Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade air fryer peanut butter cookies with this easy baking recipe. Ready in minutes, these cookies feature that perfect chewy center and crispy edge without turning on your oven. The quick air fryer method delivers the same delicious results in half the time!

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

8 mins

Serves:

12 cookies

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">130g smooth peanut butter (or crunchy for added texture)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g light brown sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">80g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp baking soda</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Parchment paper for lining air fryer basket</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Medium mixing bowl</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Fork for crosshatching</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter and brown sugar, mixing until well incorporated and slightly lighter in color. This creaming process helps dissolve the sugar crystals into the fat, creating a better texture in the final cookie.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add the egg and vanilla extract, then beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The mixture should look glossy and somewhat fluffy.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, gently folding until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can develop too much gluten, resulting in tough cookies.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>The dough will be quite soft but should hold its shape. If it seems too sticky to handle, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to firm up slightly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 160°C for about 2 minutes. While it's preheating, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper, making sure it doesn't touch the heating element.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the dough into 12 equal balls (about 25g each). Place them on a plate or tray, ready for the air fryer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Place 3-4 cookie dough balls in the air fryer basket, leaving at least 5cm between them as they will spread. Using a fork, gently press down on each ball in a crisscross pattern to create the classic peanut butter cookie look. This also helps them cook evenly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Air fry for 7-8 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. They'll appear underdone but will firm up as they cool. The low temperature prevents them from burning before cooking through.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Carefully remove the cookies from the air fryer and let them rest on the parchment for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief resting time allows the structure to set, preventing breakage.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Repeat with the remaining dough until all cookies are baked. Allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. For the best chewy texture, enjoy within 3 days.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe?

These easy cookies require smooth peanut butter, light brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. The recipe also suggests parchment paper for lining the air fryer basket and notes you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.

How to cook Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies by mixing peanut butter and sugar, adding egg and vanilla, then incorporating dry ingredients. Form dough balls, place them in a parchment-lined air fryer basket, create crosshatch patterns with a fork, and cook at 160°C for 7-8 minutes until edges are set but centres remain soft. Allow to cool before serving.

Why do peanut butter cookies have the classic fork crosshatch pattern?

The distinctive crosshatch pattern serves multiple purposes: it flattens the dense dough for more even cooking, creates the traditional look people associate with peanut butter cookies, prevents over-rising, and allows the cookies to cook through properly without burning the edges.

Can I use natural peanut butter for air fryer cookies?

Natural peanut butter can work but may produce different results. The oils separate more easily in natural varieties, potentially making cookies oilier or drier. For best results, use commercial creamy peanut butter, or if using natural, ensure it's well-stirred and consider adding 1-2 tbsp more flour.

How do I know when air fryer cookies are properly cooked?

Properly cooked peanut butter cookies in an air fryer will have set edges but still look slightly soft in the centre. Don't wait for them to look completely done, as they continue to firm up while cooling. The total cooking time is typically 7-8 minutes at 160°C.

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