Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
Introduction
Are you a fan of peanut butter cookies? Do you love the crispy edges and soft centers? Well, get ready to experience a whole new level of peanut butter cookie perfection with this recipe for Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies. Using an air fryer to bake these cookies gives them a delightful texture that is both crispy and chewy at the same time. Plus, it’s a quick and easy way to enjoy freshly baked cookies without heating up your kitchen. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the optional toppings:
- Granulated sugar for rolling
- Chocolate chips
- Chopped peanuts
Steps
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your cookies cook evenly and develop that perfect texture.
Step 2: Prepare the cookie dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until smooth and well combined. You can use an electric mixer or mix by hand. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 3: Shape the cookies
Using your hands, roll the cookie dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. If desired, you can roll the dough balls in granulated sugar for a little extra sweetness and crunch.
Step 4: Air fry the cookies
Place the cookie dough balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each cookie. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to bake the cookies in batches.
Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may still appear slightly undercooked, but they will firm up as the cookies cool. Keep a close eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent them from burning.
Step 5: Cool and enjoy
Once the cookies are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a wire rack to cool. Allow them to cool completely before enjoying, as they will continue to set as they cool down. Serve with a cold glass of milk or a cup of your favorite hot beverage.
Variations
While these Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are delicious on their own, you can also add some fun variations to customize them to your liking:
1. Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies
Add a cup of chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an extra chocolatey twist. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a classic that never disappoints.
2. Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies
Make a small indentation in the center of each cookie dough ball before air frying. Once the cookies are cooked and cooled, fill the indentation with your favorite jelly or jam. The sweet and tangy filling pairs perfectly with the rich peanut butter flavor.
3. Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies
Create a marbled effect by adding a spoonful of chocolate or Nutella to the cookie dough and gently swirling it with a toothpick. This adds a beautiful visual appeal and a hint of chocolate to every bite.
Tips
Follow these tips to ensure your Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies turn out perfectly every time:
1. Use creamy peanut butter
For the best texture and flavor, use creamy peanut butter in this recipe. The smoothness of the peanut butter will help create soft and chewy cookies.
2. Don’t overmix the dough
Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix the ingredients until just combined to achieve a tender texture.
3. Adjust the cooking time
Every air fryer is slightly different, so keep an eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of cooking. Adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve your desired level of crispiness.
4. Let the cookies cool completely
The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so be patient and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before indulging. This will ensure that you get the perfect texture.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic treat. The combination of crispy edges and soft centers makes these cookies irresistible. Plus, using an air fryer saves time and keeps your kitchen cool. Get creative with variations and enjoy these cookies with a glass of milk, or share them with friends and family for a delicious treat. Happy baking!
FAQs
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer the added texture. Keep in mind that the cookies may have a slightly different texture compared to using creamy peanut butter.
2. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for future use. Shape the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the dough balls until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls in the air fryer and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
3. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Natural peanut butter can be used in this recipe, but keep in mind that it may result in a slightly different texture. The absence of added oils and sugar in natural peanut butter can affect the overall taste and texture of the cookies.
4. Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best in this recipe, but you can experiment with different flours if desired. Keep in mind that different flours may alter the texture and taste of the cookies.
