There’s something about the smell of warm, freshly baked peanut butter cookies that instantly evokes a sense of comfort. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon curled up with a book or a festive family gathering where the dessert table is the main attraction, these Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are the perfect treat to make the moment a little sweeter.

Inspired by a family tradition of sneaking spoonfuls of peanut butter straight from the jar (we’ve all been there!), this recipe brings a modern twist to a nostalgic classic. With a creamy peanut butter filling hidden inside a soft cookie shell, every bite delivers rich flavor and satisfying texture — and best of all, you can whip up a batch in just 25 minutes using your air fryer.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

If you’ve ever craved homemade cookies but didn’t want to fire up the oven or spend hours in the kitchen, this is the dessert for you. Here’s why these cookies are a game-changer:

Quick and easy: Done in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Air fryer-friendly: Perfect for small kitchens or hot days when you want to skip the oven.
No flour required: Naturally gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
Filled with a surprise center: The hidden creamy peanut butter filling adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Minimal ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry.

These cookies are ideal for late-night cravings, after-school snacks, or even as a gift box treat. Plus, they’re irresistibly fun to make!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a closer look at the simple yet powerful lineup of ingredients behind these air fryer peanut butter cookies.

For the Dough:

1 cup smooth peanut butter – Choose a creamy variety for the best texture. Natural peanut butters may separate and affect consistency.
½ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps the cookies caramelize.
½ cup packed brown sugar – Adds moisture and a rich molasses depth.
1 large egg – Acts as a binder.
1 teaspoon baking soda – Gives the cookies just enough lift and chewiness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances the peanut butter flavor.
A pinch of sea salt – Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.

For the Filling:

¼ cup smooth peanut butter
1 teaspoon powdered sugar – Thickens the filling slightly, making it easier to stuff inside.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through the process to ensure your cookies come out perfect every time. Trust us — once you try these, you’ll wonder why you ever baked cookies any other way.

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

1 cup peanut butter
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 large egg

Mix everything until smooth and creamy. Stir in 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt until fully incorporated.

Pro Tip: If your dough feels too sticky to handle, you can chill it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before shaping.

2. Make the Filling

In a small bowl, combine:

¼ cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon powdered sugar

Mix until thick and creamy. This mixture should be scoopable but not runny.

3. Shape the Cookies

Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten it slightly in your palm and add a ½ teaspoon dollop of the filling in the center. Fold the dough over the filling and seal it completely.

Roll the filled ball gently in your hands to smooth it out.

Tip for Uniform Cookies: Use a cookie scoop for even sizing, ensuring your cookies cook evenly in the air fryer.

4. Flatten and Decorate

Place the dough balls into your air fryer basket or on a parchment-lined tray (if your model allows it), leaving space between each cookie.

Using a fork, gently press down in a crisscross pattern. This flattens the cookies and gives them that classic peanut butter cookie look.

5. Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

Air fry the cookies in batches for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and slightly crisp. Avoid overcrowding — airflow is key to even cooking.

Note: Air fryer models vary slightly in cooking time, so keep an eye on your first batch to find the sweet spot for your machine.

6. Cool and Enjoy

Remove cookies carefully with a spatula and place them on a wire rack to cool for 5–10 minutes.

As they cool, the filling will firm up slightly but remain decadently gooey inside.

Tips for Success

Even though this recipe is straightforward, these expert tips can take your cookies from good to absolutely divine:

Chill the dough if it’s too soft or sticky.
Don’t overfill the cookies — too much filling can cause them to burst open.
Space them out in the air fryer to allow for even cooking.
Let them cool before biting in — the filling stays hot longer than you might expect.

Variations to Try

Want to mix things up? This base recipe is super versatile. Here are some fun ways to customize your cookies:

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies: Fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips before shaping.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped roasted peanuts for extra texture.
Sweet & Salty: Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top before air frying.
Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies: Use a tiny spoonful of jam instead of the peanut butter filling for a nostalgic twist.
Double Peanut Butter Chocolate: Dip cooled cookies halfway in melted dark chocolate and let them set.

How to Store and Freeze

These cookies keep well, making them great for meal prepping or gifting.

To Store:

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week.

To Freeze:

Raw dough balls: Freeze unbaked (without flattening) on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to cook time.
Baked cookies: Freeze in layers separated by parchment. Let thaw at room temp before eating.

Air Fryer vs. Oven: Why the Air Fryer Wins

While traditional ovens certainly have their place, air fryers bring a few advantages that make them ideal for cookie baking:

Faster preheat and cook time — no need to wait 10–15 minutes for an oven to heat.
More energy efficient for small batches.
Perfect texture — slightly crisp edges with a soft, tender center.
Less mess — fewer trays, and many air fryer baskets are nonstick.

If you’ve ever doubted whether cookies belong in the air fryer, this recipe will turn you into a believer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead?

Yes, but the texture will be less smooth, and the cookies may not hold the filling as well. Stick with creamy for best results.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

They are! There’s no flour in this recipe, making them naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to double-check your peanut butter and vanilla extract for hidden gluten.

What’s the best peanut butter to use?

Shelf-stable creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) works best. Natural varieties with oil separation can result in greasy or crumbly cookies.

Can I make these without an air fryer?

Yes! Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

The Bottom Line: A Must-Try Air Fryer Dessert

These Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies are more than just a quick treat — they’re a modern comfort food masterpiece. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture, rich peanut flavor, and hidden filling surprise, they’re sure to win over anyone lucky enough to snag one from the batch.

Whether you’re making them on a whim or planning ahead for a weekend get-together, these cookies check every box: easy, fast, customizable, and completely crave-worthy.

So dust off that air fryer, grab your peanut butter jar, and get baking. And don’t forget to share your creations on social media — tag your photos with #PeanutButterAirFryerCookies so others can be inspired, too!