Let’s be honest.
Sometimes you want s’mores… but you don’t want to build a fire, smell like smoke, or wait for summer.
That craving usually hits me around 9:47 p.m. on a random Tuesday.
And that’s exactly why I started making air fryer s’mores. They’re crispy, gooey, melty in all the right places, and ready in under five minutes. No backyard. No fire pit. No sticky marshmallow disasters on a roasting stick.
If you’ve got graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows sitting in your pantry, you’re about to unlock one of the easiest desserts ever.
Let me show you exactly how I make them — plus the little tricks that keep them from flying around your air fryer (learned that the hard way).
Why Make S’mores in the Air Fryer?
I grew up making traditional campfire s’mores. Burn the marshmallow slightly. Pretend you meant to. Sandwich it. Take a bite. Repeat.
But here’s the thing: an air fryer gives you that same golden, toasted marshmallow with way more control.
Here’s why air fryer s’mores work so well:
- Evenly toasted marshmallows
- Melted chocolate every time
- Ready in 3–5 minutes
- No open flame
- Minimal mess
And honestly? The texture turns out better than oven-baked s’mores. The air circulation puffs the marshmallow perfectly.
I use the COSORI Air Fryer 5-Qt
Here’s the link:
https://amzn.to/46oaPE9
It heats fast and keeps the marshmallows from scorching on one side. I’ve tried smaller basket models, and they worked fine, but I prefer extra space so nothing sticks together.
Ingredients for Classic Air Fryer S’mores
This recipe keeps it simple.
You’ll Need:
- 4 full graham crackers (broken into 8 squares)
- 4 large marshmallows
- 2 full-size chocolate bars (like Hershey’s), broken into rectangles
That makes 4 s’mores.
I always grab HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Candy Bars
You can find them here:
https://amzn.to/4b5lOVH
The thin snap bars melt perfectly in the air fryer. Thick chocolate chunks sometimes stay solid in the center.
For marshmallows, I use classic large ones. Jumbo marshmallows puff too aggressively. Mini marshmallows work in a pinch, but they melt unevenly.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Air Fryer S’mores
This method took me a few tries to perfect. Follow these steps exactly and you’ll avoid marshmallow chaos.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat to 370°F for 2–3 minutes.
Preheating helps the marshmallows toast evenly instead of slowly melting.
Step 2: Assemble the Bottom Half
Place 4 graham cracker squares in the air fryer basket.
Top each with:
- 1 large marshmallow
Important tip: Place the marshmallow sticky side down so it sits flat.
Step 3: Air Fry the Marshmallows
Cook for 3–4 minutes.
Watch closely during the last minute.
The marshmallows will:
- Puff up
- Turn golden brown
- Look slightly glossy
They should not collapse or darken too much.
Ever blink and accidentally burn a marshmallow? Same. Stay nearby.
Step 4: Add Chocolate & Top Crackers
Carefully remove the basket.
Immediately place one rectangle of chocolate on top of each marshmallow.
Top with remaining graham cracker squares.
Gently press down.
The heat from the marshmallow melts the chocolate beautifully.
Step 5: Let Them Sit (Trust Me)
Let the assembled s’mores sit for 1–2 minutes before eating.
That short rest allows:
- Chocolate to melt fully
- Marshmallow to set slightly
- Graham crackers to soften just enough
Then take a bite.
And try not to smile.
Tips for Perfect Gooey Air Fryer S’mores
I’ve tested these more times than I care to admit. Here’s what matters:
1. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Give each marshmallow space.
Crowded marshmallows lean into each other and fuse together.
2. Use Toothpicks If Needed
Some air fryers blow strong air.
If your marshmallows slide, secure them gently with a toothpick.
Remove before eating, obviously.
3. Use Thin Chocolate
Thin bars melt better than thick chocolate chunks.
If using thicker chocolate, let it sit slightly longer before biting.
4. Adjust Temperature by Model
Some air fryers run hot.
If yours browns too fast, lower to 350°F.
Fun Flavor Variations
Classic s’mores never disappoint. But sometimes I mix things up.
Peanut Butter S’mores
Spread a thin layer of peanut butter on the bottom cracker before adding marshmallow.
The heat makes it creamy and dreamy.
Salted Caramel
Add a drizzle of caramel sauce before topping with the second cracker.
Sprinkle flaky salt on top.
Sweet + salty = dangerous combination.
Cookies & Cream
Use cookies-and-cream chocolate bars instead of milk chocolate.
Nutella S’mores
Spread Nutella instead of chocolate bar pieces.
Yes. It works. Yes, it’s messy. Worth it.
Why Air Fryer S’mores Beat Microwave S’mores
I’ve tried microwave s’mores.
They taste… fine.
But the texture doesn’t compare.
Microwave:
- Marshmallow expands too much
- Chocolate sometimes stays solid
- Graham crackers soften too fast
Air fryer:
- Toasted exterior
- Melted center
- Slight crisp on cracker edges
IMO, the air fryer wins every time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s save you from a sticky disaster.
Cooking Too Long
Marshmallows burn quickly after 4 minutes.
Stay close.
Adding Chocolate Before Cooking
Chocolate melts too early and makes a mess.
Always add chocolate after marshmallow toasts.
Skipping the Rest Time
Give the chocolate 1–2 minutes to melt.
Patience = gooey perfection.
Make Air Fryer S’mores for a Crowd
Want to make multiple batches?
Here’s what I do:
- Toast all marshmallows first
- Line them up on parchment
- Add chocolate and crackers
- Serve together
This works great for movie nights or sleepovers.
And yes, adults love them too. Don’t let kids have all the fun.
Nutritional Info (Per S’more)
Approximate values:
- 150–180 calories
- 2g protein
- 6–8g fat
- 20–25g carbs
Not health food. Not pretending to be.
It’s dessert. And sometimes that’s exactly what you need 🙂
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F for 2–3 minutes.
- Place 4 graham cracker squares in basket.
- Top each with 1 marshmallow.
- Cook 3–4 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Remove basket and immediately add chocolate pieces.
- Top with remaining graham cracker squares.
- Press gently and let sit 1–2 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd basket.
- Add chocolate after cooking marshmallows.
- Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Let rest before eating for fully melted chocolate.

