Let’s make soft and chewy peanut butter cookies in the air fryer. I’ll give you a detailed, step-by-step recipe with precise temperature, timing, and tips for perfect cookies.
Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies 🥜🍪
Ingredients (makes 12–14 cookies)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or regular)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt (optional, if peanut butter is unsalted)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix well.
- Stir in baking soda and salt until fully incorporated.
- Chill the dough for 10–15 minutes if it feels too soft to handle.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket or line it with parchment paper.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
- Scoop about 1–1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie.
- Roll into a ball and place in the air fryer basket.
- Important: Leave at least 1 inch of space between cookies—they spread slightly.
- Optional: Press down gently with a fork in a crisscross pattern for classic peanut butter cookie look.
Step 4: Air Fry the Cookies
- Cook at 320°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes.
- Check at 8 minutes—edges should be firm, centers slightly soft.
- Remove cookies carefully and let them cool on a wire rack; they firm up as they cool.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve warm for soft, gooey cookies or completely cool for slightly firmer texture.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Tips for Best Air Fryer Cookies
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook in batches for even baking.
- Soft cookies: Slightly underbake and allow to cool—they will firm up.
- Crispier cookies: Cook an extra 1–2 minutes at the same temperature.
- Add-ins: Chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or cinnamon can be added to the dough.
- Check your air fryer: Temperatures vary slightly; start with 8 minutes and adjust time as needed.
Benefits
- Protein-rich: Peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats.
- Quick & Easy: No flour or complicated steps; dough comes together in minutes.
- Less heat in the kitchen: Air fryer avoids heating the whole oven.