Air-Fried Chestnuts: A Quick, Healthy Treat

Roasted chestnuts are a delicious treat, but roasting them in the oven can be time-consuming. Fortunately, cooking chestnuts in an air fryer is a great alternative, yielding sweet and buttery chestnuts in half the time. This simple recipe involves just a few steps: rinsing, scoring, and air frying. The circulating fan and smaller space of the air fryer allow the chestnuts to cook through in a fraction of the time, making them a quick and easy snack.

Air fryer roasted chestnuts: a quick and easy alternative to oven roasting

Air fryer roasted chestnuts are a quick and easy alternative to oven roasting. They are a delicious holiday treat that can be prepared in a fraction of the time it takes to roast them in an oven. The circulating fan and smaller space of an air fryer heat up faster and cook the chestnuts evenly, resulting in mildly sweet and earthy nuts that can be enjoyed as a snack or used in various recipes.

To make air fryer roasted chestnuts, start by rinsing the raw chestnuts under cold running water and then scoring them. Place the chestnut flat-side down on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut a large "X" or a slit on the top. Be careful not to cut too deep, as you only want to cut through the shell and not into the chestnut itself.

The next step is optional but recommended: soaking the chestnuts in hot water for 10-15 minutes to soften the shell and make them easier to peel. After soaking, pat the chestnuts dry with a towel before placing them in the air fryer.

Preheat your air fryer to between 375-400°F (190-204°C). Arrange the scored chestnuts in the air fryer basket with the cut sides facing up, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Roast the chestnuts for 7-12 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice during cooking.

Once done, transfer the hot chestnuts to a kitchen towel and wrap them to trap the steam, making them easier to peel. Leave them in the towel for a few minutes, then sprinkle with salt and enjoy! Roasted chestnuts will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge or up to 2 months in the freezer.

How to prepare chestnuts for air frying

Preparing chestnuts for air frying is a simple process, but it does require a few steps to ensure the best results. Here is a guide on how to prepare chestnuts for air frying:

Selecting the Chestnuts:

When choosing chestnuts, opt for those that are smooth, plump, and shiny. Look for chestnuts that are heavy for their size and firm with a slight give when squeezed. Ripe chestnuts are typically dark brown with light tan edges and may have a subtle sheen. Avoid chestnuts with holes, blemishes, or rattling insides, as these may be rotten. It is also essential to ensure you are selecting regular chestnuts and not horse chestnuts or water chestnuts, as these are toxic and unsuitable for roasting.

Soaking and Drying:

While optional, some people recommend soaking the chestnuts in hot water for 10-15 minutes to make them easier to score and peel. After soaking, drain the water and pat the chestnuts dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

Scoring:

Place the chestnuts flat-side down on a cutting board. Using a small serrated knife or a paring knife, carefully cut a large "X" or slit on the rounded side, ensuring that the cut goes through the outer skin and the brown layer underneath. This scoring will aid in the peeling process after roasting and allow steam to escape during cooking. You can also make a second slit across the first one to further help with peeling.

Air Frying:

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400 degrees F (some sources recommend 375 degrees F or 204 degrees C). Arrange the scored chestnuts in the air fryer basket with the cut sides facing up, ensuring they are not overcrowded. If needed, cook the chestnuts in batches. Roast the chestnuts for 8 to 17 minutes, depending on their size, shaking the basket occasionally. The chestnuts are done when the shells have peeled away, and the exposed flesh has browned.

Peeling and Storage:

After air frying, transfer the hot chestnuts to a towel and hold it tight to trap the steam. Allow them to cool slightly, and then peel the shells completely. Roasted chestnuts can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

The best types of chestnuts for air frying

Roasted chestnuts are a delightful seasonal treat, often associated with Christmas markets and festive gatherings. While traditionally roasted over an open fire, an air fryer provides a quick, efficient, and healthier way to cook this tasty snack.

