Air Fryer Roasted Walnuts: A Quick, Easy Treat

Roasting walnuts in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enhance their flavour and add a satisfying crunch to your dishes. It is also a great way to get the kids to eat more walnuts and top up their omega-3 levels.

To roast walnuts in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 300°F for about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the walnuts to a bowl and toss with olive oil and salt. Place the nuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket and roast for 5-8 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even roasting. Keep a close eye on your air fryer walnuts, especially towards the end of the cooking time. They are done when they turn golden brown and have a fragrant, nutty aroma. Be careful not to overcook as they can burn quickly.

Air fryer temperature and roasting time

Air-frying walnuts is a quick and easy way to enhance their flavour and texture. The ideal temperature for roasting walnuts in an air fryer is between 163°C and 180°C (325°F and 350°F). However, some sources suggest that a lower temperature of 150°C (300°F) is optimal to prevent burning.

The roasting time for walnuts in an air fryer varies depending on the desired level of doneness, but it typically ranges from 5 to 12 minutes. It's important to shake or stir the walnuts halfway through the cooking process to ensure even roasting.

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, which is typically between 163°C and 180°C (325°F and 350°F).
• Prepare your walnuts by tossing them with a small amount of oil and any desired seasonings. A single layer of walnuts in the air fryer basket is recommended to ensure even cooking.
• Place the walnuts in the air fryer basket and roast for the desired amount of time, typically between 5 and 12 minutes.
• Shake or stir the walnuts halfway through the cooking time to prevent burning and ensure even roasting.
• Keep a close eye on the walnuts, especially towards the end of the cooking time, as they can go from perfectly roasted to burnt quickly.
• Remove the walnuts from the air fryer when they turn golden brown and have a fragrant, nutty aroma.
• Allow the walnuts to cool completely before serving or storing.

By following these steps and adjusting the temperature and roasting time to your preference, you can achieve perfectly roasted walnuts with enhanced flavour and texture.

Oil and seasoning

When roasting walnuts in an air fryer, you can use a variety of oils and seasonings to enhance their flavour.

Oils

A small amount of oil helps to coat the walnuts evenly, promoting a golden, crispy finish. You can use any kind of healthy oil that can take the heat. Some options include:

• Olive oil
• Coconut oil
• Avocado oil
• Butter

Seasonings

You can add whatever additional flavours you want before you air fry the walnuts. Here are some suggestions:

• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Cayenne pepper
• Paprika
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cumin
• Sea salt
• Black pepper

Sweet Options

If you want to make candied walnuts, you can mix the walnuts with maple syrup, honey, or a combination of maple syrup, water, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.

How to avoid burning the walnuts

To avoid burning your walnuts, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the correct temperature—around 300°F (150°C) is recommended. Then, prepare your walnuts by tossing them with a light coating of olive oil and a pinch of salt. This step is optional but can help enhance the flavour and ensure even browning. Next, spread the walnuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to ensure even roasting.

Now you're ready to air fry! Place the basket in the preheated air fryer and roast the walnuts for 5-8 minutes. It's important to shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to prevent burning and ensure even roasting. Keep a close eye on the walnuts, especially towards the end of the cooking time. They are done when they turn golden brown and have a fragrant, nutty aroma. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can burn quickly.

Once your walnuts are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely on a baking sheet. Cooling allows the nuts to crisp up and enhances their flavour. You can then store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crunch.

Storage tips

Roasted walnuts are a tasty treat, but they won't last forever. Here are some storage tips to keep your walnuts fresher for longer:

• Store your roasted walnuts in an airtight container. Glass containers are preferable as they prevent chemicals from leaching into your food.
• Keep your walnuts in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and heat sources. Walnuts are high in heart-healthy unsaturated fats, and this delicate oil can decompose when exposed to light, heat, or oxygen.
• If you have the space, storing walnuts in the fridge will keep them fresh for up to 6 months.
• For maximum freshness and to preserve their flavour and texture, store walnuts in the freezer. They can last for up to a year when stored this way.
• If storing in the fridge or freezer, wait until the walnuts have come to room temperature before using them.
• Walnuts absorb odours, so keep them away from strong-smelling foods like onions or fish.
• Whole nuts keep better than chopped, sliced, or ground nuts.
• Shelled nuts will last longer than nuts in their shells.
• Label containers with the date of purchase so you know which ones to use first.

Other nuts you can roast in an air fryer

Roasting nuts in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty snack, and it can be done with a variety of nuts. Here are some other nuts that you can roast in an air fryer:

Pecans

Pecans are a great option for air frying. They can be roasted on their own or mixed with other nuts, like almonds. You can also get creative and make sweet candied pecans by adding maple syrup or brown sugar and a bit of cinnamon.

Almonds

Almonds are another popular choice for air frying. They can be roasted whole or sliced, but if you're using sliced almonds, be sure to use a heat-safe baking dish inside the air fryer basket to prevent them from falling through the holes. Like pecans, almonds can be seasoned in a variety of ways, such as with smoked paprika and cumin for a smoky flavour.

Cashews

Cashews are also suitable for air frying and can be seasoned in various ways. For a savoury option, try tossing them in olive oil, salt, and spices like curry powder, turmeric, and coriander.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are a good choice for air frying, as they take on a nice crunchy texture. They have a relatively short cooking time, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Pistachios

Pistachios can also be roasted in an air fryer, but due to their size, it's best to use a heat-safe baking dish inside the air fryer basket to prevent them from falling through.

Peanuts

Peanuts can be air-fried with or without their skins. If you choose to leave the skins on, be sure to remove them after roasting by rubbing the warm nuts with a kitchen towel.

Pine Nuts

Pine nuts are another small nut that requires a heat-safe baking dish for air frying. They have a short cooking time, typically around 3 to 4 minutes.

Remember to adjust cooking times and temperatures as needed, depending on the specific nut and your desired level of doneness. Always allow your roasted nuts to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Frequently asked questions