Air-Fried Wasabi Peas: A Spicy, Crunchy Snack

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and healthy snack, look no further than wasabi peas made in an air fryer. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and crunchy treat that's perfect for any occasion, whether it's a movie night or a party. The key to success is ensuring your peas are dry before cooking, and then seasoning them to your taste. In no time at all, you'll have a crispy and chewy snack that's packed with vitamins and flavour.

Choosing the right peas

Start with frozen peas: Frozen peas are readily available and convenient for making wasabi peas. Opt for either the small petite variety or the regular-sized peas. The smaller peas will cook faster, so keep that in mind if you're short on time.

Thaw and dry the peas: Before using frozen peas, make sure to thaw them completely. You can do this by letting them sit at room temperature or using a microwave to speed up the process. Once thawed, spread the peas on a kitchen towel or paper towel and gently pat them dry. Removing moisture is crucial, as any remaining water will lengthen the cooking time and affect the crispiness of your wasabi peas.

Use dried or freeze-dried peas: If you want to skip the thawing process, you can opt for dried or freeze-dried peas. Dried peas will need to be soaked overnight and then boiled until tender before proceeding with the wasabi coating and roasting. Freeze-dried peas, on the other hand, can be used directly in the recipe without any additional preparation.

Consider pea freshness: While not always possible, choosing fresh peas can enhance the flavour and texture of your wasabi peas. Look for bright green, firm peas without any signs of wrinkling or discolouration. Fresh peas will also have a higher water content, so they may take longer to dry and roast.

Amount and storage: Plan the amount of peas based on your desired yield. As a guide, a single batch in the air fryer usually requires around 1 cup of peas. If you're serving a crowd, you can double or triple the recipe but may need to cook in batches. Store any leftover cooked wasabi peas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

By selecting the right type of peas and following the necessary preparation steps, you'll be well on your way to creating crispy, flavourful wasabi peas in your air fryer.

Drying the peas

Thawing Frozen Peas:

If you are using frozen peas, start by thawing them to room temperature. You can do this by placing the frozen peas in a kitchen colander and letting them thaw naturally, or you can speed up the process by microwaving them for a quick thaw. Ensure that you are using a colander with small holes to prevent the peas from falling through.

Once the peas are thawed, spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Gently pat them dry to absorb any excess moisture. It is important to ensure that the peas are as dry as possible before proceeding to the next step. If any moisture remains on the surface of the peas, it will take longer to crisp them up in the air fryer, and they may not achieve the desired crispiness.

Mixing with Oil and Spices:

After the peas are thoroughly dried, transfer them to a mixing bowl. Add olive oil, salt, and garlic powder (or your preferred spices) to the bowl. Mix well with a spoon or by gently shaking the bowl until all the peas are evenly coated with the oil and spices. The olive oil will help the spices adhere to the peas and enhance the crispiness during cooking.

Air Fryer Preparation:

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare a clean kitchen towel or paper towel on your countertop. You will use this to absorb any excess oil or moisture from the peas before placing them in the air fryer.

Cooking the Peas:

Open the air fryer and lightly coat the base with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Carefully pour the seasoned peas into the air fryer basket, ensuring an even layer. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to cook the peas in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook the peas at 350°F (180°C) for approximately 15 minutes. During the cooking process, remember to shake the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

Checking for Doneness:

Keep a close eye on your peas during the cooking process, as the exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of your peas. The peas are done when they are crispy and golden. If they are not crispy after the initial cooking time, continue cooking in small increments and check frequently to avoid overcooking.

Remember, the key to achieving crispy wasabi peas is to start with dry peas and ensure they are thoroughly dried before cooking. This step forms the foundation for the crunchy texture that makes these peas so enjoyable as a snack or salad topper!

Seasoning the peas

Firstly, it is important to start with dry peas. If you are using frozen peas, make sure to defrost them and then pat them dry with a kitchen towel or paper towel. Removing moisture is essential, as any remaining water will affect the crispiness of the peas.

Once the peas are dry, it's time to add the seasoning. Place the peas in a mixing bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Ensure that the peas are coated evenly. Then, add your chosen spices and herbs to the bowl.

For a classic wasabi pea flavour, a combination of garlic powder, salt, and pepper is a great option. You can also add onion salt or cayenne pepper for an extra kick. If you want to explore different flavours, you can experiment with spice blends such as curry spice, Cajun spice, or ranch mix.

Mix the peas with the oil and spices until they are thoroughly coated. You can use a mixing spoon or simply shake the bowl to ensure an even coating.

After seasoning the peas, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the seasoned peas to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer.

Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of your peas. For smaller peas, 10-15 minutes at 350°F should be sufficient. Larger peas may take up to 20-30 minutes to become crispy. Remember to shake the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

Keep a close eye on your peas, as the timing can vary, and you want to achieve that perfect crispiness. When done, your wasabi peas will be crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside—a delicious and addictive snack!

Air fryer temperature

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Start by preheating your air fryer. This step is important as it helps to ensure even cooking and can impact the final texture of the peas. Set the air fryer to a temperature of around 350°F (180°C) for preheating. The preheating time can vary depending on the model of your air fryer, but generally, 5 minutes is sufficient.

Cooking the Peas:

Once the air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the peas. For cooking, you can set the temperature to 350°F to 360°F (180°C). The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your peas. Smaller or petite peas may take around 10-15 minutes to cook, while larger peas may take up to 20 minutes or slightly more. It's important to shake the air fryer basket periodically to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

Checking for Doneness:

To check if the peas are done, look for a nice crispy texture. The peas should be dry, with no moisture on the surface. They should have a golden colour when ready. If the peas are not crispy enough, you can continue cooking in short intervals, shaking the basket in between, until they reach the desired texture.

Cooling and Storage:

Once the peas are cooked, let them cool completely before serving or storing. You can store leftover wasabi peas in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.

It's important to note that air fryer models may vary, so the exact temperature settings and cooking times may need adjustment based on your specific air fryer. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines for your particular air fryer model. Additionally, remember to defrost and thoroughly dry the peas before cooking, as moisture can affect the final texture and cooking time.

How to serve

Air Fryer Wasabi Peas are a great snack to serve at a party or to enjoy as a midday snack. They can be served on their own or as a side dish, and they also work well as a salad topper. For instance, you could sprinkle them on top of ramen noodles or a healthy salad.

If you are serving them on their own, you could serve them in a bowl or a jar, or simply pour them onto a plate. If you want to get creative, you could even serve them in small paper bags or cones, just like you might get at a street food market.

As a side dish, they would go well with a meal of ramen noodles, or any other Asian-inspired dish. They could also be served as a side to a sandwich or wrap for a crunchy, spicy addition.

If you want to get really creative, you could even use them as a topping for a savoury cake or a pie. The possibilities are endless!

Frequently asked questions