Air-Fryer Honey Roasted Cashews: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Honey-roasted cashews are a delicious snack that can be made in an air fryer in under 20 minutes. They are perfect for a party, lunchbox, or even on top of yogurt or ice cream. This recipe is gluten-free, egg-free, soy-free, and oat-free. It is also a great source of protein and antioxidants. The key to making honey-roasted cashews in an air fryer is to mix the cashews with honey, butter, and other desired seasonings, such as cinnamon or salt, in a bowl until they are completely coated. Then, spread them out in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at a temperature of around 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown. Finally, let them cool before serving or storing in an airtight container.

Choosing the right cashews

Type of Cashews

Choose raw cashews for air frying. Raw cashews will allow the honey flavour to bake in more easily, and they will also absorb the flavours of any seasonings or spices you use. Using raw cashews will also ensure that you get that desirable crunchy texture once they are roasted.

Quality of Honey

When it comes to honey, you don't have to use high-quality, expensive varieties. Wildflower or citrus blossom honey are great cost-effective options that will work perfectly for this recipe.

Oil Selection

If you want to add oil to your honey-roasted cashews, olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil are all excellent choices. These oils have different flavour profiles and smoke points, so consider the other ingredients in your recipe and select the oil that best complements them.

Seasonings and Spices

The beauty of making honey-roasted cashews in an air fryer is that you can customise the flavours to your liking. Some popular options include smoked paprika, ground coriander, ground cumin, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, or even cocoa. You can also experiment with combinations like chili-lime, rosemary-garlic, or honey-cinnamon.

Preparation

Before air frying, be sure to inspect the cashews for any broken shell fragments. Additionally, if you are coating your cashews with oil and seasonings, mix them together first before adding the honey. This will ensure an even coating and help the seasonings adhere better to the nuts.

Remember, the key to choosing the right cashews is selecting raw, high-quality nuts and pairing them with complementary seasonings and oils. This will ensure your honey-roasted cashews turn out delicious and have that perfect crunchy texture.

Preparing the honey glaze

Honey-roasted cashews are a delicious, crunchy, and sweet treat that can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. The key to achieving that perfect honey glaze is in the preparation. Here's a step-by-step guide to making the honey glaze for your air fryer roasted cashews:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

You will need raw cashews, honey, and butter. For this recipe, you can use either unsalted or salted butter, depending on your preference. If you want to add a little extra flavour, you can also prepare some cinnamon, vanilla extract, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Step 2: Prepare the Honey-Butter Mixture

Take a microwave-safe bowl and add your butter. Pop it into the microwave for around 25-30 seconds, or until the butter is completely melted. Now, add the honey to the melted butter and give it a good stir. The warmth of the butter will help to soften the honey, making it easier to coat your cashews evenly. If you want to add cinnamon or vanilla extract, this is the step to do so. Give everything a good mix until all the ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Coat the Cashews

Take your raw cashews and pour them into a large mixing bowl. Check for any broken shell fragments and remove them. Now, pour the honey-butter mixture over the cashews. Add a pinch of salt to taste, and give the nuts a good toss until they are all evenly coated. Use a large spoon to mix everything together, ensuring that each cashew is nicely glazed.

Step 4: Prepare for Roasting

Line a baking tray with parchment paper. This step is important as the honey can stick to your tray, making it difficult to clean. Spread the glazed cashews onto the prepared tray, ensuring they form a single layer. It's important that the cashews are not piled on top of each other and have space around them so that they roast evenly.

Now that your honey glaze is prepared, you can pop your tray of cashews into the air fryer and roast them to perfection!

Coating the cashews

If you are using a combination of honey and butter, melt the butter in a microwave-safe container, then add the honey and mix well. Pour this mixture over your cashews and stir until the nuts are completely coated. You can also add a little cinnamon for extra flavour. If you are using olive oil, pour the cashews into a bowl, add the oil, and mix until the cashews are evenly coated. Then add your seasonings and stir again until the coating is evenly distributed.

Some recipes suggest coating the cashews in honey or oil first, and then adding the seasonings, while others suggest mixing all the ingredients together first and then pouring the mixture over the cashews. Either way, make sure that the cashews are completely coated and that the coating is evenly distributed.

Air-frying the cashews

Step 1: Prepare the Cashews

Start by gathering your ingredients: raw cashews, olive oil or another air fryer-safe oil, and your desired seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings like smoked paprika, ground coriander, ground cumin, salt, or even cinnamon for a sweet twist. Combine the cashews, oil, and seasonings in a small bowl, mixing well to ensure all the cashews are thinly coated. This oil coating will help achieve that sought-after crunch.

Step 2: Arrange in the Air Fryer

Now, it's time to arrange the cashews in your air fryer. Spread them out in a single layer on either an air fryer tray or in the air fryer basket. This step is crucial for even cooking, so be sure not to overcrowd the cashews. Leave enough space around them to allow hot air to circulate freely.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Set the temperature to 330 degrees Fahrenheit (or 350 degrees, depending on your recipe) and let the air fryer work its magic for 5-7 minutes. Keep a close eye on your nuts, especially during the final minutes, as they can go from perfectly roasted to burnt very quickly. You're aiming for a golden brown colour and a nutty aroma.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Once your cashews have reached the perfect shade of golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool to room temperature. You can then serve them as a tasty snack or store them in an airtight container to enjoy later. Properly stored, these air-fried cashews will stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks.

Tips for Success:

• Always preheat your air fryer before adding the cashews for even cooking from the start.
• Stir or shake the basket every few minutes to promote even browning and prevent burning.
• If you want to add seasonings, it's usually best to do so after air frying to avoid burning.
• Use a light oil spray for an even golden colour and to help seasonings stick.
• Allow the cashews to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and maintain their crispness.

Storing the cashews

Storing your honey-roasted cashews correctly is essential to preserving their freshness and crunchiness. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to ensure your homemade snack stays tasty and enjoyable:

Container and Environment:

Use an airtight container to store your cooled honey-roasted cashews. Mason jars or any container with a tight seal will do. Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. The ideal storage temperature is room temperature or slightly cooler, but not refrigerated.

Storage Duration:

Properly stored honey-roasted cashews can last for up to two weeks while maintaining their freshness and crunch. However, if you'd like to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them for long-term storage.

Freezing Instructions:

Before freezing, ensure the roasted cashews are completely cooled to prevent condensation. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and place them in the freezer for about an hour until they are individually frozen. Then, transfer the frozen cashews to a zip-top freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date, and they can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.

Refreshing the Crunch:

If your stored cashews lose some of their crunch over time, you can easily refresh them in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Spread the cashews in a single layer in the air fryer basket and heat for 2-3 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before enjoying their restored crunchiness.

Remember, the key to successful storage is maintaining a cool, dry environment and using airtight containers. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your delicious honey-roasted cashews for longer, making them an excellent choice for a quick snack or an addition to your meals.

Frequently asked questions