Pin this My daughter burst through the door last spring asking if we could make smores, but it was pouring rain and our fire pit was a puddle. I stared at the air fryer on the counter and thought, why not? Four minutes later, we had golden, bubbling marshmallows that tasted like summer without the smoke in our eyes. Now we skip the backyard entirely and make these year-round, often in pajamas. Its become our quickest comfort trick.
I made these for a group of friends during a movie night last winter, and nobody believed they were air-fried until I showed them the basket. The marshmallows come out with that perfect campfire blister, and the chocolate melts into every cranny of the graham cracker. We ended up making three rounds because everyone kept asking for just one more. It turned into the kind of night where you laugh until your stomach hurts and forget what movie you were even watching.
Ingredients
- Graham cracker squares: The foundation of every smore, providing that sweet, honey-kissed crunch that holds everything together without getting soggy.
- Large marshmallows: These puff up beautifully in the air fryer and develop a golden shell while staying molten inside, the real magic of this recipe.
- Milk chocolate squares: Classic and nostalgic, though dark chocolate adds a grown-up bitterness that I now prefer on late nights.
Instructions
- Prep the base:
- Line your air fryer basket with a small sheet of parchment paper and arrange four graham cracker squares on top. This keeps everything tidy and prevents any melted chocolate from sticking to the basket.
- Assemble the smores:
- Place one square of chocolate and one marshmallow on each graham cracker, pressing gently so they sit flat. The marshmallows will expand as they cook, so dont worry if they look small at first.
- Air fry until golden:
- Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for three to four minutes, watching through the window as the marshmallows puff and turn a gorgeous caramel color. If they start to brown too fast, pull them a minute early.
- Top and press:
- Immediately place a second graham cracker on each marshmallow and press down gently to create a sandwich. The heat will finish melting the chocolate and everything will squish together perfectly.
- Cool briefly before serving:
- Let them sit for a minute or two because the filling is molten lava hot. I learned this the hard way and burned my tongue twice before I developed patience.
Pin this The first time I served these to my kids, they asked if we could have smores for breakfast. I said no, but the next Saturday morning I caved and we made them with our coffee and juice. It felt rebellious in the best way, like breaking a rule that never really mattered. Now its our secret weekend tradition, and I love how something so simple can feel like a tiny celebration.
Flavor Variations to Try
Once you master the basic version, this recipe becomes a playground. Ive smeared peanut butter on the graham crackers before adding the chocolate, and the salty-sweet combination is dangerously good. A friend suggested sprinkling flaky sea salt on top right after pressing the sandwich together, and now I cant make them any other way. Dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even those caramel-filled squares all work beautifully, and each one changes the whole personality of the smore.
Storage and Reheating
Honestly, these are best eaten immediately while the marshmallow is still gooey and warm. But if you somehow have leftovers, wrap them individually in parchment and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about one minute, just long enough to soften the chocolate again. Theyll never be quite as perfect as fresh, but theyre still pretty magical.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these with cold milk or hot cocoa, depending on the season. Theyre also fantastic crumbled over vanilla ice cream or used as a topping for brownies when you want to go completely over the top. My neighbor once brought them to a potluck and everyone assumed she spent hours baking, when really she made them in her car with a portable air fryer in the parking lot.
- Serve with fresh strawberries for a fruity contrast that cuts through the sweetness.
- Pair with a strong coffee or espresso if youre making them as a late-night dessert for adults.
- Let kids build their own by setting out different chocolates and toppings for a fun interactive treat.
Pin this These air fryer smores have turned into one of those recipes I make without thinking, the kind that feels like a hug in food form. I hope they bring you as much joy as theyve brought my kitchen, especially on the nights when you need something sweet and easy and just a little bit magic.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What temperature should I set my air fryer for smores?
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for perfectly toasted marshmallows and melted chocolate in 3-4 minutes.
- → Can I make these with dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate works wonderfully and adds a richer, less sweet flavor. Use any chocolate variety you prefer.
- → How do I prevent the marshmallows from flying around in the air fryer?
Place them on parchment paper and ensure they're sitting on top of the graham crackers and chocolate. The weight keeps them secure during cooking.
- → Can I make a vegan version of these smores?
Yes! Use vegan marshmallows and dairy-free chocolate. The cooking method remains exactly the same for delicious plant-based results.
- → Why should I let them cool before eating?
The melted chocolate and marshmallow filling becomes extremely hot during air frying. Cooling for 1-2 minutes prevents burns while keeping them deliciously gooey.
- → Can I add extra toppings to customize my smores?
Definitely! Try adding peanut butter, Nutella, caramel, sea salt, or crushed cookies between the layers for creative flavor combinations.