These matcha chocolate chip cookies are a snap to make in an air fryer. The air fryer makes these cookies soft inside with an irresistible texture.
Green Tea Matcha Cookies
Combining the earthy, nuanced flavors of matcha with the sweetness of chocolate chips, these air fryer matcha chocolate chip cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite.
For those who love to experiment in the kitchen, this recipe offers an innovative way to bake with matcha while taking advantage of the speed and convenience of an air fryer.
The Perfect Blend of Green Tea and Chocolate
Matcha, with its rich, grassy notes, pairs beautifully with the sweet, creamy richness of chocolate. The slightly bitter undertone of matcha cuts through the sweetness, creating a cookie that feels sophisticated and balanced.
The chocolate chips add a burst of sweetness that complements matcha’s unique flavor, resulting in a cookie that feels both indulgent and refined.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Baking?
Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking by offering a quicker and healthier alternative to traditional ovens. By circulating hot air around the food, the air fryer creates a crisp outer layer while keeping the inside soft and moist—perfect for cookies.
Not only does it bake in a fraction of the time, but it also uses less energy, making it an efficient tool for small batches of baked goods. I use my air fryer often during the summer so I don't overheat the house.
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. Its roots trace back to ancient China, but it was perfected in Japan, where it became integral to traditional tea ceremonies.
The leaves used for matcha are grown in the shade, which enhances their chlorophyll content and creates the vibrant green color matcha is known for. The unique process of grinding the leaves into a fine powder allows for the entire leaf to be consumed, offering more nutrients than steeped green tea.
Health Benefits of Matcha in Baking
Matcha is celebrated for its health benefits, packed with antioxidants, particularly a type called catechins that may boost metabolism and promote heart health.
It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation without the drowsiness. By adding matcha to your cookies, you’re not only infusing them with flavor but also incorporating a dose of wellness into each bite.
How Matcha’s Earthy Taste Balances with Sweet Chocolate
Matcha has a complex flavor—slightly bitter, grassy, and rich with umami. When paired with chocolate, these qualities are enhanced in delightful ways.
The sweetness of chocolate offsets the bitterness of matcha, while the earthy notes of green tea elevate the chocolate, making it taste richer and more refined. Together, they create a cookie that is both satisfying and intriguing.
Choosing the Best Chocolate to Pair with Matcha
For this recipe, semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips are ideal. Their lower sugar content contrasts beautifully with matcha’s earthy flavor, allowing the green tea to shine through without being overpowered by sweetness.
If you prefer a milder combination, milk chocolate is an option, though it may make the cookies sweeter. High-quality chocolate, with minimal additives, will yield the best flavor balance in your cookies.
Variations for Air Fryer Matcha Cookies
Make this matcha cookies recipe your own with these optional add ins or variations:
- Try adding white chocolate chips or use half semi sweet or dark chocolate chips and half white chocolate chips.
- Add chopped macadamia nuts, walnuts, or almonds for a fun crunch.
- Make cookie sandwiches with ice cream or vanilla frosting between two cookies.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut flakes on top.
Ingredients
You will need:
- All purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Matcha green tea powder
- Butter, softened
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract (I recommend Pure vanilla extract or make your own vanilla extract)
- Chocolate Chips
Instructions
Step #1
Preheat the air fryer to 300° F.
Step #2
Add salt, baking soda, and flour to large bowl. Mix well.
Step #3
Add brown sugar, sugar, matcha, and softened butter in a separate large bowl, and mix until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time. Add vanilla and mix.
Step #4
Slowly stir in the flour mixture while the batter is whisking.
Step #5
Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
Step #6
Cover the bottom of the air fryer basket with a sheet of parchment paper. Using a small cookie scoop, scoop out cookie dough (or 2 tbsp). Roll it into an even ball and place it in an air fryer basket. Leave room around each cookie to expand.
Step #7
Cook at 300° for 8 minutes or until golden brown.
Once done let cookies rest for 5 minutes and remove them to a cookie rack for further cooling. Enjoy warm and with a glass of cold milk!
The Best Ways to Serve and Store Your Cookies
These matcha chocolate chip cookies are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer when they’re warm and the chocolate is still slightly melted. To store, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
Freezing Cookie Dough vs. Freezing Baked Cookies
If you want to enjoy fresh cookies later, consider freezing the cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a tray before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can pop a few dough balls in the air fryer whenever a craving hits.
You can also freeze fully baked cookies—just make sure they’re cooled completely before freezing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
How to Reheat Air-Fried Cookies Without Drying Them Out
To reheat frozen or leftover cookies, place them back in the air fryer for a minute or two. This will revive their crispy edges and warm the chocolate without drying out the cookie. Be careful not to overheat them, as the air fryer works quickly.
For more air fryer recipes, check out these posts:
- Air Fryer Yorkshire Pudding
- Air Fryer Bagel Chips
- Air Fryer Banana Chips
- Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts
- Air Fryer Pizza Pockets
- Air Fryer Pop Tarts
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