Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
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If you are on the lookout for a quick, utterly delicious treat that feels homemade but comes together in a flash, this Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe will become your go-to favorite. These cookies boast that perfect balance of rich peanut butter flavor paired with a crispy exterior and a chewy center, all thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Whether you crave a comforting snack or need an easy dessert to charm guests, these cookies deliver that warm, nostalgic experience with zero hassle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to whip up these scrumptious Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. Each component plays a special role, contributing to the texture, sweetness, and irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy): The star of the recipe, bringing creamy nuttiness or delightful crunch to every bite.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp exterior once air-fried.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Infuses the cookies with moisture and deep caramel undertones.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough together for a soft, chewy texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Lightens the cookies, ensuring they aren’t heavy or dense.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the flavor profile with a fragrant warmth.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances all the components perfectly.
How to Make Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix Ingredients
Start by combining your peanut butter, sugar, and brown sugar into a mixing bowl. Add the egg and stir everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and luscious, creating the perfect base for your cookies.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Next, blend in the baking soda, vanilla extract, and just a pinch of salt. Mix these in thoroughly to distribute the leavening agent evenly and boost the flavor, setting the stage for perfectly textured cookies.
Step 3: Shape Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, making sure they’re all roughly the same size for even cooking. Place each ball carefully into the air fryer basket, allowing space between them so they don’t merge as they bake.
Step 4: Create Pattern and Cook
Using a fork, gently flatten each ball and press down in a crisscross pattern. This classic design isn’t just for looks — it helps the cookies cook uniformly and adds that iconic peanut butter cookie charm. Air fry them at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until you notice the edges turning a beautiful golden brown.
Step 5: Cool Cookies
Once the timer goes off, remove the cookies carefully and transfer them to a wire rack to cool. This step lets the cookies firm up just right before you dive into that first, oh-so-satisfying bite.
How to Serve Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few sea salt flakes over freshly baked cookies to enhance the natural peanut butter flavor with a savory touch. For an extra indulgent experience, drizzle melted chocolate or scatter mini chocolate chips right after cooking for them to melt slightly.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a cup of steaming coffee, or a creamy vanilla ice cream scoop for a truly decadent snack. Their versatile flavor profile complements many drinks and desserts, making them a crowd-pleaser anytime.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board with fresh fruit or nuts around for an inviting spread. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies around a layer of peanut butter frosting or jelly for a fun twist everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, perfect for grabbing a quick treat whenever cravings strike.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When wrapped well, they’ll keep their deliciousness for up to three months.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, simply pop the cookies in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 320°F or microwave them briefly. This revives the soft texture and heavenly aroma in no time.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture and crunch to your cookies, and it works perfectly in this Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. It’s all about personal preference.
What size air fryer basket do I need?
A standard 3 to 5-quart air fryer basket works great for this recipe, allowing enough space between cookies so they don’t stick together while cooking.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Yes! Feel free to fold chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the dough before shaping the cookies for extra flavor and texture boosts that make this recipe truly your own.
Is it necessary to flatten the cookies with a fork?
While not mandatory, creating the crisscross pattern helps cookies cook evenly and adds a traditional peanut butter cookie appearance that’s hard to resist.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for golden brown edges with a slightly softer center. The cookies will firm up more as they cool, so avoid overcooking to keep them chewy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about freshly baked peanut butter cookies, especially when they’re made effortlessly in an air fryer. This Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is a delightful blend of convenience and comfort, promising warm, melt-in-your-mouth bites that will become a cherished treat in your home. Give it a try and watch these cookies quickly turn into your latest favorite indulgence.
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Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 18-20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are quick, easy, and deliciously soft with a perfect crisscross pattern on top. Made with simple ingredients like peanut butter, sugar, and vanilla, these cookies come together in just 20 minutes and don’t require an oven. The air fryer delivers a perfectly baked cookie with a golden-brown edge and chewy center, ideal for a fast homemade treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, and egg until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in baking soda, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and place them in the air fryer basket, making sure to space them apart to allow for spreading.
- Pattern and Cook: Flatten each ball using a fork to create the classic crisscross pattern. Air fry the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Cool: Carefully remove the cookies from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack before serving to allow them to set properly.
Notes
- Use either smooth or crunchy peanut butter depending on your texture preference.
- Ensure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded to allow even cooking.
- Cookies will firm up as they cool; avoid overcooking to keep them soft.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- You can add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before air frying for a salted peanut butter cookie variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
