Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking for a foolproof way to whip up an old-school favorite without even turning on your oven, these Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies will sweep you off your feet. With just a handful of pantry staples and a ridiculously simple process, you’ll end up with melt-in-your-mouth cookies that are beautifully golden outside and perfectly chewy inside. The real magic? The air fryer transforms every dollop of peanut butter dough into an irresistible treat faster than ever, so you can satisfy your cookie cravings any time. This is the kind of recipe you’ll want to have on repeat—easy, quick, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the super-simple ingredient lineup! Each element here plays a starring role, adding to that classic, rich peanut butter flavor and the signature chewy bite. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Creamy peanut butter: The heart and soul of these cookies, providing both richness and structure—use your favorite brand for best results!
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens up the dough and helps create those pretty, crackly tops; if you like them extra sparkly, roll the dough balls in a bit more sugar before baking.
- Large egg: Binds everything together so your cookies stay perfectly chewy and don’t crumble.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor that makes the peanut butter pop.
- Pinch of salt (optional): This accentuates the nutty flavor and keeps the sweetness balanced, especially if your peanut butter is unsalted.
- Extra sugar for rolling (optional): Gives the cookies a sweet, sparkly finish—completely optional, but always fun.
How to Make Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a medium mixing bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, the egg, and vanilla extract. Give everything a good stir until it’s smooth, glossy, and thoroughly blended. If you love a bit of salted flavor to offset the sweetness, toss in a pinch of salt here for perfect balance. This step is all about trusting your spoon—there’s no need for a mixer, just some muscle!
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
Using about a tablespoon of dough at a time, roll the mixture into balls between your palms. If you want extra sparkle and that classic crunchy top, gently roll each ball in a little granulated sugar. Arrange the balls on a plate so they’re ready for flattening—this next part is where the classic look comes in!
Step 3: Create the Signature Crisscross
One by one, press a fork onto each dough ball to slightly flatten it, then rotate the fork and press again to form that iconic crisscross pattern. Not only does this make your Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies look the part, but it also helps them bake evenly and adds a bit of nostalgic charm.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and give it a quick 3-minute warm-up. Preheating is the secret to evenly cooked cookies, ensuring they get that perfect golden hue all the way around. Use this time to clean up, or just enjoy the anticipation of fresh cookies!
Step 5: Air Fry the Cookies
Arrange your cookie dough balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one so they can spread and puff up. Air fry at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes—peek in at five minutes and pull them when they’re lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center. Each air fryer is a bit different, so don’t wander far!
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies rest in the basket for five minutes after baking—they’ll set up beautifully and be much easier to transfer. Move them to a wire rack to finish cooling. The hardest part is holding off long enough for them to firm up, but trust me: it’s worth every second!
How to Serve Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, you can sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on each cookie as soon as they come out of the air fryer, or drizzle with melted chocolate for a decadent twist. Even a dusting of powdered sugar can make these look bakery-worthy.
Side Dishes
Nothing beats Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies with an ice-cold glass of milk, but they’re also fantastic paired with hot cocoa, rich coffee, or sandwiched with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert you’ll want to make on repeat. If you’re feeling really indulgent, try serving them with fresh fruit and a little dollop of whipped cream on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies into a show-stopping treat by stacking them in a pretty jar layered with parchment for edible gift-giving, or serve on a tiered tray at your next gathering. For a fun party idea, set out a toppings bar—think melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or mini marshmallows—so guests can build their own cookie creations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, tuck your cookies into an airtight container and keep them at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to five days—though in my house, they’ve rarely lasted that long!
Freezing
Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies freeze like a dream! Simply arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. For even easier snacking, you can freeze the raw dough balls and air fry as needed.
Reheating
If you’d like that “just baked” feeling again, pop a cookie or two in the air fryer at 300°F for a minute or so to refresh them. Microwaving on low for about 10 seconds also brings back a bit of warmth and gooeyness—perfect for late-night cravings!
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Definitely! Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture and a little nutty bite to your Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies. Just be aware the dough may be a smidge drier, but the results are fantastic if you love more crunch.
My cookies seem too soft when I take them out. Did I do something wrong?
Not at all! These cookies firm up as they cool, so it’s actually a good sign if they’re still soft right out of the air fryer. Leave them to rest for five minutes before moving, and you’ll get that perfect chewy texture.
Are these Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe is naturally gluten-free because it uses no flour—just be sure to check your brand of peanut butter and vanilla extract if you have allergies.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Double away if you need a bigger batch (for sharing, of course!). You’ll just want to air fry in batches so the cookies have plenty of room to bake evenly.
Why do you use a fork to make the crisscross pattern?
The crisscross pattern isn’t just decorative—it flattens the dough for even cooking and gives Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies their instantly recognizable, nostalgic look. Plus, who doesn’t love a bit of classic cookie charm?
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to give these Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies a go—they’re quick, deeply satisfying, and the air fryer makes them nearly effortless. Whether you bake them for a last-minute sweet fix or a thoughtful homemade gift, you’ll love how easy and crowd-pleasing they are. Happy baking!
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Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are a quick and easy treat that come together with just a few simple ingredients. Perfectly crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, they are gluten-free and full of delicious peanut butter flavor.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Cookies:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: pinch of salt, extra sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Form Dough Balls: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll into balls, and flatten slightly with a fork.
- Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 350°F, place cookies in a single layer, and air fry for 5–7 minutes until golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let cookies cool in the basket before transferring to a wire rack. Repeat with remaining dough.
Notes
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free and flourless.
- For crunchier texture, add chopped peanuts or use crunchy peanut butter.
- Monitor baking time as air fryer models may vary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
