The Best Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
Calling all bakers and cookie lovers! If you're looking for a delicious, easy, and healthier way to make peanut butter cookies, then this blog post is for you. We are excited to share our recipe for Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies - a twist on the classic treat that will leave your taste buds satisfied and your kitchen mess-free. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting out in the world of baking, using an air fryer to make these cookies will elevate your game and impress anyone who takes a bite. So preheat your air fryer and get ready to indulge in some mouthwatering cookies without any guilt or hassle. Trust us, once you try this peanut butter cookie method, there's no going back!
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What ingredients do I need to make Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies?
My favorite thing about this recipe is that you only need three ingredients to make it! Here is what you will need to have on hand for this easy peanut butter cookie recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter
- ¾ Cup White Granulated Sugar
- 1 Large Egg
Items Needed:
- Air Fryer
- Parchment Paper (Note: You can use regular parchment paper, but I like to use these parchment paper liners, specifically designed for the air fryer)
- Fork
Looking for more delicious Air Frye Dessert Ideas? Give these reader favorites a try!
Recipe for Almond Butter Cookies in the Air Fryer | Caramelized Bananas in the Air Fryer | Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies | Puff Pastry Apple Roses in the Air Fryer
How do I make Peanut Butter Cookies in the Air Fryer?
Step 1: Combine ingredients
Start off by combining the peanut butter, sugar and egg in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Mix with a wooden spoon until fully combined.
Step 2: Chill the cookie dough
Cover the bowl of cookie batter with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to chill. Note: Do not skip this step, as it makes the peanut butter cookie dough easier to handle.
Step 3: Form peanut butter cookies
Use a 1 ½-inch cookie scoop to scoop the dough out of the bowl. Use a heaping tablespoon if you do not have a cookie scoop. Roll the dough into a ball in the palm of your hand and lay it onto parchment paper. Using a fork, press the cookie flat, first in one direction, then again from the opposite direction to make a crisscross pattern on top. Continue the same process until you have used up the cookie dough.
Step 4: Air fry the cookies
Line the bottom of your air fryer with parchment paper. Be sure to not have extra parchment paper running up the side of the air fryer or it will get caught by the air and fold over the cookies. Place as many cookies in your air fryer that will fit, while giving each cookie a half inch space. I was able to do about 4-6 at a time. Set your air fryer to 370 degrees on the air fryer setting and cook them for 4 minutes before letting them rest in the air fryer for 4 minutes. Repeat until you've used up your batter. Enjoy!
- IMPORTANT RECIPE NOTE: THE AIR FRYER SHOULD BE TURNED OFF AFTER 4 MINUTES, BUT THE COOKIES NEED TO REMAIN IN THE AIR FRYER FOR AT LEAST 4 MORE MINUTES AS THEY WILL CONTINUE TO BAKE AS THE AIR FRYER COOLS DOWN. CHECK THEM AND IF THEY HAVE FIRMED UP, REMOVE THEM FROM THE AIR FRYER AND ALLOW THEM TO COOL ON THE COUNTER FOR ADDITIONAL 5 MINUTES.
- NOTE: COOKING TIMES CAN VARY FROM MAKE, MODEL AND SIZE OF AIR FRYER.
Not a fan of peanut butter? Why not give these Almond Butter Air Fryer Cookies a try!
What happens if you put a cookie in an air fryer?
You will notice that the outside of these air fryer peanut butter cookies will become slightly crispy while leaving the inside chewier than a traditional oven-baked peanut butter cookie recipe does. In general, this is what happens to most cookie recipes made in the air fryer. You might not be able to cook them in bigger batches like the oven, but you save so much cooking time, oven heating time, etc., that it's still oftentimes quicker in the air fryer.
Should peanut butter cookie dough be refrigerated before air frying?
Yes, peanut butter cookie dough should be refrigerated before baking. You want to make sure the dough is firm enough not to expand too much when baking with an air fryer. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before placing it on top of the parchment paper and into your air fryer.
How long will air fryer peanut butter cookies last?
Peanut butter cookies fried in the air fryer will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container. Leftovers can also be frozen and enjoyed throughout the month.
Can I use parchment paper in the air fryer?
You can use parchment paper in an air fryer, but only if done correctly to ensure safety and optimal cooking results. Parchment paper can help prevent food from sticking and make cleanup easier, especially when cooking sticky or greasy foods like marinated chicken wings or baked goods. I like to use perforated air fryer-safe parchment paper so the air can circulate freely, which is essential for the fryer to function properly. If you use regular parchment paper, you can use a fork to poke holes in it to allow the air to circulate. Avoid placing parchment paper in the fryer without food on top, as the lightweight paper could lift and touch the heating element, posing a fire hazard. With proper usage, parchment paper can become a helpful tool to enhance your air frying experience.
Do I have to use parchment paper for these easy air fryer cookies?
