Name: Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Peanut Butter (Smooth or crunchy, room temperature if refrigerated.); 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar; 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (Packed.); 1 large Egg (Room temperature.); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1 pinch Salt

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, crunchy, and impossibly quick — these Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are the ultimate six-ingredient comfort bake that delivers big flavor with almost no fuss. If you love warm cookies that have a tender center and slightly crisp edges, this recipe will become a go-to for busy afternoons, last-minute guests, or after-school baking projects. Fun fact: peanut butter cookies were once a popular campfire treat because they’re easy to mix and cook over heat — now we just let the air fryer do the hard work!

This recipe is special because it’s simple, fast, and family-friendly, and it uses pantry staples most people already have. Compared to the longer, more involved chocolate chip recipe on the blog, these cookies come together in a snap and require only one bowl. If you want another quick air fryer dessert, check out this handy air fryer peanut butter cookies recipe for another take on speedy sweet treats. Get ready to preheat your air fryer and make a batch that will disappear fast — everyone will ask for seconds.

What is Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies?

What’s in a name? Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are exactly what they sound like — classic peanut butter cookies cooked in an air fryer instead of a conventional oven. Why use an air fryer? Because it gives you that golden edge and soft center without heating your whole kitchen, and it’s perfect for small batches. Who named it that — a practical snack-lover with a sense of convenience or a parent who needed cookies ten minutes ago? Either way, it’s proof that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and probably everyone else’s too. Ready to give them a try? You won’t regret it.

Why You’ll Love This

Big peanut butter flavor: These cookies are rich and nutty with a warm, buttery aroma that hits your senses the moment they come out of the air fryer.
Economical and pantry-friendly: Made from basic ingredients — peanut butter, sugar, egg, and a few flavorings — this recipe is cheaper than store-bought cookies and cuts down on waste.
Fast and family-approved: From mixing bowl to plate in under 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy families, kids’ baking projects, or last-minute dessert needs.

Compared to the richer, savory-sweet Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes recipe on the blog, these cookies satisfy a sweet tooth without needing elaborate ingredients or long cook times. Make a batch today and enjoy a homemade treat without the fuss — you’ll be glad you did.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

These cookies are incredibly easy: one bowl, no chilling required, and air frying gives a slightly crisp exterior with a soft, tender center. Preparation takes about 5–10 minutes, and cooking is just 8–10 minutes per batch. The standout is the simple peanut butter base that delivers a deep, nutty flavor every time.

Ingredients

1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy), room temperature if refrigerated
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Directions

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (about 175°C) for 3 minutes while you mix the dough.
In a mixing bowl, blend the peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and egg until smooth and creamy. Use a sturdy spoon or a hand mixer on low — the mixture should be uniformly combined with no streaks of egg.
Stir in the baking soda, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the dough is fully combined and slightly glossy.
Scoop or roll the dough into 1-inch balls. If the dough is sticky, wet your hands slightly or chill the dough for 5 minutes to make rolling easier.
Place the dough balls in the air fryer basket, leaving about 2 inches of space between each to allow for spreading. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Use a fork to gently flatten each dough ball, pressing down to create the classic crisscross peanut butter cookie pattern.
Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, rotating the basket halfway through if your model cooks unevenly. The edges should be golden brown while the centers remain soft.
Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool for 10 minutes to firm up; they will set as they cool. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

What to Serve With

These cookies pair beautifully with a variety of simple sides and drinks:

Cold milk or chocolate milk for a classic combo.
Coffee or a creamy latte for an adult snack.
Fresh berries or banana slices to add bright, fresh flavor contrast.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert sandwich.
If serving as part of a party spread, add crunchy nuts or chocolate-dipped pretzels to balance the soft cookie texture. For a savory companion on a larger menu, consider pairing with the air fryer steak bites and potatoes linked earlier in the article for a full meal experience.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use room-temperature egg and slightly softened peanut butter for easier mixing and a lighter texture.
If you prefer chewier cookies, reduce the baking time by a minute or two and allow them to cool on the rack. For crisper cookies, add an extra minute in the air fryer.
Substitute half the granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a deeper caramel note, or use all crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
Don’t overcrowd the basket — cookies need space to spread properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
Avoid over-flattening with the fork; a light press is enough to shape and create the crisscross pattern without making them too thin.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Reheating: Warm cookies in a 300°F air fryer for 1–2 minutes or microwave a single cookie for 10–15 seconds to revive softness. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?
Yes, but natural peanut butter may make the dough looser because it often contains oil. Chill the dough briefly before rolling if it’s too soft.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Preheating for a few minutes helps ensure even cooking and a consistent golden edge on the cookies.

Can I make these cookies without baking soda?
Baking soda helps with slight lift and a tender texture. Without it, the cookies will be denser but still tasty.

How many cookies does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes about 12–16 one-inch cookies, depending on how large you roll the dough.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts?
Absolutely — stir in up to 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts after mixing the main ingredients for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are proof that simple ingredients can produce big results: quick to make, budget-friendly, and irresistibly tasty. They’re perfect for busy families, last-minute guests, or anyone craving a warm, nutty treat with minimal effort. If you want another tested version or inspiration from a dedicated recipe source, check out this helpful external guide at Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies | All Ways Delicious. Happy baking — share a batch and enjoy the smiles they bring.