Air-Fryer Roasted Almonds: A Quick, Crunchy Treat

Roasted almonds are a delicious snack and a great way to turn a bag of plain nuts into something special. Roasting almonds in an air fryer is easy and convenient, and you can add a variety of seasonings to make them savoury or sweet. The air fryer gives the nuts a crispy texture in just a few minutes, and they can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. In this article, we will explore different methods and tips for roasting almonds in an air fryer, as well as some serving suggestions and the health benefits of this tasty treat.

Preparation

Ingredients

• 1 cup of raw almonds
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. smoked paprika, cinnamon, brown sugar, maple syrup, chilli flakes, dried rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, white pepper)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 325-360°F (165-180°C).
• Place the almonds in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded.
• Air fry for 4-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye on them after the 3-minute mark as they can burn very quickly.
• Remove the almonds from the air fryer and place them in a bowl. They will be very hot.
• Assemble your chosen seasonings and olive oil in a separate bowl and mix well.
• Toss the hot almonds with the seasoning mix until they are well coated.
• Allow the almonds to cool completely before storing them in an airtight jar or container.

Tips:

• The almonds will continue to cook and harden as they cool, so it's important to remove them from the air fryer before they are fully crunchy.
• Avoid preheating the air fryer as this may burn the almonds.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Only add seasonings to the almonds after air frying, as spices may burn otherwise.
• Allow the almonds to cool completely before storing to avoid trapping moisture in the container, which can breed bacteria.
• Roasted almonds will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or up to three months in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen for up to six months.

Cooking

Ingredients

You will need:

• 1 cup of raw almonds
• Seasonings of your choice (e.g. salt, cayenne, paprika, cinnamon, brown sugar, maple syrup, olive oil)
• (optional) 3/4 tablespoon of very hot water
• (optional) 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 325-360°F/165-180°C.
• If you are using olive oil, combine it with your chosen seasonings in a small bowl.
• Place your almonds in a medium bowl and stir in the olive oil and seasoning mixture until they are coated.
• Transfer the almonds to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded.
• Air fry for 4-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep a close eye on the almonds as they can burn very quickly.
• Remove the almonds from the air fryer and carefully empty them into a bowl.
• If you did not use olive oil, now assemble your seasoning mixture and toss the hot almonds with it to coat them.
• Allow the almonds to cool completely before serving or storing.

Storage

Store your roasted almonds in an airtight jar or container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to a week, but some sources say they will stay fresh for months.

Seasoning

• Salt
• Cayenne pepper or chilli flakes for a spicy kick and a nice red colour
• Dried rosemary or thyme for a herby flavour
• Cinnamon and brown sugar or maple syrup for a sweet treat
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika for a smoky flavour
• White pepper
• Curry powder
• Lemon pepper
• Za'atar
• Cajun spice mix

You can also add olive oil to help the spices stick to the almonds, and a small amount of water to help dissolve the salt.

It's best to toss the almonds with the seasoning after roasting, as some spices may burn if added before cooking.

Storing

Container Type:

Use an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a Tupperware container, to store your roasted almonds. This will help keep them fresh for longer by preventing exposure to air, which can cause the almonds' natural oils to turn rancid.

Cooling Before Storage:

It is important to let the roasted almonds cool completely before transferring them to the airtight container. Do not put them into the container before they are cooled, as this can trap moisture, creating an environment for bacteria to breed. Waiting for them to cool will help ensure the almonds remain safe and fresh.

Storage Location:

The best place to store your roasted almonds is in a cool, dry place. While some sources suggest storing them at room temperature, others recommend refrigeration or freezing to extend their shelf life. The refrigerator's cool temperature will slow the breakdown of unsaturated fats, delaying spoilage. If you opt for the freezer, place the almonds in the bags they came in or use freezer-safe airtight containers.

Shelf Life:

Roasted almonds stored in an airtight container at room temperature can last for months. However, refrigeration or freezing can extend their shelf life significantly. Roasted almonds stored in the refrigerator or freezer in airtight containers can stay fresh for up to a year.

Serving

Roasted almonds are a versatile snack and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for serving roasted almonds made in an air fryer:

• As a snack: Roasted almonds are addictive and can be enjoyed on their own as a delicious and healthy snack. They are protein-rich and can be seasoned or left plain.
• On a cheese board: Roasted almonds are perfect to serve with cheese and fruit.
• As a topping: Sprinkle roasted almonds on top of salads, soups, cereals, muffins, or even ice cream for a crunchy texture. They can also be used as a topping for Buddha bowls, rice bowls, or smoothie bowls.
• In trail mix: Dry-roasted almonds are great to use in trail mix, especially when you want to avoid oil or salt.
• As a gift: Bottle your homemade roasted almonds and send them to your friends and family as gifts.
• With chocolate: For a delicious dessert, dip the roasted almonds in chocolate.
• Pureed: Puree roasted almonds to make almond butter, which can be spread on crackers or bread.

Roasted almonds are best stored at room temperature in an airtight container, where they will stay fresh for about a week. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to three months or frozen for up to six months.

Frequently asked questions