Name: Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 1 cup smooth peanut butter (plus ¼ cup for filling); ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup packed brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; A pinch of sea salt

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Hey there, cookie lovers! I’ve got a treat for you that’s about to change the way you think about peanut butter cookies. These Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and packed with all the rich peanut butter flavor you crave. Plus, they’re made in the air fryer, which means you get to skip the oven and still end up with the most delicious cookies. Trust me when I say, this recipe is a total game-changer, and it’s going to become your new go-to when you need a quick, cozy snack. So, grab your ingredients and let’s dive into making these irresistible little bites of peanut buttery goodness!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

This recipe isn’t just about peanut butter and sugar—it’s about creating moments of joy with minimal effort. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in, a treat for the family, or something quick to satisfy a cookie craving, these Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies have you covered. Here’s why they’re a must-try:

Versatile: These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from a busy weekday snack to a sweet addition to your next gathering. They fit effortlessly into your routine, making them as ideal for a last-minute craving as they are for meal prepping.
Budget-Friendly: You don’t need fancy ingredients to make these cookies shine. Just a few pantry staples and you’re good to go. No special shopping trips needed!
Quick and Easy: You don’t need hours in the kitchen to bake up a batch of these. The air fryer cuts down on time and gives you cookies in no time. Perfect for when you want something homemade but don’t have a lot of time to spare.
Customizable: If you want to add some fun variations, throw in some chocolate chips, swirl in a little honey, or even sprinkle sea salt on top. The base recipe is perfect as-is, but it’s also a great foundation for your own creativity.
Crowd-Pleasing: Who doesn’t love a classic peanut butter cookie? These are a hit with both kids and adults. Whether it’s for an after-school snack, a dessert, or a picnic treat, they’re always the first to disappear!

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of these cookies—they’re made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is pure cookie heaven. Let’s break it down:

Peanut Butter

The star of the show! Rich and creamy peanut butter brings that signature flavor and soft texture to these cookies. You can use crunchy peanut butter for an extra bit of texture, too, if you like.

Granulated Sugar

Sugar sweetens up these cookies and helps them get that crisp, golden brown exterior.

Egg

The egg binds the ingredients together and helps give the cookies that chewy center. It also helps with the rise, making them soft and delightful.

Baking Soda

A pinch of baking soda gives the cookies just the right amount of lift, creating that perfect texture you love in a peanut butter cookie.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get into the steps to create these crispy, chewy peanut butter cookies:

Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures the cookies cook evenly, giving you that perfect texture—crispy on the edges, soft in the center.

Combine Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, and baking soda. Stir everything together until the dough is smooth and fully incorporated. It’ll be thick and a little sticky—just what you want for these cookies!

Form the Cookies

Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place each ball onto a parchment paper or lightly greased air fryer basket. Use a fork to gently press each dough ball down, making the classic crisscross pattern on top of the cookies.

Air Fry the Cookies

Set the cookies in the air fryer and cook at 350°F for about 6-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they cook—air fryers can vary, and you’ll want to catch them just as the edges turn golden brown.

Cool and Enjoy

Once they’re done, let the cookies cool for a couple of minutes in the air fryer before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This lets them firm up and gives you that perfect texture.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 cookies
Calories per serving: 160

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes

How to Serve Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

These peanut butter cookies are just as tasty on their own, but if you’re looking to take them to the next level, here are a few serving suggestions to make your experience even better:

With a Glass of Milk: There’s something about peanut butter and milk that just feels right. Pour yourself a glass of cold milk and dunk those cookies for the ultimate indulgence.
Peanut Butter Lovers’ Delight: If you’re really craving peanut butter, spread a bit of extra peanut butter on top of each cookie for an extra peanut-packed bite.
With Ice Cream: Turn these cookies into a fun dessert by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. Sandwich them together for a homemade peanut butter cookie ice cream sandwich.
Gift Them: These cookies are perfect for packaging up as homemade gifts. Put them in a cute jar or box and give them to friends or family. They’ll appreciate the homemade touch!
With Coffee or Tea: They’re the perfect little treat to go with your afternoon coffee or tea. A crunchy peanut butter cookie pairs perfectly with a warm beverage.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Prep Ahead: If you want to save time, you can make the dough ahead of time. Just cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, simply roll and air fry the cookies.
Flavor Variations: Want to make them extra fun? Add chocolate chips, sprinkle some sea salt on top, or drizzle with melted chocolate after baking. The possibilities are endless!
Storage Tips: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’re best eaten fresh, but they still taste amazing after a few days.
Double the Batch: These cookies freeze beautifully. Make a double batch and freeze half for later. Simply store them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and when you’re ready, thaw them out and enjoy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

A1: Yes! Natural peanut butter works, but it may be a little runnier. Just make sure it’s well mixed and stir it thoroughly before using it in the recipe.

Q2: Can I substitute the sugar for a different sweetener?

A2: Sure! You can substitute granulated sugar with a sugar alternative like Stevia or Monk Fruit. Keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.

Q3: Can I make these without an air fryer?

A3: Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook.

Q4: How do I store leftover cookies?

A4: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for several days.

Q5: Can I freeze the cookie dough?

A5: Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough. Roll it into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer!

Q6: Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

A6: Of course! Add about a half cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious twist on classic peanut butter cookies.

Q7: Why are my cookies spreading too much?

A7: If your cookies are spreading too much, it might be because the dough is too warm. Make sure to chill the dough for a bit before baking, or try slightly reducing the amount of sugar.

Q8: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

A8: Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will add a little extra texture to your cookies. It’s a fun twist if you love that added crunch.

Q9: How can I make these cookies softer?

A9: To make your cookies softer, bake them for a slightly shorter time and allow them to cool on the baking sheet. The residual heat will help keep them soft and chewy.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?

A10: Definitely! Double the ingredients to make more cookies, and if you’re using an air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Conclusion

And there you have it—delicious, easy-to-make Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies that are crispy, chewy, and everything you could want in a cookie. Whether you’re baking them for yourself, sharing them with loved ones, or enjoying them with a glass of milk, these cookies are sure to satisfy any peanut butter craving. They’re quick, customizable, and always a hit, so why not give them a try today? You’re going to love them—trust me!