Air Fryer Peanuts Recipe – Quick & Easy Roasted Snack

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Air Fryer Peanuts Recipe – Quick & Easy Roasted Snack

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you always need a quick and satisfying snack on hand. And honestly, nothing beats a crunchy, perfectly roasted peanut. I stumbled upon making these in the air fryer a few months ago, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer. Forget standing over a hot stove – this recipe is seriously simple and delivers the most delicious results. Let’s get roasting!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This air fryer peanut recipe is a total winner for a few reasons. First, it’s unbelievably fast – ready in under 10 minutes! Second, it’s so easy, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll nail it. And third? The flavor! Air frying gives the peanuts this amazing, even roast that you just can’t get any other way. Plus, you control the seasoning, so you can make them exactly to your liking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a cup of these addictive little snacks:

• 1 cup Raw Peanuts without shell (about 150g)
• ¼ teaspoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil (about 1.5ml)
• Kala Namak or Salt to taste (start with ¼ tsp, about 1.5g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few little things can make a big difference!

Raw Peanuts: Choosing the Best Quality

You definitely want to start with raw, unsalted peanuts. The kind you find in the shell are great if you want to shell them yourself (it’s kinda therapeutic, honestly!). Just make sure they’re fresh – they should smell nutty, not stale.

Kala Namak: The Secret to Flavor (and its benefits)

I love using Kala Namak, also known as black salt, in this recipe. It has this unique, slightly sulfurous flavor that really elevates the peanuts. It’s also packed with minerals! But regular salt works perfectly fine too if you don’t have Kala Namak on hand.

Olive Oil: Why Extra Virgin is Preferred

Extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely subtle flavor and helps the seasoning stick. You could use other oils, but I find EVOO gives the best result. It’s a healthier option too!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s seriously easy.

1. First, preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for 3 minutes. This is important for even roasting.
2. In a bowl, combine the raw peanuts, olive oil, and salt (or Kala Namak). Give it a good mix, making sure all the peanuts are coated.
3. Now, pour the seasoned peanuts into the preheated air fryer basket. Spread them in a single layer as much as possible.
4. Air fry at 180°C (356°F) for 5 minutes. Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through to ensure they roast evenly!
5. Once they’re done, let the peanuts cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This is crucial – they’ll get soggy if you don’t let them cool properly.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Work in batches if you need to. Overcrowding will steam the peanuts instead of roasting them.
• Shake it up! Seriously, shaking the basket halfway through is key for even cooking.
• Cooling is key: Patience, my friend! Let them cool completely before storing.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Spice Level Variations: Mild, Medium, Spicy

• Mild: Just stick with the salt!
• Medium: Add a pinch of red chili powder (about ¼ tsp) to the seasoning mix.
• Spicy: Add ½ tsp of cayenne pepper or a generous pinch of chili flakes. My brother loves these super spicy!

Oil Variations: Using Peanut Oil or Coconut Oil

• Peanut Oil: For an extra nutty flavor, try using peanut oil instead of olive oil.
• Coconut Oil: A teaspoon of melted coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness.

Salt Variations: Himalayan Pink Salt vs. Sea Salt

• Himalayan Pink Salt: Adds a beautiful color and subtle mineral flavor.
• Sea Salt: A classic choice that always delivers.

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check your salt doesn’t contain any anti-caking agents derived from animal products.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

These air fryer peanuts are perfect on their own as a snack. But they’re also amazing:

• Sprinkled over salads for a crunchy topping.
• Mixed into trail mix.
• As a crunchy element in stir-fries.
• Alongside a cold drink for a relaxing evening.

Storage Instructions

Store cooled peanuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They might lose a little of their crunch over time, but they’ll still be delicious!

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What is the best type of peanut to use for air frying?

Raw, unsalted peanuts are best. Virginia peanuts are a good choice, but any raw peanut will work.

Can I use salted peanuts instead of raw peanuts?

You can, but be very careful with adding extra salt. You might end up with overly salty peanuts.

How do I know when the peanuts are perfectly roasted?

They should be golden brown and fragrant. Taste one to be sure!

Can I roast other nuts in the air fryer using this method?

Absolutely! Almonds, cashews, and walnuts all roast beautifully in the air fryer. Adjust the cooking time as needed – smaller nuts will cook faster.

How long do air-fried peanuts stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for up to a week.