By Chef Hanna | Prep: 5 min | Cook: 3 min | Total: 8 min | Serves: 4
Table of Contents
Campfire Classic Made Easy in Your Air Fryer
Who says you need a campfire to enjoy perfect s’mores? I’m Chef Hanna, and I’m about to show you how to make the easiest, most perfectly melted s’mores right in your air fryer – no fire, no mess, no burned marshmallows!
Air fryer s’mores are a game-changer. The hot circulating air toasts the marshmallows to golden perfection while melting the chocolate just right, all in about 3 minutes. No more waiting for marshmallows to catch fire, no more chocolate that stays completely solid, no more graham crackers breaking when you squeeze them together. Just perfectly gooey, melty, delicious s’mores every single time.
What makes air fryer s’mores so special? Control! You get evenly toasted marshmallows with that gorgeous golden-brown color, chocolate that’s actually melted and soft, and graham crackers that stay crispy. Plus, you can make them year-round, rain or shine, summer or winter, without leaving your kitchen.
Whether you’re satisfying a late-night sweet tooth, entertaining kids on a rainy day, creating a fun dessert for movie night, or just craving that nostalgic campfire taste without the campfire effort, air fryer s’mores deliver every single time. Let me show you exactly how to make them perfectly!
Why Air Fryer S’mores Work So Well
Even Heat Distribution: Air fryers circulate hot air around the marshmallows, toasting them evenly on all sides instead of just burning the outside like a flame does.
Perfect Chocolate Melting: The ambient heat in the air fryer basket melts the chocolate while the marshmallow toasts – something that’s hard to achieve over a fire where chocolate often stays solid.
No Burned Marshmallows: Unless you really overcook them, air fryer marshmallows get beautifully golden without the inevitable charring that happens over flames.
Year-Round S’mores: Make them anytime, anywhere – no campfire, fire pit, or even nice weather required!
Batch Cooking: Make 4-6 s’mores at once instead of roasting marshmallows one at a time on sticks.
Less Mess: No sticky roasting sticks, no ashes in your food, no marshmallows falling into the fire. Just easy cleanup!
Kid-Safe: No open flames means kids can help make (and eat!) s’mores safely.
Ingredients You Need
Classic S’mores (Makes 4):
- 8 graham cracker squares (4 full crackers broken in half)
- 4 large marshmallows
- 4 pieces milk chocolate (standard Hershey’s bar, about 1.5 oz total)
That’s It! The beauty of s’mores is their simplicity.
Optional Upgrades & Variations:
Chocolate Options:
- Dark chocolate
- White chocolate
- Peanut butter cups (Reese’s)
- Chocolate with caramel
- Nutella spread
- Chocolate hazelnut bars
Graham Cracker Alternatives:
- Chocolate graham crackers
- Cinnamon graham crackers
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Fudge-striped cookies
- Digestive biscuits
Marshmallow Varieties:
- Jumbo marshmallows (adjust time)
- Flavored marshmallows (vanilla, strawberry)
- Mini marshmallows (use 6-8 per s’more)
Additions:
- Peanut butter
- Sliced strawberries
- Sliced bananas
- Caramel sauce
- Cookie butter spread
- Crushed Oreos
Ingredient Notes:
Marshmallow size matters: This recipe uses standard large marshmallows. Jumbo marshmallows need 1 extra minute; mini marshmallows need 1 minute less.
Chocolate thickness: Standard Hershey’s bar pieces (about 3 squares) are the perfect thickness. Too much chocolate won’t melt in time; too little isn’t enough gooey goodness!
Fresh marshmallows work best: Stale, hard marshmallows don’t puff and toast as well. Use fresh, soft marshmallows for best results.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer (3 minutes)
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the moment the marshmallows go in.
Why preheat? Starting with a hot air fryer means immediate toasting action. Cold air fryers take longer and can result in unevenly toasted marshmallows.
Pro tip: While it preheats, assemble your s’mores base!
Step 2: Prepare the S’mores Base (2 minutes)
Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or use a small piece of aluminum foil (make sure it doesn’t block air flow).
Place 4 graham cracker squares in the basket, spacing them slightly apart.
Top each graham cracker with one piece of chocolate (about 3 squares from a Hershey’s bar, or one segment).
Why chocolate first? The chocolate needs more time to soften. Starting it on the warm graham cracker while the marshmallow toasts helps it melt perfectly.
Spacing tip: Leave about 1 inch between each base – marshmallows expand as they toast!
