If you love cookies but don’t want to deal with complicated recipes, long baking times, or a pile of dishes, this recipe is for you. These easy 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies made in the air fryer are quick, delicious, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without a lot of effort.

Air fryers aren’t just for crispy fries or chicken—they can bake cookies too! And peanut butter cookies? They’re a classic. The combination of nutty flavor, soft center, and slightly crisp edges makes them irresistible. And the best part? You only need 3 ingredients: peanut butter, sugar, and an egg. That’s it. No flour, no butter, no long prep.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to make these cookies, tips for perfect results, flavor variations, troubleshooting, storage, and even how to make them kid-friendly. By the end, you’ll be a pro at whipping up a batch whenever the craving strikes.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

These cookies are perfect for a variety of reasons:

• Quick and easy: 3 ingredients, minimal prep, ready in under 15 minutes.

• Air fryer magic: Crispy on the outside, soft inside, without heating the whole kitchen.

• Gluten-free: Naturally flourless, perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Customizable: Add chocolate chips, cinnamon, or vanilla for a twist.

• Perfect portion control: Make small batches without wasting ingredients.

Whether you’re a beginner baker or just want a quick sweet treat, these cookies check all the boxes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make about 12 cookies:

1. 1 cup peanut butter (creamy works best for smooth cookies; natural peanut butter is fine too)

2. 1 cup sugar (granulated, brown, or a mix works)

3. 1 egg

Optional add-ins:

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• Chocolate chips, sprinkles, or a pinch of salt for extra flavor

That’s it. No flour, no baking powder, no butter. Just 3 simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Step 1: Prepare Your Air Fryer

Before mixing anything, preheat your air fryer.

• Set temperature to 350°F (175°C)

• Preheat for 3–5 minutes

• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or line with parchment paper

Pro tip: Make sure the parchment paper is trimmed to fit your basket without touching the heating element. This prevents burning or smoke.

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough

Making this dough is incredibly simple:

1. In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter and sugar.

2. Add the egg and mix until smooth.

3. Optional: Stir in vanilla extract, chocolate chips, or a pinch of salt.

Tips for Mixing:

• Use a spoon or rubber spatula—you don’t need a mixer.

• Make sure sugar is well incorporated for a smooth texture.

• If dough is too sticky, chill for 10–15 minutes.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

• Scoop dough with a spoon or cookie scoop (about 1–2 tablespoons per cookie).

• Roll into balls and place on parchment paper or the greased air fryer basket.

• Flatten slightly with a fork in a crisscross pattern (classic peanut butter cookie look).

Pro tip: Flattening helps the cookies cook evenly in the air fryer and gives them that traditional texture.

Step 4: Air Fry the Cookies

• Set air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

• Cook for 8–10 minutes.

• Check for doneness: edges should be slightly golden, center soft.

• Remove and let cool for 5 minutes before eating.

Tip: Cookies continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem soft at first.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

These cookies are perfect warm right out of the air fryer, or you can let them cool completely and store.

• Serve as a quick snack, dessert, or with a glass of milk.

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

• Freeze extra dough balls for future batches—just air fry from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.

Flavor Variations to Try

Even with just 3 ingredients, you can get creative:

1. Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies: Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips before air frying.

2. Cinnamon Sugar Peanut Butter Cookies: Add 1 tsp cinnamon to the dough or sprinkle sugar-cinnamon on top.

3. Nutty Peanut Butter Cookies: Add chopped peanuts for extra crunch.

4. Chocolate Swirl Cookies: Melt chocolate and swirl lightly over the top before air frying.

5. Vanilla or Almond: Add ½ tsp vanilla or almond extract for subtle flavor enhancements.

These variations make the recipe perfect for experimenting and finding your favorite version.

Kid-Friendly Tips

These cookies are a hit with kids:

• Let children roll the dough into balls—they’ll love participating.

• Use mini cookie scoops to make bite-sized treats for little hands.

• Add sprinkles or chocolate chips for fun colors.

• Serve warm with milk or hot chocolate for an extra special snack.

