If you have a peanut butter craving and want a quick, delightful treat, this Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is absolutely perfect for you. These cookies are thick, chewy, and loaded with rich peanut butter flavor while being incredibly easy to whip up with pantry staples. Using an air fryer means they bake faster and come out with a slightly crisp edge and soft center every single time. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free, making them ideal for a wide range of folks looking for a comforting snack without a fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Believe it or not, this Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe relies on just a handful of simple ingredients that all play a vital role. Each one adds to the vibrant flavor, texture, or structure, making these cookies irresistibly good.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, providing rich flavor and a moist, chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that classic cookie crunch around the edges.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Brings a deep, caramel undertone and contributes to chewiness.
- 1 large egg: Binds all ingredients together ensuring the perfect cookie consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Gives just the right lift for a tender yet substantial bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter’s natural richness.
How to Make Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Ingredients
Start by combining creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir everything together until your dough is smooth and well blended. This stage is key for achieving that perfect texture where every bite melts in your mouth.
Step 2: Shape Your Cookies
Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion the dough into balls. Then, gently flatten each with a fork, making that iconic crisscross pattern. This not only looks charming but also helps the cookies cook evenly in the air fryer.
Step 3: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange about 4 to 6 cookies at a time, leaving enough space between each so they don’t spread and stick together during cooking.
Step 4: Air Fry the Cookies
Set your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and cook the cookies for 6 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them — you want the edges to get golden while the centers remain soft and set. This ensures a chewy center with just the right touch of crisp.
Step 5: Cool and Repeat
Let the cookies cool in the basket for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. Repeat the process with the remaining dough to enjoy warm, fresh cookies batch after batch.
How to Serve Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Consider sprinkling a few chopped roasted peanuts or a light drizzle of chocolate over the cookies once cooled to amplify texture and visual appeal. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also make for a pretty presentation and add a subtle sweetness.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk, creamy vanilla ice cream, or even a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon pick-me-up. Their peanut butter richness complements dairy wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples or strawberries. For a party, serve them on a decorating tray with little bowls of peanut butter or chocolate spread for dipping. You can even sandwich softened peanut butter in two cookies for a decadent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This keeps them chewy and fresh. If you prefer a softer texture, add a slice of bread to the container, which helps retain moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, thaw slightly and air fry as usual. Baked cookies can also be frozen in airtight containers for up to three months.
Reheating
To bring out that “freshly baked” warmth, reheat your cookies in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2 to 3 minutes. Alternatively, a quick 15-second zap in the microwave works perfectly for a soft, melty bite.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add an extra nutty crunch to your cookies, making them even more interesting texture-wise. Just be aware that the dough might spread a little differently in the air fryer.
Are these cookies suitable for people with gluten intolerance?
Yes, this Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free peanut butter and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. It’s a fantastic option for anyone avoiding gluten.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 18 cookies, depending on the size you make the dough balls. You can adjust the size to your liking; just remember that cooking time might vary slightly for larger or smaller cookies.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped peanuts to the dough provides delightful bursts of flavor and texture. Fold them in after mixing the main dough to evenly distribute the extras.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake these in a regular oven?
Yes, you can bake these cookies in a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 10 to 12 minutes or until golden around the edges.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a warm, chewy peanut butter cookie fresh from the air fryer. This Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is not only quick and fuss-free but also delightfully rich and comforting. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or just in need of a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy homemade cookies that taste like a hug in every bite!
Print
Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Deliciously soft and chewy peanut butter cookies made effortlessly in the air fryer. This gluten-free recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and requires minimal prep, making it perfect for a quick homemade dessert.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a medium bowl, mix together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Shape the cookies: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to form dough balls and slightly flatten each one with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
- Arrange in air fryer: Place 4–6 cookies at a time in the air fryer basket lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie.
- Air fry the cookies: Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 6–8 minutes, or until golden on the edges and set in the center.
- Cool the cookies: Allow cookies to cool in the basket for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Repeat for remaining dough: Repeat the cooking process with the remaining dough until all cookies are baked.
Notes
- For added crunch, optionally add 1/4 cup chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips to the dough.
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free if using certified gluten-free peanut butter.
- The air fryer size may affect batch size; adjust the number of cookies per batch accordingly.
- Cooling the cookies before storage helps them maintain their shape and texture.