Step 3: Add the Marshmallows (30 seconds)
Place one large marshmallow on top of the chocolate on each graham cracker.
Press down very slightly so the marshmallow has contact with the chocolate (helps it stick and not blow around).
Important: Don’t skip the parchment paper! Melted marshmallow is extremely sticky and difficult to clean from the air fryer basket.
Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection (3-4 minutes)
Place the basket in the preheated air fryer. Set timer for 3 minutes.
Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 3-4 minutes, checking after 2 minutes through the air fryer window (if your model has one).
What to look for: The marshmallows should puff up significantly and turn a beautiful golden brown. They’ll look toasted, with darker brown spots developing on the top and sides.
Timing guide:
- 3 minutes: Lightly toasted, marshmallow soft and puffy
- 3.5 minutes: Medium toast, golden brown all over
- 4 minutes: Well-toasted, deeper golden color with some darker spots
Don’t walk away! Marshmallows can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Watch them, especially the first time.
Step 5: Top and Press (30 seconds)
Carefully remove the basket (marshmallows are VERY hot!). Working quickly, place the remaining graham cracker squares on top of each marshmallow.
Gently press down to create the classic s’more sandwich. The hot marshmallow will squish and the chocolate will get even meltier from the pressure and heat.
The squeeze: Don’t press too hard or marshmallow will squirt out the sides (though some people love this messy look!). Just firm enough to create a sandwich.
Step 6: Let Cool Slightly and Serve (1-2 minutes)
Let the s’mores cool for 1-2 minutes before eating. The marshmallow is molten hot straight out of the air fryer!
The chocolate will continue melting from the residual heat, creating that perfect gooey center.
Serving tip: Serve on small plates with napkins – these get messy in the best way possible!
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer S’mores
Don’t overcrowd: Make 4-6 s’mores at a time depending on your air fryer size. Overcrowding prevents even air circulation and toasting.
Use parchment paper: Cut it to fit your basket with holes for airflow. This prevents sticky cleanup and protects your air fryer basket.
Watch the color: Marshmallows go from golden to burned quickly. Check at 2 minutes, then watch closely.
Room temperature chocolate: Chocolate that’s been sitting at room temperature (not refrigerated) melts faster and more evenly.
The spin trick: If your marshmallows are toasting unevenly, pause at 2 minutes and rotate them 180 degrees.
Make ahead bases: Assemble graham cracker + chocolate bases ahead of time. Add marshmallows and cook when ready to serve.
Prevent blow-around: Press marshmallows down slightly on the chocolate. The weight and stickiness keeps them from flying around in the air current.
Double-decker s’mores: Want extra? Use 2 marshmallows stacked on each s’more. Add 1 extra minute cooking time.
Creative S’mores Variations
Peanut Butter Cup S’mores
Replace chocolate with a Reese’s peanut butter cup. The peanut butter melts perfectly and adds incredible flavor. This is a family favorite!
Cookies & Cream S’mores
Use chocolate graham crackers and white chocolate. Add crushed Oreos on top of the chocolate before adding marshmallow. Decadent!
Nutella S’mores
Spread Nutella on both graham crackers instead of using chocolate bars. The hazelnut chocolate spread gets perfectly melty and gooey.
Strawberry Shortcake S’mores
Use vanilla or strawberry marshmallows, white chocolate, and add a thin slice of fresh strawberry. Tastes like summer!
S’mores with Caramel
Add caramel squares along with the chocolate. The caramel melts into gooey perfection. For extra indulgence, drizzle caramel sauce on top before serving.
Banana S’mores
Add thin banana slices on top of the chocolate. The banana warms and softens, creating an almost Elvis-like treat (especially good with peanut butter!).
Mint Chocolate S’mores
Use Andes mints or mint chocolate bars instead of regular chocolate. The mint-marshmallow combo is refreshing and delicious.
Triple Chocolate S’mores
Use chocolate graham crackers, dark chocolate bars, and top with chocolate chips. For serious chocolate lovers only!
Salted Caramel S’mores
Use chocolate with sea salt (or sprinkle flaky sea salt on regular chocolate), add caramel drizzle. The sweet-salty combo is addictive.
Campfire Style (Extra Toasted)
Want that charred marshmallow flavor? Cook for 4-5 minutes until marshmallows have dark brown spots. More like traditional campfire s’mores!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem: Marshmallows are expanding too much and touching the heating element Solution: Your air fryer might run hot. Reduce temperature to 375°F and cook slightly longer (4-5 minutes). Or use smaller marshmallows.
