive embellishments you fancy.

Tips for Success

• Consistency is Key: If the dough feels too sticky after chilling, add a touch more flour, but be cautious not to overdo it, as this can make the cookies tough.
• Flavour Infusion: For an extra depth of flavour, consider adding a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger or a splash of vanilla extract to the dough.
• Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen and enjoyed later.

Conclusion

Air fryer gingerbread cookies are a fantastic way to celebrate the festive season without the long wait typically associated with baking. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea, gifted to friends, or displayed on a holiday platter, these cookies are bound to be a crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, fire up the air fryer, and indulge in the sweet scents of gingerbread this holiday season! Happy baking!

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