Save My daughter came home from school one afternoon begging for s'mores, but we had no campfire and honestly no energy for the whole backyard setup. I remembered the air fryer sitting on the counter and thought, why not? Four minutes later, we had golden, puffed marshmallows and melted chocolate without a single match lit. It became our new weeknight tradition whenever the craving hit.
The first time I served these at a small gathering, my friends were skeptical about the air fryer method. Then they bit into the warm, crispy graham crackers with that oozing chocolate and they were instant believers. One friend even admitted she made them three nights in a row after going home. It is oddly satisfying to watch the marshmallows puff up through the air fryer window.
Ingredients
- Graham cracker squares: The foundation of every s'more, and they crisp up beautifully in the air fryer heat, so use fresh ones for the best crunch.
- Large marshmallows: They need to be big enough to get that golden puff without disappearing, and standard size works perfectly here.
- Milk chocolate squares: I like the classic Hershey bars, but dark chocolate adds a richer, less sweet flavor if that is your thing.
Instructions
- Prep the Base:
- Lay 4 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:
- Set one chocolate square on each cracker, then nestle a marshmallow on top. The chocolate will start softening from the heat below.
- Air Fry to Perfection:
- Slide the basket into the air fryer and cook at 375°F for 3 to 4 minutes. Watch through the window as the marshmallows turn golden and puff up like little clouds.
- Close the Sandwiches:
- Pull the basket out and immediately press the remaining graham crackers on top while everything is hot. The heat will help the chocolate spread and the marshmallow squish just right.
- Cool Briefly:
- Wait a minute or two before biting in, because that melted center is molten. Trust me on this one.
Save There is something about making s'mores indoors on a rainy Tuesday that feels a little rebellious and a lot comforting. My kids started requesting them as after dinner treats, and I started sneaking in a square of dark chocolate for myself. It turned into one of those small rituals that made ordinary evenings feel special.
Flavor Twists Worth Trying
Once you nail the basic version, it is hard not to experiment. I have added a thin smear of peanut butter under the chocolate, and it was a game changer. A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on the marshmallow before air frying gives it that sweet and salty edge. One time I used a flavored chocolate bar with caramel inside, and my husband declared it the best s'more he had ever eaten.
Making It Your Own
If you follow a plant based diet, swap in vegan marshmallows and dairy free chocolate, the process stays exactly the same. I have also used chocolate chip cookies instead of graham crackers when I ran out, and honestly, no one complained. You can even use mini marshmallows if you arrange several on each cracker, though they cook a bit faster.
Serving and Storing
These are best enjoyed warm and fresh, straight from the air fryer. If you somehow have leftovers, they do not reheat well, the marshmallow gets weirdly chewy. I usually just make as many as we will eat in one sitting. If you are serving a crowd, you can prep multiple batches and keep the air fryer going, it only takes four minutes per round.
- Serve with cold milk or hot cocoa for the full nostalgic experience.
- Let kids build their own if you want to make it interactive.
- Store any unused ingredients separately and assemble fresh each time.
Save This recipe proved to me that you do not need a campfire to capture that same happy, messy, chocolate covered joy. Keep the ingredients on hand, and you will always be nine minutes away from something that feels like a treat.
Recipe FAQ
- → Why use parchment paper in the air fryer?
Parchment paper prevents marshmallows and chocolate from dripping directly onto the basket, making cleanup easier and preventing damage to your air fryer. It also helps distribute heat evenly around each smore.
- → Can I make multiple smores at once?
Yes, you can prepare as many as fit in your air fryer basket without overlapping. Just ensure there's space for air circulation. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly depending on how many you're making.
- → What temperature works best for melting chocolate without burning?
375°F (190°C) is ideal for this preparation. It melts the chocolate and puffs the marshmallows simultaneously without scorching the chocolate or causing the graham crackers to burn.
- → How do I prevent soggy graham crackers?
Keep the bottom graham cracker squares dry by not adding moisture. The air fryer's heat keeps them crisp. Add the top cracker immediately after cooking while the filling is still warm for the best texture.
- → Can I prepare smores ahead of time?
Assemble them just before air frying for best results. Pre-assembled smores may have softened crackers. However, you can prepare all ingredients separately and assemble quickly when ready to cook.
- → What are good flavor variations to try?
Experiment with peanut butter layers, sea salt sprinkles, dark chocolate, white chocolate, or flavored chocolate bars. You can also add cinnamon to graham crackers or try cookie butter instead of chocolate for creative twists.