Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are one of those treats I keep coming back to—simple, fast, and so satisfying. One lazy Sunday, I was craving something warm and creamy but didn’t want to deal with the oven. That’s when I decided to try making peanut butter cookies in the air fryer—and they turned out perfectly golden with soft, melt-in-your-mouth centers. The nutty aroma filled the kitchen and brought back memories of baking with my grandma, but with my own modern twist. I love adding a creamy filling between two cookies to make sandwich-style bites—it’s my go-to way of making them extra special. These easy air fryer cookies are perfect for weeknight cravings, quick desserts, or sharing with friends. They’re rich, chewy, and just the right amount of sweet. If you love quick peanut butter cookie recipes that taste like a hug, you’re in the right place. Here’s how to make them.
What Makes This Peanut Butter Cookies So Irresistible
✔️ Air fryer magic – Less mess, faster bake time, and energy-efficient.
✔️ No chill time required – Mix, roll, and cook straight away.
✔️ Perfect texture – Crisp edges with a chewy, tender middle.
✔️ Customizable – Make it nut-free, gluten-free, or turn them into sandwich cookies!
✔️ Kid-approved – Fun to shape, quick to bake, and sweet to eat.
✔️ Only 30 minutes total – From bowl to belly.
Easy Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies (12 sandwich cookies if filled) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy, and quick to make, these Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect sweet treat. Ready in minutes with simple ingredients, this easy recipe is ideal for beginner bakers and dessert lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Filling (optional):
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons thick cream
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a firm dough forms.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and flatten slightly with a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and line the basket with parchment paper.
- Place cookies in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 6–8 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Cool cookies completely before filling, if desired.
- To make the filling, mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, and cream until smooth.
- Spread filling on the flat side of one cookie, then top with another to form a sandwich. Repeat.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing.
- Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months to bake later.
- Use gluten-free flour or sunflower seed butter for dietary needs.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; cook in batches.
- Filling is optional—cookies are delicious on their own!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes per batch
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Ingredients for Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
Cookie Dough Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
Filling Ingredients (Optional for Sandwich Cookies):
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons heavy cream (or thick cream)
Optional Substitutions:
✅ Swap peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for nut-free versions.
✅ Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a GF-friendly option.
✅ Dairy-free? Try vegan butter and plant-based cream alternatives.
How to Make Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies – Step by Step
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.
Add peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix again until well-combined and smooth.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until a firm dough forms.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Flatten slightly with a fork to create the classic crisscross pattern.
Place them on a parchment-lined tray or plate as you go.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper.
Place cookies in a single layer, leaving room for expansion. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Pro Tip: Want crispier cookies? Air fry for an extra 1–2 minutes.
Step 5: Cool and Prepare the Filling
Let cookies cool completely.
In a small bowl, mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth and spreadable.
Step 6: Assemble Sandwich Cookies
Spread filling on the flat side of one cookie, then press another on top to form a sandwich.
Repeat with remaining cookies for a decadent treat!
Pro Tips for Making the Best Peanut Butter Cookies
Room temperature butter helps create a smooth dough that creams easily.
Use a fork dipped in sugar to create the classic crisscross pattern without sticking.
Want to prep ahead? Freeze dough balls and bake straight from frozen — just add 1-2 extra minutes in the air fryer.
Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches for even air circulation.
Prefer small cookies? Reduce cook time by 1-2 minutes.
Best Ways to Serve Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
🍦 With a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert
☕ Alongside your favorite latte or cappuccino
🧺 Packed in a school lunchbox or picnic basket
🍓 With a side of fruit or jam for a PB&J twist
🥛 With a tall glass of cold milk – classic style!
Nutritional Information
Each cookie (without filling) contains approximately:
Calories: 215 kcal
Carbs: 23g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 14g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.
Storage & Leftovers
How to store:
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
In the fridge:
Store sandwich cookies in the fridge for up to 7 days to maintain the filling’s texture.
In the freezer:
Freeze cookie dough balls or baked cookies in a zip-lock bag for up to 3 months.
Best way to reheat:
Pop cookies in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes to refresh them!
FAQs Peanut Butter Cookies
Can I make Peanut Butter Cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough and freeze it in balls, or bake the cookies and store in an airtight container.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour.
What’s the secret to soft and chewy peanut butter cookies?
Creaming the butter and sugars well and not overbaking are the keys. They’ll firm up as they cool!
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Yes, preheating ensures even baking and that golden, crispy finish on the edges.
More Tasty Ideas to Explore
If you love these peanut butter cookies, don’t miss out on:
Keto Zucchini Bread Recipe | Low-Carb Snack Idea
Irresistible Chocolate Loaf Cake
Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake – Easy Fall Dessert Idea
Your Turn in the Kitchen!
Now that you know how to make the best peanut butter cookies in the air fryer, it’s time to try it yourself! Whether you go for the classic version or level up with sandwich cookies, they’re guaranteed to impress.
🍴Leave a comment below and tell us how yours turned out!
📸 Don’t forget to share your cookie creations on social media – tag us with #CookieCravings
Bringing It All Together
Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are everything you want in a sweet treat: quick, rich, nostalgic, and customizable. With only a few pantry staples and a handful of steps, you’ll have a dessert that everyone will ask for again and again.
Go ahead. Make a batch (or two). You’ve earned it. 🍪
