If you’re on the hunt for an irresistible, no-hassle treat, Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies will quickly become your new go-to favorite. These cookies manage to be rich, chewy, and satisfyingly sweet, all while coming together in under 20 minutes and with just a handful of pantry staples. Even better, there’s no fussing with flour, so they’re naturally gluten-free for all your friends and family to enjoy. With their classic crisscross pattern, tantalizing peanut aroma, and a texture that’s perfectly crisp at the edges and soft in the middle, this recipe is pure cookie bliss made ultra-simple thanks to your trusty air fryer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s a special sort of alchemy that happens when you mix just a few quality ingredients together, and this recipe proves it. Each ingredient in these Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies has a clear, delicious purpose—together, they create magic!
- Peanut Butter (1 cup, creamy): The heart and soul of the cookie, bringing richness and that unmistakable peanutty flavor.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps the cookies bake up with soft interiors.
- Packed Brown Sugar (1/2 cup): Lends a lovely hint of caramel and deepens the chewiness.
- Egg (1 large): Serves as the binder, holding all the ingredients together with moisture and structure.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Gives the cookies a warm, aromatic undertone that elevates all other flavors.
- Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon): Provides just the right lift so the cookies puff and set perfectly.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and highlights the nutty depth of the peanut butter.
How to Make Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Mix Everything Together
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl. Add the creamy peanut butter, both sugars, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon, stir everything really well until you have a thick, glossy dough. No flour here—this mix is pure peanut butter goodness! Make sure no streaks of brown sugar or clumps of baking soda remain.
Step 2: Shape and Pattern
Next, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough. Roll them gently between your palms into balls and place them on a plate or parchment sheet. To give these Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies that classic look, use the tines of a fork to gently press each ball flat, alternating directions to create a signature crisscross pattern.
Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or a perforated liner for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Carefully transfer the cookies to the basket, making sure to leave a little space between each one—they’ll expand as they bake. You’ll likely need to bake in batches, so don’t pack them in.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let the cookies bake for 6–8 minutes. Keep an eye on them around the 6-minute mark; you want the edges to turn golden while the centers look just set. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little soft straight out of the basket!
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
When the baking cycle ends, let the cookies rest in the basket for five minutes before carefully moving them to a cooling rack. This wait ensures they hold together perfectly. Repeat with the remaining dough, and enjoy the amazing aroma filling your kitchen!
How to Serve Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
Garnishes
Bring a little fanfare to your cookie plate! While these Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are stellar on their own, adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, chopped peanuts, or a light dusting of powdered sugar can elevate their presentation and flavor. If you’re a chocolate lover, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let them set—absolutely heavenly!
Side Dishes
Cookies and milk are a timeless duo, but feel free to get creative! These cookies pair wonderfully with cold almond or oat milk, steaming mugs of coffee, or even a milkshake for a fun dessert twist. For an after-school snack, serve them alongside crisp apple slices or berries for a pop of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, layer your Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies in mason jars and gift them with a ribbon, or arrange them as part of a cookie tray alongside your other favorite treats. Crumble a cookie or two over vanilla ice cream, use them as the “bread” in a frozen peanut butter ice cream sandwich, or create a cookie sundae bar for your next family get-together. The options are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your cookies are cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh, chewy, and delicious for up to five days—perfect for packing in lunchboxes or enjoying as a midnight snack.
Freezing
If you want to extend the cookie joy, these Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies freeze beautifully. Place baked (and cooled) cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment. You can also freeze unbaked, portioned dough balls for fresh cookies on demand. Cookies or dough both last up to three months in the freezer—just add a minute or two to the bake time if going straight from frozen.
Reheating
Want to recreate that just-baked warmth? Pop a cookie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or gently reheat a few in your air fryer at 300°F for a couple of minutes. This brings back the soft center and crisp edges as if they were fresh from the basket.
FAQs
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter gives your Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies delightful bits of peanutty crunch. The cookies might spread a little less, but the overall flavor and texture will still be fantastic.
Do I have to flatten the cookies with a fork?
The fork crisscross isn’t just for looks—it helps the cookies bake evenly and gives them that classic texture. If you want to mix things up, you could use the bottom of a glass or even your fingers, but the fork pattern is a nostalgic favorite.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! This dough doubles (or even triples) beautifully. Just make sure not to overcrowd your air fryer basket, and bake in batches so each Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookie has room to bake up golden and delicious.
Are these cookies suitable for people avoiding gluten?
They certainly are! With no flour in the ingredient list, these cookies are naturally gluten-free. Always double-check your peanut butter and vanilla extract to ensure they’re gluten-free if you’re baking for someone with allergies.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Stir in up to 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even butterscotch chips for extra flavor and fun. Just be careful not to overload the dough so your cookies maintain their perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a treat that’s both endlessly comforting and incredibly easy, these Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are calling your name. They’re a little bit nostalgic, a little bit modern, and entirely delicious. Gather your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and get ready for the simplest cookie magic you’ve ever tasted!
Print
Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are a quick and easy gluten-free dessert option that requires no flour. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of delicious cookies in no time. Perfect for a sweet treat that’s ready in minutes!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls.
- Flatten each ball slightly with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a perforated liner.
- Place cookies in a single layer, leaving space between each one.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
- Let cookies cool in the basket for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Repeat in batches as needed.
Notes
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free and require no flour.
- For extra texture, stir in 1/4 cup chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
