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Red velvet is one of those flavors that feels instantly special. Whether it’s the hint of cocoa or that bold red color, these red velvet crinkle cookies are a total holiday win. I made these last year for a cookie swap, and they were the first to disappear. And guess what? They’re so easy in the air fryer!
You get everything you love about red velvet — a soft, cake-like texture with a chocolatey finish — and that signature powdered sugar crackle on top. They look festive and taste like a cross between a brownie and a cupcake.
Using the air fryer cuts down your bake time to just 6 minutes per batch. Plus, there’s no need to heat up your whole kitchen. These cookies come together with pantry staples and a quick chill to help them hold their shape.
Whether you’re baking for a party or sneaking one with your afternoon coffee, these red velvet crinkle cookies are going to be a hit. Let’s bake!
🥕 Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you need to make these crinkly cuties:
- All-purpose flour – For structure. Spoon and level so you don’t overpack.
- Cocoa powder – Just enough to give a red velvet hint of chocolate.
- Granulated sugar – For sweetness and structure.
- Vegetable oil – Keeps the cookies soft and tender.
- Eggs – Bind everything and add richness.
- Red food coloring – Liquid or gel, for that deep red hue.
- Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor.
- Baking powder + salt – For lift and balance.
- Powdered sugar – Rolled on before baking for the crinkle effect.
Optional: Add a few mini chocolate chips for extra richness!
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, whisk 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup vegetable oil. Add 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1 tbsp red food coloring. In another bowl, whisk 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Gradually add dry to wet until combined.
- Chill: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the cookies keep their shape.
- Roll in sugar: Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and roll each in powdered sugar until well coated.
- Preheat & load: Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C). Place cookies on parchment in the basket, leaving space between each.Pro Tip: Generously coat with powdered sugar to get that perfect crinkle finish.
- Air fry: Cook for 6 minutes until puffed and cracked on top. Let cool in the basket for 3–4 minutes before transferring.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the chill time – The dough will spread too much.
- Under-coating in powdered sugar – You won’t get the signature crinkle.
- Overcrowding the basket – Cookies need room to rise and spread.
- Overbaking – They’ll lose their soft texture.
🎨 Variations & Add-Ons
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Healthier: Swap half the oil for unsweetened applesauce.
- Extra chocolatey: Add 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips.
- Vegan: Use flax eggs and plant-based oil.
- Pink velvet: Use less coloring or beet powder for a softer red hue.
📦 Make Ahead & Storage
Make the dough up to 2 days ahead and store covered in the fridge. Roll in sugar just before baking.
Store baked cookies in an airtight container for 4–5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. They defrost beautifully!
🥗 Nutrition Highlights
Roughly 110 calories per cookie (based on 20 cookies, no add-ins).
Air Fryer Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk sugar and oil. Add eggs, vanilla, and food coloring.
- Mix dry ingredients, then combine with wet.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Roll into balls and coat in powdered sugar.
- Preheat air fryer to 325°F (160°C). Line basket with parchment.
- Air fry cookies in batches for 6 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
An automated tool is used to calculate nutritional information. Accuracy not guaranteed.
I hope you love these red velvet crinkle cookies as much as we do! They’re soft, striking, and just so fun to make in the air fryer. Perfect for cookie platters, gifting, or just treating yourself. If you try them, let me know how they turn out — and tag me in your cookie photos! Craving more air fryer cookie magic? Don’t miss my Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies — gooey, golden, and super fast!