Air fryer baking also keeps kids safe from hot ovens and long cooking times.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even simple recipes can have hiccups. Here’s how to fix them:

1. Cookies are too soft: Add a bit more sugar or chill the dough before air frying.

2. Cookies are burning: Lower air fryer temperature by 10–15°F or shorten cooking time slightly.

3. Dough sticking to parchment: Lightly grease parchment paper or use silicone liners.

4. Edges crisp but center raw: Flatten dough slightly before cooking or reduce size of dough balls.

5. Cookies spreading too much: Chill dough for 10–15 minutes before air frying.

How to Make Multiple Batches

• Air fryer baskets are small, so you may need to cook in batches.

• Let basket cool slightly between batches for even cooking.

• Keep baked cookies on a plate and cover loosely with a towel while cooking the remaining batches.

Pro tip: Use this downtime to prep the next batch of dough so baking is continuous and efficient.

Storing Your Peanut Butter Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Freezing Dough: Roll dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Cook frozen dough balls by adding 1–2 minutes to the air fryer time.

• Freezing Baked Cookies: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

This makes it easy to enjoy fresh cookies any time without re-baking from scratch.

Pairing Ideas

These cookies are versatile and pair well with drinks or other treats:

• Milk: Classic pairing for soft peanut butter cookies.

• Coffee: Perfect for a cozy afternoon snack.

• Hot Chocolate: Chocolate and peanut butter are always a win.

• Fruit: Sliced apples or bananas add freshness.

Fun Presentation Ideas

If you’re making cookies for Valentine’s Day, a party, or gifting:

• Stack cookies in a mason jar with ribbon.

• Use mini cupcake liners to serve individual cookies.

• Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a festive look.

• Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel for extra flair.

Even simple 3-ingredient cookies look special with thoughtful presentation.

Why Air Fryer Cookies Are Amazing

Air fryers make baking quick, easy, and energy-efficient:

• Faster than ovens: No preheating for long periods.

• Even cooking: Circulating hot air gives a perfectly crisp edge.

• Less mess: No trays, oven racks, or large pans to clean.

• Safer: Kids and beginners can bake without a hot oven hazard.

For small batches or quick cravings, air fryer cookies are a game-changer.

Extra Tips for Perfect 3-Ingredient Cookies

1. Use room temperature peanut butter: Easier to mix and smoother texture.

2. Don’t overmix: Just combine ingredients until uniform—overmixing can make cookies dense.

3. Flatten evenly: Ensures uniform cooking.

4. Experiment with sweeteners: Granulated sugar gives crisp edges; brown sugar adds chewiness.

5. Adjust cookie size: Smaller cookies cook faster; larger cookies may need a few extra minutes.

Creative Add-Ons

Want to elevate these cookies with minimal effort?

• Mini chocolate chunks for a semi-sweet surprise.

• Sea salt sprinkle on top for a gourmet twist.

• Cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth and spice.

• Drizzle melted chocolate across cooled cookies.

• Sprinkles for Valentine’s Day or birthday fun.

A simple 3-ingredient cookie becomes fancy and festive with a few add-ons.

Healthier Version

If you want to keep it lighter:

• Natural peanut butter with no sugar or additives.

• Coconut sugar or maple sugar instead of granulated sugar.

• Add oats or protein powder for more nutrition (optional, turns it into a 4-ingredient cookie).

Even without these, peanut butter is nutrient-dense and provides protein, healthy fats, and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Snack time: Great for a quick bite.

• Dessert: Serve with ice cream or fruit.

• Gift: Pack in a cute box for friends or coworkers.

• Party: Make mini versions for a cookie platter.

• Valentine’s Day: Add heart-shaped sprinkles or drizzle for romance.

These easy 3-ingredient air fryer peanut butter cookies are proof that you don’t need long ingredient lists or complicated techniques to make something delicious. They’re quick, customizable, and fun to make, and the air fryer makes baking effortless.

Whether you want a quick snack, a kid-friendly activity, a Valentine’s Day treat, or a small gift, these cookies are perfect. With a little creativity, you can turn a simple 3-ingredient recipe into endless variations, from chocolate chip to cinnamon-sprinkle to sea-salt-topped gourmet cookies.

 

So, grab your peanut butter, sugar, and egg, fire up your air fryer, and start baking. Within minutes, you’ll have warm, soft, nutty, and slightly sweet cookies that everyone will love.

