Sweet, nutty, and delightfully crisp on the outside with a soft, chewy center—Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are a quick and satisfying treat you’ll want to make again and again. These cookies come together in minutes with just a few pantry staples, making them perfect for a last-minute dessert or an after-school snack. Best of all, there’s no need to turn on the oven!
Whether you’re new to air frying or already love our Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies and Air Fryer Brownies, this peanut butter version brings classic cookie comfort with a speedy twist. Let’s bake up a batch!
What Are Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies?
Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are soft, chewy cookies with lightly crisped edges, made using an air fryer instead of a traditional oven. Using peanut butter as the main ingredient, these cookies are naturally rich and flavorful. A blend of white and brown sugars adds sweetness and chewiness, while baking soda and an egg give structure and rise. As the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these nostalgic cookies are sure to win hearts quickly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Here’s why these air fryer cookies will be your new go-to sweet treat:
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Minimal ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have.
- Crispy-chewy perfection: A flawless texture combination every time.
If you’re a fan of traditional peanut butter cookies, this air fryer version gives you the same rich flavor with faster results. Plus, no heating up the whole kitchen!
How to Make Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
Quick Overview
This recipe delivers a batch of perfect cookies with minimal prep. Mix, shape, air fry, and enjoy—no chilling required!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, blend the peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and egg until smooth and creamy.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in baking soda, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until fully combined.
- Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them in the air fryer basket, leaving space for them to spread.
- Create the Classic Pattern: Use a fork to gently flatten each dough ball and make a crisscross pattern.
- Bake: Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool: Carefully transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes to firm up.
What to Serve with Peanut Butter Cookies
Enjoy these cookies on their own, or pair with a cold glass of milk, a warm latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert. They also make a great gift—wrap them in a cute tin or clear bag tied with a ribbon.
Top Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies
- Use smooth peanut butter for a more uniform texture, or crunchy if you like added bite.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Bake in batches to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Watch closely near the end: Air fryers vary, so check cookies at the 8-minute mark.
- Let them cool: They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem soft at first.
- Add chocolate chips: For an extra treat, mix in 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes at 300°F to revive the crispy exterior. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months—just add an extra minute when air frying from frozen.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter? Yes, but the texture may be a bit more crumbly. Stir well before measuring.
Do I need to line the air fryer? You can use parchment liners or a lightly greased basket to prevent sticking.
How many cookies does this recipe make? You’ll get about 16–18 cookies, depending on the size.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely—just bake in batches so the cookies have space to cook properly.
What if my cookies spread too much? Try chilling the dough for 15 minutes before baking if needed.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect blend of convenience and comfort, offering rich, nutty flavor with that irresistible soft-and-crispy texture. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just need a quick treat, these cookies hit the sweet spot every time. Grab your air fryer and give this simple recipe a try—you’ll be glad you did!
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, blend peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and egg until smooth.
- Stir in baking soda, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place in the air fryer basket with room to spread.
- Use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern onto each cookie.
- Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until golden at the edges.
- Transfer to a wire rack and cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Add 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist. Chill dough for 15 minutes before baking if cookies spread too much. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.