Who doesn’t love a classic peanut butter cookie? It’s a recipe that brings back memories of family gatherings and the sweet aroma filling the kitchen. Growing up, my grandmother would always have a batch ready whenever we visited, and the scent alone could make any bad day turn right around. But as much as I love the traditional way of baking these cookies, I’ve found a modern twist that makes them even more delightful – using an air fryer!
My journey with air frying began during a visit to my best friend’s house. She had just purchased an air fryer and was raving about how it transformed her cooking. Intrigued, I watched her whip up a batch of crispy snacks in no time. It wasn’t long before I got my own air fryer, and let me tell you, it’s been a game changer, especially for baking.
One lazy Sunday afternoon, I decided to experiment with my all-time favorite peanut butter cookie recipe. I was amazed at how perfectly the air fryer cooked these cookies, giving them a delightful crispiness on the outside while keeping them soft and chewy on the inside. The best part? It took just a fraction of the time compared to traditional baking.
This recipe is a wonderful blend of simplicity and nostalgia, with a touch of modern convenience. With only three ingredients – creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and an egg – it’s straightforward and perfect for quick baking sessions. Plus, the air fryer makes it incredibly easy to achieve that perfect texture without heating up the entire kitchen.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking for a fun and easy recipe to try, these Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Gather your ingredients, fire up the air fryer, and get ready to enjoy a batch of warm, delicious cookies that are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
How to Prepare the Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
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Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
Directions:
Begin by thoroughly mixing the peanut butter, sugar, and egg in a medium bowl until you have a smooth and consistent dough. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough.
After chilling, scoop out the dough using a cookie scoop or a heaping tablespoon and place the portions onto a sheet of parchment paper. Use a fork to press down on each ball of dough, creating a classic crisscross pattern and slightly flattening each cookie. Leave about ½ inch of space between each one.
Preheat your air fryer to 370°F. Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the cookies into the air fryer basket.
Air fry the cookies at 370°F for 4 minutes. Once the timer goes off, let the cookies rest in the air fryer for an additional 4 minutes to finish cooking through with the residual heat.
Remove the cookies and repeat the process until all the dough is used.
Enjoy your deliciously crispy and warm Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies!
FAQs:
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
While you can use chunky peanut butter, it may affect the texture of the cookies. The chunky bits could make the cookies less smooth and slightly harder, but they will still taste delicious. If you prefer a smoother cookie, stick with creamy peanut butter.
How long can I refrigerate the dough before air frying?
You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. In fact, chilling the dough longer can enhance the flavors and make it easier to handle. Just make sure to cover it properly to prevent it from drying out.
What should I do if my cookies are not cooked through after air frying?
If your cookies are not fully cooked after the initial 4 minutes of air frying and the additional resting time, you can air fry them for an extra 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become too hard. It’s important to check them frequently to get the desired texture.
Can I add other ingredients, like chocolate chips or nuts, to this recipe?
Yes, you can add ingredients such as chocolate chips or nuts to the dough. However, adding extra ingredients might slightly change the cooking time. Keep an eye on the cookies during air frying to ensure they cook evenly. Mixing in these extras can add delightful variations to your cookies.
Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer before cooking the cookies?
Preheating the air fryer is important for even cooking. It ensures that the cookies start baking at the right temperature, leading to a consistent texture. Therefore, always preheat your air fryer to 370°F before placing the cookies inside.
Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Start by creaming together the peanut butter, sugar, and egg in a medium mixing bowl until you get a smooth mixture. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to chill.
- Once chilled, use a cookie scoop or a heaping tablespoon to scoop out portions of dough onto parchment paper. Then, using a fork, press down on each cookie to create a crisscross pattern, flattening them slightly and leaving about ½ inch of space between each one.
- Now, it's time to air fry! Place the parchment paper with the cookies inside the air fryer. Set the temperature to 370°F and cook for 4 minutes. Once done, let the cookies sit inside the air fryer for another 4 minutes before taking them out.
- Repeat this process until you've used up all the cookie dough.
- Enjoy your freshly baked, perfectly crispy Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies!
