Roasting Hazelnuts In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Roasted hazelnuts are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from cookies and cakes to salads and pesto. They are also a great crunchy snack on their own. Roasting hazelnuts at home is easy and can be done in an oven, on a stovetop, or in an air fryer.

Roasting hazelnuts in an air fryer is a quick and convenient option. Simply preheat your air fryer to 350°F, add the hazelnuts to the air fryer basket in a single layer, and air fry for about five minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Once they are done, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a plate or clean dish towel to cool. You can then rub the hazelnuts with a clean dish towel to remove the skins, if desired.

Air fryer temperature and duration

When roasting hazelnuts in an air fryer, the temperature and duration will depend on the quantity of hazelnuts you are roasting and the level of roast you want to achieve.

For a batch of 2 cups of raw hazelnuts, spread the nuts out in an even layer in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 300 °F/150 °C. Roast for 10 minutes, then check to see if they are roasted to your liking. If not, continue roasting for another 5 minutes.

If you are roasting a smaller quantity of hazelnuts, such as 1 cup, you can roast them at 300 °F until golden brown and toasted, shaking the basket halfway through. This should take around 4 to 5 minutes.

It is important to keep an eye on your hazelnuts while they are roasting, as they can scorch quickly. You will know they are done when they are fragrant, lightly browned, and the skins come off easily.

Once your hazelnuts are roasted to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely. They will continue to cook slightly from the residual heat and become crunchy as they cool.

Removing hazelnut skins

Yes, you can roast hazelnuts in an air fryer.

Hazelnut skins are bitter, so it is recommended to remove them before using hazelnuts in baking or cooking. There are two common methods for removing hazelnut skins: toasting and boiling.

Toasting Method:

• Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Toast the hazelnuts for 8-12 minutes, until they are fragrant but not burnt.
• Remove the hazelnuts from the oven and, while they are still warm, place them in a clean dish towel.
• Rub the hazelnuts vigorously in the dish towel for 1-2 minutes. The skin should come off in scraps. You can use a paper towel to remove any remaining skin.

Boiling Method:

• Set a bowl of ice water near your stovetop.
• Boil 1.5 cups of water per 0.5 cups of hazelnuts in a large pot.
• Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the water. The baking soda will cause the water to bubble up, so be sure to use a large enough pot.
• Add the hazelnuts and let them boil for 3 minutes. The water will darken.
• Test a single hazelnut by removing it from the boiling water and plunging it into the ice water. Try to slip the skin off. If the skin does not come off easily, let the hazelnuts boil for another minute or so.
• Once the test hazelnut skin slips off easily, remove all the hazelnuts from the boiling water and slip off their skins one by one. You can use warm water from the sink instead of ice water if you prefer.
• Lay the peeled hazelnuts on paper towels to dry.

The toasting method is faster but may not completely remove all the skins. The boiling method is more effective at removing the skins but requires more steps and takes longer. Choose the method that best suits your needs and preferences.

Storing roasted hazelnuts

Roasted hazelnuts can be stored in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag to maintain their moisture level and ensure the natural oils stay fresh. They should be labelled and stored at room temperature, where they will last for two to three months. Alternatively, they can be stored in the freezer for up to a year.

If you plan to consume the roasted hazelnuts within two days, they should be stored in a freezer bag with the air removed and placed in the fridge. If the hazelnuts are to be used in a wet recipe, they should be stored in the fridge for no more than a week.

Roasted hazelnuts can also be frozen and will stay fresh for up to three months. To freeze them, ensure they are completely cool and stored in a freezer bag with the air removed.

Other ways to roast hazelnuts

You can roast hazelnuts in an oven, on a stovetop, or over an open fire.

Roasting Hazelnuts in an Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Spread the hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Roast for 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
• Remove the skins by transferring the nuts to a clean kitchen towel and rubbing them together.
• Allow to cool and then store in an airtight container.

Roasting Hazelnuts on a Stovetop:

• Place the hazelnuts in a single layer in a heavy saucepan or skillet over medium heat.
• Stir the hazelnuts frequently to prevent burning.
• Roast for 5-10 minutes until they are fragrant and brown.
• Remove from the pan immediately to prevent over-roasting.

Roasting Hazelnuts Over an Open Fire:

• Place the shelled hazelnuts in a fire-safe pot or pan and set them on hot coals.
• Stir the nuts frequently for 2-3 minutes, depending on the heat, until they are brown and fragrant.

Health benefits of hazelnuts

Yes, you can roast hazelnuts in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Crack the nuts over a clean kitchen towel or dish towel, then fill the fryer basket so that the hazelnuts aren't overlapping. Roast for about six minutes, stirring halfway through.

Hazelnuts are a great source of nutrients and have a range of health benefits. Here are some of the key health benefits of consuming hazelnuts as part of a balanced diet:

Supporting Heart Health

Hazelnuts are a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. They are also packed with antioxidants that protect the body from oxidative stress, which can contribute to hypertension. The phenolic compounds in hazelnuts help reduce cholesterol and inflammation, which are risk factors for heart problems.

Reducing Weight Gain

Recent studies have found a link between nut consumption and reduced weight gain. Participants who ate more nuts were less likely to become overweight or obese. Hazelnuts can be a great snack option for those watching their weight.

Improving Insulin Sensitivity

Consuming a mix of nuts that includes hazelnuts may help improve insulin sensitivity, which plays a crucial role in the development of type 2 diabetes. A 2011 trial found that eating 30 grams of a nut mix containing 7.5 grams of hazelnuts daily improved insulin sensitivity in participants over 12 weeks.

Lowering Cholesterol

Eating hazelnuts may help reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which is a type of cholesterol that can increase the risk of heart problems. A 2013 study found that a hazelnut-rich diet decreased participants' levels of this harmful cholesterol. Another review in 2016 indicated similar results, with no increase in body weight.

Protecting Against Cell Damage

Hazelnuts are rich in antioxidants, including vitamin E, which protect the body from cell damage that can be caused by free radicals. Some research suggests that vitamin E may help shield the body from types of cell damage linked to cancer.

Supporting Healthy Bowel Movements

Hazelnuts are a good source of dietary fiber, which promotes regular bowel movements and helps prevent constipation. A 28-gram serving of hazelnuts provides about 2.7 grams of dietary fiber.

In addition to these benefits, hazelnuts may also help improve sperm count, reduce inflammation, and provide an energy boost. They are a versatile and tasty addition to a healthy diet.

Frequently asked questions