Air-Fryer Salted Peanuts: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Roasted peanuts are a delicious snack, but did you know it's easy to make them at home in an air fryer? You can have tasty, crunchy, and healthy peanuts in under 20 minutes. All you need are peanuts, oil or aquafaba, and salt or your favourite seasoning. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and spread your seasoned peanuts in the basket. Air fry for 6-10 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times, until they turn golden. Then, let them cool and enjoy!

Choosing the right peanuts

First, it is recommended to use raw peanuts for air frying. You can find these at most grocery stores or buy them online. Look for high-quality raw peanuts that are fresh and do not have any stale or rancid smells. Raw peanuts with their shells still on are also an option, but you will need to remove the shells before air frying.

Secondly, the type of peanut you choose is also important. Spanish peanuts are a popular choice for air frying as they have a tasty flavour and crisp up nicely. However, you can also use other varieties such as cocktail peanuts or blanched peanuts, which have had their skins removed. If you are using blanched peanuts, be aware that they may cook a little faster without the skin, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Lastly, consider the quantity of peanuts you will need. Most recipes call for 1 cup of peanuts, but you can adjust this amount depending on how many people you are serving or your desired yield. If you are making a large batch, you may need to cook the peanuts in batches to ensure even cooking.

By following these tips, you'll be sure to choose the right peanuts for your air fryer salted peanuts. Remember to store your raw peanuts properly before cooking and to follow food safety guidelines to ensure they are safe for consumption.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is the first step in making salted peanuts. This is an important step as it ensures that your peanuts will cook evenly and efficiently. Here is a detailed guide on how to preheat your air fryer for making salted peanuts:

Firstly, ensure your air fryer is clean and dry. Some models may have specific instructions for preheating, so refer to your user manual if necessary. Set the temperature to 320°F (160°C). This is the ideal temperature for cooking peanuts, as it will ensure they roast evenly without burning. Depending on your air fryer, it may take a few minutes to reach this temperature.

Next, you can prepare your peanuts while the air fryer is heating up. Use raw, high-quality peanuts without the shell. Avoid any peanuts with a stale or rancid smell. You can use any type of peanut, and the quantity will depend on your air fryer's basket size, but a standard amount is 1 cup of peanuts.

Once the air fryer has reached the desired temperature of 320°F, you are ready to add the peanuts. Spread the peanuts evenly in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary.

Now, you are ready to move on to the next step of adding oil and seasoning to your peanuts. Refer to your chosen recipe for the specific quantities and instructions for this part of the process.

Preheating your air fryer is a simple but crucial step in making delicious salted peanuts. By following these steps, you'll ensure your peanuts get off to the best start and will be cooked evenly and efficiently.

Adding oil and seasoning

Firstly, select a suitable oil for your peanuts. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or even a cooking spray. The oil will help the seasoning stick to the peanuts and enhance the flavour. The amount of oil you use can vary depending on your preference. Some recipes suggest just a drop or two of oil, while others recommend a quarter of a cup of oil for a cup of peanuts. It is important to coat the peanuts well with the oil to ensure even cooking and seasoning.

Next, choose your seasoning. You can keep it simple with just salt, or experiment with other spices such as paprika, rosemary, taco seasoning, cayenne pepper, or even a seafood seasoning like Old Bay®. You can also try more complex combinations, such as a smoky BBQ seasoning (smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper), churros seasoning (coconut or brown sugar and cinnamon), or Italian seasoning (garlic powder, dried parsley, oregano, and salt). The options are endless, and you can customise the flavours to your taste.

When you have chosen your oil and seasoning, it's time to combine them with the peanuts. Place your desired amount of peanuts in a large bowl and pour in the oil. Mix thoroughly until the peanuts are well coated. Then, add your chosen seasoning(s) and toss the peanuts to ensure an even coating. You can also try whisking the oil and seasoning together first and then tossing the peanuts in this mixture.

After your peanuts are seasoned and coated, they are ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Remember, it is important to cook the peanuts before adding the seasoning to prevent the spices from burning. So, if you are cooking in batches, only season the batch that is currently cooking.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for salted peanuts in an air fryer will depend on the quantity of peanuts you are cooking, the power of your air fryer, and your personal preference for the texture of the peanuts.

As a general rule, you should preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to increase the temperature slightly to ensure even cooking.

For the cooking time, most recipes suggest a total cooking time of 10-15 minutes, but this will vary depending on the desired doneness of your peanuts. For example, one recipe suggests cooking the peanuts for 10 minutes at 285°F (140.5°C), and then an additional 5 minutes at 320°F (160°C). Another recipe suggests cooking the peanuts for 6-8 minutes at 320°F (160°C) and then checking on them to see if they need any longer.

It is important to shake the basket at least once during the cooking process to ensure the peanuts cook evenly. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the peanuts in batches to ensure even cooking.

Once the peanuts are done to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool to room temperature. This will help them to crisp up and is an important step before serving or storing.

Storing and serving

Once you've made your air fryer salted peanuts, it's important to let them cool down to room temperature before serving or storing them. This will help them get crispier. You can place them on a baking sheet or plate to cool. If you want to add some extra salt, you can mix it in with the peanuts after they've been cooked.

For storing, it's best to use an airtight container. Your salted peanuts can be kept at room temperature for about a week, in the refrigerator for about 6 months, or in the freezer for a year or more. If you're planning to enjoy them within a few days, storing them in an airtight container at room temperature is a good option. If you want to keep them for longer, consider storing them in the refrigerator or freezer.

Your air fryer salted peanuts can be enjoyed as a snack on their own, or you can add them to salads for some extra crunch. They also go well with drinks and can be a great addition to your movie nights or game nights. You can also get creative and use them in other recipes, such as peanut chutney powder or Thai salad peanut dressing.

When serving, you can portion them into small bowls or plates, or you can even put them into plastic zip bags to take with you on the go. They make a great afternoon snack at work or school.

Frequently asked questions