Irresistibly Crispy Air Fried Marshmallow Peeps: Your Ultimate Guide to a Sweet Spring Treat
Get ready to transform classic marshmallow Peeps into an extraordinary dessert with this incredibly simple yet utterly delightful Air Fried Marshmallow Peeps recipe! Imagine golden, flaky crescent rolls encasing a perfectly melted, gooey marshmallow center. It’s a fun, sweet treat that brings a burst of spring colors and flavors to your table, reminiscent of a mini sopapilla with a festive twist. This recipe is not just easy; it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to add a touch of whimsy and deliciousness to their Easter basket or spring celebrations.
Whether you opt for the classic chick, adorable bunny, or charming duck shapes, any variety of Peeps will work beautifully for this recipe. Feel free to mix and match all the vibrant colors available to make your dessert platter even more eye-catching. You can even use specific colors like pink and blue Peeps to create a fun and memorable treat for a gender reveal party! This simple technique elevates the humble Peep into an impressive, crave-worthy dessert that everyone will adore.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Air Fried Marshmallow Peeps Recipe
Peeps, those iconic sugar-coated marshmallow chicks or bunnies, are a staple in many Easter baskets, symbolizing the joy and vibrancy of spring. If you’re new to the world of Peeps, they are essentially soft, sweet marshmallow puffs coated in sparkling sugar, available in a rainbow of cheerful colors. This recipe takes that beloved seasonal candy and transforms it into something truly magical with the help of your air fryer. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love making Air Fried Marshmallow Peeps:
- Unbelievably Easy: With just two main ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy parents, beginner cooks, or anyone craving a quick sweet fix.
- Perfect Texture Contrast: The air fryer works wonders, turning the crescent roll dough a beautiful golden brown and creating a satisfyingly crispy exterior, while the Peep inside melts into a warm, gooey, sugary dream.
- Quick & Convenient: Forget waiting for the oven to preheat for ages! Your air fryer gets these treats ready in minutes, making them ideal for spontaneous dessert cravings or last-minute party additions.
- Fun for All Ages: Kids and adults alike will be enchanted by this recipe. It’s a fantastic activity to do with children, and the colorful results are always a hit.
- Festive & Versatile: While perfect for Easter and spring, these treats can be adapted for any holiday where Peeps are available. They’re also an excellent canvas for various toppings and decorations.
- Unique Dessert Experience: It’s not just a marshmallow; it’s a warm, sweet, pastry-wrapped delight that offers a unique flavor and texture profile, far beyond a simple roasted marshmallow.
For more delightful air fryer treats that capture the essence of spring, be sure to try our Air Fried Cadbury Eggs. They’re another simple and delicious way to enjoy your favorite holiday candies!
Essential Ingredients for Air Fried Peeps
You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create these show-stopping treats. This recipe truly redefines “minimalist baking,” requiring just two core ingredients you can easily find at your local grocery store. The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity, allowing the classic flavors and textures to shine through.
- Crescent Rolls: Pick up a can of refrigerated crescent rolls. The honey butter or regular butter flavored varieties work best, adding a subtle richness to the finished pastry. These flaky, buttery rolls are the perfect canvas for our sweet filling.
- Marshmallow Peeps: As mentioned, any shape will do – chicks, ducks, or bunnies. The classic spring colors add a festive touch, but feel free to experiment with seasonal Peeps if you can find them for other holidays.
Optional Toppings to Elevate Your Treat: These additions aren’t strictly necessary, but they truly transform your air-fried Peeps into a gourmet-level dessert!
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting adds a beautiful finish and an extra touch of sweetness, mimicking the look of traditional sopapillas.
- Cinnamon Sugar: For a warm, spiced twist, mix powdered sugar with a pinch of cinnamon and sprinkle generously.
- Sprinkles: Add a pop of color and fun, especially for themed parties or celebrations.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melted chocolate syrup or a homemade chocolate ganache provides a decadent touch.
- Caramel Drizzle: A rich, buttery caramel sauce complements the marshmallow perfectly.
- Frosting or Glaze: A simple vanilla glaze can take these to the next level.
- Ice Cream: Serve warm Peeps with a scoop of your favorite vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an irresistible hot-and-cold dessert.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream is always a welcome addition.
How to Make Air Fried Marshmallow Peeps: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these delightful air fried marshmallow Peeps is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time:
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Prepare the Crescent Rolls:
Carefully unroll the can of crescent rolls and separate each triangle. Lay them flat on a clean surface or cutting board. This ensures they are ready for wrapping.
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Wrap the Peeps:
Place one marshmallow Peep at the wider end of each crescent roll triangle. Gently roll the dough around the Peep until it is completely enclosed. It’s crucial to pinch any exposed parts of the Peep to seal the dough securely around it. This prevents the melted marshmallow from oozing out during cooking.
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Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
Lightly spray your air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray, or for easier cleanup, line it with air fryer parchment paper. Arrange the wrapped Peeps in the prepared basket, ensuring there’s a small space between each one. This allows for even airflow and crispy browning.
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Air Fry to Golden Perfection:
Cook the Peeps in your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as cooking times can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color on the crescent rolls, indicating a perfectly crispy exterior and a melted, gooey marshmallow interior.
