Pin it My daughter burst into the kitchen one rainy afternoon asking if we could make smores, and I glanced out the window at the downpour with zero intention of building a fire. That's when I remembered the air fryer sitting on the counter. Within minutes, we had golden, puffed marshmallows oozing chocolate between crackers, and she declared it even better than the campfire version. Now it's our go-to whenever the craving hits, rain or shine.
I started making these on weeknights when we needed something sweet but didn't want to turn on the oven or dig out the fire pit. The first time I pulled them out, the marshmallows were puffed like little clouds, and the chocolate had just started to soften into glossy pools. My husband grabbed one before I could even plate them, and I heard him laugh through a mouthful of melted sweetness. That's when I knew this shortcut was here to stay.
Ingredients
- Graham cracker squares: The foundation of every smore, their honey sweetness and slight crunch hold everything together without getting soggy.
- Large marshmallows: Standard size works best for even toasting; the air fryer puffs them up beautifully and gives them a golden, caramelized top.
- Milk chocolate squares: Classic choice for that nostalgic flavor, but dark chocolate adds richness if you prefer less sweetness.
Instructions
- Prep the Base:
- Lay four graham cracker squares on a piece of parchment paper trimmed to fit your air fryer basket. This keeps everything tidy and prevents sticking.
- Build the Layers:
- Place one chocolate square on each cracker, then top with a marshmallow. The chocolate goes on first so it melts from the heat of the marshmallow above.
- Air Fry:
- Set your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for three to four minutes, watching through the window as the marshmallows puff and turn golden. They can go from perfect to overdone quickly, so keep an eye on them.
- Close the Sandwich:
- As soon as you pull them out, press a second graham cracker on top of each marshmallow while it's still soft and melty. The heat will finish softening the chocolate as you press.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let them sit for a minute or two before biting in, or you'll burn your tongue on molten chocolate. Trust me on this one.
Pin it One evening, my son's friend came over and watched me pull these from the air fryer with wide eyes, asking how I got them so perfect without a campfire. I handed him one still warm, and he took a bite with chocolate smeared on his cheek, grinning like he'd just discovered magic. That's the thing about smores: no matter how you make them, they bring out the kid in everyone.
Flavor Variations to Try
I've experimented with everything from peanut butter cups tucked under the marshmallow to a thin smear of Nutella on the graham crackers before assembly. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the chocolate before air frying adds a sophisticated edge that adults especially love. Swapping in flavored marshmallows or dark chocolate keeps things interesting if you make these as often as we do.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your marshmallows deflate instead of staying fluffy, your air fryer might be running too hot or you've cooked them too long. Start checking at three minutes and pull them the moment they turn golden. If the chocolate isn't melting enough, let the assembled smore sit for an extra minute after pressing; the residual heat will finish the job without overcooking the marshmallow.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These are best eaten immediately while the marshmallow is warm and stretchy, but if you need to make a batch ahead, you can reheat them in the air fryer for about thirty seconds. I sometimes set up an assembly station with all the ingredients out and let everyone build their own before air frying in batches. Store any leftover components separately, as assembled smores don't hold up well once cooled.
- Serve with cold milk or hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy pairing.
- Make a double batch for parties because they disappear faster than you'd think.
- Try using chocolate chip cookies instead of graham crackers for a twist that kids go wild for.
Pin it There's something quietly joyful about making smores indoors on a random Tuesday, no special occasion required. It turns an ordinary evening into a small celebration, and that's exactly the kind of cooking I love most.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use regular marshmallows for this?
Yes, large marshmallows work perfectly. Traditional marshmallows will puff up beautifully in the air fryer. If you prefer vegan marshmallows, they'll cook similarly and give you the same gooey texture.
- → What temperature should I use?
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the marshmallows to brown and puff without burning the graham crackers. Cooking time is typically 3–4 minutes depending on your air fryer model.
- → How do I prevent the graham crackers from burning?
The bottom graham crackers rarely burn since they're protected from direct heat. If your air fryer runs hot, start checking at the 3-minute mark. The marshmallows will turn golden brown when ready.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
These are best enjoyed immediately after cooking while the chocolate and marshmallow are warm and gooey. You can assemble them ahead and air fry when ready to serve.
- → What's the best way to handle the hot filling?
Let the cooked s'mores cool for 1–2 minutes before serving. The marshmallow will retain its heat, so warn guests about the hot filling inside the sandwich.
- → Can I use parchment paper in my air fryer?
Yes, parchment paper is safe in air fryers and prevents sticking. Cut a small square that fits your basket. Some recipes use no paper, but it makes cleanup easier and prevents any chocolate from dripping.