Save There's something magical about the smell of toasted marshmallow that fills a kitchen instead of drifting into a campfire. I discovered air fryer s'mores on a rainy Friday when camping was off the table, but the craving for melted chocolate and gooey marshmallows wasn't going anywhere. What started as a "let me just try this" moment became a permanent solution to that childhood dessert we all love but can't always make outdoors. The air fryer does the work of a campfire flame without the smoke or the wait, and somehow makes them even better.
I made these for my niece during a backyard gathering, and watching her face light up when she bit into one—chocolate dripping down her chin, marshmallow still warm—reminded me why s'mores matter so much to people. She said it tasted exactly like the ones at camp but was ready in seconds, not minutes of careful flame-holding. That moment sealed it for me: this recipe deserves a permanent spot in our dessert rotation.
Ingredients
- Graham cracker squares: You'll need 8 total—4 for the base and 4 for the top. I've learned that store-brand works just as well as name-brand, so don't overthink this part.
- Large marshmallows: Four should do it, one per s'more. Jumbo marshmallows work beautifully if you can find them, and they puff up more dramatically in the air fryer.
- Milk chocolate squares: Four pieces is the perfect amount—any more and it becomes overwhelming, any less and you lose that chocolate-to-everything-else ratio that makes s'mores sing. Dark chocolate works equally well if that's your preference.
Instructions
- Set up your base:
- Tear off a piece of parchment paper that fits snugly in your air fryer basket, then arrange 4 graham cracker squares on top in a single layer. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup almost effortless.
- Layer the filling:
- Place one chocolate square on each cracker, then top it with a marshmallow. The chocolate goes down first so it has a chance to melt against the warm cracker.
- The magic happens here:
- Slide everything into your preheated air fryer at 375°F and set the timer for 3 to 4 minutes. You'll notice the marshmallows starting to puff and turn golden—this is exactly what you're watching for, and the color tells you when to stop.
- The final press:
- The moment they come out, quickly place a graham cracker square on top of each marshmallow and gently press down. The warmth helps everything stick together, and you've got yourself a proper sandwich.
- Rest and serve:
- Give them 1 to 2 minutes to cool slightly so you don't burn your mouth on the molten filling. They'll hold together better too once they've had a moment to set.
Save I remember my partner laughing because I got so excited about these that I made them three times in one week, testing different chocolate brands and marshmallow sizes like they were some kind of culinary experiment. By the third batch, we'd figured out the rhythm and timing, and something about sharing them hot and fresh from the air fryer made them feel special in a way campfire s'mores never quite did.
Flavor Variations That Work
Once you nail the basic version, the door opens to so many possibilities. A thin swipe of peanut butter on the chocolate square adds a salty richness that feels almost decadent, and a tiny pinch of fleur de sel on top of the marshmallow brings out the sweetness in a surprising way. I've also tried adding a thin layer of salted caramel or even a sprinkle of cinnamon, and each version tells a different story about what s'mores can be.
Timing and Temperature Matters
The magic window is between 3 and 4 minutes at 375°F, and while that sounds like a tight range, air fryers vary slightly in intensity and efficiency. I recommend checking at 3 minutes the first time—you're looking for marshmallows that have puffed up and turned a light golden color, almost honey-toned on top. Some air fryers run hotter, so if yours tends to cook fast, start checking at 2 and a half minutes and adjust from there.
Make Them Your Own
The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is to what you have on hand and what you love. Use dark chocolate if that's your thing, or swap in flavored chocolate like mint or raspberry for something unexpected. If you're cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, vegan marshmallows and dairy-free chocolate work beautifully and cook the same way, so nobody feels left out of dessert time.
- Dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even chocolate with cookie crumbles all work perfectly in this format.
- A small dollop of nutella under the marshmallow changes the whole flavor profile in the best way.
- Make them just before serving so they're still warm and the filling is at its most luxurious texture.
Save These s'mores have become my answer to the question of what to make when someone wants something sweet and comforting but we're nowhere near a campfire. They remind me that the best kitchen moments often come from trying something on a whim and discovering it works better than you expected.
Recipe FAQ
- → What temperature is best for air frying?
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes until marshmallows are golden and puffed.
- → Can I use different types of chocolate?
Yes, substitute milk chocolate with dark or flavored chocolate to suit your preference.
- → Are there vegan options for this treat?
Use vegan marshmallows and plant-based chocolate to make a vegan-friendly version.
- → What are some flavor variations?
Try adding peanut butter or sprinkling sea salt for an extra flavor twist.
- → How should I assemble before air frying?
Place chocolate and marshmallow on a graham cracker square, then air fry before sandwiching with a second cracker.