Air-Fryer Salted Almonds: A Quick, Crunchy Treat

Roasted salted almonds are a delicious snack that can be made in an air fryer in just a few minutes. They are easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make salted almonds in an air fryer, as well as some tips and variations to try. So, get your air fryer ready and let's begin!

How to roast almonds in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Raw almonds
• Olive oil (or coconut oil)
• Salt (optional)
• Seasonings (optional, e.g. garlic powder, smoked paprika, white pepper, cayenne pepper, or cinnamon)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to between 300° F and 350° F (150° C and 175° C).
• Spread the almonds out in a single layer in your air fryer basket.
• Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket every 2 minutes to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
• Check the almonds regularly after the 5-minute mark, tasting one to test for doneness. They should be crunchy on the outside and a little chewy in the centre.
• Transfer the almonds to a bowl.
• Toss with olive oil.
• Sprinkle on your chosen seasonings.
• Toss well to coat.
• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Allow the almonds to cool completely before serving or storing.

Storage:

• Wait for the almonds to cool for at least 15 minutes before storing.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
• The roasted almonds will stay fresh for up to a week.

How to season almonds for air frying

Seasoning almonds for air frying is a simple process that can be done in a few different ways. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Dry Roasting:

If you prefer your almonds without any oil, you can dry roast them in the air fryer. This method is straightforward:

• Place the raw almonds in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Set the air fryer to 320°F (165-175°C) and cook for about 5 minutes.
• Shake the basket or stir the almonds halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Check the almonds frequently to prevent burning. They should be done in around 6-8 minutes.
• Remove the almonds from the air fryer when they are golden and crunchy but still a little chewy in the centre. They will harden as they cool.
• Allow the almonds to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Oil and Seasoning:

If you want to add some flavour to your almonds, you can toss them in oil and seasonings before or after cooking. Here's how:

• Combine raw almonds, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Stir well until the almonds are coated.
• Place the almonds in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Cook at 320°F (165-175°C) for about 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Check the almonds frequently to prevent burning. Remove them when they are golden and slightly chewy in the centre.
• Transfer the almonds to a bowl and toss with olive oil and your desired seasonings. You can use salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, white pepper, cayenne pepper, or any other spices you like.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, then let the almonds cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Other Tips:

• You can experiment with different oils, such as coconut oil, sesame oil, or melted butter.
• Try adding sweet flavours like cinnamon, sugar, or cocoa to your almonds.
• If you want to make honey-roasted almonds, coat them in a mixture of heated honey or agave nectar, water, and oil after cooking.
• Always allow your almonds to cool completely before storing them to prevent moisture buildup.
• Store your roasted almonds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month, or in the refrigerator for up to three months.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature for air frying salted almonds is between 300° F (150° C) and 350° F (175°-180° C).

There is no need to preheat the air fryer, as it heats up very quickly. However, if you want to, you can preheat it to 325° F (165° C).

The cooking time will vary depending on the air fryer model, the quantity of almonds, and personal preference for the texture of the almonds. As a general guideline, cook the almonds for 5 minutes, then shake the basket and continue cooking for 3-5 minutes, checking every minute. The almonds are done when they are a few shades darker and smell nutty. They should be crunchy on the outside and still a little chewy in the centre.

It is important to keep a close eye on the almonds as they can go from almost done to burnt very quickly. Taste an almond to check for the desired level of crispness and flavour. They will continue to harden slightly as they cool.

How to store air-fried almonds

To store air-fried almonds, it is important to let them cool down completely before storing them. Transferring them to an airtight container or jar before they are fully cooled will trap moisture, creating an environment for bacteria to breed.

Once the almonds have cooled down, they can be stored in an airtight container or jar at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week, or even for months.

Serving suggestions for air-fried almonds

Air-fried almonds are a versatile snack that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

• Sprinkle them over a soup or salad for some added crunch.
• Chop them up and add them to a sandwich or wrap for a textured bite.
• Use them as a substitute for macadamia nuts in a kale and broccoli salad.
• Sprinkle them on top of a pasta dish, such as red pepper pesto fettuccini.
• Puree them to make almond butter, which can be spread on crackers or easy beer bread.
• Add a sweet twist by sprinkling brown sugar on top, which blends well with the paprika.
• Toss a handful into a sweet pear or avocado tuna salad.
• Chop and sprinkle them on cereal or muffins for a crunchy breakfast or snack.
• Use them as a topping for cake, oatmeal, or salad—especially if you only have a handful left!
• Add them to trail mix for a kid-friendly snack.
• Toss them into nut butter, like homemade sunflower or pistachio butter.

The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different serving ideas!

Frequently asked questions