The Perfect Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe for Snack Time

Crispy and golden, these air fryer peanut butter cookies capture a delightful twist on a classic treat.

Soft centers complement their perfectly crunchy edges with minimal effort.

Sweet nutty flavors melt in your mouth, creating an instant comfort sensation.

Nobody can resist the rich aroma wafting through the kitchen during baking.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly for a quick dessert that impresses everyone.

Minimal prep means you can enjoy fresh, warm cookies in minutes.

Brace yourself for a mouthwatering experience that will make you fall in love with this effortless recipe.

Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Overview

• Speed Up Snacking: Craft delightful peanut butter cookies in mere minutes with your air fryer, perfect for sudden sweet cravings or unexpected guests.
• Minimal Kitchen Mess: Skip multiple mixing bowls and complicated steps – this recipe requires just a few ingredients and simple preparation, making cleanup a breeze.
• Foolproof Technique: Achieve consistently golden-brown cookies with crispy edges every single time, thanks to the precise heat distribution of the air fryer.
• Kid-Friendly Cooking: Engage children in the fun process of rolling dough and creating classic fork-press patterns, turning baking into a playful family activity.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

• Egg: A binding agent that helps hold the cookie dough together and provides structure.
• Peanut Butter: The star ingredient that gives the cookies their rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior on the cookies.

• Flour: Provides the base structure and helps create the classic cookie texture.

• Cooking Spray or Oil: Ensures the cookies do not stick to the air fryer basket and allows for easy removal.

Instructions for Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Mix Cookie Dough

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the egg, sugar, and peanut butter. Use a whisk or spatula to blend everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well combined.

Make sure there are no lumps in the dough.

Step 2: Shape Cookie Balls

Scoop out small portions of the dough using a spoon.

Roll each portion between your palms to create perfect round balls. Take a fork and gently press down on each ball, creating a classic crisscross pattern.

This helps flatten the cookies and gives them that traditional peanut butter cookie look.

Step 3: Prepare Air Fryer

Turn on your air fryer and set the temperature to 400°F.

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking. This will make sure your cookies don’t get stuck and break when you remove them.

Step 4: Cook Cookies

Carefully place the shaped cookie dough balls into the air fryer basket. Leave some space between each cookie so hot air can circulate properly.

Cook the cookies for 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.

You want them to turn golden brown with slightly crispy edges.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once the cookies are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes.

This helps them set and become firm. Enjoy your warm, freshly baked peanut butter cookies while they’re still slightly soft in the middle!

Tips for Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

• Swap creamy peanut butter with crunchy varieties for added texture and nutty crunch.
• Adjust cooking time based on air fryer size and model to prevent overcooking or burning.
• Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for extra flavor and interesting mix-ins.
• Make gluten-free by using alternative flour like almond or coconut flour for those with dietary restrictions.
• Store cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and soft texture.

Variations of Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

• Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies: Replace standard flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies: Fold in mini chocolate chips to the dough for an extra sweet flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Version: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use a flax egg replacement instead of traditional egg and swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter to accommodate plant-based dietary needs.

Pairing Suggestions for Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

• Indulge in a classic cold glass of whole milk that complements the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter cookies, creating a smooth and comforting taste experience.
• Brew a robust dark roast espresso that cuts through the cookie's sweetness, offering a bold contrast and elevating the peanut butter's deep, warm notes.
• Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the warm cookies, allowing the cool, smooth texture to balance the cookie's crisp edges and rich peanut butter intensity.
• Drizzle a light caramel sauce over the cookies to add a luxurious golden sweetness that harmonizes with the nutty undertones and creates a decadent dessert experience.

Storage Guidelines for Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

• Transfer cooled cookies to an airtight container with a tight-sealing lid. Layer parchment paper between cookie rows to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and soft texture.
• Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place them inside a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Store cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Place a slice of bread inside to help retain moisture and prevent cookies from becoming dry or crumbly.

FAQs

• Are peanut butter cookies gluten-free?

Not automatically. This recipe requires flour, which contains gluten. To make them gluten-free, you’ll need to substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour alternatives like almond flour or a certified gluten-free baking mix.

• Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter works perfectly and will add extra texture to your cookies. The recipe will remain the same, and the taste will be just as delicious with added peanut chunks.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly cooked in the air fryer?

Look for light browning around the edges and a slight firmness. The cookies should appear set but not dark. They’ll continue to firm up slightly while cooling, so avoid overcooking to maintain a soft, chewy texture.

Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 14 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful air fryer peanut butter cookies blend classic comfort with modern convenience. Crisp edges and rich flavor make these treats irresistible for quick dessert cravings you can enjoy effortlessly.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (at room temperature, thoroughly beaten)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, and peanut butter until the mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated, creating a uniform consistency.
2. Scoop out uniform portions of the dough using a tablespoon, then gently roll each portion into round balls with your palms.
3. Create a distinctive crisscross pattern on each cookie ball by pressing down with a fork, which will flatten the cookies and provide an attractive textured surface.
4. Prepare the air fryer by preheating to 400°F and lightly coating the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5. Carefully arrange the cookie dough balls in the air fryer basket, spacing them approximately one inch apart to ensure proper hot air circulation.
6. Cook the cookies for 3-4 minutes, watching carefully until they develop a golden-brown color and achieve a slightly crisp edge.
7. Remove the cookies from the air fryer and let them rest briefly in the basket to stabilize their structure.
8. Transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to cool completely and set their texture before serving or storing.

Notes

• Customize the sweetness by adjusting sugar levels, using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
• Experiment with crunchy or natural peanut butter to add unique texture and depth to the cookies.
• Consider adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor complexity and personal touch.
• Ensure even spacing in the air fryer basket to promote consistent cooking and prevent cookies from sticking together.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 203 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 142 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 19 mg