Easy 3-Ingredient Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

If you’re craving cookies but don’t want to fuss with complicated recipes or long baking times, you’ve come to the right place. 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies in the air fryer are the perfect solution. With just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, you can whip up soft, chewy, slightly crisp cookies in under 15 minutes.

But there’s more to these cookies than just simplicity. This guide will take you beyond the basics. You’ll learn everything from advanced variations and flavor twists to perfect air fryer techniques, storage, gifting, and kid-friendly baking ideas. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to become a peanut butter cookie master.

Why Peanut Butter Cookies Are the Perfect Quick Treat

Peanut butter cookies have a special magic:

• Nutty flavor: Rich, creamy, and satisfying.

• Simple texture: Soft in the center, lightly crisp on the edges.

• Quick to make: 3 ingredients, minimal prep.

• Air fryer friendly: Fast, safe, and energy-efficient.

• Customizable: Add chocolate, cinnamon, or sprinkles for variety.

Air fryers make cookie baking faster, cleaner, and even more foolproof. No need to heat the whole oven, and cleanup is easy. Plus, the circulating hot air gives cookies a slightly crisp edge while keeping the center soft—perfect for peanut butter cookies.

The Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for a batch of 12 cookies:

1. 1 cup peanut butter

   • Creamy is easiest for mixing, but natural peanut butter works too.

   • Avoid overly runny peanut butter—it can make the dough too sticky.

2. 1 cup sugar

   • Granulated sugar creates crisp edges, brown sugar makes them softer.

   • You can also mix the two for balance.

3. 1 egg

   • Binds the dough and adds structure.

Optional add-ins:

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• Chocolate chips, M&Ms, or chopped peanuts

• Pinch of salt (especially if using unsalted peanut butter)

That’s it! Three ingredients (plus optional extras) is all it takes for a delicious batch of cookies.

Step 1: Prepping Your Air Fryer

Before mixing dough, preheat your air fryer.

• Set to 350°F (175°C)

• Preheat for 3–5 minutes

• Lightly spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray or line with parchment paper

Pro tip: Trim parchment paper to fit the basket and avoid contact with the heating element. This prevents burning or smoke.

Air fryer prep is simple but essential for even cooking.

Step 2: Mixing the Dough

Mixing is easy:

1. In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter and sugar.

2. Add the egg and stir until smooth.

3. Optional: Add vanilla extract, chocolate chips, or a pinch of salt.

Tips:

• Don’t overmix—just combine until uniform.

• If the dough is sticky, chill for 10–15 minutes.

• For a slightly richer flavor, try a mix of white and brown sugar.

Step 3: Shaping the Cookies

• Scoop dough using a spoon or cookie scoop (about 1–2 tablespoons per cookie).

• Roll into balls.

• Flatten slightly with a fork in a crisscross pattern.

Pro tip: Flattening ensures even cooking and gives cookies that classic peanut butter look.

Step 4: Air Frying

• Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.

• Check for doneness: edges should be lightly golden, center soft.

• Let cool 5 minutes before eating.

Tip: Cookies firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if the center seems soft at first.

Step 5: Cooling and Storing

• Serve warm, or let cool completely.

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

• Freeze dough balls for future baking—add 1–2 minutes to cook time when baking frozen.

Pro tip: Cooling is crucial—cookies hold their shape and texture better after resting.

Advanced Flavor Variations

Even with 3 ingredients, you can get creative:

1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

• Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips.

• Optional: drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies.

2. Cinnamon-Sugar Twist

• Add 1 tsp cinnamon to the dough.

• Roll flattened cookies in sugar before air frying.

3. Nutty Delight

• Add chopped peanuts or almonds for crunch.

4. Chocolate Swirl

• Melt chocolate and swirl lightly over dough balls before cooking.

5. Holiday-Themed

• Use sprinkles or colored sugar for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or birthdays.

The beauty of this recipe is that small tweaks create a completely new experience.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even simple cookies can run into problems. Here’s how to fix them:

• Too soft: Chill dough before cooking or slightly increase sugar.

• Edges burning: Lower air fryer temp by 10°F or shorten cooking time.

• Sticky parchment: Lightly grease or use silicone liners.

• Cookies spreading too much: Chill dough or reduce ball size.

• Centers raw: Flatten dough evenly and reduce thickness.

