Air-Fried Honey Roasted Peanuts: A Quick, Easy Treat

Honey roasted peanuts are a delicious snack that can be easily made at home in an air fryer. They are the perfect blend of sweet and salty and can be whipped up in under 15 minutes. This recipe only requires a handful of simple ingredients and can be customised with your favourite spices. Making honey roasted peanuts in an air fryer is also healthier than store-bought options and much quicker than roasting them in an oven.

Choosing the right type of peanuts

When making honey-roasted peanuts in an air fryer, it is important to choose the right type of peanuts for the best results. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you select the perfect peanuts for your recipe:

Raw vs. Roasted Peanuts

For honey-roasted peanuts, it is best to start with raw peanuts. Raw peanuts are uncooked and have a neutral flavour, making them ideal for absorbing the flavours of the honey, butter, and spices used in the recipe. Roasted peanuts, on the other hand, have already been cooked and may become overcooked or burnt if prepared in an air fryer.

Shelled vs. Unshelled Peanuts

You can choose to use either shelled or unshelled peanuts for your honey-roasted peanut recipe. Shelled peanuts are those that have been removed from their outer shell, while unshelled peanuts are still in their shell. Both options are suitable for air frying, but the cooking time will vary. Unshelled peanuts will take longer to cook than shelled peanuts. If using unshelled peanuts, ensure that the shells are clean, unbroken, and unblemished. They should not rattle when shaken, as this may indicate that the peanuts inside are old or dried out.

Skin-on vs. Blanched Peanuts

Peanuts with their skin on or those that have been blanched (skin removed) can be used for honey-roasted peanuts. Some people prefer the skin-on variety as it adds a bit of texture and flavour to the final product. However, if you prefer a smoother texture or want to make the process of removing the skins after roasting easier, you can opt for blanched peanuts.

Peanut Varieties

There are several varieties of peanuts available, and you can choose the one that best suits your taste preferences. Common varieties include Spanish peanuts, which are often used for roasting, and Virginia peanuts, which are larger and have a higher peanut-to-shell ratio. Other varieties include Valencia peanuts and runner peanuts, which are also suitable for roasting.

Freshness

When choosing peanuts, it is important to select fresh, high-quality peanuts. Avoid peanuts that appear shrivelled, discoloured, or stale. Fresh peanuts will have a more intense flavour and better texture after roasting. If buying pre-packaged peanuts, check the best-before date to ensure they are fresh.

Quantity

Finally, consider the quantity of peanuts you will need for your recipe. Air fryers typically have a limited capacity, so you may need to cook the peanuts in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Measure out the appropriate amount of peanuts based on the yield of your recipe and the size of your air fryer.

Melting butter and honey

To make honey roasted peanuts in an air fryer, you'll need to melt butter and honey together. You can do this in a small saucepan on medium heat on your stovetop, or in the microwave.

For the stovetop method, simply add butter and honey to a small saucepan and heat on a medium setting. Stir the mixture occasionally to combine the ingredients as they melt.

If you prefer to use a microwave, add the butter and honey to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until the mixture is fully melted and combined.

The amount of butter and honey you'll need will depend on the quantity of peanuts you're making. For a smaller batch, melt two tablespoons of butter with two tablespoons of honey. For a larger batch, melt a quarter cup of butter with a quarter cup of honey.

Once your butter and honey are melted and combined, you can add in the peanuts and any additional spices or seasonings, such as cinnamon, and give it a good stir.

Adding spices and seasoning

Cayenne Pepper

A pinch of cayenne pepper will give your peanuts a spicy kick. You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your taste, making the peanuts as mild or spicy as you like. Cayenne pepper is a great way to add some heat to your snack.

Cinnamon

Ground cinnamon is a great option if you have a sweet tooth. It adds a subtle sweetness and a warm, aromatic flavour to the peanuts. Cinnamon is also known for its health benefits, including its ability to regulate blood sugar.

Salt

A sprinkle of salt enhances the flavour of the peanuts and gives them a savoury edge. You can use regular sea salt, low-sodium salt, kosher salt, or a combination of salts. If you're watching your sodium intake, you can reduce the amount of salt or omit it altogether.

Sugar

Sugar balances out the savoury flavours and adds a touch of sweetness to the peanuts. You can use regular granulated sugar, brown sugar, cane sugar, coconut sugar, or a sugar substitute. Sugar also helps to give the peanuts a crispy texture.

Spicy Honey

For a unique flavour combination, mix in some honey along with cayenne pepper or chilli powder. This creates a sweet and spicy coating on the peanuts that is sure to tantalise your taste buds.

Indian Spice Mix

For an exotic twist, try using an Indian spice mix like chaat masala. Combine it with cayenne pepper and salt for a flavourful blend that will transport you to the streets of India.

Garlic Powder

Adding garlic powder to the mix gives the peanuts a savoury, pungent kick. It pairs well with other spices like paprika and cayenne pepper, creating a complex flavour profile.

Paprika

A dash of paprika will give your peanuts a mild spiciness and a vibrant red colour. It adds depth of flavour without being too overpowering.

Cajun Seasoning

If you're feeling adventurous, try using Cajun seasoning, which is a blend of spices like cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and black pepper. It will give your peanuts a bold and spicy flavour.

When adding spices and seasoning to your honey-roasted peanuts, it's important to taste as you go and adjust the amounts to your preference. You can also experiment with different combinations of spices to create your own unique blend. The possibilities are endless, so have fun and get creative!

Air frying the peanuts

Once the air fryer is preheated, transfer the coated peanuts to the air fryer basket, spreading them out into a single layer. If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook the peanuts in two batches to ensure even cooking. Air fry the peanuts for 8 to 12 minutes at 320°F (160°C), or 6 to 8 minutes at 390°F (200°C), shaking the basket occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

For an extra spicy variation, you can toss the roasted peanuts with a mixture of spices and oil after they are done cooking. Some suggested spice combinations include basic salt and pepper, honey and chili flakes, Cajun seasoning, Indian-style chaat masala, and cayenne with salt and lemon juice.

After air frying, remove the peanuts from the air fryer and place them on a baking sheet lined with foil to cool. Sprinkle salt and sugar to taste and mix well. Continue mixing the peanuts every few minutes as they cool to prevent them from sticking together. Once cooled, your honey-roasted peanuts are ready to serve or store in an airtight container.

Storing the honey roasted peanuts

If you are making a large batch, you can also store the honey roasted peanuts in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them into the oven or air fryer to re-crisp.

Additionally, you can portion the peanuts into smaller bags to give away as gifts to friends and family or to take to work as an afternoon snack.

It is important to note that the peanuts will lose their crispness over time, so they are best enjoyed fresh. However, with proper storage, you can extend their shelf life and enjoy them for a longer period.

Frequently asked questions