Air Fryer Gooey Cookie Cups

Featured in: Baking

These buttery, soft cookie cups feature a molten chocolate center baked quickly in an air fryer. The dough blends brown and granulated sugars with melted butter and vanilla for a rich texture. Stirred with semi-sweet chocolate chips, each cup holds a chocolate square sealed inside before air frying at 320°F for 7–8 minutes. The result is a warm, gooey dessert ideal for easy indulgence, served best slightly cooled and optionally paired with vanilla ice cream.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 11:16:00 GMT
Warm, golden-brown air fryer gooey cookie cups, perfect with melted chocolate for dessert. Save to Pinterest
Warm, golden-brown air fryer gooey cookie cups, perfect with melted chocolate for dessert. | buddybiteskitchen.com

Buttery, soft cookie cups with a molten, gooey center quickly baked to perfection in your air fryer A decadent treat for any occasion

I love making these cookie cups because they satisfy the sweet tooth with minimal effort and clean up thanks to the air fryer

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter melted 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar packed 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar 1 large egg 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Mix-ins: 1/2 cup (90 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips 6 squares (about 30 g) milk or dark chocolate (for gooey center)

Instructions

Step 1:
In a medium bowl whisk together flour baking soda and salt
Step 2:
In a separate bowl stir together melted butter brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth
Step 3:
Add egg and vanilla extract to the wet mixture mix until fully combined
Step 4:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients mixing until just incorporated
Step 5:
Fold in the chocolate chips
Step 6:
Lightly grease or line six silicone muffin cups
Step 7:
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of dough into each cup pressing gently to cover the bottom
Step 8:
Place a square of chocolate in the center of each cup then top with another tablespoon of dough sealing in the chocolate
Step 9:
Preheat air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3 minutes
Step 10:
Place muffin cups in the air fryer basket ensuring they do not touch (work in batches if necessary)
Step 11:
Air fry for 7&ndash8 minutes until the tops are golden but centers are still soft
Step 12:
Let cool in cups for 5 minutes before serving warm for maximum gooeyness
A close-up of decadent air fryer gooey cookie cups, showcasing a melty chocolate center. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of decadent air fryer gooey cookie cups, showcasing a melty chocolate center. | buddybiteskitchen.com

This recipe always brings smiles at family gatherings especially when the gooey center surprises everyone

Preparation Tips

Make sure your air fryer is preheated to achieve even cooking and keep the cookie cups from sticking

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness

Variations

Try adding nuts or different types of chips to customize the flavor to your liking

Freshly baked air fryer gooey cookie cups, served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Save to Pinterest
Freshly baked air fryer gooey cookie cups, served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. | buddybiteskitchen.com

Enjoy these cookie cups warm for the best gooey experience and a delightful treat anytime

Common Recipe Questions

What temperature is used for air frying the cookie cups?

The cookie cups are air fried at 320°F (160°C) to ensure a golden top with a soft, molten center.

Can I substitute chocolate chips with other mix-ins?

Yes, peanut butter or caramel chips can be used as alternatives for different flavors.

How do I prevent the cookie cups from sticking?

Lightly grease or line silicone muffin cups to prevent sticking during air frying.

Is it necessary to let the cookie cups cool before eating?

Allowing them to cool for 5 minutes helps the centers set slightly while keeping the gooey texture.

Can these be made dairy-free or vegan?

Adjusting ingredients like butter and chocolate to dairy-free alternatives can make these suitable for vegan or dairy-free diets.

Air Fryer Gooey Cookie Cups

Soft buttery cups with gooey chocolate centers, baked quickly in an air fryer for a quick indulgence.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
8 minutes
Total Time
18 minutes
Created By Max Buddyfield

Recipe Category Baking

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Recipe Yield 6 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences Suitable for Vegetarians

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
03 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
03 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 1 large egg
05 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Mix-ins

01 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
02 6 squares milk or dark chocolate (for gooey center)

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.

Step 02

Combine wet ingredients: Stir melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth in a separate bowl.

Step 03

Incorporate egg and vanilla: Add egg and vanilla extract to the wet mixture and mix until fully combined.

Step 04

Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just incorporated.

Step 05

Add chocolate chips: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips gently.

Step 06

Prepare muffin cups: Lightly grease or line six silicone muffin cups.

Step 07

Form cookie base: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of dough into each cup, pressing gently to cover the bottom evenly.

Step 08

Add chocolate center and top layer: Place one chocolate square in the center of each cup, then cover with another tablespoon of dough, sealing the chocolate inside.

Step 09

Preheat air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3 minutes.

Step 10

Cook cookie cups: Arrange muffin cups in the air fryer basket without touching; cook for 7 to 8 minutes until tops are golden and centers remain soft.

Step 11

Cool before serving: Allow cookie cups to cool in the cups for 5 minutes before serving warm to preserve the gooey center.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Silicone muffin cups or ramekins suitable for air fryer
  • Air fryer

Allergy Warnings

Review each ingredient carefully for allergens. If unsure, consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), egg, dairy, and possibly soy in chocolate chips

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for general information only. Always consult a healthcare professional for dietary concerns.
  • Calorie Count: 320
  • Fat Content: 17 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 39 grams
  • Protein Content: 4 grams