Ice cream maker? Who needs an ice cream maker when you make these awesome air-fried peanut butter cookies? This Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookie is an easy recipe that is a high in flavor cookie—each bite is packed with flavor! They take only three ingredients — when you need an easy dessert (or afternoon treat), they are your go-to. And the air fryer means they will cook evenly, with a slightly crispy exterior and a chewy interior. And trust me, you’re going to be so glad with how these turn out!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Simple: With just three ingredients, this recipe is ideal for those sudden sweet cravings.
Best for Small Batches: The air fryer can bake just a handful of cookies at a time, which is great if you live in a smaller household or prefer walking the line between fresh and sugary.
Each cookie delivers the rich, creamy delight of peanut butter, so these babies are perfect for any peanut butter lover.
No Oven Required: Perfect for when those warm days hit and you’d rather not heat the whole kitchen or when you’re pressed for time.

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Key Ingredients

1 cup creamy peanut butter: Use your favorite brand for the best flavor. Natural peanut butter is also fine, though the consistency might be a bit different.
¾ cup granulated sugar: This provides just the right amount of sweetness and helps the cookies develop a slightly crispy skin.
1 large egg: The egg is the glue that holds everything together and keeps the cookies from crumbling apart.

Ingredient Tips

Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter produces a smoother, more uniform texture. With natural peanut butter, be sure to stir it well before incorporating it — you don’t want any oil separation here hiyoo!
Sugar Varieties: You may replace granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer, caramel flavor. If you’d like to lighten these cookies up a bit, you can use a sugar substitute that measures like sugar.
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 flavor as a whole.

Instructions

Mix: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the peanut butter, sugar, and egg until smooth and creamy. This should take around 2-3 minutes of the time during which you will be stirring with the wooden spoon or a spatula.
Shape the Cookies: Using a spoon, scoop about 1 tablespoon of the dough, and roll into a ball. Repeat with remaining dough. You should wind up with approximately 12-15 balls.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Beast the air fryer basket with parchment paper or use a silicon liner to avoid sticking. Spoon a few cookie dough balls on the liner, leaving at least 1 inch between each one. Press down lightly with a fork to create a crisscrossed pattern on each ball.
Preheating and Air Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 300°F and air fry the cookies for 7-8 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown. Remember that air fryer models are different, so check on the cookies during the final minute to prevent overcooking.
Let the Cookies Rest: Gently take the air fryer basket out and let the cookies sit there for 2 to 3 minutes to setting. Transfer to a wire rack with a spatula; cool completely before serving. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Serving Suggestions

Classic with a Glass of Milk: For the ultimate comfort snack, serve these warm, chewy cookies with a cold glass of milk.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two of these cookies for a decadent ice cream sandwich.
It could be drizzled with chocolate: Melt some dark or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a little extra sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
Best With Coffee: These cookies are at home next to coffee or hot cocoa for a warm afternoon snack.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Storing Cookies: Store remaining cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also remain soft and delicious, great for grab-and-go snacks.
Freezing the Dough: To make these cookies in advance, roll the dough into balls, place the balls on a sheet pan and freeze them for about 1 hour until firm. Once frozen, transfer the balls to a freezer-safe bag. When it’s time to bake, you just stick them in your air fryer and add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating Cookies: Craving warm cookies later? Stick a few in the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes at 300°F, or microwave them for about 10 seconds.

Variations

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies: Stir in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the dough for a chocolatey twist.
Crunchy Peanut Butter: For a little extra crunch, go for crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy so that you find tasty bits of peanuts in every bite.
Keto: Make with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and with sugar-free peanut butter.
Almond Butter Alternative: Replace the peanut butter with almond butter if you’re allergic to peanuts or simply want to mix up the flavor profile.

Final Note

These Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are just what the doctor ordered to cure your sweet tooth with minimum fuss! They’re quick to prepare, full of flavor, and have that melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes you want to grab another. And if you use plain peanut butter, they’re a tasty gluten-free treat. Happy baking!