Problem: Chocolate isn’t melting Solution: Your chocolate is too cold or thick. Use room temperature chocolate, or add 30 seconds to cooking time. Make sure chocolate is in direct contact with the graham cracker for heat transfer.
Problem: Marshmallows are burning before chocolate melts Solution: Reduce temperature to 375°F. You can also pre-warm the graham cracker + chocolate base in the air fryer for 1 minute before adding marshmallows.
Problem: Marshmallows are blowing around in the basket Solution: Press them down firmly on the chocolate so they stick. Make sure they have good contact with the base.
Problem: Graham crackers are getting too brown/burned Solution: The bottom is too close to the heating element. Place a layer of parchment paper under the crackers, or reduce temperature by 10-15 degrees.
Problem: S’mores stick to parchment paper Solution: Use a spatula to carefully lift them. Or lightly spray parchment with cooking spray before assembling s’mores.
Problem: Marshmallows deflate after removing Solution: They were likely overcooked. Reduce time by 30 seconds next batch. Some deflation is normal as they cool, but they shouldn’t collapse completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to preheat the air fryer? For best results, yes! Preheating ensures the marshmallows start toasting immediately and cook evenly. Without preheating, they take longer and may cook unevenly.
Can I use mini marshmallows instead? Yes! Use 6-8 mini marshmallows per s’more (stacked or clustered). Reduce cooking time to 2-2.5 minutes. Watch closely – they toast faster than large marshmallows.
Will the marshmallow stick to my air fryer basket? Not if you use parchment paper or aluminum foil! Always line the basket. Melted marshmallow is extremely sticky and difficult to clean.
Can I make these ahead of time? S’mores are best eaten fresh and warm. However, you can assemble the graham cracker + chocolate bases ahead of time. Add marshmallows and cook when ready to eat. Fully assembled s’mores don’t keep well – the marshmallow gets tough and sticky.
What if my air fryer is small? Make them in batches! Most air fryers can fit at least 2-4 s’mores. Just repeat the process. The whole batch cooking time is still under 15 minutes.
Can I use a toaster oven instead? Yes! Use the same temperature (390°F) and time (3-4 minutes). Watch closely as toaster ovens vary. The air fryer’s circulating air toasts more evenly, but a toaster oven works in a pinch.
Do these taste like campfire s’mores? Very close! The marshmallows get that golden-brown toasted flavor and the chocolate melts perfectly. You won’t get that smoky campfire flavor, but the texture and taste are spot-on otherwise.
Can I add more chocolate? Sure! Just know that extra chocolate may not fully melt in the standard cooking time. If using a lot of chocolate, add 30-60 seconds to the cooking time.
Are air fryer s’mores safe for kids? The process is much safer than open flames! However, the marshmallows are very hot straight out of the air fryer. Let them cool for 2 minutes before giving to children, and supervise to prevent burns.
Why Families Love Air Fryer S’mores
No Campfire Required: Make s’mores anytime – rainy day, winter night, or just because. No waiting for good weather or building a fire!
Quick Dessert: From start to finish in 8 minutes. Perfect for last-minute dessert cravings or unexpected guests.
Kid-Friendly Activity: Children can help assemble the s’mores (great fine motor skill practice!) and safely enjoy them without fire danger.
Consistent Results: No more unevenly toasted or burned marshmallows. Every s’more comes out perfectly golden.
Less Mess: No sticky roasting sticks, no marshmallow drips in ashes, no chocolate on fingers before it even gets to the s’more. Easier cleanup!
Fun for Parties: Make s’mores bars with various chocolates, cookies, and toppings. Let guests create custom combinations!
Portion Control: Make exactly as many as you need – no waste!
Allergy Accommodations: Easy to make individual s’mores with allergy-friendly ingredients for specific kids.
S’mores Bar Party Ideas
Want to make air fryer s’mores even more fun? Set up a s’mores bar for parties or family nights!
The Station Setup:
- Graham Cracker Station: Regular, chocolate, cinnamon varieties
- Chocolate Station: Milk, dark, white chocolate, peanut butter cups, caramel-filled squares
- Extra Toppings: Cookie butter, Nutella, sliced fruit, caramel sauce
- Marshmallow Station: Regular, jumbo, flavored, mini
- Assembly Area: Let guests create their custom combinations
- Air Fryer Cooking Station: Cook batches of 4-6 at a time
Party Tips:
- Pre-assemble bases (graham + chocolate) to speed up cooking
- Assign someone to be the “air fryer operator” cooking batches
- Use a timer so people know when their batch is ready
- Have wet wipes and napkins readily available – it gets messy!