When it comes to selecting the best chestnuts for air frying, there are a few varieties to choose from. The most common types include Chinese, American, Japanese, Korean, and European chestnuts. However, it is important to note that horse chestnuts, often found on trees, are toxic and should not be consumed. Water chestnuts, commonly used in Asian cuisine, are also not suitable for roasting.

European chestnuts, widely available in UK supermarkets, specialty stores, and farmers' markets during the autumn and winter seasons, are considered the best option for roasting. They have a sweeter flavour and a softer texture, making them ideal for achieving that perfect crispy exterior and tender interior.

When choosing chestnuts, look for those that are firm and shiny, with no cracks or blemishes. The shells should feel smooth, and the nuts should be heavy for their size. Fresh chestnuts will also produce a full, pleasant sound when shaken gently.

With the right variety of chestnuts and the convenience of an air fryer, you can easily create a delicious and healthy snack that is sure to become a cherished part of your winter traditions.

Air fryer settings and cooking times for chestnuts

Air-frying chestnuts is a great alternative to roasting them in the oven. It's a quick and easy way to cook chestnuts, and you can use them in any dish that calls for cooked chestnuts. Here is a step-by-step guide to air-frying chestnuts:

Preparation:

Rinse the chestnuts under cold running water and drain them. Place the chestnuts with their flat side down on a cutting board. Using a sharp paring knife or serrated knife, score a large "X" on the rounded side, ensuring the knife goes through the outer skin and the brown layer underneath. This will aid in peeling after roasting.

Soaking:

Soaking chestnuts is optional but recommended as it makes the hard shell softer and easier to score. Place the scored chestnuts in a bowl and cover them with hot water (60-70°C) for 10-15 minutes. For best results, some sources suggest soaking for 30-60 minutes. Drain the water and pat the chestnuts dry with a towel.

Air Frying:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) or 400°F, depending on your preference. Place the chestnuts in the air fryer basket with the scored side facing up. This will allow the shells to peel back without being hindered by the tray. Air fry at this temperature for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the shells are noticeably peeling back and the edges are toasted. Smaller chestnuts will take about 5-6 minutes, while larger ones may take up to 12 minutes.

Steaming and Peeling:

Once roasted, transfer the hot chestnuts to a clean kitchen towel, pouch, or paper bag and let them steam for about 5 minutes. This helps loosen the shells. After steaming, gently squeeze the pouch to loosen the chestnut shells further, then carefully peel off the outer shell while the chestnuts are still warm.

How to peel air-fried chestnuts

Cooking chestnuts in an air fryer is a great alternative to roasting them in the oven. It is faster, easier, and more energy-efficient. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to peel air-fried chestnuts:

Step 1: Soaking

Soak the chestnuts in hot water for around 10 to 15 minutes. This is an optional step, but it makes the rock-hard shells a little softer and easier to score and peel.

Step 2: Drying

After soaking, dry the chestnuts with a towel.

Step 3: Scoring

Place the chestnuts flat-side down on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, carefully cut a large "X" on the rounded side, covering at least half of the chestnut. Make sure the knife goes through the outer skin and the brown layer underneath. This will aid in peeling after roasting and allow steam to escape during roasting so that the chestnuts do not explode.

Step 4: Air-frying

Preheat the air fryer to 375-400°F (190-204°C). Place the scored chestnuts in the air fryer basket with the "X" facing up. This will allow the shell to peel back without being hindered by the tray underneath. Air-fry for 5 to 12 minutes, depending on the size of the chestnuts. Smaller chestnuts will take around 5 to 6 minutes, while larger ones will take 10 to 12 minutes.

Step 5: Peeling

Once the chestnuts are done, quickly wrap them in a clean kitchen towel and keep them warm for a few minutes. This helps to continue the steaming process and makes peeling easier. Peel away the outer shell and inner skin while the chestnuts are still warm, as they become harder to peel once they cool down.

And that's it! Your air-fried chestnuts are now ready to be enjoyed as a delicious snack or used in various recipes.

Frequently asked questions