Air Fryer Gooey Cookie Cups

Featured in: Decadent Desserts

Experience the delight of buttery, soft cookie cups that feature a molten, gooey chocolate center. Prepared using an air fryer, this quick method ensures a golden exterior while maintaining a soft core. The dough is enriched with melted butter, brown and granulated sugars, vanilla, and semi-sweet chocolate chips folded in for extra richness. The secret to the gooey center is placing a chocolate square inside each cup before sealing and cooking. Perfect for anyone seeking a decadent yet simple treat, these cookie cups cool briefly before serving warm, offering an indulgent experience with minimal fuss.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:54:00 GMT
Air Fryer Gooey Cookie Cups bubbling in the air fryer, a warm, chocolatey dessert is ready. Save
Air Fryer Gooey Cookie Cups bubbling in the air fryer, a warm, chocolatey dessert is ready. | tastybattle.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 first served these to my family and everyone loved the warm molten chocolate surprise inside each cup.

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&8 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.
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This recipe quickly became a family favorite especially during cozy weekend afternoons.

Notes

For extra indulgence serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Swap chocolate chips for peanut butter or caramel chips for variation. Do not overbake centers should remain gooey.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, whisk and spoon, silicone muffin cups or ramekins (safe for air fryer), air fryer.

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten), egg, milk (dairy), soy (in some chocolate chips). Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Perfectly golden Air Fryer Gooey Cookie Cups with a melted chocolate center, ready to eat. Save
Perfectly golden Air Fryer Gooey Cookie Cups with a melted chocolate center, ready to eat. | tastybattle.com

Enjoy these gooey cookie cups fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Recipe Questions

How do I ensure the centers stay gooey?

Place a chocolate square inside each dough cup and avoid overbaking. The air fryer’s short cooking time helps maintain a soft, molten center.

Can I use different chocolate types in these cups?

Yes, milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate work well. You can also substitute chocolate chips with peanut butter or caramel chips for variation.

What’s the best way to prepare the cups for air frying?

Lightly grease silicone muffin cups or line ramekins to prevent sticking and maintain shape during cooking.

Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?

Yes, preheating to 320°F (160°C) for 3 minutes ensures even baking and a nicely golden top.

Can these dessert cups be served with accompaniments?

Serving warm cookie cups with a scoop of vanilla ice cream enhances the indulgent experience.

Air Fryer Gooey Cookie Cups

Buttery, soft cookie cups with molten chocolate centers baked quickly in an air fryer.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
8 min
Complete duration
18 min
Created by Alex Ramirez


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 6 Portions

Nutritional specifications Meat-free

Components

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 (about 1 ounce total)

Directions

Phase 01

Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until evenly blended.

Phase 02

Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir melted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth.

Phase 03

Incorporate egg and vanilla: Add egg and vanilla extract to wet mixture and blend thoroughly.

Phase 04

Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Phase 05

Add chocolate chips: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly into the dough.

Phase 06

Prepare muffin cups: Lightly grease or line six silicone muffin cups to prevent sticking.

Phase 07

Fill bottom layer: Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of dough into each cup, gently pressing to cover the bottom.

Phase 08

Insert chocolate center: Place one chocolate square in the center of each cup, then cover with about 1 tablespoon of dough, sealing the chocolate inside.

Phase 09

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

Phase 10

Arrange cups in air fryer: Place muffin cups in the air fryer basket without touching; bake in batches if needed.

Phase 11

Air fry cookie cups: Cook for 7 to 8 minutes until the tops turn golden and the centers remain soft.

Phase 12

Cool before serving: Let cups cool in the muffin holders for 5 minutes, then serve warm for best gooey texture.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), egg, milk (dairy), and soy (potentially in chocolate chips). Check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 320
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Proteins: 4 g