Save to Pinterest The sound of laughter around a campfire is what I usually associate with s'mores, but on a rainy Tuesday when my niece begged for her favorite treat, I discovered my air fryer could work magic. The kitchen filled with that unmistakable aroma of toasted sugar and melting chocolate as we huddled around the counter. Something about watching those marshmallows puff up behind the glass window felt like a science experiment and dessert all at once.
Last summer during a power outage, I broke out the battery-operated air fryer on our patio and made these for the neighborhood kids. Their faces lit up in the twilight as they bit into the warm treats, chocolate smearing across cheeks and fingers. One little boy solemnly told me it was even better than his dad's campfire version, though I swore him to secrecy on that opinion.
Ingredients
- Graham crackers: The foundation of any proper smore, I prefer the honey-flavored variety which adds a subtle sweetness that balances the rich chocolate.
- Marshmallows: Regular large marshmallows work perfectly, though I discovered the square-shaped ones stay in place better during cooking.
- Chocolate squares: While milk chocolate is traditional, Ive found that a high-quality dark chocolate with 60% cacao creates a less sweet, more sophisticated flavor profile that adults particularly appreciate.
- Optional additions: A tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a thin spread of peanut butter can transform this simple treat into something unexpectedly complex.
Instructions
- Prep your base:
- Lay four graham cracker squares onto a small piece of parchment cut to fit your air fryer basket. The parchment prevents any melted chocolate from creating a sticky situation.
- Build your stacks:
- Place one chocolate square and one marshmallow on each graham cracker. Try positioning the chocolate underneath the marshmallow to get optimal melting as the marshmallow heats.
- Air fry to golden perfection:
- Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for 3-4 minutes, watching closely as timing varies between models. Youll know theyre ready when the marshmallows puff up and develop a beautiful golden color.
- Complete your sandwiches:
- Working quickly, top each melty creation with another graham cracker and gently press down. The heat will continue melting the chocolate as you create the sandwich.
- Cool briefly:
- Let these rest for just a minute or two before serving. The inside is molten lava right out of the fryer and a brief cooling period prevents burnt tongues.
Save to Pinterest My daughter and I started making these during her final exams last year, a quick study break treat that became our special ritual. She told me later that knowing we had our smore break scheduled gave her something to look forward to during long hours of cramming. Sometimes the simplest foods carry the strongest connections, and now whenever she comes home from college, she asks if we can make air fryer smores on her first night back.
Flavor Variations Worth Trying
The classic combination is undeniably delicious, but experimenting with different chocolate varieties opened up a whole new world of smores experiences in our household. Mint chocolate creates a refreshing twist that reminds me of thin mint cookies, while orange-infused chocolate adds a sophisticated citrus note that pairs surprisingly well with the toasted marshmallow. My personal favorite discovery was using a chocolate with sea salt caramel filling, which adds another dimension of flavor complexity.
Serving Suggestions
While smores are perfect on their own, serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful temperature contrast between the warm, melty smore and the cold, creamy ice cream. For adult gatherings, I've found that a small glass of bourbon or a cup of strong coffee makes an excellent companion to this sweet treat. During the holidays, serving these with hot chocolate topped with cinnamon creates a dessert experience that feels particularly festive and cozy.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
After numerous batches and occasional mishaps, I've learned that the most common problem is marshmallows expanding too much and creating a sticky situation in your air fryer. Keeping a close eye during cooking is essential, as just 30 seconds can make the difference between perfectly toasted and kitchen disaster.
- If your chocolate isnt melting fully, try breaking or chopping it into smaller pieces before assembling.
- For marshmallows that brown too quickly on top but stay firm in the center, try cutting them in half horizontally before cooking.
- Always let your air fryer cool completely before attempting to clean any stray marshmallow that might have escaped the parchment.
Save to Pinterest There's something magical about recreating childhood memories with modern conveniences. Whether it's a rainy day activity with kids or a nostalgic treat just for yourself, these air fryer s'mores bring campfire joy right to your kitchen counter.
Recipe FAQs
- → What temperature should I set my air fryer for smores?
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for best results. This temperature allows the marshmallows to toast evenly and turn golden while melting the chocolate without burning the graham crackers.
- → How do I prevent the marshmallows from flying around in the air fryer?
Place the assembled smores on parchment paper to keep them stable. The weight of the graham cracker base helps anchor the marshmallows during cooking. Avoid using high fan settings if your air fryer has adjustable speeds.
- → Can I make multiple smores at once in the air fryer?
Yes, you can make 4 smores simultaneously depending on your air fryer basket size. Just ensure they're arranged in a single layer with slight spacing between each for even air circulation and consistent toasting.
- → What chocolate works best for air fryer smores?
Milk chocolate is traditional, but dark chocolate, white chocolate, or specialty flavors like caramel-filled or mint chocolate all work beautifully. Use standard chocolate bar squares that fit the graham cracker size for easy assembly.
- → How do I know when the smores are done cooking?
Watch for golden-brown, puffed marshmallows with slight charring on top. This typically takes 3-4 minutes. The chocolate should be softened and beginning to melt. Remove immediately to prevent burning.
- → Can I make these dairy-free or vegan?
Absolutely. Use dairy-free chocolate and vegan marshmallows, which are gelatin-free. Many brands now offer plant-based marshmallows that toast just as well as traditional ones in the air fryer.