Roasting Peanuts In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Roasting peanuts in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a healthy snack. It's also versatile, as you can season the peanuts in a variety of ways or use them to make peanut butter or other treats. Air-frying is a convenient method as it requires less supervision than roasting in a skillet or pan, and it also yields evenly roasted peanuts.

Air fryer roasted peanuts as a healthy snack

Roasted peanuts are a delicious and healthy snack, and you can easily roast them in an air fryer. Air-frying peanuts is a convenient option as it requires less supervision and stirring than roasting them in a skillet. Plus, it only takes a few minutes! Here's a detailed guide on how to make this tasty treat.

Ingredients:

• Raw peanuts (with or without skin)
• Olive oil or peanut oil (optional)
• Salt (optional)
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. cayenne pepper, sugar, garlic powder, etc.)

Instructions:

Start by preheating your air fryer. Some recipes suggest preheating to 320°F (160°C), while others recommend a higher temperature of 390°F (200°C). Place the desired amount of raw peanuts in the air fryer basket, spreading them out evenly in a single layer. If you're using oil and seasonings, toss the peanuts with the desired amount of oil and your chosen seasonings before placing them in the air fryer.

Air fry the peanuts for 6-8 minutes at 320°F (160°C) or until they turn golden. If you're air frying at a higher temperature, adjust the time accordingly, as a higher temperature will reduce the cooking time. Shake the basket at least twice during the roasting process to ensure even cooking.

Once the peanuts are golden and roasted, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a plate to cool to room temperature. If you want to remove the skins, you can gently rub the peanuts between your palms a few times until the skins loosen and fall off.

Storage:

Once cooled, store the roasted peanuts in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. If you want to extend their freshness, consider storing them in the refrigerator.

Seasoning Ideas:

While roasted peanuts are delicious on their own, you can also experiment with different seasonings to add extra flavour. Here are some ideas:

• Salt and black pepper
• Honey and chilli flakes
• Cajun seasoning
• Indian-style chaat masala
• Masala paste (made with chickpea flour, chilli, dry mango powder, and salt)
• Garlic powder, dried herbs, and salt

Tips:

• If you plan to season the peanuts, add the spices towards the end of cooking to prevent them from burning.
• The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on the peanuts to ensure they don't burn.
• If your peanuts lose their crunch due to humid weather, air fry them for an additional 2-3 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Roasted peanuts made in an air fryer are a quick, easy, and healthy snack option that can be enjoyed as is or used in various recipes like peanut butter or peanut chutney. Enjoy experimenting with different seasonings to find your favourite flavour combinations!

The benefits of air frying peanuts over roasting them in a skillet or pan

Roasting peanuts in an air fryer has several benefits over using a skillet or pan. Here are some reasons why you may prefer to use an air fryer:

Convenience and Ease of Use: Air fryers require less supervision than skillets or pans. There is no need to constantly stir the peanuts, allowing you to multitask and focus on other tasks while they cook. The set timer on an air fryer also ensures that you don't accidentally burn your peanuts, which can easily happen when using a skillet or pan.

Even Roasting: Air fryers circulate hot air from all sides, resulting in evenly roasted peanuts. This even distribution of heat is harder to achieve with a skillet or pan, where hot spots can lead to uneven cooking.

Time Efficiency: Air frying peanuts takes significantly less time than roasting them in a skillet or pan. Most recipes for air-fried peanuts take around 10 minutes or even less, making it a quick and convenient option for a snack.

Versatility: Air fryers allow for a variety of seasoning options. You can experiment with different spice blends, oils, and even make your own peanut butter or peanut chutney. This versatility means you can customize your roasted peanuts to your taste preferences.

Health Benefits: Air frying is considered a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, as it requires little to no oil. This results in a lower-fat snack that is still crispy and delicious. Additionally, the high temperature of air frying can help retain more nutrients in the peanuts compared to other cooking methods.

