Butter Cookies Easy & Delicious
These Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with a rich peanut butter center. Made with simple ingredients and ready in just 25 minutes, this no-oven recipe is perfect for quick desserts or peanut butter lovers looking for an easy treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy: No need to heat the oven—your cookies are ready in under 30 minutes!
✔ Minimal Ingredients: Only 7 pantry staples required.
✔ Soft & Chewy: The gooey peanut butter filling makes these cookies irresistible.
✔ Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular peanut butter for a certified gluten-free brand.
✔ Perfect for Small Batches: Ideal for making just a dozen cookies without using a full-sized oven.
The Magic of Air Fryer Cookies
Air fryers have revolutionized home baking, allowing for faster cooking times, even heat distribution, and crispy edges with soft centers. Unlike traditional ovens, an air fryer circulates hot air around the food, creating a perfect texture in a fraction of the time. This method is particularly great for peanut butter cookies since the dough holds its shape well, and the quick cook time keeps them soft in the middle.
Another benefit? No preheating required for most air fryers, meaning you can enjoy homemade cookies without waiting!
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter (creamy and unsweetened preferred)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt
For the Filling:
- ¼ cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and the egg.
- Mix until smooth and creamy. This ensures all ingredients are well incorporated and the sugars dissolve slightly.
- Stir in the baking soda, vanilla extract, and sea salt until fully incorporated. The baking soda helps create a slightly airy texture, preventing the cookies from being too dense.
2. Make the Peanut Butter Filling
- In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup of peanut butter with 1 teaspoon of powdered sugar.
- Stir until the mixture becomes a slightly thicker, creamy filling. This step enhances the gooey center without being too runny.
3. Shape the Cookies
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and roll it into a ball.
- Flatten the dough slightly in your hand and add ½ teaspoon of the peanut butter filling in the center.
- Fold the dough around the filling, sealing it completely.
- Roll the filled dough ball gently to smooth it out. This prevents cracks and ensures even baking.
4. Flatten & Decorate
- Place the filled dough balls in the air fryer basket, ensuring space between each cookie (they will spread slightly).
- Using a fork, gently press a crisscross pattern onto the top of each cookie, flattening them slightly.
5. Air Fry the Cookies
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Some air fryers do not require preheating, but doing so helps achieve a consistent bake.
- Cook the cookies in batches for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow for proper air circulation.
6. Cool & Enjoy
- Carefully remove the cookies from the air fryer and transfer them to a wire rack.
- Let them cool for 5–10 minutes—the gooey peanut butter filling will firm up slightly but remain luscious.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- For Extra Flavor: Drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top.
- Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days (if they last that long!).
- Freezing Option: Store unbaked cookie dough balls in the freezer for up to 2 months. Air fry directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the cooking time.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Ensure all ingredients (including peanut butter) are certified gluten-free.
- Natural Peanut Butter? If using natural peanut butter, stir well before measuring to prevent excess oil separation.
Flavor Variations & Substitutions
Want to Mix It Up? Try These Variations!
- Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies – Add ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough before shaping.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter Cookies – Swap smooth peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter for extra texture.
- Nut-Free Option – Substitute sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
- Healthier Alternative – Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar and a monk fruit sweetener for a lower-carb option.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture to your cookies. However, smooth peanut butter works best for the filling.
Do I need to grease the air fryer basket?
If your air fryer basket isn’t non-stick, lightly spray it with cooking oil or use a piece of parchment paper.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies will be golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Simply double the ingredients and cook in batches. The cooking time remains the same.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 2 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are a game-changer for quick, easy, and delicious desserts. The air fryer creates a crispy outside with a soft, gooey center, making them absolutely irresistible.
Give this recipe a try, and let us know how it turns out! Leave a comment below and tag us on social media with your creations. Happy baking!
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