Yes. Due to the breathing holes in the bottom of your air fryer, the cookies could seep through as the cooking process starts. No one wants to clean up that mess! I don't suggest tin foil as it will cause them to cook too quickly and unevenly. Parchment paper is the best choice.
Can you freeze the air fryer peanut butter cookies?
Yes! Peanut butter cookie dough can be frozen for up to a month. Place individual cookies on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes before transferring to a freezer bag. You can also freeze leftover air-fried peanut butter cookies to enjoy later. To defrost, simply allow the cookies to thaw overnight in your refrigerator before enjoying them.
Perfect Pairings for Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut butter cookies are a classic, rich, nutty treat that can stand alone or be elevated with the perfect sidekick. Whether you're hosting a party, indulging in a solo dessert moment, or baking for loved ones, these five pairings will take your peanut butter cookies to the next level of deliciousness.
A Tall Glass of Milk: There's a reason milk and cookies are a timeless combo. The creamy, refreshing quality of milk balances out the sweet, nutty flavors of peanut butter cookies. For a twist, try pairing it with vanilla almond milk or chocolate oat milk for added flavor!
Chocolate Ice Cream: Warm peanut butter cookies with a scoop (or two) of creamy chocolate ice cream? Yes, please. The cold, rich chocolate pairs perfectly with the warm, slightly salty cookie taste, creating the ultimate dessert experience.
Coffee or Espresso: If you're serving cookies to adults, coffee is the sophisticated choice pairing. A strong black coffee or a creamy latte complements the intense peanut butter flavor while providing a welcome bitterness to balance the sweetness.
Fruit Preserves: Channel those nostalgic PB&J vibes by pairing your cookies with fruity preserves. Raspberry jam, strawberry spread, or a tart marmalade adds fruity brightness and a touch of elegance.
Hot Chocolate: For a cozy dessert pairing, serve your peanut butter cookies alongside a mug of velvety hot chocolate. Add a swirl of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon to your cocoa for an indulgent touch that kids and adults alike will love.
Bonus Tip: Want to take your cookie-serving game even further? Crumble a peanut butter cookie over any of the options above for a fun and creative twist.
The Best Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
Equipment
- Parchment paper liners You can use regular parchment paper, but I like these square air fryer parchment paper liners. They are easy to use, inexpensive and work great!
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter
- ¾ Cup White Granulated Sugar
- 1 Large Egg
Instructions
- Combine all three ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Mix until fully combined.
- Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Using a 1 ½-inch cookie scoop, or heaping tablespoon, scoop the dough onto parchment paper.
- Using a fork, press the cookie flat, first one direction, then again from the opposite direction to make a crosshatch pattern on top.
- Line the bottom of your air fryer with parchment paper. Be sure to not have extra parchment paper running up the side of the air fryer or it will get caught by the air and fold over the cookies.
- Place as many cookies in your air fryer that will fit, while giving each cookie a half inch space. I was able to do about 4-6 at a time.
- Set your air fryer at 370 degrees ON THE AIR FRYER SETTING and cook them for 4 minutes before letting them rest in the air fryer for 4 minutes. IMPORTANT RECIPE NOTE: THE AIR FRYER SHOULD BE TURNED OFF AFTER 4 MINUTES, BUT THE COOKIES NEED TO REMAIN IN THE AIR FRYER FOR AT LEAST 4 MORE MINUTES AS THEY WILL CONTINUE TO BAKE AS THE AIR FRYER COOLS DOWN. CHECK THEM AND IF THEY HAVE FIRMED UP, REMOVE THEM FROM THE AIR FRYER AND ALLOW THEM TO COOL ON THE COUNTER FOR ADDITIONAL 5 MINUTES.
- Repeat until you’ve used up your batter. Enjoy!
Notes
- NOTE: COOKING TIMES CAN VARY FROM MAKE, MODEL AND SIZE OF AIR FRYER.
- It’s important that you do not skip the chilling step. The air fryer will make the cookies spread and be crumbly more than the oven. The chilling step keeps them from spreading too much and keeps them from being a crumbly mess when leaving the air fryer.
- It’s also very important to not touch the cookies until they’ve set for a minimum of 4 minutes. This allows them to set up and not fall apart when removed from the air fryer.
- I like to shape the parchment paper to the bottom of my air fryer, then pull it out and prepare my cookies on it. This way, I can just set the parchment paper back inside without having to set one cookie at a time inside the air fryer.
- Each air fryer is a different shape. Mine allowed for 4-6 cookies at a time, but your shape might not allow that many, and it may allow for more. Just be sure to give enough space for the cookies to spread a bit and you’ll be good to go.
- Putting more or less cookies doesn’t require you to adjust the cook time or rest time.
- This cookie dough is very sticky, so it’s best to not get your hands involved in the scooping process and stick to a scoop or spoon.
- Each air fryer has various cooking settings. If your air fryer doesn’t have a 370 degree setting, choose the closest step under it as opposed to over it.
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