Air-Fried Peanut Butter Cookies: A Quick, Easy Treat

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to make delicious peanut butter cookies. Requiring only a few simple ingredients, these cookies can be made in under 20 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute snack. The cookies are lightly crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside, delivering the perfect bite for peanut butter lovers.

How to make peanut butter cookies in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 cup of peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
• ¾ cup of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder (optional)
• ¼ cup of butter, softened to room temperature (optional)
• ½ cup of all-purpose flour (optional)
• A pinch of salt (optional)

Utensils:

• Medium-sized mixing bowl
• Air fryer basket
• Parchment paper or silicone liner
• Spatula
• Wire rack

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 300-400°F. Different air fryers have different wattages, so you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time accordingly.
• In a mixing bowl, cream together the egg, sugar, and peanut butter until you have a smooth, creamy consistency. You can also add butter, flour, and baking powder to the mixture if you prefer a more traditional cookie dough.
• Roll the mixture into small balls, around a tablespoon in size.
• Place a sheet of parchment paper or a silicone liner at the bottom of your air fryer basket.
• Place the balls of cookie dough onto the parchment paper, leaving a gap of about an inch between each one.
• Use a fork to flatten the cookies slightly and create a crisscross pattern on top. This step is optional, but it will give your cookies that classic peanut butter cookie look.
• Place the basket into the air fryer and cook for 4-8 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown.
• Remove the basket from the air fryer and leave the cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

• You can use either creamy or crunchy peanut butter, depending on your preference.
• If you want to add a little extra sweetness, dip the fork in sugar before pressing it onto the cookie dough.
• It's important not to overfill your air fryer basket. Cook the cookies in batches if necessary, to avoid overcrowding.
• Always allow the cookies to cool slightly before removing them from the basket, as they will be soft and may crumble if you try to move them too soon.
• For easy cleanup, use parchment paper or a silicone liner in your air fryer basket.
• If you have any leftover cookies, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

The ingredients needed for air fryer peanut butter cookies

Making peanut butter cookies in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth. The ingredients are simple, and you probably already have them in your pantry. Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients:

• Peanut Butter: You can use either creamy or crunchy peanut butter, depending on your preference. If you're using natural peanut butter, note that your cookies may turn out less sweet.
• Sugar: White granulated sugar is recommended for the right consistency. You can also add brown sugar for a deeper flavour.
• Egg: This is essential to bind the ingredients together and give the cookies structure.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter and let it come to room temperature before mixing. If you only have salted butter, omit the salt in the recipe.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is the standard, but you can experiment with gluten-free alternatives.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These act as leavening agents to give your cookies a nice rise.
• Salt: Salt enhances the other flavours and balances the sweetness. Omit this if using salted butter.

With these simple ingredients, you can make delicious, crispy-on-the-outside and chewy-on-the-inside peanut butter cookies in your air fryer!

How to store air fryer peanut butter cookies

Air fryer peanut butter cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. To reheat, allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place the cookies in an airtight container. If you plan to stack the cookies, use parchment paper or wax paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.
• Store the container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• If you want to store the cookies for a longer period, freeze them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 2 hours until they are solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• To thaw frozen cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour. You can also reheat the cookies in the air fryer at a low temperature for a few minutes until warmed through.

How to jazz up plain peanut butter cookies

Use Different Types of Peanut Butter

Try using a different type of peanut butter, such as crunchy or super-crunchy peanut butter, to add texture. However, avoid using natural peanut butter as it has less sugar and oil than regular peanut butter, which can affect the taste and texture of the cookies.

Add Salt

Adding a bit more salt to the cookie dough can enhance the other flavours. You can also sprinkle flaked salt on top of the cookies before baking for added texture and flavour.

Combine with Other Ingredients

Try adding some mix-ins to your cookie dough, such as semi-sweet dark chocolate chips, peanut brittle, or caramel chips. You can also make thumbprint cookies and fill them with a small amount of Nutella before baking. For an extra indulgent treat, make peanut butter oatmeal chocolate chip cookies with caramel chips.

Make Them Extra Peanutty

For an extra peanutty treat, spread melted peanut butter chips on top of the baked cookies, then sprinkle with crushed peanut brittle candy. You can also dip the cookies in chocolate and sprinkle with flaked salt, or drizzle them with melted peanut butter.

Experiment with Different Flavour Combinations

Peanut butter pairs well with a variety of other flavours, such as chocolate, maple, banana, and cinnamon. Try adding some maple extract or browning the butter to enhance the nutty flavour of the cookies. You can also experiment with different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or honey, to add depth of flavour.

Get Creative with Presentation

Instead of the traditional fork marks, try using a cookie stamp to create a unique design on top of the cookies. You can also shape the dough into different shapes, such as bars or slices, for a change from the usual round cookies.

The benefits of using an air fryer

Yes, you can make peanut butter cookies in an air fryer! Here's a simple recipe:

Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3/4 to 1 cup granulated white sugar
• 1 large egg
• Parchment paper

Method:

• Mix the peanut butter, egg, and sugar in a medium-sized bowl until you have a creamy consistency.
• Cover the bottom of the air fryer basket with parchment paper.
• Drop rounded teaspoons of the cookie dough onto the parchment paper. Flatten the dough slightly and make a crisscross pattern on top using a fork.
• Place the basket into the air fryer and cook at 300-400°F for 4-8 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown.
• Remove the basket from the air fryer and let the cookies cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Now, here are some benefits of using an air fryer:

Air fryers have gained popularity in recent years as a convenient, healthy, and versatile alternative to traditional frying methods. Here are some of the key benefits of using an air fryer:

• Healthy Cooking Option: Air fryers use minimal oil, reducing the amount of fat and calories in your food compared to deep frying. This makes it a healthier option without sacrificing the taste and texture of deep-fried foods.
• Perfectly Crispy and Juicy Results: Air fryers circulate hot air around your food at high heat, creating a crispy, golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside moist and juicy. This makes them ideal for cooking a variety of foods, from chicken and potatoes to desserts like cookies.
• Fast and Efficient: Air fryers heat up quickly and cook food faster than conventional ovens. They also require less preparation and cleanup, making them perfect for busy weeknights and quick meals.
• Energy Efficiency: Air fryers use less energy than traditional ovens and stovetops, reducing your carbon footprint and saving you money on your electricity bill.
• Convenience: Air fryers are countertop appliances that are easy to use and don't require preheating. They are also great for reheating leftovers, making them crispy and tasty instead of soggy.
• Versatility: Air fryers can be used for a wide range of cooking tasks beyond frying, including baking, roasting, grilling, and heating up leftovers. They come with accessories like baking pans and grill grates, allowing you to cook various dishes.
• Easy Cleanup: Air fryer baskets are easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher. You can also use parchment paper or silicone liners for even easier cleanup.
• Small Batch Cooking: Air fryers are perfect for making small batches of treats, such as cookies, without having to heat up your entire oven.

Frequently asked questions