Air Fryer Pizookie Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Pizookie
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 5
Ingredients: 5 pieces prepared chocolate chip cookie dough; Vanilla gelato (optional); Whipped cream and melted chocolate (optional); chocolate melted

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

5 pieces pre-cut refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough (such as Pillsbury Ready to Bake! Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough)
1 scoop vanilla gelato (optional)
2 tablespoons whipped cream, or as needed (optional)
1 ounce chocolate, melted, to drizzle (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your air fryer to 360F (175C).
Take a large piece of aluminum foil and fold it into an 8x8-inch square. Create a small dish by folding the edges upward.
Place 1 piece of cookie dough in the center of the foil, then arrange the remaining dough pieces around it, forming a pattern similar to the 5-side of a die.
Place the foil in the air fryer and bake for 6 minutes.
After 6 minutes, carefully open the air fryer and gently push down the top of the cookie to ensure even cooking.
Continue baking until the cookie turns deep golden brown, which should take an additional 2 to 4 minutes.
Once baked, top with a scoop of vanilla gelato, a dollop of whipped cream, and a drizzle of melted chocolate if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooks Note:

The center of the cookie may not be fully baked, and that's okay! Pre-made cookie dough doesnt need to be fully cooked to be safe to eat. Just be careful when removing the foil from the air fryer, as it can be hot.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 1064
Total Fat: 60g (77% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 23g (113% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 0mg (0% Daily Value)
Sodium: 987mg (43% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 124g (45% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 4g (16% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 3g
Protein: 8g (15% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 0mg (0% Daily Value)
Calcium: 34mg (3% Daily Value)
Iron: 3mg (15% Daily Value)
Potassium: 185mg (4% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

The Story Behind the Pizookie

The Pizookie, a clever portmanteau of "pizza" and "cookie," was first popularized in American casual dining in the late 1990s. Originating as a dessert at chain restaurants, it was designed to provide the comfort of a warm, gooey cookie served in a personal-sized skillet. Unlike traditional cookies, which are baked in batches on sheets, the Pizookie emphasizes individual serving and presentation, often topped with ice cream or drizzled chocolate, making it an indulgent, shareable treat.

Regional Variations

While the Pizookie is quintessentially American, it has inspired regional twists across the country. In the Midwest, you might find it featuring caramel or peanut butter swirls, reflecting local dessert preferences. On the West Coast, inventive chefs add exotic toppings like salted caramel popcorn or fresh berries. Southern versions often include pecans or bourbon-infused chocolate, giving the dessert a distinctively rich and nutty flavor profile. These regional adaptations maintain the hallmark gooey center while embracing local culinary traditions.

How It Differs from Similar Desserts

The Pizookie differs from other cookie desserts like skillet cookies or lava cakes in both texture and presentation. Traditional skillet cookies are often denser and baked in larger pans, intended for slicing. Lava cakes are typically richer and feature a molten chocolate center. The Pizookie, on the other hand, is uniquely designed to be soft and chewy throughout, with a slightly crisp exterior, and it is served in individual portions, making it easier to enjoy immediately without slicing or plating formally.

Where Its Commonly Served

Pizookies are most commonly found in casual American restaurants and diners, often as a signature dessert. They are particularly popular in chains that specialize in comfort food, offering a playful twist on traditional desserts. Beyond restaurants, they have gained popularity in home kitchens with the advent of air fryers, allowing enthusiasts to recreate the warm, melty treat without a cast-iron skillet or full oven.

Fun Facts and Trivia

The name "Pizookie" was trademarked by the restaurant that popularized it, but homemade variations abound online.
Despite its name, the dessert contains no pizza ingredientsits name is purely a playful nod to its round, shareable presentation.
Air fryer versions, like this recipe, have revolutionized the dessert by reducing baking time and keeping the center exceptionally gooey.
Some creative presentations include layering multiple flavors of cookie dough or adding unexpected toppings like pretzels or marshmallows.
The Pizookie's popularity has inspired ice cream shops to offer cookie skillet sundaes, combining two classic American treats into one decadent dish.

FAQ about Air Fryer Pizookie Recipe

If you have any leftover Air Fryer Pizookie, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to 1 week. To reheat, place it in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes for the best results.

Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake. Just form the dough on the foil, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, pop it into the preheated air fryer and bake as directed.

Absolutely! You can substitute the chocolate chip cookie dough with any other type of pre-made dough such as peanut butter, oatmeal, or sugar cookie dough. Just keep in mind that the baking time might vary slightly depending on the dough you choose.

If the center of your Pizookie isn't fully cooked, simply place it back in the air fryer for an additional 2-4 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent the edges from burning while the center cooks.

Yes, you can freeze individual pieces of Air Fryer Pizookie. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping each piece in plastic wrap and storing in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, place it in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes.

Yes, you can skip the gelato and whipped cream if you prefer a simpler dessert. The Air Fryer Pizookie is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with other toppings like ice cream, fruit, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce if you want a different twist.

Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookie dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. The texture may differ slightly, but it will still be delicious.

If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, simply allow it to run empty for 3-5 minutes at 360°F (175°C) before adding the dough. This will help it reach the proper cooking temperature.

Comments

Barbara Hill

01/01/2024 04:19:06 PM

Here is the revised version of your review: "It turned out well. It didn't take as long as instructed, and we didn't preheat the air fryer either. I don't think the 5 pattern was necessary. Just pat about 4 ounces of dough into a large circle and it will work well. Super easy for a quick dessert!"

Diane Turner

08/29/2023 04:14:06 PM

These were really tasty. Although the instructions didn't mention it, I decided to spray the foil with cooking spray. Unfortunately, my cookies still ended up sticking, but I managed to save them with a little finesse. I used the back of a spoon to flatten them out, which did the trick. I might use this technique again since it was efficient, resulting in crunchy exteriors and tender centers. I turned them into ice cream sandwiches and they were absolutely delicious!