If you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert with minimal cleanup, these Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are a game changer. Soft, chewy, and packed with peanut butter flavor, they’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without turning on the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These cookies are ready in under 15 minutes, including prep time!
- No Oven Needed: Perfect for warm days or when you want a smaller batch without preheating the oven.
- Rich Flavor: Packed with peanut butter goodness that’s irresistible to cookie lovers.
- Minimal Cleanup: The air fryer liner makes cleanup a breeze.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with mix-ins like chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Peanut butter
- Sugar
- Egg
- Baking soda
- Optional: Vanilla extract or mix-ins like chocolate chips
Directions
- Mix the Dough: In a bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, egg, and baking soda until smooth. Add vanilla extract if desired.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls and slightly flatten them with a fork to create the classic crisscross pattern.
- Prepare the Air Fryer: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
- Cook: Place the cookies in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between them. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool in the basket for 2–3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 12–15 cookies, depending on size.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 minutes
- Total Time: 11–13 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dough for a rich chocolate twist.
- Chunky Style: Use chunky peanut butter or add chopped peanuts for extra texture.
- Drizzle It: After cooling, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the cookies.
- Sugar Substitutes: Replace sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative for a lower-sugar option.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
FAQs
1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but ensure it’s well-mixed as natural peanut butter can separate, affecting the dough’s consistency.
2. Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! These cookies are naturally gluten-free as they don’t require flour.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
4. How do I prevent cookies from sticking to the air fryer?
Use parchment paper or a silicone liner to prevent sticking.
5. Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for an extra treat.
6. What temperature should I use?
Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for best results.
7. Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating is not necessary for this recipe.
8. Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, almond butter works well as a substitute for peanut butter.
9. Why are my cookies crumbly?
This can happen if the dough is too dry; try adding a teaspoon of milk to moisten it.
10. Can I use this recipe for larger cookies?
Yes, but increase the cooking time slightly and keep an eye on the edges for doneness.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate dessert for busy days or when a peanut butter craving strikes. With their rich flavor, quick preparation, and easy cleanup, they’re sure to become a household favorite. Try them today and enjoy the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence!
PrintAir Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
These classic peanut butter cookies are quick to make in the air fryer, offering a crispy exterior with a soft, chewy center.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, and egg. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined plate or tray.
- Using a fork, press down on each ball to create a crisscross pattern, flattening the cookies to about ½ inch thick.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Air Fry the Cookies:
- Place a parchment paper liner in the air fryer basket. Arrange the cookies in a single layer, ensuring they are about 1 inch apart. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve:
- Carefully remove the cookies from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. They will firm up as they cool.
- Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Storage:Â Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Natural Peanut Butter:Â If using natural peanut butter, ensure it’s well-stirred to incorporate the oils, as this can affect the cookie’s texture.
- Variations:Â For added texture, consider using crunchy peanut butter or mixing in chocolate chips.