- Create a menu card with suggested combinations
Suggested Flavor Combos to Feature:
- “Classic Campfire” – traditional s’more
- “Peanut Butter Paradise” – with Reese’s
- “Strawberry Shortcake” – with white chocolate and strawberries
- “Cookies & Cream” – with Oreos
- “Mint Madness” – with Andes mints
- “Salted Caramel Dream” – with caramel and sea salt
Storage & Reheating (Though They’re Best Fresh!)
Storage: Honestly, s’mores are best eaten immediately. The marshmallow gets tough and sticky as it cools, and refrigeration makes it even worse.
If you absolutely must store leftovers, place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Don’t refrigerate – it makes graham crackers soggy and marshmallows hard.
Reheating:
- Air fryer: 350°F for 1-2 minutes (best method)
- Microwave: 10-15 seconds (marshmallow may get tough)
- Oven: 350°F for 3-4 minutes
Better solution: Only make as many s’mores as you’ll eat immediately. The ingredients keep well separately, so you can always make fresh ones!
Nutritional Information (Per Classic S’more)
Approximate values
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 90mg
Note: S’mores are an indulgent treat, not health food! Enjoy them as an occasional dessert. The joy they bring is worth the calories!
Fun S’mores Facts & History
Did You Know?
- The first s’more recipe appeared in a 1927 Girl Scout handbook called “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts”
- The name “s’more” comes from “some more” – because people always wanted more!
- August 10th is National S’mores Day
- Americans consume about 50 million pounds of marshmallows each year – many for s’mores!
- The Hershey Company estimates 1 billion s’mores are made each year
S’mores Traditions:
- Summer camp tradition since the 1920s
- Backyard bonfire staple
- Camping trip essential
- Now, indoor treat thanks to innovations like air fryers!
The Bottom Line
Air fryer s’mores are proof that sometimes modern technology improves on classics! You get all the nostalgic flavor and gooey texture of campfire s’mores with more convenience, consistency, and control. No fire-building skills required, no marshmallows sacrificed to the flames, no chocolate that stays stubbornly solid.
Whether you’re introducing kids to this classic treat, satisfying a late-night sweet craving, or creating a fun dessert experience for family movie night, air fryer s’mores deliver every single time. They’re quick (under 10 minutes!), foolproof (hard to mess up!), and infinitely customizable (try all the variations!).
The best part? You can make them year-round. No more waiting for camping season or perfect weather. Rainy Tuesday in February? S’mores time! Late-night dessert craving in October? S’mores to the rescue! The campfire magic is now available 365 days a year, right in your kitchen.
Make a batch this weekend. Let the kids help assemble them. Watch the marshmallows toast to golden perfection. Take that first bite of perfectly melted chocolate and gooey marshmallow between crispy graham crackers. And remember: life is s’more fun when you make room for treats!
Happy air frying, and remember: you can never have just one s’more!
– Chef Hanna
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 minutes
Total Time: 8-9 minutes
Servings: 4 s’mores
Category: Dessert, Snack, Treat
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Keywords: air fryer s’mores, easy s’mores recipe, indoor s’mores, how to make s’mores without fire, air fryer dessert, quick dessert, kids dessert, campfire treat, no campfire s’mores, air fryer marshmallows
Air Fryer S’mores
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Préchauffer la friteuse à air à environ 350-400 °F (≈175-200 °C).
- Casser les biscuits graham en deux pour obtenir 4 moitiés. Placer deux moitiés dans le panier de la friteuse à air.
- Couper légèrement la base des guimauves pour créer une surface « collante » et les poser, côté collant vers le bas, sur les biscuits. Faites cuire 2-3 minutes jusqu’à ce que les guimauves gonflent et soient légèrement dorées.
- Ajouter sur chaque guimauve une moitié de barre de chocolat, puis recouvrir avec les biscuits restants pour former le sandwich. Cuire encore 1 minute pour fondre le chocolat.
- Retirer soigneusement (attention à la chaleur), laisser reposer 1-2 minutes pour que ça se raffermisse un peu, puis déguster immédiatement tant que c’est encore fondant.