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Serve and Garnish:
Once cooked, carefully remove the air-fried Peeps from the basket using tongs. They will be hot and delicate. Transfer them to a serving plate and immediately sprinkle with powdered sugar, a delightful cinnamon sugar mix, or drizzle with chocolate syrup, caramel, or a sweet frosting glaze. Serve warm and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Air Frying Perfection
While this recipe is incredibly simple, a few extra tips can ensure your Air Fried Marshmallow Peeps turn out perfectly crispy and gooey every time:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air circulation is key for even cooking and crispiness. Cook in batches if necessary, ensuring each wrapped Peep has ample space around it. Overlapping or stacking can lead to unevenly cooked or soggy spots.
- Seal Tightly: Pay extra attention when pinching the crescent roll dough around the Peep. Any gaps can allow the marshmallow to leak out, creating a sticky mess in your air fryer basket.
- Monitor Closely: Air fryers can vary in wattage and efficiency. Start checking your Peeps at the 4-minute mark. They can go from perfectly golden to slightly burnt quickly, so keep an eye on them!
- Preheat Your Air Fryer (Optional but Recommended): Some air fryer models benefit from preheating for a few minutes before adding food. This can help achieve a more consistent golden-brown crust.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve these treats warm. The melted marshmallow inside is at its peak gooey perfection right out of the air fryer. As they cool, the marshmallow will firm up again.
- Experiment with Toppings: Don’t limit yourself! A sprinkle of sea salt can even enhance the sweetness, or try some chopped nuts for added crunch.
- Storage: While best fresh, if you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day. Reheating in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes can refresh them slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fried Peeps
Marshmallow Peeps are typically seasonal, most prominently available around Easter, but they’ve expanded to cover almost every major holiday now (Halloween ghosts, Christmas trees, Valentine’s Day hearts, etc.). If Peeps aren’t in season or you can’t find them, you can absolutely substitute them with regular large marshmallows. The result will still be a delicious, gooey, pastry-wrapped marshmallow treat, just without the iconic shape and colors of Peeps!
The magic of this dessert is how the Peeps melt inside, creating a sweet, almost syrup-like coating within the crescent roll. This inherently sugary interior makes them fantastic on their own, but they truly shine with a few extra touches! A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting alongside the warm pastry is pure bliss. A generous drizzle of chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, or a simple frosting glaze can add another layer of indulgence. For an extra festive touch, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or colorful sprinkles. These are also wonderful paired with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa, making them a perfect after-dinner dessert or a cozy snack.
Yes, you can! While the air fryer provides that signature quick crispiness, you can definitely bake these in a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the wrapped Peeps on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 8-12 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them, as oven times can vary.
These treats are truly best enjoyed fresh, warm, and gooey right out of the air fryer. However, if you happen to have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. The marshmallow will solidify as they cool, and the crescent roll may lose some of its crispness. To refresh them, you can pop them back into the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 300°F (150°C) to warm the marshmallow and re-crisp the pastry slightly.
While this recipe focuses on the pure marshmallow experience, you can absolutely get creative! A tiny piece of chocolate (like a mini chocolate chip or a square of a chocolate bar) placed inside with the Peep before rolling can create a s’mores-like experience. Be careful not to overfill, as this could lead to leakage during cooking.
More Irresistible Air Fryer Dessert Recipes
If you love quick and easy desserts made in the air fryer, you’re in luck! We have a collection of fantastic recipes that will satisfy any sweet tooth:
- Air Fryer S’mores Dip: All the campfire fun without the fire!
- Air Fryer Cake Mix Cookies: Super simple cookies from a box mix.
- Air Fryer Brownie Mix Cookies: Another effortless cookie option for chocolate lovers.
- Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies: The classic favorite, made perfectly crispy.
- Air Fried Thin Mints: A delicious twist on a beloved cookie.
These recipes prove that your air fryer isn’t just for savory dishes; it’s a dessert-making powerhouse!
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Air Fried Marshmallow Peeps
Rate
Equipment
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1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 package Marshmallow Peeps
- 1 Can Crescent Rolls, 8 crescent rolls
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Instructions
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To prepare, begin by unrolling and carefully separating each crescent roll triangle from the can. Lay them flat.
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Place one marshmallow Peep at the wide end of a crescent roll. Roll the dough tightly until the Peep is completely wrapped. Make sure to firmly pinch any exposed parts of the Peep to seal the dough.
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Spray your air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray, or line it with air fryer parchment paper. Arrange the wrapped Peeps in the prepared basket, leaving a small space between each one to allow for even cooking.
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Air fry the Peeps at 350 degrees F (175°C) for approximately 5 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are beautifully golden brown and crispy. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
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Carefully remove them from the Air fryer using tongs. For an extra treat, sprinkle with powdered sugar, or drizzle with chocolate syrup or a sweet frosting glaze immediately before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
Always leave enough room between wrapped Peeps in the air fryer basket. This is essential for proper air circulation, which allows the crescent roll to puff up evenly and become crispy on all sides.
Do not stack or overlap the Peeps in the basket. If they are too close or stacked, the dough may not cook evenly, resulting in some parts being undercooked or soggy.
You can typically make 4 to 8 fried Peeps in a single batch, depending on the size of your air fryer basket. Cook in multiple batches if needed to avoid overcrowding and ensure the best results.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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