Save Rain was pounding against our windows last Sunday when my eight year old looked up from her coloring book and asked if we could still have a campfire. I almost said no until I remembered the air fryer sitting on the counter. Within minutes we were all gathered around the kitchen island watching marshmallows puff and turn golden through that little glass door. Sometimes the best memories happen when you improvise with what you have.
Last summer I tried making smores on the grill during a family reunion and ended up with chocolate everywhere but inside the crackers. My sister in law finally showed me how layering ingredients changes everything. Now this is the only way we make them and honestly the air fryer version might have everyone permanently converted to indoor smores.
Ingredients
- Graham crackers: These sturdy squares hold everything together so buy extras because they will break
- Large marshmallows: Regular sized ones disappear too fast so stick with the jumbo ones for maximum fluff
- Chocolate squares: Break them slightly larger than the cracker so every bite hits chocolate
Instructions
- Prep your base:
- Cut parchment paper to fit your basket and arrange four cracker squares so you can watch them brown
- Stack it up:
- Place chocolate on each cracker then crown with marshmallows standing tall
- Get toasty:
- Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until marshmallows are golden and puffed
- Sandwich immediately:
- Press the remaining crackers gently on top and let them set for a minute
Save My husband who never eats sweets admitted to eating three of these when I stepped outside to take a phone call. Now he requests them whenever we watch movies and pretends he is only helping the kids.
Getting Creative With Flavors
A friend introduced me to spreading peanut butter on the top cracker before sandwiching and it creates this sweet salty situation that is dangerous. Sea salt on chocolate is another game changer especially if you use darker chocolate. The variations are endless once you start experimenting.
Making Ahead For Groups
When we host game night I preassemble the cracker chocolate and marshmallow layers on a parchment lined tray. Then I just slide them in as people start getting antsy for dessert. The whole house smells like toasted marshmallows and everyone drifts toward the kitchen wondering what is happening.
Success Secrets From My Kitchen
The first time I made these I forgot the parchment and ended up scrubbing melted marshmallow off the basket for twenty minutes. Learn from my mistake. Also do not walk away during the last minute because they go from perfect to burnt fast. The marshmallows should be jiggly when you take them out. They firm up as they cool slightly so err on the side of underdone.
- Work in batches if your basket is small rather than crowding them
- Have the top crackers ready before you start air frying
- Let them cool for at least one minute or you will burn your tongue on hot chocolate
Save These air fryer smores have become our go to for everything from Tuesday night treats to New Years Eve desserts. Hope your family loves them as much as mine does.
Cooking Questions & Answers
- → How do I know when the marshmallows are done?
The marshmallows are ready when they're golden brown on top and puffed up, typically taking 3–4 minutes at 375°F. Watch closely during the last minute as they can brown quickly.
- → Can I make these without parchment paper?
Parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. If you don't have any, lightly grease your air fryer basket or use a silicone air fryer liner instead.
- → What type of chocolate works best?
Milk chocolate squares melt beautifully and provide classic sweetness. Dark chocolate offers a richer, less sweet option that pairs well with the toasted marshmallows.
- → Can I double this batch?
You can make up to 8 smores at once if your air fryer basket accommodates them in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper air circulation and even melting.
- → How should I store leftovers?
These are best served immediately while warm and gooey. If you have assembled leftovers, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, though the crackers may soften.