Save I was halfway through a rainy Saturday when my daughter wandered into the kitchen asking if we could make smores without a campfire. I stared at the air fryer sitting on the counter and thought, why not? Four minutes later, we were biting into golden, gooey perfection, and I realized I'd never go back to waiting for a bonfire again.
The first time I served these at a playdate, the kids went silent for a full minute, which is the highest compliment in my house. One of the parents asked for the recipe, and I had to laugh because it felt almost too simple to share. But thats exactly why it works.
Ingredients
- Graham cracker squares: The foundation of every smore, and they hold up surprisingly well in the air fryer without getting soggy.
- Large marshmallows: They puff and caramelize just right at 375°F, so dont skip the size or youll miss that signature gooeyness.
- Milk chocolate squares: I prefer the classic, but dark chocolate adds a richer, less sweet bite if thats your thing.
Instructions
- Prep the base:
- Lay 4 graham cracker squares on a piece of parchment paper that fits your air fryer basket. This keeps everything tidy and prevents sticking.
- Stack the layers:
- Place one chocolate square and one marshmallow on top of each cracker. Dont worry if they look a little precarious, theyll settle as they heat.
- Air fry to perfection:
- Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, watching through the window if you can. Youll see the marshmallows balloon and turn golden brown.
- Finish the sandwich:
- As soon as you pull them out, press a second graham cracker on top of each one. The heat will melt everything together into that classic smore squish.
- Cool briefly:
- Wait a minute or two before biting in. The filling is molten hot and will burn your tongue if you rush it, trust me.
Save There was a night last summer when we made a batch of these after dinner, sitting on the porch with the fireflies just starting to blink. My husband said it tasted exactly like the smores from our camping trips, but without the smoke in our eyes or the mosquitoes. Sometimes the best version of a memory is the one you can recreate anytime you want.
Flavor Twists Worth Trying
A thin smear of peanut butter on the bottom cracker before you add the chocolate changes everything in the best way. I also love a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the marshmallow before air frying, it cuts the sweetness and makes each bite more interesting. Dark chocolate or even a flavored bar like mint or caramel can turn this into something entirely new.
Making Them Your Own
If youre plant based, swap in vegan marshmallows and dairy free chocolate, they crisp and melt just the same. For a gluten free version, use your favorite gluten free graham crackers. Ive even tried these with chocolate chip cookies instead of crackers when I ran out, and honestly, nobody complained.
Serving and Storage
These are best eaten immediately while theyre still warm and gooey. If you somehow have leftovers, they dont really keep well, the crackers go soft and the marshmallow hardens. But in my experience, theres never anything left to worry about.
- Serve them with cold milk or hot cocoa for the full nostalgic experience.
- Make a double batch if youre feeding more than two people, they disappear fast.
- Let kids help with the stacking, its simple enough and they love it.
Save This recipe reminded me that not every good thing has to be complicated or take all afternoon. Sometimes the best treats are the ones you can pull together in less time than it takes to find the lighter for the grill.
Kitchen Guide
- → What temperature is best for cooking in the air fryer?
375°F (190°C) is ideal for toasting marshmallows until golden and melting the chocolate evenly without burning.
- → Can I use different types of chocolate?
Yes, milk, dark, or flavored chocolate all work well and can be customized to taste preferences.
- → How long does it take to prepare?
The entire process, including assembly and cooking, takes under 10 minutes, making it a quick treat.
- → What alternatives exist for vegan versions?
Use vegan marshmallows and plant-based chocolate to easily make a vegan-friendly version.
- → Are there any allergen considerations?
Ingredients may contain wheat, dairy, and gelatin; check labels especially if dietary restrictions apply.