Air Fryer S’mores: The Quickest & Easiest Dessert!

S’mores are a quintessential campfire treat, but what if you could enjoy that gooey, chocolatey, marshmallow goodness without the hassle of building a fire? Enter the air fryer! This simple appliance unlocks a world of s’mores possibilities, offering a quick, easy, and surprisingly delicious way to satisfy your sweet cravings. This recipe walks you through creating perfect air fryer s’mores every single time.

## Why Air Fryer S’mores?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore why air fryer s’mores are a game-changer:

* **Speed:** Forget waiting for coals to heat up. Air fryer s’mores are ready in minutes.
* **Ease:** No open flame, no smoke, and minimal cleanup.
* **Year-Round Enjoyment:** S’mores aren’t just for summer anymore! Enjoy them any time of year, regardless of the weather.
* **Controlled Cooking:** The air fryer provides even heat, resulting in perfectly toasted marshmallows every time. No more burnt exteriors and cold centers.
* **Portion Control:** Easily make a single s’more or a batch for a small gathering.
* **Indoor Fun:** Perfect for rainy days, kids’ parties, or simply when you don’t want to deal with an outdoor fire.

## Ingredients You’ll Need:

* **Graham Crackers:** The foundation of our s’more. You’ll need two squares per s’more.
* **Marshmallows:** The star of the show! Standard-size marshmallows work best, but you can also use jumbo marshmallows if you prefer. Consider flavored marshmallows for an extra twist (see variations below).
* **Chocolate:** Milk chocolate is classic, but dark chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or even chocolate bars with fillings (like caramel or peanut butter) work wonderfully. Use chocolate bars that are easily breakable into squares.

## Equipment:

* **Air Fryer:** Any air fryer will do, but make sure it’s clean and preheated. Basket-style air fryers and oven-style air fryers both work well.
* **Parchment Paper (optional):** Using parchment paper can help prevent the s’mores from sticking to the air fryer basket, making cleanup even easier. Cut the parchment paper to fit the bottom of your air fryer basket or tray.
* **Tongs or Spatula:** For safely removing the s’mores from the air fryer.

## Step-by-Step Instructions:

Here’s how to make perfect air fryer s’mores:

**Step 1: Prepare the Graham Crackers**

* Break the graham crackers into individual squares. You’ll need two squares per s’more – one for the base and one for the top.

**Step 2: Assemble the Base**

* Place one graham cracker square on a plate or cutting board.
* Top the graham cracker with a square of chocolate (or several smaller squares, depending on the size of your chocolate bar).
* Place one or two marshmallows on top of the chocolate. If using jumbo marshmallows, you might only need one per s’more.

**Step 3: Air Fry the S’mores**

* Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C). While not strictly necessary, preheating helps ensure even cooking.
* Line the air fryer basket or tray with parchment paper (optional).
* Carefully place the assembled graham cracker bases (with chocolate and marshmallows) into the air fryer. Make sure they aren’t touching each other to allow for even air circulation.
* Air fry for 2-4 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the desired level of marshmallow toastiness. Keep a close eye on them, as marshmallows can burn quickly.

**Step 4: Add the Top Graham Cracker**

* Once the marshmallows are golden brown and gooey, carefully remove the s’mores from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula.
* Immediately place the second graham cracker square on top of the melted marshmallow, creating a sandwich.
* Gently press down on the top graham cracker to help the chocolate and marshmallow meld together.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Let the s’mores cool for a minute or two before enjoying. The chocolate and marshmallow will be very hot!
* Serve immediately and savor the deliciousness.

## Tips for Perfect Air Fryer S’mores:

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer:** Cook the s’mores in batches to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the air fryer can lower the temperature and result in unevenly cooked s’mores.
* **Watch Carefully:** Marshmallows can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a matter of seconds. Keep a close eye on them while they’re in the air fryer.
* **Adjust Cooking Time:** The cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer. Start with 2 minutes and add more time as needed.
* **Use a Lower Temperature:** If you find that your marshmallows are burning too quickly, try lowering the air fryer temperature to 350°F (175°C) and increasing the cooking time slightly.
* **Experiment with Different Chocolates:** Try different types of chocolate to find your favorite combination. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, peanut butter cups, and caramel-filled chocolate bars all work well.
* **Use Flavored Marshmallows:** Take your s’mores to the next level with flavored marshmallows. Vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, and caramel marshmallows are all delicious options.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Add a sprinkle of sea salt, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut to the top of the s’mores for extra flavor and texture.
* **Parchment Paper is Your Friend:** It makes cleanup so much easier!

## Variations:

Here are some fun and creative variations to try:

* **Peanut Butter Cup S’mores:** Use peanut butter cups instead of regular chocolate bars.
* **Caramel S’mores:** Use caramel-filled chocolate squares or drizzle caramel sauce over the marshmallows before adding the top graham cracker.
* **Mint Chocolate S’mores:** Use mint chocolate squares or add a few drops of peppermint extract to the melted marshmallow.
* **Salted Caramel S’mores:** Sprinkle sea salt over the melted marshmallow and chocolate for a sweet and salty treat.
* **Nutella S’mores:** Spread a thin layer of Nutella on the graham cracker before adding the chocolate and marshmallow.
* **Cookie Butter S’mores:** Substitute cookie butter for Nutella for a spiced variation.
* **S’mores Dip:** For a shareable treat, spread a layer of chocolate chips in a small oven-safe dish. Top with marshmallows and air fry until the marshmallows are golden brown and gooey. Serve with graham crackers for dipping.
* **Chocolate Chip Cookie S’mores:** Replace the graham crackers with chocolate chip cookies for an extra indulgent treat. Reduce cooking time slightly as the cookies may brown faster.
* **Double Chocolate S’mores:** Use chocolate graham crackers and dark chocolate for a richer chocolate flavor.
* **Cinnamon S’mores:** Sprinkle cinnamon on the marshmallows before air frying for a warm and comforting flavor.
* **S’mores with Berries:** Add sliced strawberries or raspberries to the s’mores after they come out of the air fryer for a fresh and fruity twist.

## Serving Suggestions:

Air fryer s’mores are best served warm and gooey. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **As a Dessert:** Enjoy them as a simple and satisfying dessert after dinner.
* **With Ice Cream:** Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent treat.
* **With Coffee or Hot Chocolate:** Pair them with a warm beverage for a cozy and comforting snack.
* **At Parties:** Air fryer s’mores are a fun and easy dessert to serve at parties. Let guests assemble their own s’mores for a personalized experience.
* **As a Campfire Alternative:** When you can’t have a campfire, air fryer s’mores are the perfect alternative.

## Make Ahead and Storage:

* **Make Ahead:** You can assemble the graham cracker bases with chocolate and marshmallows ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours. However, they are best when cooked fresh.
* **Storage:** Leftover s’mores can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. However, the graham crackers may become slightly soft. To reheat, air fry for a minute or two until the marshmallows are warmed through.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate):

(Per S’more)

* Calories: 200-250
* Fat: 8-12g
* Saturated Fat: 5-8g
* Cholesterol: 5-10mg
* Sodium: 50-100mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Sugar: 20-30g
* Protein: 2-3g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Conclusion:

Air fryer s’mores are a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a classic treat. With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes, you can have perfectly toasted s’mores any time you want. So, ditch the campfire and embrace the convenience of the air fryer! Experiment with different variations and toppings to create your own signature s’more recipe. Happy s’more-ing!