Gourmet Air-Fried S'mores with Sea Salt and Dark Chocolate

🌍 Cuisine: American
🏷️ Category: Dessert
⏱️ Prep: 5 minutes
🍳 Cook: 3-5 minutes
👥 Serves: 4 servings

📝 About This Recipe

Experience the nostalgic magic of a campfire classic without the smoke or the wait. This air-fried version elevates the humble s'more into a gourmet treat, featuring perfectly toasted, gooey marshmallows and molten chocolate nestled between crisp graham crackers. By using the air fryer, you achieve a precise, golden-brown char on the marshmallow that mimics an open flame, making it the ultimate quick-fix dessert for any season.

🥗 Ingredients

The Base

  • 4 full sheets Honey Graham Crackers (broken into halves to make 8 squares)
  • 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (melted, for brushing the crackers)

The Filling

  • 4 pieces Large Marshmallows (standard size, not jumbo)
  • 2 ounces Dark Chocolate Bars (60% cocoa or higher, broken into squares)
  • 2 teaspoons Creamy Peanut Butter (optional, for a nutty twist)
  • 2 pieces Fresh Strawberries (thinly sliced)

The Toppings

  • 1 pinch Flaky Sea Salt (like Maldon, to balance the sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon Caramel Sauce (for drizzling)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (to dust over the top)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes to ensure an even cooking environment.

  2. 2

    Line the air fryer basket with a small piece of parchment paper. Tip: Cut the paper slightly smaller than the basket so air can still circulate around the edges.

  3. 3

    Break the 4 graham cracker sheets in half to create 8 squares. Lay 4 squares flat on a clean work surface.

  4. 4

    Lightly brush the top side of each graham cracker square with a tiny amount of melted butter; this helps them crisp up and adds a rich flavor.

  5. 5

    If using peanut butter, spread a thin layer (about 1/2 teaspoon) onto each of the 4 bottom graham cracker squares.

  6. 6

    Place a square of dark chocolate on top of the peanut butter or directly onto the cracker.

  7. 7

    Place one large marshmallow on top of the chocolate. To prevent the marshmallow from flying off during air frying, gently press it down so it 'sticks' to the chocolate.

  8. 8

    Carefully place the assembled bottom halves (cracker, chocolate, and marshmallow) into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.

  9. 9

    Air fry at 390°F for 2 to 4 minutes. Watch closely through the window or check at the 2-minute mark; the marshmallows should be puffed and deeply golden brown.

  10. 10

    While the marshmallows are toasting, prepare your toppings like sliced strawberries or sea salt.

  11. 11

    Once the marshmallows have reached your desired level of toastiness, carefully remove the basket from the air fryer.

  12. 12

    Immediately place a slice of strawberry (if using) onto the hot marshmallow and sprinkle with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt.

  13. 13

    Place the remaining 4 graham cracker squares on top of the toasted marshmallows and press down gently to create a sandwich, allowing the heat to further melt the chocolate.

  14. 14

    Let the s'mores sit for 30-60 seconds to allow the chocolate to reach a perfect molten consistency.

  15. 15

    Drizzle with a bit of caramel sauce and a light dusting of cinnamon before serving warm.

💡 Chef's Tips

To prevent marshmallows from blowing around, you can use a toothpick to pin the marshmallow to the cracker, just remember to remove it before eating. For an extra decadent version, use chocolate-coated graham crackers instead of plain ones. If you prefer a 'charred' campfire taste, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for a shorter duration. Avoid overfilling the basket; air circulation is key to getting that crispy cracker and gooey center. Always use parchment paper to catch any escaping marshmallow goo, making cleanup a breeze.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pair with a cold glass of whole milk or a creamy oat milk latte. Serve alongside a bowl of fresh raspberries to provide a tart contrast to the sugar. Enjoy with a small glass of Stout or Porter beer for an adult-friendly dessert pairing. For a party platter, serve with extra dipping sauces like warm Nutella or raspberry coulis.