Growing up, my grandmother’s halva was the star of every family gathering—rich, nutty, and impossibly smooth. But let’s be real: standing over a stove for hours isn’t always in the cards. That’s why I’m obsessed with these air fryer halva cookies. They capture all that nostalgic tahini goodness in a crispy, golden bite, ready in under 20 minutes. No fuss, no endless stirring—just the same deep, toasty flavor I love, but with the convenience of my trusty air fryer. Whether you’re a halva newbie or a sesame addict like me, these cookies are about to become your go-to sweet fix.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Halva Cookies
Trust me, these aren’t your average cookies. Here’s why they’ve become my obsession:
- Lightning fast: From bowl to golden perfection in under 20 minutes—no oven preheating marathon!
- That addictive crunch: The air fryer gives them the most satisfying crispy edges with chewy centers.
- One-bowl wonder: Mix, shape, and you’re done. (I may or may not lick the spoon every time.)
- Tahini magic: That deep, nutty flavor? It’s like biting into grandma’s halva, but in cookie form.
- No sticky cleanup: Unlike traditional halva, there’s zero pot-scrubbing involved. Hallelujah!
Seriously, these disappear faster than I can make them—just ask my sneaky snack-thieving kids.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Halva Cookies
Gather these simple ingredients—you probably have most in your pantry already! The magic happens when they come together:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled—no packing!)
- 1/2 cup tahini (use the runny, well-stirred kind from the jar)
- 1/4 cup honey (local is my fave, but any works—just not the fake stuff!)
- 1/4 cup sugar (granulated or coconut sugar both rock here)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (the real deal, please—imitation tastes sad)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder (check it’s not expired—mine once was… oops)
- Pinch of salt (trust me, it makes the tahini sing)
Pro tip: If your tahini’s been sitting, give it a good stir until it’s smooth as peanut butter. Lumpy tahini = weird cookie texture!
How to Make Air Fryer Halva Cookies
Okay, let’s get these golden beauties going! I promise it’s easier than you think—just follow these steps:
- Mix the dry stuff: Whisk flour, baking powder, and that pinch of salt in a bowl. No need to sift—just break up any lumps.
- Bring in the wet team: Add tahini, honey, sugar, and vanilla. Now roll up your sleeves and knead it into a dough. It’ll be sticky at first—that’s normal! Keep going until it pulls away from the bowl.
- Shape your cookies: Pinch off walnut-sized pieces (about 1 tbsp) and roll into balls. Pro tip: Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking!
- Preheat that air fryer: Set it to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes. This step is crucial—it gives our cookies that perfect head start.
- Arrange with space: Place cookies in the basket, leaving at least 1 inch between them. They’ll spread a bit, and nobody wants cookie pancakes!
- Cook to golden glory: Air fry for 8-10 minutes. At 8 minutes, peek—they should be lightly golden. Want more crunch? Go the full 10!
- Cool (if you can wait): Let them sit for 5 minutes—they firm up as they cool. Then devour!
Shaping and Preheating Tips
Here’s my cookie-shaping secret: Flatten each ball gently with the bottom of a glass (dip it in sugar first for sparkle!). And don’t skip preheating—it ensures even cooking from the first bite to the last. Your future crispy-cookie-loving self will thank you!
Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Halva Cookies
After burning (okay, slightly charring) my first batch, I’ve learned a few tricks to nail these cookies every time:
- Peek early! Air fryers vary—check at 7 minutes. They’ll keep cooking slightly after removal.
- Sweetness tweak: Like less sugar? Swap half the honey for applesauce—adds moisture too!
- Tahini texture test: Dough too crumbly? Add 1 tsp water. Too sticky? A dusting of flour saves the day.
- Batch size matters: Cook in single layers only—overcrowding = sad, soft cookies.
My golden rule? Let them cool completely before judging texture—they crisp up beautifully! If you enjoy quick baking projects, check out these air fryer donut holes for another fast treat.
Variations for Air Fryer Halva Cookies
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe (and eaten half the batch straight from the air fryer basket like I do), try these fun twists:
- Sesame crunch: Roll cookie dough balls in toasted sesame seeds before cooking—extra nutty flavor!
- Spiced version: Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon or cardamom to the dry ingredients for a warm kick.
- Chocolate drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and zigzag it over cooled cookies—because everything’s better with chocolate.
My kids love pressing a few chocolate chips into the tops before air frying—they melt into perfect little pools of joy. For another fun air-fried dessert, try these air fryer churro bites.
Serving and Storing Air Fryer Halva Cookies
Nothing beats biting into one of these cookies still warm from the air fryer—that’s when the tahini flavor really sings! I love pairing them with strong black tea or bitter coffee to balance their sweetness. For a fun twist, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream—the combo of warm cookie and cold cream is heavenly.
If (big IF) you have leftovers, stash them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Pro tip: Layer them between parchment paper so they don’t stick together. They’ll lose some crispness over time, but 30 seconds back in the air fryer at 300°F brings them right back to life!
Air Fryer Halva Cookies Nutritional Information
Each cookie packs about 120 calories with that perfect balance of nutty tahini goodness. Keep in mind—nutrition varies slightly based on your ingredient brands. These values are estimates per cookie when you make a dozen from this recipe. (And yes, I’ve definitely eaten three in one sitting… no judgment!) For more context on how air frying affects nutrition compared to deep frying, you might look into general healthy cooking methods.
FAQs About Air Fryer Halva Cookies
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here’s what readers ask me most about these tahini treats:
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey? Absolutely! Swap in equal amounts of maple syrup—just know the cookies will be slightly darker and have a more caramel-like flavor. I’ve even used agave nectar in a pinch.
Why did my cookies spread too much? Usually means your air fryer wasn’t preheated enough or your dough was too warm. Pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes before shaping next time!
Can I freeze the dough? Yes! Roll into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Cook straight from frozen—just add 1-2 extra minutes. If you like freezing dough, you might also enjoy making air fryer cinnamon rolls ahead of time.
My tahini is bitter—will it ruin the cookies? Oh no! Always taste your tahini first. If it’s harsh, try blending in 1 extra tbsp honey to balance it out.
No air fryer? Can I bake these? Sure! Bake at 350°F on parchment-lined sheets for 10-12 minutes. They won’t get quite as crispy, but still delicious!
Share Your Air Fryer Halva Cookies Experience
Did you make these? I’d love to hear! Leave a note below—tell me your favorite twist or which lucky soul stole the first cookie!
Print
Irresistible Air Fryer Halva Cookies in Just 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, golden halva cookies made quickly in your air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Add tahini, honey, sugar, and vanilla extract. Knead into a dough.
- Shape dough into small balls and flatten slightly.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place cookies in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Adjust honey for desired sweetness.
- For extra crunch, cook 1-2 minutes longer.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern