Save My daughter came home from school one afternoon complaining that she'd never tasted a real smore because we didn't own a fire pit. I glanced at the air fryer sitting on the counter and had one of those lightbulb moments. Ten minutes later, we were biting into gooey, golden marshmallow sandwiches that rivaled any campfire version. She declared me a genius, and I didn't argue. Sometimes the best recipes are born from a little desperation and a lot of curiosity.
I made these for a movie night last winter when it was too cold to even think about going outside. My husband wandered into the kitchen, drawn by the smell of toasting marshmallow, and asked if I'd somehow smuggled a campfire indoors. We ended up eating six smores between the two of us while the movie played unwatched in the background. It became our little secret dessert, the kind you make on a Tuesday just because you can.
Ingredients
- Graham cracker squares: The foundation of every smore, their honey sweetness and crisp texture hold everything together without stealing the spotlight.
- Large marshmallows: Size matters here because bigger marshmallows give you that dramatic puff and stay gooey in the center while the outside bronzes beautifully.
- Milk chocolate squares: I prefer breaking apart a regular chocolate bar rather than using chips, the flat square melts more evenly against the warm marshmallow.
Instructions
- Prep Your 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 any drips from sticking to the basket.
- Build Your Layers:
- Place one chocolate square on each graham cracker, then crown it with a marshmallow sitting upright. The chocolate goes under so it starts melting the moment the marshmallow heats up.
- Air Fry to Golden Perfection:
- Set your air fryer to 375 degrees F and let them cook for three to four minutes. Watch through the window if you have one, the marshmallows will puff and turn golden brown on top.
- Finish the Sandwich:
- The second those marshmallows look toasted, pull the basket out and quickly press a second graham cracker on top of each one. Work fast because the heat makes everything melt together beautifully.
- Cool Before Biting:
- Let them sit for a minute or two, I learned this the hard way after burning the roof of my mouth. The filling stays molten longer than you'd expect.
Save The first time I served these at a backyard gathering, my friend's eight year old son ate three in a row and asked if I could teach his mom how to make them. His mother gave me a look that was half grateful, half exasperated. That's when I knew this recipe had the kind of magic that turns a regular evening into something kids remember, no campfire required.
Flavor Variations to Try
I've experimented with spreading a thin layer of peanut butter on the bottom graham cracker before adding the chocolate, and it adds a salty richness that makes these dangerously addictive. Dark chocolate works beautifully if you want something less sweet, and a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the marshmallow before air frying creates a sweet and salty contrast that feels almost gourmet. My niece swears by using chocolate hazelnut spread instead of a chocolate square, and I can't say she's wrong.
Making It Work for Everyone
When my vegetarian friend pointed out that most marshmallows contain gelatin, I discovered vegan marshmallows toast just as well and taste nearly identical in this recipe. Pairing them with dairy free chocolate means nobody has to sit out dessert. I've also made these with gluten free graham crackers for my cousin, and while the texture is slightly different, the overall experience is still that nostalgic smore magic everyone craves.
Serving and Storage Tips
These are best eaten within minutes of making them, while the marshmallow is still stretchy and the chocolate hasn't fully set. If you need to make a bigger batch, work in rounds of four and keep the finished ones in a warm oven at the lowest setting. Leftovers don't really exist in my house, but if you somehow have extras, you can refrigerate them and reheat briefly in the air fryer to revive some of that gooey texture.
- Make sure your air fryer basket is completely cool before starting a second batch, or your timing will be off.
- Keep extra ingredients on hand because once people taste one, they always want another.
- If you are making these for kids, let them cool a full two minutes because that melted chocolate stays hot.
Save There is something deeply satisfying about pulling off a classic treat in a completely modern way, and these air fryer smores prove you don't need a campfire to create that warm, nostalgic feeling. Make them once, and they will become your go to for movie nights, last minute guests, or those evenings when only something sweet and melty will do.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent marshmallows from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Use parchment paper as a base for your graham crackers. This creates a non-stick surface and makes cleanup easier while ensuring even cooking and golden results.
- → Can I make smores ahead of time in the air fryer?
It's best to assemble and cook smores fresh, as marshmallows and chocolate are ideally enjoyed warm and gooey. However, you can prepare components in advance and assemble just before air frying.
- → What temperature and time work best for air frying smores?
Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes. This allows marshmallows to puff and turn golden while chocolate melts perfectly without burning the graham crackers.
- → Can I use different types of chocolate for smores?
Absolutely. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and flavored varieties all work wonderfully. Choose based on your preference, keeping in mind that darker chocolate has less sweetness than milk chocolate.
- → How do I customize smores with different flavors?
Try adding peanut butter, a sprinkle of sea salt, or cinnamon to elevate the classic. You can also experiment with flavored marshmallows or specialty chocolate bars for unique combinations.
- → Are vegan options available for this preparation?
Yes. Use vegan marshmallows and plant-based chocolate to create a fully vegan version. Many brands offer these substitutes that air fry beautifully with the same delicious results.