Making air fryer peanut butter cookies is an easy way to enjoy a classic treat with a twist. They turn out soft and chewy, just how a good cookie should be.
This recipe provides solutions for dry cookies, quick preparation, meal prep options, and accommodates various dietary needs, making it versatile and satisfying.
I’ve faced the challenge of keeping my cookies from getting too dry, especially with peanut butter, but these hit the sweet spot every time. Plus, I love that they can be whipped up quickly for an after-school snack or an unexpected guest.
These cookies bake in just about 8-10 minutes, providing a warm, comforting aroma that fills my kitchen. You’ll find they work well despite being in an air fryer, which makes cleanup a breeze. If you want to keep the cookie spirit alive, try my Chocolate Peanut Clusters next!
Table of contents
Dietary Considerations
- This recipe is gluten-free due to the use of a certified gluten-free flour.
- The recipe contains granulated sugar, so it is unsuitable for keto diets.
- This recipe does not meet vegan standards due to the inclusion of egg.
- The recipe is not nut-free, as the core ingredient here is peanut butter.
- This recipe is suitable for dairy-free diets because it does not include dairy ingredients.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple to Make You can whip up these air fryer peanut butter cookies in no time. With just a few short steps, you’re only about 10 minutes away from fresh, warm cookies.
- Nutty and Sweet Flavor The combination of rich peanut butter and a hint of sweetness creates a satisfying treat. Each bite offers a classic peanut butter taste that’s both comforting and familiar.
- Great for Meal Prep These cookies store well, staying fresh for days. You can easily make a batch ahead of time and have a tasty snack ready when you need it.
- Customizable Ingredients If you want to switch things up, feel free to add in gluten-free flour or adjust the sweetness to suit your taste. This easy peanut butter recipe is versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences.
Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Category: dessert
- Method: air frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: gluten-free
Description
A simple and enjoyable recipe for air fryer peanut butter cookies that are soft and chewy, perfect for snacks or unexpected guests.
Ingredients
- 1 cup natural, unsweetened peanut butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup gluten-free chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and the room-temperature egg. Stir the mixture until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Properly mixing these ingredients ensures a well-blended dough for your air fryer peanut butter cookies.
- Carefully fold in the gluten-free flour, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Make sure to incorporate everything without overmixing. This delicate folding keeps your cookies tender and gives them just the right texture.
- Using a tablespoon-sized scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into smooth balls with your hands. Placing evenly sized balls on the tray will help them cook uniformly in the air fryer, leading to consistent results.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it ensures the cookies cook evenly, achieving that perfect golden exterior while maintaining a soft interior.
- Arrange the cookie balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, taking care not to overcrowd them. Cook for 7 minutes or until they are lightly browned. This timing is essential to prevent the cookies from drying out during the cooking process.
- When the cookies are done, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing them to cool will help them set properly, resulting in wonderfully chewy air fryer peanut butter cookies.
Notes
- For best results, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, as this helps achieve a well-combined dough.
- A natural, unsweetened peanut butter is recommended for better control over sugar content, allowing for a richer flavor.
- If you like, you can adjust the sugar levels based on your taste preference while keeping in mind that this may affect sweetness and texture.
- The use of gluten-free flour that includes xanthan gum is recommended, as it mimics the texture of traditional flour.
- Try adding chocolate chips to the dough for an extra burst of flavor, ensuring they are gluten-free if necessary.
- Make sure to let the cookies cool on a wire rack after air frying; this will help them firm up and maintain their chewy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Ingredient Notes
- Peanut butter: Use a natural, unsweetened peanut butter for better control over sugar levels. It gives your cookies a rich flavor and creamy texture.
- Granulated sugar: A good quality granulated sugar helps achieve a nice sweetness without overpowering the peanut butter flavor. It’s essential for a crisp texture.
- Brown sugar: Light or dark brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel taste. This ingredient complements the peanut butter’s nuttiness nicely.
- Egg: One large egg binds the ingredients together and adds moisture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for better mixing.
- Gluten-free flour: I recommend a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum, which helps mimic traditional flour’s texture.
- Baking soda: It acts as a leavening agent, allowing your cookies to rise slightly. Just a pinch does the trick to keep them light.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, giving your cookies a warm, inviting taste.
- Chocolate chips (optional): Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips can bring an extra layer of flavor. Look for gluten-free options to suit dietary needs.
Recipe Baking Tips
- If dough is too dry, add 1 teaspoon of almond milk to achieve a workable consistency before rolling into balls.
- When cookies begin to brown, check them at 8 minutes to prevent overcooking; they should still appear soft in the center.
- If cookies spread too much, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to firm it up before air frying.
- For even baking, arrange cookies with 2 inches of space apart on the air fryer tray so they don’t touch.
- If you’re unsure about doneness, insert a toothpick 9 minutes into baking; it should come out clean or with minimal crumbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a glass of almond milk or a cup of coffee. Pair with fresh fruit like strawberries or banana slices.
Use to make ice cream sandwiches with your favorite dairy-free ice cream. Add to a breakfast bowl with Greek yogurt and berries.
Top with a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Add a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream for extra taste.
Recipe variations
- You can use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture in your air fryer peanut butter cookies. Crunchy peanut butter offers a delightful crunch in every bite.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavor of the cookies. These additions help elevate the sweetness while giving a slightly savory note.
- Either use dark chocolate chips or sugar-free chocolate chips as a mix-in to keep the cookies satisfying for a variety of diets. These options cater to both chocolate lovers and those managing sugar intake.
- If you’re preparing a larger batch, you can easily double or triple the ingredients, making about 24-36 cookies. Adjust the air frying time if working in multiple batches to ensure even cooking.
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How to Store?
To keep your air fryer peanut butter cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days. This prevents them from becoming stale.
Refrigeration: Place cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week. This helps maintain their softness and flavor.
Freezing: Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer bag up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Toasted Coconut Marshmallows
- Sourdough Blueberry Scones
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
If you enjoyed this air fryer peanut butter cookies or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
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