Air Fryer Oreos Recipe

If you’ve ever walked through a summer fair craving those hot, sugary cookies, this Air Fryer Oreos Recipe is your shortcut to fair food at home—fast, fun, and a whole lot lighter than deep frying.

This easy air fryer dessert gives you that classic “carnival style” taste with crispy oreo treats on the outside, warm and gooey inside, and no vat of oil on your stovetop. It’s a family friendly dessert, completely kid approved, and one of my go‑to quick dessert ideas when everyone wants “something sweet” right now. If you love easy air fryer snack recipes and air fryer sweets, you’re going to want to bookmark this one.

A little backstory: I’m 50 now, my kids are mostly grown, but we still have a tradition of hitting the local county fair every August. My husband makes a beeline for the sausage stand, my daughter wants kettle corn, and I’m the one in the deep fried Oreos line… every time.

A few years ago, though, my doctor had a gentle chat with me about watching the fried foods. So I started playing around with an air fried dessert that would scratch that same itch. This air fryer baking recipe is the result—same comfort, a lot less grease, and no standing in line behind teenagers who can demolish three baskets in one sitting.

Compared to classic deep fried oreos (which can run 320–400 calories each), this air fryer oreos alternative comes in closer to 150–180 calories, depending on the dough and toppings. You still get a decadent oreo cookie recipe, but with less oil and a lot less mess.

And honestly? It’s just fun. You wrap the Oreos, air fry, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and suddenly your kitchen smells like a carnival.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Oreos Recipe

Fair food at home anytime – Get that carnival style oreos experience without waiting for festival season.
Lighter than deep fried Oreos – Uses an air fryer instead of a deep fryer, so less oil, less splatter, and fewer calories.
Quick dessert idea – From unwrapping the Oreos to your first bite in about 15 minutes.

Kid friendly sweets – Let the kids help wrap the cookies; this one’s fun and very forgiving.
No fancy ingredients – Just Oreos, refrigerated dough, and a few pantry staples.
Easy air fryer dessert – Perfect if you’re new to air fryer baking recipes; almost impossible to mess up.

Customizable – Change the flavor with different Oreos, glazes, or toppings.
Great for parties – Serve these air fryer sweets on a big platter; they disappear fast.
Small-batch friendly – Make 4 for a late-night treat or 20 for a crowd without heating up your kitchen.
Family movie night winner – A fun alternative to popcorn when you want something warm and cozy.

Ingredients

Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make this easy Air Fryer Oreos Recipe at home.

For the Oreos

16 Oreo cookies (original, Double Stuf, or your favorite flavor)

1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or crescent sheet
- Tip: Crescent sheet dough wraps more evenly, but regular crescent triangles work too.
1–2 teaspoons neutral oil or cooking spray (canola or avocado oil) for greasing the basket

2–3 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)

Optional but highly recommended add‑ons

1–2 tablespoons melted butter – for brushing the tops before dusting with sugar (adds flavor and color)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract – mix into melted butter for a hint of vanilla aroma
Chocolate sauce or caramel sauce, for drizzling
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving

Ingredient Tips

Oreos: Any sandwich cookie works. Golden Oreos give more of a “shortcake” vibe, and flavored ones (birthday cake, mint) turn this into a fun themed air fryer dessert.

Dough: Crescent dough keeps things simple and flaky. You can also use:
- Biscuit dough (thicker, more “fair food” texture)
- Puff pastry (flakier, more bakery-style)
- Homemade pancake batter brushed on thickly (a little messier, but tasty)
Powdered sugar: Sift it if yours tends to clump; it makes that pretty snowfall effect.

Cooking spray: Go lighter than you think; too much can make the bottoms a bit greasy.

Directions: How to Make Air Fryer Oreos

Preheat your air fryer
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes.
- Tip: A warm basket helps the dough puff quickly, giving you crisp, golden exteriors.
Prep the Oreos and dough
Open your Oreos and set them in a single layer on a plate. Unroll the crescent dough on a lightly floured surface or parchment.
- If using crescent triangles, pinch the perforated seams well so they don’t split during cooking.
Cut the dough
Cut the dough into 16 equal squares (or as close as you can get—this isn’t a geometry test).
- You want each square big enough to wrap fully around one Oreo with a little overlap.
Wrap the Oreos
Place one Oreo in the center of each dough square. Pull the corners of the dough up and over the cookie, then pinch the seams to fully seal. Roll gently in your hands to form a smooth little dough ball.
- Key tip: Make sure there are no gaps, or filling may ooze out.
Grease the basket
Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil. You don’t want puddles—just a light coating to prevent sticking.

Arrange in the air fryer
Place the wrapped Oreos seam side down in a single layer in the basket. Leave a little space between them so air can circulate.
- Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to work in batches.

Air fry until golden
Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or until the tops are puffed and golden brown.
- Start checking at 5 minutes. Every air fryer runs a bit differently—think of them like ovens with a personality.

Brush with butter (optional but lovely)
If using, mix melted butter with vanilla extract and brush it over the hot Oreos as soon as they come out. This helps the powdered sugar stick and gives them bakery-level flavor.
Dust with powdered sugar
Immediately sprinkle generously with powdered sugar. A small sieve or fine mesh strainer works best for that “fair food” look.
Cool slightly and serve warm
Let them rest for 2–3 minutes (the filling is very hot), then serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.

Servings & Timing

Yield: About 16 Air Fryer Oreos
Prep Time: 8–10 minutes
Cook Time: 5–7 minutes per batch
Total Time: About 15–20 minutes

If you’re making multiple batches in a smaller air fryer, add a few extra minutes. The good news? Later batches often cook a bit faster because the air fryer’s fully heated.

Variations: Fun Twists on Air Fryer Oreos

You know what? Once you make these once, you’ll start thinking of a dozen ways to change them up. Here are a few starters:

S’mores Air Fryer Oreos – Use chocolate Oreos and serve with mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers on top.

Cinnamon Sugar Oreos – Skip powdered sugar and toss hot Oreos in a cinnamon-sugar mix for a churro-style air fryer snack recipe.
Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free sandwich cookies and gluten-free crescent or biscuit dough.
Birthday Party Oreos – Use birthday cake Oreos and top with vanilla glaze and colorful sprinkles.

Mocha Lover’s Dessert – Use dark chocolate Oreos and drizzle with coffee-flavored glaze or espresso powder mixed with powdered sugar.
Mint Chocolate Night – Use mint Oreos and finish with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate and crushed candy canes (perfect for winter holidays).

Storage & Reheating

These are best hot and fresh—like most fair-style treats—but you can save leftovers.

Room Temperature:
- Store cooled Air Fryer Oreos in an airtight container at room temp for up to 1 day.
Refrigerator:
- For slightly longer storage, refrigerate up to 3 days; texture will be firmer.

Reheating

Air Fryer:
- Reheat at 320°F (160°C) for 2–3 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp again.

Microwave:
- 10–15 seconds gives you a softer, more “doughy” texture. Not crisp, but still delicious.

Make-Ahead Tips

Assemble the wrapped Oreos and refrigerate, covered, for up to 6 hours before cooking.

Let them sit at room temp for about 5 minutes, then air fry as directed.
Wait to dust with powdered sugar until just before serving.

Notes from My Kitchen

Don’t overcrowd the basket: Air fryers work by circulating hot air. If you pack them in like a New York subway car, they’ll steam instead of crisp.

Watch your first batch: Use that first round as your “test.” If they’re too pale, add a minute next time; if they’re too dark, shave off a minute. Write down the sweet spot for your machine.
Kids love to help: Little hands are great at wrapping Oreos in dough. Just remind them to seal the seams so the cookie doesn’t peek out.
Powdered sugar timing: Dust while they’re still warm so it clings nicely instead of sliding off.

Flavor experiments: I’ve tested this with peanut butter Oreos, lemon Oreos, and even the holiday red velvet ones—every single one worked. Use what you have.
Health note: While this is still a treat, using an air fryer can cut fat by up to 70–80% compared to traditional deep frying, simply because you’re not soaking the dough in oil. That’s a smart little win.

If you enjoy experimenting with air fryer baking recipes, this one is a very forgiving starting point.

FAQs

1. Can I use biscuit dough instead of crescent dough?
Yes. Biscuit dough gives a thicker, more “fair stand” bite—just flatten each biscuit a bit before wrapping the Oreo so it cooks through.

