Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
Ready in about 20 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Soft, chewy peanut butter cookies with the classic criss-cross fork marks and a rich, nutty flavour. The air fryer bakes them in small batches for tender centres and lightly crisp edges every time.
Written for 12. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 200 g (3/4 cup) smooth peanut butter
- 150 g (3/4 cup) brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 100 g (3/4 cup) plain flour
- 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- Pinch of salt
Method
- 1Beat the peanut butter, sugar, egg and vanilla until smooth.
- 2Fold in the flour, bicarbonate and salt to form a soft dough.
- 3Roll into balls, place on lined parchment and press with a fork to make a criss-cross.
- 4Preheat the air fryer to 160°C/320°F.
- 5Air fry in batches for 7-9 minutes until set at the edges but still soft in the middle.
- 6Cool on the tray for a few minutes to firm up.
Tips for the best results
- Do not overbake; they finish setting as they cool.
- Use a shop-brand smooth peanut butter for reliable spread and texture.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer peanut butter cookies steams instead of browning.
- Pulling air fryer peanut butter cookies the moment the timer ends without checking the centre.
- Letting wet coating pieces touch, which peels the crust and keeps it soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer peanut butter cookies?
A typical starting point is 160°C / 320°F for 7-9 min. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
Can I make air fryer peanut butter cookies ahead?
Cook it, cool it quickly, and refrigerate. Reheat in the air fryer at a slightly lower temperature so the outside does not dry before the middle is hot.
How many people does air fryer peanut butter cookies serve?
This recipe is written for 12. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.