Save to Pinterest My daughter pulled the air fryer out one rainy Saturday afternoon and announced she wanted smores without going outside. I laughed, thinking it was impossible, but she was serious. We tossed a marshmallow on a graham cracker, slid it into the basket, and watched through the little window as it puffed and browned. When we pulled it out, golden and gooey, we both just stared at each other in disbelief.
The first time I served these at a playdate, the other parents didnt believe me when I said they came from the air fryer. One mom tried it herself the next day and texted me a photo of her sons face, covered in chocolate and pure joy. It became our little secret weapon for impromptu dessert moments. Now, every time someone mentions smores, my kids run to the air fryer instead of asking for a fire pit.
Ingredients
- Graham cracker squares: The foundation of every smore, and the air fryer keeps them crisp on the bottom while everything melts on top.
- Large marshmallows: They puff beautifully in the circulating heat and develop that golden-brown crust we all crave.
- Milk chocolate squares: Classic choice, but dark chocolate works if you want something a little less sweet and more grown-up.
Instructions
- Prepare the base:
- Lay four graham cracker squares on a piece of parchment paper that fits snugly in your air fryer basket. This keeps cleanup easy and prevents sticking.
- Assemble the layers:
- Place one chocolate square and one marshmallow on each cracker. Dont worry if the marshmallow looks too big, it will settle as it softens.
- Air fry until golden:
- Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for three to four minutes. Watch through the window as the marshmallows puff and turn golden brown on top.
- Complete the sandwich:
- Pull the basket out carefully and immediately press a second graham cracker square on top of each one. The heat will make everything melt together perfectly.
- Cool briefly:
- Wait one to two minutes before biting in. The filling stays molten hot for a bit, and patience here saves your tongue.
Save to Pinterest One evening, my husband came home late and found me and the kids in the kitchen, marshmallow on our fingers, laughing over our third round of smores. He shook his head, grabbed a graham cracker, and joined us. It wasnt a special occasion, just a Tuesday, but it felt like one.
Flavor Variations to Try
Once you nail the classic version, the fun really begins. I started adding a thin smear of peanut butter under the chocolate, and it changed everything. My son loves a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the marshmallow before it goes in, which cuts the sweetness just enough. Dark chocolate, white chocolate, even those flavored bars with caramel or mint all work beautifully.
Making It Work for Everyone
My niece is vegan, so I keep a stash of plant-based marshmallows and dairy-free chocolate on hand. She cant believe how good they turn out, and honestly, I cant tell the difference. If someone has a gluten issue, gluten-free graham crackers work just as well. This recipe is forgiving and flexible, which is exactly what a good dessert should be.
Serving and Storage Tips
These are best eaten immediately, while everything is still warm and gooey. If you need to make them ahead for a party, you can assemble them and keep them in the fridge, then air fry right before serving. Leftovers dont really happen, but if they do, the marshmallow hardens and the chocolate sets, so theyre more like a candy bar than a smore. Still tasty, just different.
- Serve with cold milk or hot cocoa for the full nostalgic experience.
- Let kids build their own if you want to turn it into an activity.
- Keep a damp cloth nearby because hands will get sticky no matter what.
Save to Pinterest Now every time I hear the air fryer beep, someone in the house yells, Smores? Its become our little tradition, no campfire required. Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that remind you dessert doesnt have to be complicated to feel special.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I prevent the marshmallows from burning in the air fryer?
Monitor the marshmallows closely during cooking and set the timer for 3-4 minutes at 375°F. They should be puffed and golden, not charred. Every air fryer varies slightly, so adjust timing as needed for your specific model.
- → Can I make smores ahead and reheat them?
Fresh smores are best enjoyed immediately while the marshmallow and chocolate are warm and gooey. However, you can assemble the components ahead and cook them fresh when ready. Reheating may result in a less ideal texture.
- → What type of chocolate works best?
Milk chocolate squares melt smoothly and pair beautifully with marshmallows. Dark chocolate offers a sophisticated flavor contrast, while semi-sweet varieties provide a balanced sweetness. Choose based on your personal preference.
- → How do I make vegan smores?
Simply substitute vegan marshmallows and dairy-free chocolate squares for the traditional versions. The cooking method remains identical, and you'll achieve the same delicious results in your air fryer.
- → Why use parchment paper in the air fryer?
Parchment paper prevents the marshmallows and chocolate from sticking to the air fryer basket and makes cleanup easier. It also helps distribute heat evenly for consistent cooking results.
- → Can I make multiple batches at once?
Yes, you can prepare multiple smores on one sheet of parchment paper if your air fryer basket has enough space. Ensure proper air circulation around each smore for even cooking.