Quick Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe: Crispy Edges & Soft Centers

Irresistible air fryer peanut butter cookies promise a delightful twist on classic comfort treats.

Crisp edges and soft centers characterize these mouthwatering delights that enhance traditional baking methods.

Compact kitchen appliances now revolutionize sweet preparation with lightning-fast cooking techniques.

Minimal ingredients combine effortlessly to create a nostalgic dessert experience that sparks joy.

Crispy exterior meets tender crumb in a dance of textural perfection that melts in your mouth.

Rich, nutty flavors emerge from simple pantry staples, elevating a humble cookie into a gourmet sensation.

Precise temperature control ensures consistent golden-brown results that will impress even seasoned bakers.

What You’ll Love About Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

• Whip Up Quick Treats: These air fryer peanut butter cookies deliver deliciousness in less than 15 minutes, perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Enjoy Effortless Baking: No complicated techniques required – just mix, shape, and air fry for foolproof cookies that anyone can master, even novice bakers.
• Savor Irresistible Texture: Crispy edges meet soft, melt-in-your-mouth centers, creating a delightful contrast that makes each bite incredibly satisfying.
• Healthier Indulgence: Air frying reduces oil usage compared to traditional baking, offering a lighter version of a classic comfort dessert without sacrificing rich peanut butter flavor.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

• Peanut Butter: Creamy, smooth base that provides rich flavor and texture to the cookies.
• Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweeteners that help create a soft, chewy cookie with caramel-like undertones.
• Egg: Binding agent that helps hold the cookie together and adds moisture.

• Baking Soda: Leavening agent that helps cookies rise and achieve a light texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall sweetness of the cookies.
• Salt: Small pinch to balance and intensify the cookie's sweet flavor profile.

• Fork: Used to create the classic crisscross pattern on top of the cookies, adding visual appeal and traditional cookie texture.

How to Make Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

• Creamy peanut butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Egg
• Baking soda
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Collect all ingredients and kitchen tools like mixing bowl, fork, and air fryer.

Step 2: Create Smooth Base

In a mixing bowl, blend peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and egg until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined. Mix thoroughly to ensure no sugar crystals remain.

Step 3: Enhance Cookie Mixture

Gently fold in baking soda, vanilla extract, and a small pinch of salt. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 4: Form Cookie Dough Balls

Roll the mixture into small 1-inch round balls using your hands. Place each ball on a clean surface, leaving space between them for easy handling.

Step 5: Create Classic Cookie Pattern

Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball, creating a signature crisscross design. Press lightly to maintain the ball’s shape while adding texture.

Step 6: Air Fry Cookies

Arrange cookie dough balls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until edges turn golden brown and centers look set.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely for 10-15 minutes, which helps them firm up and develop a perfect texture.

Quick Tips for Air Fryer Cookie Perfection

• Select Smooth Peanut Butter: Choose a creamy, well-mixed peanut butter for the most consistent cookie texture and flavor.
• Space Cookies Carefully: Leave enough room between cookies in the air fryer basket to prevent them from touching and sticking together during cooking.
• Check Doneness Early: Start checking cookies at 7 minutes to avoid overcooking, as air fryers can cook faster than traditional ovens.
• Use Parchment Liner: Place a parchment paper liner in the air fryer basket to prevent cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Chill Dough Briefly: Refrigerate the cookie dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping to help prevent spreading and maintain a better cookie shape during air frying.

Reheating and Storing Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

• Refrigeration: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture. These delicious treats will stay soft and tasty for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying their original crispy texture.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes. This method restores their crisp edges and brings back the fresh-baked warmth and softness, making them taste just like they were just made.

Best Matches for Peanut Butter Cookies

• Creamy Milk Companion: Pair these warm, gooey peanut butter cookies with a cold glass of whole milk to enhance the rich, nutty flavor and create a classic, comforting combination.
• Chocolate Espresso Sidekick: Serve alongside a shot of dark roast espresso or mocha to complement the sweet and slightly salty cookie profile, cutting through the richness with a bold coffee kick.
• Vanilla Ice Cream Indulgence: Top the warm air fryer cookies with a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream, letting the cold, creamy texture contrast beautifully with the crisp, warm cookie edges.
• Caramel Drizzle Delight: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the cookies to add an extra layer of decadent sweetness that amplifies the peanut butter's deep, nutty undertones.

Easy Twists on Peanut Butter Cookie Recipes

• Nutty Chocolate Chip Fusion: Enhance the classic peanut butter cookie by folding in dark chocolate chips before air frying, creating a rich and indulgent treat with melted chocolate pockets.
• Salted Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle sea salt on top of the cookies before cooking and drizzle with homemade caramel sauce after cooling, adding a sophisticated sweet-salty flavor profile.
• Oatmeal Peanut Butter Blend: Mix rolled oats into the dough for extra texture and nutritional value, resulting in a heartier cookie with a satisfying crunch and wholesome feel.
• Spiced Cinnamon Swirl: Incorporate ground cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg into the dough, giving the cookies a warm, aromatic essence that complements the peanut butter's richness.

Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies deliver a quick, golden-brown delight straight from your kitchen. Crisp edges, rich nutty flavor, and effortless preparation make these cookies a perfect treat that melts in your mouth and satisfies sweet cravings instantly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
• 1 large egg

Sweeteners:

• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

Flavor Enhancers and Leavening:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend of creamy peanut butter, of granulated sugar (100 grams), of brown sugar (100 grams), and 1 large egg until the mixture achieves a velvety, uniform consistency.
2. Gently incorporate of baking soda, of pure vanilla extract, and a delicate pinch of kosher salt into the peanut butter amalgamation, stirring until perfectly integrated.
3. Delicately craft the dough into uniform spheres, approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter, using gentle palm pressure to ensure consistent sizing.
4. Carefully position the cookie dough spheres inside the air fryer basket, spacing them generously to accommodate potential expansion during cooking.
5. Utilize the tines of a fork to gently press a distinctive crisscross pattern onto the surface of each cookie, creating elegant surface texture and visual appeal.
6. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and gently slide the prepared cookies into the cooking chamber, allowing them to transform for 6-9 minutes until the edges develop a golden-brown hue.
7. Once cooked, delicately extract the cookies and transfer them to a wire cooling rack, permitting them to rest and solidify for approximately 5-7 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Quick and simple cookies that satisfy your peanut butter sweet tooth in less than 15 minutes.
• No traditional oven needed, making this recipe perfect for small kitchens or hot summer days.
• Creates crispy edges with soft, chewy centers that melt in your mouth.
• Uses minimal ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
• Best enjoyed fresh and warm, with a glass of cold milk for dunking.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 170 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 135 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg