Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These air fryer peanut butter cookies are a quick and easy treat with a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. Crispy on the edges and soft inside, they’re a delightful twist on the classic cookie made right in your air fryer.

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter (room temperature)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 ¼ cups flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Beat together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a medium mixing bowl until light and creamy.
2. Step 2: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Then beat in the peanut butter.
3. Step 3: Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the bowl and beat until the dough is well combined.
4. Step 4: Place the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to chill.
5. Step 5: Line the basket of your air fryer with parchment paper and preheat it to 350°F (175°C).
6. Step 6: Use a medium cookie scoop to portion the dough. Shape each portion into a ball and roll it through the ¼ cup granulated sugar to coat.
7. Step 7: Arrange the cookie dough balls in the air fryer basket, leaving 1-2 inches between each to allow for spreading.
8. Step 8: Use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern onto the top of each cookie.
9. Step 9: Air fry for about 5 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the fork marks begin to brown. Be careful not to overbake.
10. Step 10: Allow the cookies to cool for a couple of minutes before carefully removing them with a spatula. Let cool completely on a wire rack to firm up.

Tips & Variations

• For a chunkier texture, swap creamy peanut butter with chunky peanut butter.
• If you prefer a sweeter cookie, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the dough.
• Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading too much in the air fryer.
• Use parchment paper or a silicone liner to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Try adding chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for extra flavor and texture.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to restore crispiness or microwave briefly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for these cookies?

Yes, natural peanut butter works but the dough may be a little wetter or oilier. You might need to chill the dough a bit longer to firm up before air frying.

How many cookies does this recipe make?

This recipe makes approximately 12 medium-sized cookies, depending on how large you scoop the dough.

Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 53 reviews

Deliciously soft and chewy peanut butter cookies made effortlessly in the air fryer. These cookies have a rich peanut butter flavor with a perfect crisscross pattern on top and come together quickly with simple ingredients, making them an ideal treat for any occasion.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup butter (room temperature)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

For Coating

• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

1. Prepare the batter: Beat together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a medium mixing bowl until the mixture is light and creamy, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
2. Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined, then incorporate the creamy peanut butter for rich flavor and texture.
3. Mix dry ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture and beat until well combined to form a cookie dough.
4. Chill the dough: Place the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to handle and shape later.
5. Preheat the air fryer: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for optimal baking temperature.
6. Shape the cookies: Use a medium cookie scoop to portion the dough, then shape each portion into a ball and roll it through granulated sugar to coat evenly.
7. Arrange in air fryer: Place the sugar-coated dough balls in the air fryer basket spaced 1-2 inches apart to allow spreading while baking.
8. Create crisscross pattern: Press lightly on the top of each dough ball with a fork to make the classic peanut butter cookie crisscross design.
9. Air fry: Cook the cookies in the air fryer for about 5 minutes or until the edges and crisscross tips turn golden brown. Be careful not to overbake to keep them soft and chewy.
10. Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool for a couple of minutes before gently removing them from the air fryer with a spatula, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to avoid breaking.

Notes

• Make sure to chill the dough before air frying to help maintain cookie shape and texture.
• Use parchment paper in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Allow enough spacing between cookies to prevent them from merging during cooking.
• If your air fryer is smaller, bake cookies in batches to ensure even cooking.
• Handle cookies gently after baking as they are delicate before fully cooled.

Keywords: peanut butter cookies, air fryer cookies, easy cookie recipe, quick desserts, homemade peanut butter cookies