Save Rain was pounding against my kitchen window last Tuesday when the craving hit. I wanted campfire food but was absolutely not going outside. Thats when I eyed the air fryer sitting innocently on the counter. Four minutes later, I was eating the most perfectly golden marshmallow of my life.
My teenage daughter walked in mid chocolate breath and asked what I was making. She ended up eating three. We sat at the counter with chocolate on our chins watching the rain. Sometimes the best kitchen moments are the unplanned ones.
Ingredients
- 8 graham cracker squares: These form your crispy base and top. Fresh ones make better structural integrity
- 4 large marshmallows: Regular size work but large ones give you that satisfying marshmallow to chocolate ratio
- 4 squares milk chocolate: Dark chocolate creates this sophisticated bitter sweet thing if thats your vibe
Instructions
- Prep your base:
- Place 4 graham cracker squares on a small sheet of parchment paper that fits inside your air fryer basket. The parchment is nonnegotiable for cleanup
- Stack the magic:
- Top each graham cracker with one square of chocolate and one marshmallow. Center the marshmallow so it melts evenly over everything
- Get golden:
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 4 minutes until marshmallows are golden and puffed. Watch through 2 minutes to catch your preferred level of toastiness
- Complete the sandwich:
- Immediately top each with a second graham cracker square and gently press. The pressing step helps everything melt together
- Practice patience:
- Let cool for 1 to 2 minutes before serving. The filling holds heat like nobody business and will burn you if you rush
Save These became my go to when friends drop by unexpectedly. I serve them on a wooden board with extra napkins because everyone gets sticky fingers. There is something about watching someone take that first hot bite.
Perfecting Your Timing
After making these roughly a hundred times I have learned that 3 minutes gives you soft white marshmallows while 4 minutes creates that campfire char. Everyone in my house has a different preference. My son likes his barely warm. My daughter wants hers almost burnt. I keep a timer handy and check through the window at the 2 minute mark because the difference between perfect and overdone is literally 30 seconds.
Chocolate Choices
Milk chocolate melts faster and sweeter which is classic smore territory. Dark chocolate holds its shape longer and creates this intense chocolate puddle underneath. I have tried chocolate squares with almonds and caramels inside and both were chaotic but delicious. The key is matching chocolate size to cracker size so you do not end up with chocolate dripping into your air fryer.
Getting Creative
Once you master the basic version the variations are endless. A thin layer of peanut butter on the graham crackers before assembling changes everything. Sea salt on top of the chocolate makes it taste restaurant quality. I once spread Nutella on the top cracker and my friend actually moaned. Do not be afraid to experiment because the air fryer is forgiving and smores are pretty forgiving to begin with.
- Flavored marshmallows work surprisingly well especially strawberry or peppermint
- Cinnamon graham crackers add this subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with milk chocolate
- Let your creativity run wild because worst case you still have chocolate and marshmallows
Save Some of my favorite memories have happened around a plate of these simple treats. Hope they bring you the same sticky finger joy they have brought my kitchen.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What temperature should I set my air fryer to for smores?
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 3-4 minutes until the marshmallows are golden and puffed.
- → Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate, white chocolate, or flavored varieties like mint or caramel chocolate all work wonderfully. Choose based on your preference.
- → How do I prevent the marshmallows from flying around in the air fryer?
Using parchment paper helps keep everything in place. The marshmallows will puff and soften but shouldn't blow around if properly positioned on the graham crackers.
- → Can I make these dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! Use vegan marshmallows (gelatin-free) and dairy-free chocolate. Graham crackers are typically vegan, but double-check the label to be sure.
- → How long should I wait before eating them?
Let them cool for 1-2 minutes after assembling. The melted chocolate and marshmallow will be extremely hot right out of the air fryer.
- → Can I make multiple batches at once?
Depending on your air fryer size, you can fit 4 smores at a time. For larger quantities, work in batches to ensure even cooking and proper air circulation.