Air-Fryer Chestnuts: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Cooking chestnuts in an air fryer is a quick and easy alternative to roasting them in the oven. It's a great way to make a delicious holiday treat in minutes. To cook chestnuts in an air fryer, you'll need to preheat the appliance to a high temperature, usually between 175°C and 204°C. You'll also need to score the chestnuts with a knife, creating a slit or an X on the top, to allow steam to escape during cooking and make them easier to peel. After scoring, place the chestnuts in the air fryer basket with the cuts facing up, and cook for around 10 to 17 minutes, depending on their size.

How to prepare chestnuts for the air fryer

Preparing chestnuts for the air fryer is a simple process. First, place the chestnuts in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Allow them to soak for 10 to 15 minutes, then drain the water and pat the chestnuts dry with a towel. Next, place each chestnut flat-side down on a chopping board and use a serrated or paring knife to cut a slit or a large "X" on the top, rounded side. This step is important as it allows steam to escape during cooking and makes the chestnuts easier to peel later on. Be careful when scoring the chestnuts, as they can be slippery.

Once the chestnuts are prepared, arrange them in the air fryer basket with their cut sides facing up. Make sure the basket is not overcrowded, as the chestnuts should fit comfortably in a single layer. If necessary, cook the chestnuts in two batches to ensure proper air circulation. Preheat the air fryer to between 175°C and 190°C, depending on your recipe, and roast the chestnuts for 17 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice during cooking.

After roasting, transfer the hot chestnuts to a clean kitchen towel or paper bag and draw the edges towards the centre to create a small pouch. Let the chestnuts steam for about five minutes before serving. You can also freeze cooked and peeled chestnuts for future use by transferring them to a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible, sealing tightly, and freezing for up to three months.

The best temperature to air fry chestnuts

If you want to freeze your chestnuts, you can preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and roast them for 17 minutes or until the shells open and the insides are tender.

The cooking time will depend on the size of your chestnuts. Smaller ones may only need 4 or 5 minutes, while larger ones may need up to 15 minutes or more. Keep a close eye on them to make sure they don't burn or burst.

How to score chestnuts

Scoring chestnuts is an important step in the cooking process, as it allows steam to escape during cooking and makes the chestnuts easier to peel.

To score chestnuts, first, place the chestnuts flat-side down on a chopping board. Hold each chestnut between your thumb and index finger and, using a serrated or paring knife, cut a slit or a large "X" on the top, rounded side of the chestnut. Be careful, as chestnuts can be slippery, and safety should always come first when handling a knife. The "X" should cover at least half of the chestnut.

How long to air fry chestnuts

Cooking chestnuts in an air fryer is a great alternative to roasting them in the oven. It is also a good option if you don't have a fireplace.

To air fry chestnuts, you should first preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 175°C and 204°C. You should then score each chestnut with a large "X" on the rounded side, covering at least half of the chestnut. This will allow steam to escape during the cooking process and make the chestnuts easier to peel.

Place the scored chestnuts in the air fryer basket with the "X" facing up. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket, as the chestnuts should fit comfortably in a single layer. If necessary, you may need to air fry your chestnuts in two batches to ensure proper air circulation.

The cooking time will depend on the size of your chestnuts. Smaller chestnuts may only need 4 or 5 minutes, while larger ones may need up to 15 minutes or more. Keep a close eye on them to make sure they don't burn or burst.

Once the chestnuts are roasted, transfer them to a clean kitchen towel or paper bag. Draw the edges of the cloth towards the centre, turning the towel into a small pouch, and let the chestnuts steam for about five minutes.

How to steam chestnuts after air frying

Cooking chestnuts in an air fryer is a great alternative to roasting them in the oven. To steam chestnuts after air frying, follow these steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Score each chestnut with a paring knife, making a large "X" on the rounded side, covering at least half of the chestnut. This step is important for easy peeling later.
• Arrange the scored chestnuts in the air fryer basket with their cut sides facing up. Ensure they fit comfortably in a single layer, shaking the basket once or twice during cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Air fry the chestnuts for 17 minutes, or until the shells open and the insides are tender.
• Once roasted, transfer the hot chestnuts to a clean kitchen towel. Bring the edges of the cloth towards the centre, turning the towel into a small pouch.
• Let the chestnuts steam in the pouch for about five minutes.

This method allows the chestnuts to steam and become easier to peel. You can then enjoy your steamed chestnuts as a delicious holiday treat or use them in any dish calling for cooked chestnuts.

Frequently asked questions