If you’re craving a delightful treat that’s both quick and fuss-free, you have to try this Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies are perfectly soft, slightly chewy, and bursting with that rich peanut flavor we all adore. The best part? They come together in under 20 minutes with just a handful of simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer doing all the magic. Whether it’s an afternoon snack or a last-minute dessert, these cookies hit the sweet spot without any complicated steps or flour required.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is the best way to ensure you’ll get that classic peanut butter cookie flavor and texture every time. Each element has its role — from creamy peanut butter providing richness and moisture to sugar adding just the right amount of sweetness and crisp edges.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that brings creaminess and that unmistakable nutty taste.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds crunch and sweetness to balance the peanut butter.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together while contributing to a tender texture.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
- Optional pinch of salt: Enhances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
- Extra sugar for rolling (optional): Gives the cookies a pretty, sugary crust if you want a little sparkle and crunch.
How to Make Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Start by combining the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, cohesive dough. If you’re using a pinch of salt, add it here to brighten the flavors and find that perfect balance between sweet and savory.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
Next, scoop out about one tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into a ball. If you’d like a classic sugar-crusted finish, roll each dough ball in some extra granulated sugar before placing it on your work surface. Flatten each ball gently with the back of a fork, pressing down to create the signature crisscross pattern. This step is not just for looks — it helps the cookies bake evenly and gives you that nostalgic peanut butter cookie vibe.
Step 3: Preheat and Air Fry
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and give it about three minutes to warm up. Arrange the cookie dough balls in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure to leave enough space between them so they don’t stick together as they spread. Air fry the cookies for 5 to 7 minutes, or until you notice the edges turning a lovely golden color. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so keep a watchful eye the first time around.
Step 4: Cool and Enjoy
Once done, leave the cookies in the basket for about five minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the cookies to set perfectly while keeping them tender and chewy at the center. Now you’re ready to enjoy some seriously addictive Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe goodness.
How to Serve Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are irresistible as is, you can add a little extra flair by sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before air frying. Another fun idea is to drizzle melted chocolate or peanut butter on top after baking for a fancy touch that still feels homemade.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat. For a more decadent indulgence, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream — peanut butter and cream is always a winning combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these breakfast treats into thoughtful gifts by stacking the cookies in a clear jar with a festive ribbon. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a scoop of peanut butter or your favorite frosting for an easy mini dessert. Hosting a party? Arrange them alongside other bite-sized sweets to form an inviting cookie platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any cookies left (which might be hard!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to a week — perfect for grabbing a quick snack whenever you need a pick-me-up.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature or warm gently for a few minutes in your air fryer or oven to get that freshly baked feel again.
Reheating
To revive the soft texture, reheat the cookies in your air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for about 2 minutes. This quick warming makes them taste just like they came out of the fryer fresh. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a wonderful texture to your cookies thanks to the chopped peanuts inside. It’s a neat twist if you love a bit of extra crunch.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer for this recipe?
Preheating the air fryer helps the cookies cook evenly and achieve that perfect edge browning. It’s a quick step that makes a big difference, so I definitely recommend it.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, this Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe contains no flour and is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those avoiding gluten or following a gluten-free diet.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Of course! Feel free to mix in some chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit to customize your cookies. Just keep in mind any additions might slightly change the cooking time.
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies maintain their freshness for up to one week at room temperature. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone who loves fast, flavorful, and fuss-free baking. With just a few pantry staples and your air fryer, you can whip up cookies that taste like they took hours to perfect. I can’t wait for you to try it and make these your go-to comfort snack — trust me, you’re going to want to bake them again and again!
Print
Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are a quick and easy gluten-free dessert option that requires just a handful of ingredients, no flour, and minimal prep time. With a rich peanut butter flavor and a soft, chewy texture, they are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without heating up the oven. Plus, they’re made in an air fryer, making them a convenient treat with less mess and faster cooking.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (optional)
For Rolling (Optional)
- Extra granulated sugar
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the dough is smooth and fully combined. If desired, add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into balls. Optionally, roll the dough balls in extra granulated sugar for added texture and sweetness.
- Flatten and Pattern: Place the dough balls on a flat surface and gently flatten each with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern on top.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Arrange Cookies: Place the cookies in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between them for proper air circulation.
- Air Fry: Cook the cookies at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes or until the edges start to turn lightly golden.
- Cool: Remove the basket from the air fryer and let the cookies cool in the basket for 5 minutes to firm up. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat the process for remaining dough.
Notes
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free and contain no flour.
- For added crunch, incorporate chopped peanuts or use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so monitor closely to avoid burning.
