Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

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.

Final Note

These Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth without much fuss. They’re quick to make, rich in flavor, and have that melt-in-your-mouth texture that keeps you reaching for another. Plus, they make a great gluten-free treat if you ensure your peanut butter is free of additives. Happy baking!