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Few things can make your kitchen smell like a cozy campfire faster than warm chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and buttery graham crackers. But what if it’s raining outside, or you don’t have a firepit handy? That’s where making s’mores in an air fryer comes in.
This guide will walk you through everything beginners need to know about creating the perfect air fryer s’mores, fast, safe, and mess free.
Why Air Fryer S’mores?
Air fryers cook by circulating hot air around your food, which gives you that crisp, golden-brown texture similar to roasting over an open flame. Here’s why this method works perfectly for s’mores:
- Controlled heat: No open flame means you can toast marshmallows evenly without burning them.
- Quick and efficient: Each batch takes only a few minutes—great for family movie nights or sudden sweet cravings.
- Less mess: No sticky sticks, ash, or cleanup headaches.
- Beginner-friendly: Even if you’ve never made s’mores before, you can nail it on your first try.
What You’ll Need to Make S’mores in the Air Fryer
Before you start, don’t forget to gather your ingredients and a few basic kitchen tools.
Ingredients
- Graham crackers (classic base, broken in half)
- Marshmallows (regular or jumbo size)
- Chocolate pieces (milk, dark, or even peanut butter cups)
Tools
- Air fryer
- Tongs or small spatula (for safe handling)
- Parchment paper or air fryer liner (optional, to prevent sticking)
- Fork or bamboo skewer (optional, if you prefer easier marshmallow handling)
Optional Variations:
- Substitute digestive biscuits, chocolate chip cookies, or pretzel crisps for graham crackers.
- Try flavored marshmallows or stuffed marshmallows for a fun twist.
- Use white chocolate, salted caramel squares, or hazelnut spread instead of plain chocolate.
Step by Step: How to Make S’mores in an Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) and let it preheat for 2–3 minutes. Preheating helps the marshmallows toast evenly and prevents soggy crackers.
Step 2: Assemble the Bottom Half
- Place a graham cracker half in the fryer basket.
- Top it with a marshmallow (one per cracker works best).
Tip: Use parchment paper beneath the cracker if your air fryer basket has large holes.
Step 3: Toast the Marshmallows
- Air fry the crackers with marshmallows for 3–4 minutes.
- Watch closely during the last minute—marshmallows go from golden to burnt quickly.
You’ll know they’re ready when the tops turn golden brown and slightly puffed.
Step 4: Add Chocolate and Top Cracker
- Once toasted, carefully remove the basket (it’ll be hot!).
- Quickly place a piece of chocolate on top of each marshmallow and then add the second cracker half.
- Press gently to create that classic gooey sandwich effect.
Step 5: Optional Second Heat (for Meltier Chocolate)
If you prefer extra-melted chocolate, return the assembled s’mores to the air fryer for another 20–30 seconds, no longer, or your chocolate may overheat.
Pro Tips & Best Practices
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: S’mores need space for hot air to circulate evenly.
- Use room-temperature chocolate: It melts more smoothly than cold chocolate.
- Watch the timing: Every air fryer model differs—start low, then adjust.
- Skip the shake: Unlike fries, these are delicate! Keep them steady while cooking.
- Keep napkins handy: Gooey chocolate and marshmallows are part of the fun.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too high a temperature: Marshmallows will burn before the inside gets warm. Stick to 370°F or below.
- Skipping preheat: Without preheat, the crackers can soften instead of crisping up.
- Leaving s’mores in too long after cooking: The steam from the marshmallow can make crackers soggy. Serve immediately!
When Not to Use an Air Fryer for S’mores
While air fryers are versatile, there are a few limits:
- Large batches: If you’re making s’mores for a crowd, use your oven’s broiler for better capacity.
- Outdoor camping trips: Stick with traditional roasting for the full campfire experience.
- Delicate toppings (like whipped cream or fruit): Add them after cooking to avoid mess.
Alternative Methods (If You Don’t Have an Air Fryer)
- Microwave method: Place a marshmallow on a graham cracker and heat for 15–20 seconds, then add the chocolate and top cracker. It’s super fast but less toasty.
- Oven broiler method: Broil for 30–60 seconds until golden brown, then assemble. This gives a similar caramelized flavor to the air fryer.
- Skillet method: Toast marshmallows on low heat, then assemble your s’mores in the warm pan.
Pro Tips for Customizing Your Air Fryer S’mores
- Add texture: Sprinkle sea salt, crushed nuts, or cookie crumbs before topping.
- Make it fruity: Add sliced bananas or strawberries between the chocolate and marshmallow.
- Go gourmet: Use dark chocolate with espresso marshmallows or caramel drizzle for a café-style treat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer S’mores
1. Can I make s’mores in an air fryer without parchment paper?
Yes! You can cook them directly in the basket, but parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. How long should I cook marshmallows in the air fryer?
Typically 3–4 minutes at 370°F. Adjust slightly based on your air fryer’s power or how toasted you like your marshmallows.
3. What’s the best chocolate for air fryer s’mores?
Classic milk chocolate melts evenly, but dark chocolate adds a rich, less-sweet balance. You can also experiment with caramel-filled chocolate or peanut butter cups.
4. Can I reheat leftover s’mores?
Yes, but reheating can make the crackers soft. Air fry for 20 seconds to warm them up gently.
5. Are s’mores safe for kids to make?
Absolutely! Supervise younger cooks since baskets and marshmallows get hot. The air fryer eliminates the danger of open flames, making it kid-friendly.
6. Can I use mini marshmallows instead of large ones?
Yes, use 4 – 5 mini marshmallows per cracker. They toast faster, so reduce the cooking time by about 1 minute.
Why Beginners Love Air Fryer S’mores
Even if you’ve never toasted a marshmallow before, this technique is foolproof. It takes less than 10 minutes start to finish, requires no specialized tools, and creates consistent results every time.
The air fryer lets you enjoy all the nostalgic flavor of campfire s’mores—year-round, indoors, and without the cleanup. Perfect for movie nights, family gatherings, or when the craving hits.
Conclusion:
Learning how to make s’mores with an air fryer is a simple way to enjoy a classic treat anytime without the hassle of a campfire or stovetop mess. It’s really deliciously easy and beginner friendly.
Just remember these quick takeaways:
- Toast at 370°F for 3 – 4 minutes
- Assemble while warm for that perfect, gooey melt
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor
This air fryer s’mores method saves time, reduces mess, and guarantees perfect results, every single batch. Try it once, and you may never go back to campfire only s’mores again!