Who doesn’t love the classic taste of peanut butter cookies? Their soft, chewy texture and nutty sweetness have been a favorite for generations. But have you ever considered making them in an air fryer? With this recipe for Easy Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies, you can enjoy the same delicious cookies with less fuss and faster baking times. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will become a staple in your dessert rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These air fryer peanut butter cookies are a game-changer. They’re:
- Quick to prepare, with no need to preheat an oven.
- Perfectly soft and chewy with lightly crisp edges.
- Made from simple pantry ingredients.
- Great for small batches, ensuring fresh cookies every time.
The air fryer isn’t just for savory dishes; it’s a versatile tool that delivers bakery-quality cookies in just minutes.
Ingredients for Easy Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Creamy peanut butter | 1/2 cup (120 g) |
| Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup (50 g) |
| Brown sugar (packed) | 1/4 cup (50 g) |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Vanilla extract | 1/2 tsp |
| All-purpose flour | 1/2 cup (65 g) |
| Baking soda | 1/4 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until the texture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
2. Shape the Cookies
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball.
- Flatten the ball slightly with your hands. For a classic look, use a fork to press a crisscross pattern onto the top of each cookie.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C) for 2-3 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and perfectly baked cookies.
4. Cook the Cookies
- Place a piece of parchment paper in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the cookies in a single layer, leaving enough space between them to expand slightly. Cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
5. Cool and Serve
- Let the cookies cool in the air fryer basket for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve warm or store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips for Success
1. Choose the Right Peanut Butter
For the best texture, use creamy peanut butter. Natural peanut butter may separate and affect the consistency of the dough.
2. Avoid Overcrowding
Cookies need space to expand. Cook in small batches to ensure even baking and avoid merging cookies.
3. Keep an Eye on the Timing
Since air fryers vary in power, start checking your cookies at the 6-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
4. Customize Your Cookies
Add a handful of chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Cookie (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~120 |
| Total Fat | ~7 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~2 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~12 g |
| Protein | ~3 g |
| Sodium | ~60 mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Cookies
1. Ice Cream Sandwiches
Pair two cookies with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream in between for a decadent dessert.
2. Dunk Them
These cookies are perfect for dunking into a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee.
3. Crumble Topping
Crumble leftover cookies over yogurt, ice cream, or oatmeal for a crunchy, sweet topping.
4. Gift Them
Pack these cookies in a decorative tin or box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make These Cookies Without an Air Fryer?
Yes! Bake them in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.
2. Can I Freeze the Dough?
Absolutely. Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to three months. Air fry directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
3. Can I Use Chunky Peanut Butter?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Chunky peanut butter adds a bit of crunch to your cookies.
4. How Do I Prevent Cookies From Spreading Too Much?
Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping and baking. This helps maintain their shape.
5. What If I Don’t Have Parchment Paper?
You can lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray, but parchment paper makes cleanup easier.
6. Can I Double the Recipe?
Yes! Double the ingredients to make a larger batch. Store extras in an airtight container or freeze for later.
Your Turn to Try Easy Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
Now that you know just how simple and delicious these cookies are, it’s time to grab your air fryer and start baking. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, these cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests.
Ready to whip up some peanut buttery goodness? Start baking today and enjoy every bite!
Print
Easy Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies: A Quick and Delicious Treat
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
Description
Soft, chewy, and packed with nutty sweetness, these Easy Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are a quick treat that delivers classic flavors with modern convenience. Ready in minutes, they’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without preheating an oven.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120 g) creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium bowl, mix peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball.
- Flatten slightly with your hands and press a crisscross pattern onto the top using a fork for the classic peanut butter cookie look.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C) for 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the Cookies:
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper.
- Place cookies in a single layer, leaving space for them to expand.
- Air fry in batches for 6-8 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow cookies to cool in the air fryer basket for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve warm or store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes
- Peanut Butter Choice: Creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth dough. Avoid natural peanut butter, as its oil separation can alter the texture.
- Batch Cooking: Cook cookies in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Custom Add-Ins: Add chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor.
- Freezing Dough: Freeze pre-rolled cookie dough balls for up to 3 months and air fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
