Pin it The first time I tried making s'mores in my air fryer was during a summer thunderstorm that canceled our backyard firepit plans. The kids were crushed until I had this lightning bolt of inspiration. Standing there in my kitchen, watching those marshmallows puff up golden behind the air fryer window while rain pelted against the glass, I knew we'd discovered something magical that would outlast that stormy evening.
My teenager had three friends over for a study session last winter when I surprised them with a batch of these air fryer smores. The living room went completely silent for about thirty seconds as they devoured them, followed by one of the kids asking if I could adopt him. Something about the familiar comfort food appearing on a random Tuesday night transformed their algebra frustrations into laughter.
Ingredients
- Graham crackers: The honey variety adds a subtle sweetness that balances the chocolate, but cinnamon graham crackers create an interesting flavor twist I discovered by accident.
- Marshmallows: Large marshmallows work best as they puff dramatically in the air fryer, creating that perfect gooey center without disappearing completely.
- Chocolate squares: Milk chocolate melts most reliably, but after dozens of batches, Ive found that chocolate with 60% cacao creates a sophisticated flavor that adults particularly appreciate.
Instructions
- Prep your foundation:
- Place 4 graham cracker squares on a small sheet of parchment paper that fits inside your air fryer basket. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup almost non-existent.
- Build your smores towers:
- Top each graham cracker with one square of chocolate and one marshmallow. Position the marshmallow slightly off-center from the chocolate for more even melting.
- Watch the magic happen:
- Air fry at 375°F for 3-4 minutes, until the marshmallows turn golden and puffed. Every air fryer runs differently, so peek at the 3-minute mark your first time.
- Complete the sandwich:
- Immediately top each with a second graham cracker and gently press down. The residual heat continues melting everything together perfectly.
- Practice patience:
- Let them cool for 1-2 minutes before serving. Trust me on this one the filling gets volcano-hot in the air fryer.
Pin it Last summer, my neighbor lost power during a heatwave and brought her kids over for a cool break in our air conditioning. With nothing planned for entertainment, I pulled out the air fryer and ingredients for these smores. Watching their faces light up as we assembled them together, the simple dessert became a bright spot during a frustrating day for them. Now they ask to come make air fryer smores whenever our paths cross.
Flavor Variations
The basic smores formula becomes an exciting canvas once youve mastered the technique. My family had an assembly line one Friday night where everyone created their own custom version. The clear winner was my daughters creation with a thin spread of raspberry jam under the chocolate, which created this incredible chocolate-covered-berry effect that had us all stealing bites from her plate.
Making Them Ahead
While nothing beats a freshly made smore, Ive found that assembling the bottom graham cracker with chocolate ahead of time works perfectly for parties. I line them up on a baking sheet, ready to go, and just add the marshmallows right before air frying. This prep-ahead method saved my sanity during my sons birthday party when ten excited kids were all demanding smores simultaneously.
Serving Suggestions
Serving these smores alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates them from casual snack to proper dessert status. The contrast between the warm, gooey smore and cold ice cream creates this temperature play that makes everyone at the table pause in appreciation.
- For outdoor dining, serve them on small squares of parchment paper to catch any delicious drips and make cleanup easier.
- A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before serving creates an unexpected flavor dimension that balances the sweetness.
- Keep napkins nearby these treats are deliciously messy no matter how carefully you eat them.
Pin it These air fryer smores have become our family's signature impromptu dessert, the one I turn to when we need a bit of comfort or celebration without warning. Whether youre dodging rainy weather or simply craving that campfire taste without leaving your kitchen, I hope they bring the same unexpected joy to your home.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What temperature should I air fry smores at?
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes until the marshmallows are golden and puffed. Watch closely as cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Assemble the smores just before cooking for the best results. The marshmallows and chocolate are best enjoyed fresh and warm with their ideal texture and melt.
- → What type of chocolate works best?
Use chocolate squares for even melting and consistent portions. Milk chocolate is traditional, but dark chocolate or flavored varieties work wonderfully depending on your preference.
- → How do I prevent the graham crackers from burning?
Use parchment paper to prevent direct contact with the air fryer basket. Monitor the cooking time carefully and remove once marshmallows are puffed and golden but not charred.
- → Can I make vegan smores?
Yes, substitute vegan marshmallows and dairy-free chocolate for a plant-based version. The cooking time and temperature remain the same for equally delicious results.
- → Why should I let them cool before eating?
The filling becomes extremely hot during cooking. Waiting 1-2 minutes allows the marshmallow and chocolate to set slightly while remaining gooey, preventing burns and keeping fillings contained.