Air Fryer Marshmallows: Safe Or Not?

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to making s'mores over a campfire. They can be made in under 5 minutes with just three ingredients: graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate. The marshmallows come out perfectly golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a gooey centre. The chocolate melts, and the graham crackers are crisp.

Air fryer s'mores recipe

Ingredients:

• Graham crackers
• Marshmallows
• Chocolate (any type)
• Optional: toothpicks

Method:

• Place the graham cracker halves on a plate. Add the marshmallow to one half and the chocolate pieces to the other. You can break the marshmallow in half and place the sticky side down to help it stay on the cracker.
• Preheat the air fryer to 380-400°F. Carefully add the graham cracker with the marshmallow. Air fry for 2-4 minutes, depending on your air fryer.
• Remove the graham cracker and place the other half with the chocolate on top. Press down so the chocolate melts.
• Serve and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can use a toothpick to secure the marshmallow to the cracker.
• If you're making a large batch, test one first to get the timing right.
• Lay the graham crackers in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Add the chocolate while the marshmallow is still hot so it melts.
• You can add fruit, such as strawberries or bananas, or switch up the chocolate and crackers for different flavours.

Air fryer temperature and timing

Air fryer s'mores are a quick and easy dessert that can be made in a matter of minutes. The ideal temperature for cooking marshmallows in an air fryer is between 375 and 390 degrees Fahrenheit. The timing depends on the desired level of doneness, with 3 minutes resulting in a light golden layer, and 4 to 7 minutes producing a deep brown colour. It is important to keep an eye on the marshmallows as they cook, as they can easily burn.

When making s'mores in an air fryer, it is recommended to use jumbo or regular-sized marshmallows to prevent them from falling off the graham crackers. The graham crackers should be placed in a single layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket, with the marshmallows placed on top. A wire rack can be placed on top of the marshmallows to prevent them from flying off.

For best results, preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature before adding the ingredients. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of the air fryer, so it is important to keep an eye on the marshmallows to ensure they don't burn. Once the marshmallows are golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and assemble the s'mores by adding chocolate and another graham cracker on top.

Some recipes suggest adding the chocolate before air frying, but this can result in burnt chocolate. It is generally recommended to add the chocolate after air frying to ensure it melts but doesn't burn.

Air fryer preparation tips

Ingredients

Firstly, you will need graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate. You can use regular or jumbo marshmallows, and any type of chocolate you like. You can also add extra toppings such as fruit, peanut butter, or Oreos.

Assembly

Place the graham crackers in the air fryer in a single layer, then top with marshmallows. It is recommended to break the marshmallows in half and place the sticky side down on the graham crackers to prevent them from falling off during cooking. You can also use a wire rack or toothpicks to secure the marshmallows in place.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F. Air fry for 2-7 minutes, checking regularly to avoid burning. The ideal cooking time will depend on your air fryer and how toasted you like your marshmallows.

Serving

Once the marshmallows are golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and add the chocolate and the other half of the graham cracker. Gently press down so that the residual heat from the marshmallows melts the chocolate. Enjoy your s'mores!

Air fryer alternatives

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy, golden brown, and evenly cooked food without using much oil. They are compact, easy to use, and energy-efficient. However, if you are looking for alternatives to air fryers, here are some options to consider:

• Convection Oven: Convection ovens are similar to air fryers in that they use hot air and fans to circulate heat and cook food. They are larger than air fryers and may take longer to heat up and cook, but they can be more versatile for different types of cooking.
• Deep Fryer: Deep fryers use large amounts of oil to cook food, resulting in a crispy texture and rich flavor. While less healthy and more messy than air fryers, deep fryers can be a good alternative if you are looking for that traditional deep-fried taste and texture.
• Stovetop Cooking: For a more traditional and hands-on approach, you can use a stovetop and various cooking methods such as frying, sautéing, or grilling. This gives you more control over the cooking process but may require more time and attention.
• Outdoor Grilling: If you enjoy cooking outdoors, grilling is a great alternative to air frying. It adds a smoky flavor to your food and is perfect for barbecues and outdoor gatherings.
• Microwave Oven: Microwaves use radiation to heat and cook food, which can be faster and more convenient than air frying for certain types of meals. However, microwaves may not produce the same crispy texture as air fryers.
• Traditional Oven: A standard oven uses radiant heat to cook food and is suitable for a wide range of dishes. While it may take longer to heat up and cook compared to an air fryer, a traditional oven can be more versatile and better suited for larger dishes.

Air fryer serving suggestions

Air fryers are a great way to make s'mores, allowing you to enjoy this classic dessert all year round without the need for a campfire. They are also perfect for serving at a birthday party or summer barbecue. Here are some tips for making and serving delicious s'mores using your air fryer.

Preparation

Before you start, preheat your air fryer to around 380-400°F. You can then begin assembling your s'mores. Place the graham crackers in the air fryer basket, breaking them in half if necessary to fit. It is recommended to use a single layer of crackers to ensure even cooking. For a simple s'more, place a marshmallow on top of each cracker. For a more indulgent treat, add a piece of chocolate on top of the marshmallow. Close the air fryer and cook for around 3-7 minutes, keeping a close eye on the treats to ensure they don't burn. The ideal cooking time will depend on your air fryer and how toasted you like your marshmallows. Once they are golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and add the top graham cracker.

Variations

While the classic combination of graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate is hard to beat, there are endless variations you can try. Get creative and experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark, milk, or white chocolate, or even peanut butter cups or Oreo cookies. For a fruity twist, add some fresh strawberry or banana slices. If you're feeling adventurous, try using alternative bases such as chocolate chip cookies or pretzels instead of graham crackers. You can also add spreads like peanut butter or caramel to take your s'mores to the next level.

Tips for Success

When preparing your s'mores, it's important to ensure that the marshmallows don't blow off the graham crackers during cooking due to the air fryer's fan. To prevent this, try breaking the marshmallows in half and placing the sticky side down on the crackers. You can also use a toothpick to secure the marshmallows. If you're making a large batch, it's a good idea to test one s'more first to determine the ideal cooking time for your air fryer.

Serving

S'mores are best served fresh, so it's not recommended to store leftovers. If you're serving a large group, you may need to cook the s'mores in batches. Simply repeat the process until you have enough to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth!

Frequently asked questions