Making Larger or Multiple Batches

Air fryer baskets are small, so you may need multiple batches:

• Let basket cool slightly between batches for even cooking.

• Keep baked cookies loosely covered while cooking remaining batches.

• Use downtime to prep the next batch of dough balls.

Pro tip: A mini cookie scoop makes portioning faster and more consistent.

Pairing Cookies with Drinks

Cookies are even better with a drink:

• Milk: Classic and comforting.

• Coffee or Latte: Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

• Hot Chocolate: Rich chocolate pairs beautifully with peanut butter.

• Fruit Smoothie: Adds freshness and balances sweetness.

Kid-Friendly Baking Ideas

These cookies are perfect for baking with kids:

• Let children roll dough balls.

• Flatten dough with hands or fork.

• Add sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or colored sugar.

• Make bite-sized versions for little hands.

• Serve with milk or fruit for a complete snack.

Pro tip: Air fryer baking is safer than a hot oven, making it kid-friendly.

Air Fryer Tips for Perfect Cookies

• Preheat basket for even cooking.

• Check spacing: Leave room for cookies to spread slightly.

• Use parchment or silicone liners for easy cleanup.

• Rotate mid-cooking if your air fryer cooks unevenly.

• Experiment with sizes: Small cookies bake faster, larger cookies may need more time.

Storage and Freezing

• Room Temperature: Airtight container, up to 5 days.

• Freeze Dough: Roll balls, freeze on tray, store in bag. Bake frozen with 1–2 extra minutes.

• Freeze Cookies: Individually wrap, freeze up to 3 months.

Creative Presentation Ideas

• Stack in mason jars with ribbon for gifts.

• Mini cupcake liners for individual servings.

• Drizzle chocolate or caramel for a gourmet look.

• Sprinkle powdered sugar or colored sugar for themed events.

Even simple cookies feel festive with thoughtful presentation.

Nutritional Insights

These cookies are naturally gluten-free and high in protein thanks to peanut butter.

• 3-ingredient version: approx. 90–120 calories per cookie (depending on size).

• Protein: 3–4g per cookie from peanut butter.

• Healthy fats from peanut butter keep you satisfied.

Pro tip: Use natural peanut butter to reduce added sugars and enjoy a slightly healthier treat.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

• Include as part of a cookie platter with chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies.

• Sandwich with Nutella or jam for a creative cookie treat.

• Dip half in chocolate for a more decadent version.

Holiday and Seasonal Twists

• Valentine’s Day: Add heart-shaped sprinkles or drizzle red candy melts.

• Christmas: Use red and green sprinkles, add peppermint extract.

• Halloween: Add orange sprinkles or candy eyes.

• Easter: Use pastel colored chocolate chips or sprinkle pastel sugar.

Small tweaks make this cookie recipe perfect year-round.

Kid-Friendly Variations

• Mini cookies are great for lunches or snacks.

• Let kids press mini chocolate chips into dough for fun designs.

• Use colored sprinkles for parties or holiday themes.

• Serve with milk, fruit slices, or yogurt for a complete snack.

Baking becomes a fun, interactive activity when kids are involved.

Advanced Flavor Ideas

• Maple Peanut Butter Cookies: Add 1 tbsp maple syrup.

• Coffee Peanut Butter Cookies: Add ½ tsp instant coffee granules.

• Chocolate-Peanut Butter Swirl: Fold in chocolate chunks and drizzle chocolate over cookies.

• Coconut Crunch: Roll in shredded coconut before air frying.

These upgrades make your simple 3-ingredient cookies feel fancy and gourmet.

Making Baking Fun

• Play music or a podcast while baking.

• Invite friends or kids to help.

• Take photos of your creations.

• Experiment with shapes, sizes, and toppings.

Baking isn’t just about eating—it’s about creating memories.

Final Thoughts

These 3-ingredient air fryer peanut butter cookies are simple, quick, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you want a quick snack, a kid-friendly activity, a holiday treat, or a fun gift, this recipe has you covered.

Air fryer magic makes cookies crispy on the outside, soft inside, and ready in minutes. Add a few mix-ins or toppings, and you’ve got countless variations to explore.

So grab your peanut butter, sugar, and egg, preheat your air fryer, and start baking. You’ll soon enjoy warm, nutty, and slightly sweet cookies that everyone will love.