Peanut butter cookies are a timeless treat—soft, chewy, and full of nutty sweetness. Now, imagine enjoying that classic flavor without the hassle of preheating an oven or a messy cleanup. That’s where the air fryer saves the day!
Perfect for when you’re short on time, air fryer peanut butter cookies deliver all the homemade comfort with minimal effort. This guide will share a simple recipe, helpful tips, and answers to common questions about baking in an air fryer
If you love starting your day with something homemade and comforting, don’t miss the other recipes in my Breakfast category. From quick, easy ideas to hearty classics, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to make your mornings extra special. Whether it’s sweet treats like these cookies or savory bites, there’s something for everyone!
Why Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies?
Air fryers aren’t just for crispy fries or reheating leftovers. They’re surprisingly great for baking, especially when you want small batches or quick results. Here’s why they shine for cookies:
- Fast and Efficient: No waiting for your oven to preheat. Your air fryer gets hot almost instantly, saving you time.
- Small Batches: Perfect for when you’re craving cookies but don’t want dozens staring at you. (Because, let’s face it, we all have zero self-control with fresh cookies!)
- Crisp Edges, Soft Centers: The hot air circulation gives cookies a slight crisp on the outside while keeping them tender inside.
- Less Cleanup: You’re using one appliance, and the cleanup is minimal—no cookie sheets or big mixing bowls to scrub.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
Let’s talk about the star ingredients. You probably already have most of these in your pantry, which means you’re one step closer to cookie heaven.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy—it’s your call)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or swap with coconut sugar for a healthier twist)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (adds that deep, caramel-like flavor)
- 1 large egg (room temperature works best)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but it boosts flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (to help the cookies puff up slightly)
- Pinch of salt (balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor)
Optional Mix-Ins: Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top—get creative!
Step-by-Step Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
Recipe
Making these cookies is ridiculously simple. Trust me, you’ll be enjoying warm, homemade cookies in no time.
Make the Dough
In a medium-sized bowl, mix the peanut butter, sugars, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Stir until the dough comes together. It’ll be thick and slightly sticky—that’s exactly how it should be.
Chill the Dough (Optional)
If you want perfectly shaped cookies, pop the dough in the fridge for about 15–20 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll into balls.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 325°F and let it warm up for a couple of minutes. If your air fryer doesn’t have a specific preheat button, just let it run empty for 3–5 minutes at the desired temperature.
Shape the Cookies
Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the balls on a small piece of parchment paper (cut to fit your air fryer basket). Use a fork to press each cookie down gently, creating the classic crisscross pattern.
Bake in the Air Fryer
Carefully place the parchment paper with the cookies into the air fryer basket. Bake for 6–8 minutes, depending on your air fryer model. Start checking at the 6-minute mark—you want the edges to look set but the centers to stay soft.
Cool and Enjoy
Remove the parchment paper with the cookies from the air fryer. Let them cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They’ll be fragile when hot but will firm up as they cool.
Grab a glass of milk or your favorite coffee, and enjoy warm, gooey peanut butter cookies straight from the air fryer!
Tips for Perfect Cookies
Even though this recipe is simple, a few extra tips can take your cookies from good to amazing:
- Use the Right Peanut Butter: Stick to classic brands like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butter can work, but its oil separation might make the dough harder to handle.
- Avoid packing the basket too full because air fryers function best when each cookie has room to circulate. Bake in batches if necessary.
- Keep an Eye on the Time: Air fryers vary, so your cookies might bake faster or slower than mine. Start checking early to avoid overbaking.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Stir in mini chocolate chips, chopped Reese’s, or even toffee bits for a fun twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These air fryer peanut butter cookies are:
- Quick: Ready in under 20 minutes, start to finish.
- Simple: No fancy equipment or ingredients needed.
- Customizable: Add chocolate chips, drizzle with melted chocolate, or sprinkle with sea salt.
- Perfectly Portionable: Bake as many or as few as you like.
FAQs About Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! If you use peanut butter instead of flour or other ingredients, the recipe is already gluten-free. Just double-check the labels of all your ingredients.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once firm, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. They do not need to be thawed before baking; simply place them directly into the air fryer and increase the baking time by one or two minutes.
What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat for a few seconds in the air fryer to make them warm and soft again.
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, almond butter works well, but the flavor will be slightly different. Make sure your almond butter isn’t too runny, or the dough might not hold its shape.
Final Thoughts about Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
Air fryer peanut butter cookies are a total game-changer for cookie lovers. They’re fast, fun, and foolproof—whether you’re baking for yourself or whipping up a quick treat for family and friends.
Once you try this recipe, I guarantee it’ll become your go-to for peanut butter cookies. So grab your air fryer, mix up that dough, and enjoy the magic of freshly baked cookies in no time. Oh, and don’t forget to share (or not—I won’t judge).
Curious about how air fryers work their magic? Check out The Science Behind Air Frying to learn why this handy appliance is perfect for baking and creating crispy, delicious treats with less effort.
Enjoy your cookies! 🍪