Save Pin The first time I made air fryer s'mores was during a thunderstorm that cancelled our backyard bonfire plans. My daughter's face had fallen with disappointment until I remembered our new air fryer sitting on the counter. The kitchen filled with that unmistakable toasted marshmallow scent within minutes. We giggled as we watched the marshmallows puff up through the air fryer window, expanding like little ghosts before turning golden brown.
Last winter during a neighborhood power outage, our gas-powered generator kept just the essentials running, including, thankfully, the air fryer. While neighbors huddled under blankets, our house became the impromptu s'mores cafe. Kids from three houses down followed the sweet aroma to our kitchen, where we served these treats by flashlight. Something about the contrast between the cold, dark night and these warm, melty treats made them taste even better.
Ingredients
- Graham Crackers: Look for whole squares that aren't cracked or broken, as they need to support the melty filling while maintaining their satisfying snap.
- Marshmallows: The large size works best here, giving you that perfect cloud-like puff that smaller ones just can't achieve.
- Chocolate: I've found milk chocolate melts more reliably in the air fryer, but dark chocolate adds a sophisticated flavor that balances the sweetness if that's your preference.
Instructions
- Prep your base:
- Cut a sheet of parchment paper to fit comfortably inside your air fryer basket without excess that could blow around. Arrange four graham cracker squares on the parchment, leaving a little space between each for heat circulation.
- Build your s'more stacks:
- Center one chocolate square on each graham cracker, then place a marshmallow directly on top. The placement matters here, trust me, as wandering marshmallows can create quite the sticky situation.
- Air fry to golden perfection:
- Slide the parchment with your prepared stacks into the air fryer and set to 375°F. Watch closely as they need just 3-4 minutes until the marshmallows puff up and develop that irresistible golden color.
- Complete the sandwich:
- Work quickly while everything is hot, pressing the remaining graham cracker squares onto each melty marshmallow with gentle but firm pressure. The residual heat continues melting the chocolate as you assemble.
- Cool slightly:
- Let them rest for a minute or two before serving. The filling is molten lava at first and needs that brief cooling moment to set up slightly while still remaining deliciously gooey.
Save Pin My neighbor Laura, who claimed to be a s'mores purist, scoffed at the idea of making them in an air fryer until I served her one on a rainy movie night. She took one bite, marshmallow stretching in that perfect gooey string from her mouth to the s'more, and her eyes widened. She silently reached for a second one before the movie was even halfway through, and now she makes them for her book club meetings.
Flavor Variations Worth Trying
One Sunday afternoon, I discovered the joy of spreading a thin layer of peanut butter on the bottom graham cracker before adding the chocolate. The heat of the air fryer creates a magical fusion where the peanut butter becomes one with the chocolate, creating something that tastes remarkably like a Reese's cup but with the added marshmallow goodness. Another winning combination was adding a few thin banana slices between the chocolate and marshmallow, which caramelize slightly during cooking.
Making It a Party Activity
For my daughter's sleepover party, I set up a s'mores station with different chocolate varieties, including mint chocolate, white chocolate with cookie bits, and caramel-filled squares. The girls took turns assembling their custom creations while I handled the air fryer operations. Some added sprinkles after cooking, while others sandwiched in strawberry slices. Their creativity with such a simple concept amazed me, and they rated it their favorite sleepover activity.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
The first batch I ever made resulted in marshmallows that expanded so dramatically they stuck to the top element of my air fryer. After some experimentation, I learned that different air fryer models can vary significantly in how they cook these treats. Larger air fryers might need a slightly lower temperature, while smaller ones might cook them faster than expected.
- If your marshmallows are browning too quickly but the chocolate remains solid, try reducing the temperature to 350°F and cooking for slightly longer.
- For air fryers with powerful fans, place a wooden toothpick through each marshmallow to anchor it to the graham cracker and prevent it from blowing off during cooking.
- Allow your air fryer to cool between batches if making multiple rounds, as residual heat can cause the second batch to cook much faster than the first.
Save Pin These air fryer s'mores have become our family's answer to those sudden dessert cravings that strike on ordinary weeknights. There's something magical about transforming simple ingredients into a treat that brings the nostalgia of summer campfires into your kitchen any day of the year.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use parchment paper in the air fryer?
Yes, parchment paper is safe and recommended for this dish. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Ensure it fits properly inside your air fryer basket without blocking air circulation.
- → What temperature should I air fry s'mores?
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature melts the chocolate and marshmallows evenly while keeping the graham crackers crisp. Cooking time is typically 3-4 minutes.
- → How do I prevent marshmallows from sticking?
Using parchment paper significantly reduces sticking. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the basket and allow adequate air circulation. Handle with tongs or a spatula immediately after cooking.
- → Can I make s'mores ahead of time?
S'mores are best enjoyed immediately after cooking while warm and gooey. However, you can prepare the bottom layers (crackers and toppings) beforehand and air fry when ready to serve for optimal texture.
- → What are good flavor variations?
Try adding peanut butter between layers, sprinkling sea salt on the chocolate, or using flavored chocolates like mint or caramel. Dark chocolate, white chocolate, or specialty bars all work wonderfully.
- → Are there vegan alternatives?
Absolutely. Substitute vegan marshmallows and dairy-free chocolate to create a plant-based version. Many brands offer these alternatives that melt beautifully in the air fryer.