Easy Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Introduction

If you’re craving homemade peanut butter cookies but don’t want to turn on the oven, this Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies recipe is the perfect solution. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor—all made effortlessly in the air fryer. With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious batch of cookies ready in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: No need to preheat the oven—these cookies cook in under 10 minutes.
• Minimal Ingredients: Made with just a few simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have.
• Perfect Texture: Crispy edges with a soft and chewy center.
• Great for Small Batches: Easily make a small or large batch depending on your needs.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun and simple recipe for kids to help with!

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir until smooth.
2. Add the egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well combined. The dough will be thick.

2. Shape the Cookies

3. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball.
4. Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined plate or tray.
5. Use a fork to press a crisscross pattern onto each cookie, slightly flattening them.

3. Air Fry the Cookies

6. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes.
7. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
8. Place cookies in the basket, leaving some space between them (work in batches if necessary).
9. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

4. Cool and Enjoy

10. Let the cookies cool in the air fryer basket for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
11. Enjoy warm, or store for later!

Variations & Additions

• Chocolate Lovers: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the dough.
• Nutty Crunch: Stir in ¼ cup chopped peanuts for extra texture.
• Sweeter Twist: Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel after cooling.
• Healthier Option: Use natural peanut butter and reduce the sugar slightly.

Servings & Timing

• Servings: Makes about 12-15 cookies
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 minutes per batch
• Total Time: About 15 minutes

Storage & Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: Freeze dough balls or baked cookies for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 1-2 minutes to refresh their texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes! Just make sure to stir it well, as natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and may affect the texture.

What kind of peanut butter works best?

Creamy peanut butter gives a smooth texture, while chunky peanut butter adds extra crunch. Both work well!

Do I need to chill the dough?

No, chilling isn’t necessary for this recipe, making it even faster to prepare.

How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Since these cookies are flourless, they don’t spread much, but if they do, slightly refrigerate the dough for 10-15 minutes before shaping.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just work in batches when air frying to avoid overcrowding.

Why did my cookies turn out too soft?

They may need 1-2 more minutes in the air fryer. They also firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t use flour.

Can I use almond butter instead?

Yes! Almond butter works well as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.

How do I make the cookies softer or crispier?

For softer cookies, reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes. For crispier cookies, cook a little longer.

Can I add oats to the recipe?

Yes! Add ¼ cup rolled oats for a heartier texture.

Conclusion

Making peanut butter cookies in the air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic treat without the hassle of using an oven. These cookies come out perfectly every time—soft, chewy, and packed with peanut butter goodness. Whether you’re making a small batch for yourself or a treat for the whole family, this air fryer recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy homemade peanut butter cookies in minutes!

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