2. Do I need to flip the Oreos in the air fryer?
Usually no, not at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, but if the tops are browning faster than the bottoms, you can flip halfway for more even color.

3. Can I make this Air Fryer Oreos Recipe with gluten-free cookies?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free sandwich cookies and gluten-free dough; just watch the cook time, as some gluten-free doughs brown faster.

4. Why did my Oreos leak filling?
Most likely the dough wasn’t fully sealed or was stretched too thin. Next time, pinch seams firmly and make sure the cookie is completely covered.

5. Can I make a smaller batch?
Yes, you can easily halve the recipe—use 8 Oreos and half a can of dough, or wrap extra dough around two Oreos stacked if you don’t want leftovers.

6. Can I use homemade cookie or pancake batter instead of dough?
You can, but you’ll need to work quickly and maybe line the basket with parchment. Spoon thick batter over each Oreo, then air fry; it’s a little messier but gives a more classic “deep fried” texture.

7. How do I keep them warm for a party?
Place cooked Oreos on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven for up to 20–30 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar right before serving.

8. Are Air Fryer Oreos still crispy after reheating?
They’re crispest right after cooking. Reheating in the air fryer brings back some crunch, while microwaving makes them softer and more cake-like.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Oreos Recipe brings all the fun of fair food at home—crispy on the outside, soft and melty inside—without hauling out a deep fryer or splattering oil all over your kitchen. It’s a simple air fryer recipe you can pull together in minutes, perfect for family movie nights, last-minute guests, or just when a chocolatey, nostalgic treat sounds good.

Give it a try this week, then come back and tell me how your family liked it—or what creative twists you tried. And if you’re as hooked on air fryer snack recipes as we are, you might love following this up with air fryer churro bites or mozzarella sticks for a full “carnival at home” night.

Air Fryer Oreos

This Air Fryer Oreos recipe gives you fair-style, crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside Oreos at home in about 15 minutes, with far less oil and mess than deep frying.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings Oreos

Calories 160 kcal

Ingredients

16 Oreo cookies original, Double Stuf, or preferred flavor
1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or crescent sheet
1 teaspoon neutral oil or cooking spray, for greasing the basket; use up to 2 teaspoons as needed
3 tablespoons powdered sugar for dusting; sift if clumpy
2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, optional but recommended, for brushing
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional, mix into melted butter
Chocolate sauce or caramel sauce optional, for drizzling
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream optional, for serving

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to warm the basket. A hot basket helps the dough puff and crisp quickly.

Arrange the Oreos in a single layer on a plate. Unroll the crescent dough on a lightly floured surface or parchment. If using crescent triangles, pinch the perforated seams together well so they don’t split during cooking.
16 Oreo cookies, 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or crescent sheet
Cut the dough into 16 equal squares. Each square should be large enough to wrap completely around one Oreo with a little overlap.
1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or crescent sheet
Place one Oreo in the center of each dough square. Pull the corners of the dough up and over the cookie, pinch all seams to fully seal, then gently roll in your hands to form a smooth ball with no gaps.
16 Oreo cookies, 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or crescent sheet

Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with neutral oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Avoid using too much oil to prevent greasy bottoms.
1 teaspoon neutral oil
Place the wrapped Oreos seam side down in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between each for air circulation. Cook in batches if needed.
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or until the dough is puffed and golden brown. Start checking at 5 minutes, as air fryer models can vary.

If using, stir vanilla extract into the melted butter. Immediately after cooking, brush the hot air-fried Oreos with the vanilla butter to add flavor and help the sugar adhere.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
While the Oreos are still warm, generously dust them with powdered sugar using a small sieve or fine mesh strainer for a classic fair-style look.
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
Let the Oreos cool for 2–3 minutes, as the filling will be very hot. Serve warm, optionally topped or served with chocolate or caramel sauce, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream.
Chocolate sauce or caramel sauce, Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Notes

Storage: Store cooled Air Fryer Oreos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 3 days (texture will be firmer). Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 2–3 minutes for some crispness, or in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a softer, doughier texture. Make-ahead: Wrapped, uncooked Oreos can be assembled up to 6 hours ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator; let sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before air frying and dust with powdered sugar just before serving. For best texture, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket so the Oreos crisp instead of steam.