Overall, air frying peanuts offers several advantages over using a skillet or pan. It is a convenient, time-saving, and versatile method that produces evenly roasted and healthier peanuts.

How to make spicy peanuts

Ingredients

• 2 cups of raw peanuts (with or without skin)
• 1-2 tbsp of olive oil or butter (optional)
• Spices of your choice (e.g. cayenne pepper, salt, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, etc.)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) or 390°F (200°C).
• If you are using oil or butter, mix it with your chosen spices in a bowl.
• Place the raw peanuts in the air fryer basket, spreading them out in a single layer. If you are using oil or butter, toss the peanuts with the spice blend first.
• Air fry the peanuts for 6-10 minutes at 320°F (160°C) or 390°F (200°C) until they are browned and roasted. Shake the basket a couple of times during the cooking process.
• Remove the basket from the air fryer and season the peanuts with salt, if desired.
• Cook for another 5 minutes or until the peanuts are crispy and golden.
• Transfer the peanuts to a plate and let them cool before serving or storing.

Tips:

• Keep an eye on the peanuts as they can go from undercooked to scorched very quickly.
• If you plan to season the peanuts, add the spices towards the end of cooking to prevent them from burning.
• Roasted peanuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature or 5 days if spiced.

How to make masala peanuts

Yes, you can roast peanuts in an air fryer! Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make masala peanuts in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of raw peanuts with skin
• 1/4 cup of chickpea flour (besan)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons of rice flour
• 2 tablespoons of oil (plus extra for greasing)
• 1 teaspoon of red chilli powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon of chat masala
• 1/2 teaspoon of amchur powder (dry mango powder) or 1 teaspoon of lemon/lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon of asafetida (optional)
• Salt to taste

Method:

• Measure 1 cup of raw peanuts and place them in a bowl.
• Wash the peanuts and drain the water. (This step is optional, but it helps to achieve crunchier peanuts).
• Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the wet peanuts and mix well.
• In a separate bowl, add the chickpea flour, rice flour, and all the spices. Mix well, using your fingers to ensure the spices are fully incorporated.
• Add the drained peanuts to the flour and spice mixture. Mix well to ensure the peanuts are fully coated. If the mixture is too dry, add water gradually, a little at a time, until the peanuts are coated.
• Preheat your air fryer to 330°F for a few minutes.
• Place the coated peanuts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Air fry for 8-10 minutes. Check the peanuts every 2 minutes and shake the basket to ensure even roasting. If the peanuts are browning too quickly, reduce the temperature slightly.
• Once the peanuts are evenly browned, turn off the air fryer and let them sit for 2-3 minutes.
• Allow the peanuts to cool completely before serving or storing.

Storage:

To maintain their crispness, store the masala peanuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a month. If they lose their crunch due to humid weather, you can air fry them for a few minutes to restore their crispness.

How to make peanut butter from roasted peanuts

Yes, you can roast peanuts in an air fryer! Here's a detailed guide on how to make peanut butter using roasted peanuts from an air fryer:

Firstly, you'll need to roast the peanuts. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Evenly spread 1-2 cups of raw, high-quality peanuts (without the shell) in the air fryer basket. You can remove the skin by gently rubbing them between your palms a few times if you prefer. Air fry the peanuts for 6-8 minutes at 320°F (160°C), shaking the basket at least twice during the process, until they turn golden. Remove them from the air fryer and let them cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container.

Now, you're ready to make your peanut butter! For this, you'll need a food processor. You can use salted or unsalted roasted peanuts, but if they're unsalted, you may want to add salt to taste. Simply place the peanuts in the food processor and blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. This process can take up to 10 minutes, and you'll need to be patient as it will take time for the peanuts to transform into a smooth, spreadable butter. Once you have your desired consistency, store the peanut butter in an airtight container or jar at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to a month.

And that's it! You now have delicious, homemade peanut butter to enjoy. You can use it as a spread, a dip, or an ingredient in baking or cooking—the possibilities are endless!

Frequently asked questions