Imagine the rich, nutty flavor of a classic peanut butter cookie—now made even easier and faster with your air fryer! These Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightfully simple recipe that packs a lot of flavor into every bite. With just three ingredients, they’re perfect for when you need a quick dessert or an afternoon treat. Plus, the air fryer ensures they bake evenly with a slightly crispy outside and a chewy center. Trust me, you’re going to love how these turn out!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only three ingredients, this recipe is perfect for those last-minute sweet cravings.
- Perfect for Small Batches: Thanks to the air fryer, you can make just a few cookies at a time, ideal for smaller households or those who like to keep treats fresh.
- Rich Peanut Butter Flavor: Each bite is packed with the creamy, indulgent taste of peanut butter, making these cookies irresistible for any peanut butter fan.
- No Oven Required: Great for those warm days when you want to avoid heating up the whole kitchen, or if you’re short on time.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter – Use your favorite brand for the best flavor. Natural peanut butter works too, but the texture may be slightly different.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – This adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps give the cookies a slightly crisp exterior.
- 1 large egg – The egg binds everything together, keeping the cookies from crumbling apart.
Ingredient Tips
- Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth, even texture. If using natural peanut butter, make sure to stir it well before adding it to the dough to prevent any oil separation.
- Sugar Variations: You can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor. If you want to make these cookies a little healthier, consider using a sugar substitute that measures like sugar.
- Adding a Pinch of Salt: If you’re using unsalted peanut butter, add a pinch of salt to the dough to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter, sugar, and egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes of stirring with a wooden spoon or a spatula.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the dough and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the rest of the dough. You should end up with about 12-15 balls.
- Prepare the Air Fryer: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone liner to prevent sticking. Place a few of the cookie dough balls on the liner, leaving about 1 inch of space between each one. Use a fork to press down gently, creating a crisscross pattern on each ball.
- Air Fry the Cookies: Set the air fryer to 300°F and cook for 7-8 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown. Remember that air fryer models can vary, so keep an eye on the cookies during the last minute to ensure they don’t overcook.
- Cool the Cookies: Carefully remove the air fryer basket and let the cookies rest for 2-3 minutes in the basket to firm up. Use a spatula to transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic with a Glass of Milk: Serve these warm, chewy cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort snack.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Turn two of these cookies into a decadent ice cream sandwich by adding a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between them.
- Drizzle with Chocolate: Melt some dark or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a little extra sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
- Pair with Coffee: These cookies are perfect alongside a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy afternoon treat.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay soft and delicious, making them perfect for grab-and-go snacks.
- Freezing the Dough: If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze for about 1 hour until firm. Then transfer the frozen balls to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, just pop them into the air fryer and add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
- Reheating Cookies: To enjoy warm cookies later, pop a few in the air fryer at 300°F for 1-2 minutes or microwave them for about 10 seconds.
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies: Mix in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter: If you prefer some extra texture, use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for delightful bits of peanut pieces in every bite.
- Keto-Friendly Option: Swap the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit, and ensure your peanut butter is sugar-free.
- Almond Butter Substitute: Swap out peanut butter for almond butter if you have a peanut allergy or just want to change up the flavor profile.
