Air Fryer Chestnuts: A Quick, Easy Treat

Roasted chestnuts are a delicious treat, but not everyone has access to a fireplace or an oven to roast them. Fortunately, you can cook them in an air fryer! This method is faster, more energy-efficient, and produces the same delicious, buttery flavour. It's also a great way to capture that nostalgic feeling associated with roasted chestnuts during the holidays.

How to prepare chestnuts for the air fryer

Preparing chestnuts for the air fryer is a simple process, but it requires a few steps to ensure your nuts are tasty and easy to peel. Here is a guide on how to prepare chestnuts for the air fryer:

Firstly, select good-quality chestnuts. Choose chestnuts that are smooth, plump, and shiny, avoiding any with blemishes or mould. It is recommended to use Italian (European) or American chestnuts as they are easier to peel. Chinese chestnuts, though tasty, tend to be harder to peel. Ensure you are using sweet chestnuts and not horse chestnuts, as the latter are toxic.

Before cooking, rinse the chestnuts under cold running water in a colander. Drain them once they are thoroughly rinsed.

Next, you will need to score the chestnuts. Place the chestnut flat-side down on a cutting board, ensuring the rounded side is facing up. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a large "X" on the top of the chestnut, ensuring you cut through both layers of the shell. Be careful not to cut into the inner skin of the nut. Scoring the chestnuts will allow steam to escape during roasting and will make them easier to peel.

After scoring, some recipes suggest soaking the chestnuts in hot water for 10-15 minutes to soften the shell and make them easier to peel. However, others find this step unnecessary and recommend skipping it. If you do choose to soak the chestnuts, dry them with a towel before placing them in the air fryer.

Now, you are ready to cook the chestnuts in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F (175-200°C). Place the scored chestnuts in the air fryer basket with the cut side facing up. Ensure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Cook the chestnuts for 8-17 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice during the cooking process.

Once they are done, remove the hot chestnuts from the air fryer and place them in a clean kitchen towel. Wrap the towel around the chestnuts to trap the steam and let them sit for about five minutes. This step will help loosen the shells for easier peeling.

Finally, peel the chestnuts while they are still warm. Grasp the pouch and gently squeeze to loosen the shells, then carefully peel off the outer shell by pulling back on the scored "X". Enjoy your freshly cooked chestnuts!

How to roast chestnuts in an air fryer

Roasting chestnuts in an air fryer is a great alternative to using an oven or fireplace, and it's quicker too! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roast chestnuts in an air fryer:

Preparation:

Firstly, you will need to select your chestnuts. It is recommended to use Italian or American chestnuts as they are easier to peel. Try to select chestnuts of a similar size so they cook evenly and avoid horse chestnuts or water chestnuts as they are toxic or unsuitable for roasting.

Step 1:

Rinse the chestnuts under cold running water and then place them flat-side down on a cutting board. Using a paring knife, score a large "X" on the rounded side, ensuring you cut through the outer skin and the brown layer underneath. This will make peeling easier after roasting.

Step 2:

You can now choose to soak your chestnuts in hot water for 10-15 minutes to soften them and make them easier to peel. If you do decide to soak, dry the chestnuts with a towel before the next step.

Step 3:

Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Place the chestnuts in the air fryer basket with the scored side facing up.

Step 4:

Cook the chestnuts for 17-20 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice during this time. The chestnuts are ready when their scored edges begin to open up and the insides are soft.

Step 5:

Remove the chestnuts from the air fryer and transfer them to a clean kitchen towel. Wrap the towel around the chestnuts to trap the steam and let them steam for about five minutes. You can also place them in a paper bag and roll down the top to keep the steam inside.

Step 6:

After steaming, gently squeeze the pouch to loosen the shells and then carefully peel off the outer shell, exposing the yellow flesh inside. If the fuzzy inner skin is difficult to remove by hand, use a small sharp knife to help, being careful not to pierce the nut.

Step 7:

Enjoy your roasted chestnuts while they are still warm!

Storage:

If you have any leftover chestnuts, let them cool to room temperature and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also freeze peeled chestnuts for up to three months.

How to store air-fried chestnuts

Air-fried chestnuts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. To do this, transfer the peeled chestnuts to a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, seal the bag, and freeze. When you're ready to thaw them, take them out of the freezer and leave them to defrost in the fridge overnight.

It's best to let your air-fried chestnuts reach room temperature before storing them.

The best types of chestnuts for air frying

Air-frying chestnuts is a great way to enjoy a wholesome, nutty treat. The best types of chestnuts for air frying are typically European or American chestnuts. These varieties peel more easily and are generally easier to work with. Chinese chestnuts, though tasty, are harder to peel.

European chestnuts (Castanea sativa) are widely available in UK supermarkets, specialty stores, and farmers' markets, especially during the autumn and winter months when they are in season. If you're based in the US, you should be able to find fresh chestnuts in most grocery stores, as well as in farmers' markets during the fall and winter.

When selecting chestnuts, look for ones that are firm, shiny, and smooth, with no cracks or blemishes. The shells should feel smooth, and the nuts should be heavy for their size. Freshness is key, so try to buy your chestnuts as close to roasting time as possible.

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.

How to peel roasted chestnuts

Roasted chestnuts are a delicious treat, but the process of peeling them can be a little tricky. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to peel roasted chestnuts:

Step 1: Preparing the Chestnuts

Before roasting, it is important to prepare the chestnuts to make peeling easier. Start by washing and drying the chestnuts. Then, place them flat-side down on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully score a large "X" on the rounded side of each chestnut, ensuring that you cut through the outer shell and the brown layer underneath. This step is crucial as it will aid in peeling after roasting.

Step 2: Soaking the Chestnuts (Optional)

Soaking the chestnuts in hot water is an optional step, but it is recommended as it helps soften the shell and makes it easier to score a slit. The ideal soaking time is at least 10-15 minutes, or even longer (up to overnight) for better results. After soaking, remember to dry the chestnuts with a towel before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Roasting the Chestnuts

Now it's time to roast the chestnuts! Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 350-375 degrees F. Place the prepared chestnuts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with the cut sides facing up. If needed, cook the chestnuts in batches to avoid overcrowding. Roast them for around 10-17 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally during the cooking process.

Step 4: Steaming the Chestnuts

Once the chestnuts are roasted, transfer them to a clean kitchen towel. Wrap the towel around the chestnuts, turning it into a small pouch. This step helps to trap the steam and makes the chestnuts easier to peel. Let the chestnuts steam for about 5 minutes or until they are cool enough to handle. Alternatively, you can place them in a paper bag and roll down the top to trap the steam.

Step 5: Peeling the Chestnuts

After steaming, gently squeeze the pouch to loosen the chestnut shells. Carefully peel off the outer shell and the inner skin along the scored region. If the chestnuts are still warm, the inner skin should peel away easily. For stubborn chestnuts, you can try reboiling or microwaving them for a few minutes to further soften the skin. You can also use a vegetable peeler or a small sharp knife to help with the peeling process, being careful not to pierce the yellow inner nut.

Tips for Selecting and Storing Chestnuts:

When choosing chestnuts, look for firm, heavy ones with smooth, shiny, and blemish-free shells. Avoid chestnuts that rattle or have gaps, cracks, or holes. It is also important to ensure they are not toxic horse chestnuts or water chestnuts, which are not suitable for roasting.

Roasted chestnuts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Frequently asked questions