Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

In the fast-paced world we live in, finding quick and satisfying recipes can be a game changer, especially for those with a sweet tooth. Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that combines the convenience of an air fryer with the irresistible taste of peanut butter cookies.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 12 cookies
• Calories per serving: 280 kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, based on your preference)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Directions

1. Mix Ingredients: Start by combining the peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, and egg in a mixing bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth, ensuring that all ingredients are well blended.
2. Add Dry Ingredients: To the smooth mixture, add the baking soda, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix these in until everything is evenly distributed through the dough.
3. Shape Cookies: Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls. Place these balls in the air fryer basket, spaced apart to allow room for spreading. This is crucial as it prevents the cookies from merging into one another during cooking.
4. Pattern and Cook: Before cooking, flatten each ball slightly with a fork, pressing a crisscross pattern on the top. This not only helps them cook evenly but also gives them their classic cookie appearance. Set your air fryer to 350°F and cook the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until you see the edges turn a lovely golden brown.
5. Cool: Once done, remove the cookies from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack. This step is important as it helps the cookies set properly, improving their texture and making them easier to handle.

Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

• Spacing: Ensure there is adequate space between the cookies in the air fryer. Overcrowding can lead to unevenly cooked cookies.
• Baking Soda: Do not substitute baking powder for baking soda in this recipe. Baking soda helps in getting the perfect texture.
• Variations: For a fun twist, you can add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough before rolling.

These peanut butter cookies are not just easy to make but are also incredibly delicious. They offer a perfect blend of crunchiness and sweetness, making them a great treat for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dessert for a family dinner or just satisfying a midnight cookie craving, this air fryer recipe is sure to delight.

Enjoy your baking, and indulge in the simple pleasure of a freshly baked peanut butter cookie without the guilt of traditional frying!