Air-Fried Roasted Peanuts: A Quick, Crunchy Snack

Roasted peanuts are a delicious snack, but roasting them in an oven can be a tedious task. Air fryers offer a convenient alternative that yields evenly roasted, crunchy peanuts in under 10 minutes. With just a few simple ingredients and spices, you can make the perfect mix of sweet and salty roasted peanuts in the comfort of your home. This guide will teach you how to make roasted peanuts in an air fryer, ensuring you get that irresistible crunchy texture every time.

Choosing the right peanuts

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

Type of Peanut

For air-frying, it is recommended to use raw peanuts. These can be purchased pre-shelled or with the shell on, depending on your preference. If you opt for shelled peanuts, look for high-quality raw peanuts without a stale or rancid smell.

Skin on or off?

You can choose to roast peanuts with or without their skin. Some people prefer to remove the skin before roasting, while others leave it on for a more rustic appearance. The skin can be easily removed by gently rubbing the peanuts between your palms after roasting.

Quantity

Air fryers have limited capacity, so it is important to roast peanuts in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to roast the peanuts in multiple batches. A single layer of peanuts in the basket is ideal for even cooking.

Seasoning

The type of seasoning you plan to use can also influence your peanut selection. If you prefer a basic roast, opt for regular peanuts with skin. If you plan to add spices or seasonings, consider using raw peanuts without the skin, as this will allow the flavours to penetrate the peanuts more effectively.

Storage

If you want to store your roasted peanuts for later consumption, choose an airtight container. Roasted peanuts can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or longer if refrigerated. This ensures that your peanuts remain fresh and crunchy.

In summary, when choosing the right peanuts for air-frying, opt for raw peanuts, consider whether to keep the skin on or off, roast in batches to avoid overcrowding, and season according to your preference. By following these tips, you'll be on your way to creating delicious, perfectly roasted peanuts in your air fryer.

Air fryer temperature and timing

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Start by preheating your air fryer to ensure even cooking. The ideal temperature for preheating is 320°F (160°C). This temperature setting will create the perfect environment for roasting peanuts. Set your air fryer to this temperature and allow it to preheat for a few minutes before adding the peanuts.

Roasting Time and Temperature:

Once your air fryer has preheated, it's time to add the peanuts. Spread 1 cup of raw peanuts evenly in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. If needed, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.

Set the air fryer temperature to 320°F (160°C) again and air fry the peanuts for 6-8 minutes. Stay vigilant during this process, as the timing can vary depending on your air fryer model and the desired doneness of the peanuts. Shake the basket at least twice during roasting to ensure even cooking.

The roasting time of 6-8 minutes should give you golden and crispy peanuts. If you prefer them a bit darker or crunchier, you can air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on the peanuts during this final stage, as they can go from perfectly roasted to scorched within minutes.

Cooling and Storage:

After roasting, remove the peanuts from the air fryer and place them on a plate to cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the roasted peanuts to an airtight container. Proper storage will keep them fresh and crispy.

You can enjoy these homemade roasted peanuts as a snack, add them to salads, or even make your own peanut butter. They are a delicious and healthy treat!

Seasoning options

There are several seasoning options you can use to make roasted peanuts in an air fryer. Here are some ideas:

• Basic salt and pepper
• Honey and chilli flakes
• Cajun seasoning
• Indian-style chaat masala
• Cayenne and salt with lemon juice
• Sea salt
• Curry powder
• Chili powder
• Roasted garlic
• Peri peri spice
• Cinnamon
• Paprika

You can also try making masala peanuts by finely chopping one onion, one tomato, and a couple of green chillies, and adding them to the roasted peanuts with cayenne, salt, and lemon juice. Garnish with cilantro leaves.

If you want to make your peanuts spicy, you can try using a combination of olive oil, seafood seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Whisk these ingredients together in a large bowl, add the peanuts, and stir to coat before air frying.

For a sweeter option, you can make honey-roasted peanuts by melting butter and honey together and adding cinnamon and the peanuts. Spread them out on a baking sheet and place them in the oven or air fryer. After cooking, sprinkle sugar and salt on top to taste.

Another option is to make a spice blend by combining melted butter with cayenne, sugar, and salt. Toss the peanuts with this blend before air frying.

When seasoning your peanuts, it's best to add the spices toward the end of cooking to prevent them from burning. Also, using a light brushing of oil can help the seasoning stick better to the roasted peanuts.

Storing roasted peanuts

Firstly, ensure that the roasted peanuts have completely cooled down to room temperature before storing them. Placing warm peanuts in a sealed container can cause condensation, leading to soggy peanuts.

Secondly, always store roasted peanuts in an airtight container. This is crucial to prevent moisture and air from entering the container, which can cause the peanuts to become stale, rancid, or develop mould. Airtight containers also help maintain the crunchiness of the peanuts.

Thirdly, keep the container in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Avoid storing them in areas exposed to sunlight, heat sources, or moisture, as these conditions can accelerate spoilage.

Fourthly, consider using a desiccant sachet, such as silica gel, placed inside the container to help absorb any excess moisture.

Lastly, label the container with the date the peanuts were stored. This helps you keep track of their freshness and ensures you consume them within their recommended shelf life.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your air-fried roasted peanuts for longer, maintaining their optimal flavour and texture.

Peanut-based recipes

Air Fryer Roasted Peanuts

Air fryer roasted peanuts are a quick, easy, and healthy snack that can be made in under 10 minutes. They are a great source of protein and can be seasoned in a variety of ways or used in other recipes.

Ingredients:

• Raw peanuts (without shell)
• Olive oil or butter
• Salt
• Other seasonings (e.g. pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, sugar)

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
• Spread the raw peanuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter and add seasonings, if desired.
• Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until the peanuts are golden.
• Remove from the air fryer and let cool before serving or storing in an airtight container.

Spicy Variations:

For a spicy kick, try adding some cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or Indian-style chaat masala to your peanuts. You can also make a spice blend by combining melted butter with cayenne, sugar, and salt. Toss the peanuts in this mixture before air frying.

Peanut Butter:

You can also use air-fried roasted peanuts to make homemade peanut butter. Simply remove the skin from the peanuts and blend them until smooth.

Masala Peanuts:

For a tangy treat, try making masala peanuts by mixing in finely chopped onion, tomato, and green chillies, along with cayenne, salt, and lemon juice. Garnish with cilantro leaves.

Frequently asked questions