Air Fryer Roasted Nuts & Seeds Recipe – Easy Snack Mix

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Air Fryer Roasted Nuts & Seeds Recipe – Easy Snack Mix

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this super simple, incredibly addictive air fryer roasted nuts and seeds recipe with you. Honestly, it’s become a staple in my house – perfect for those afternoon cravings or when guests pop over. It’s way healthier than store-bought snack mixes, and the aroma while it’s roasting? Divine! Plus, it takes just minutes to whip up. Let’s get started, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. First, it’s fast. Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at around 15 minutes. Second, it’s customizable. Feel free to swap out nuts and seeds based on what you have on hand or what your family loves. And third, it’s just plain delicious! The air fryer gives the nuts and seeds a lovely, even roast, bringing out their natural sweetness and creating a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make about 2 cups of this delightful snack mix:

• ½ cup Almonds
• ½ cup Pecans
• ½ cup Cashews
• ½ cup Walnuts
• ½ cup Hazelnuts
• ¼ cup Raisins
• ¼ cup Cranberries
• ½ cup Mix of Melon and Pumpkin Seeds

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about these goodies! Each nut and seed brings something special to the party.

• Almonds: A great source of Vitamin E and healthy fats. I prefer using slivered or sliced almonds for a more even roast.
• Pecans: These buttery nuts are packed with antioxidants. They add a lovely richness to the mix.
• Cashews: Creamy and slightly sweet, cashews are a good source of magnesium.
• Walnuts: Known for their brain-boosting omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts add a slightly bitter, earthy flavour.
• Hazelnuts: These have a distinctive, almost chocolatey flavour. Roasting really brings it out!
• Pumpkin & Melon Seeds: These little seeds are nutritional powerhouses, full of zinc and magnesium.
• Raisins & Cranberries: A touch of sweetness and chewiness to balance the crunch. You can use golden raisins if you prefer!

Sourcing Quality Nuts: Whenever possible, opt for raw, unsalted nuts. You can control the salt and flavourings yourself. Look for nuts that are plump and have a fresh smell. Avoid any that look shriveled or smell rancid.

Raw vs. Pre-Roasted: I usually use raw nuts for this recipe, as I like to control the roasting process. However, if you’re short on time, you can use pre-roasted nuts – just reduce the air frying time accordingly.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for 2-3 minutes. This is key for even roasting.
2. Now, add all the nuts (almonds, pecans, cashews, walnuts, and hazelnuts) to the air fryer basket. Don’t add the seeds or dried fruits just yet – they’ll burn easily!
3. Air fry the nuts for 8-10 minutes at 180°C (356°F). Make sure to shake the basket halfway through to ensure everything gets beautifully golden brown and roasted evenly.
4. Once the nuts are roasted, transfer them to a bowl and let them cool completely. This is important! Warm nuts won’t hold the flavourings as well.
5. Finally, mix in the pumpkin seeds, melon seeds, raisins, and cranberries. Give it a good stir to combine everything.

And that’s it! Seriously, how easy is that?

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this recipe even better:

• Preventing Burning: Keep a close eye on the nuts during the last few minutes of air frying. They can go from golden brown to burnt very quickly!
• Even Roasting: Shaking the basket is crucial. Don’t skip this step!
• Recognizing Doneness: The nuts should be fragrant and golden brown. Taste one to make sure it’s roasted to your liking.

Variations

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

• Spice Level:
  • Mild: A pinch of sea salt is all you need.
  • Medium: Add ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder.
  • Spicy: Combine ½ teaspoon chili powder, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and ½ teaspoon cumin. My friend, Priya, swears by this spicy blend!
• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is naturally vegan!
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!
• Festival Adaptations:
  • Diwali: Add a sprinkle of cardamom and a few strands of saffron for a festive touch.
  • Holi: Use colourful dried cranberries and blueberries for a vibrant snack mix.
  • Christmas: Add a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg, and maybe even some candied ginger.

Serving Suggestions

This snack mix is delicious on its own, but here are a few other ways to enjoy it:

• Sprinkle it over yogurt for a crunchy breakfast or snack.
• Add it to salads for extra texture and flavour.
• Enjoy it with a cup of chai – a perfect afternoon treat!
• Pack it in lunchboxes for a healthy and satisfying snack.

Storage Instructions

Store your roasted nuts and seeds in an airtight container away from direct sunlight. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you live in a humid climate, I recommend refrigerating them to extend their freshness.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

1. Can I roast the nuts and seeds without an air fryer?

Yes, absolutely! You can roast them in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. What’s the best way to tell when the nuts are perfectly roasted?

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

3. Can I add other dried fruits to this mix?

Definitely! Dried apricots, mangoes, or even chopped dates would be delicious.

4. How long will these roasted nuts and seeds stay fresh?

They’ll stay fresh for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature, or longer in the refrigerator.

5. What’s the best way to store roasted nuts in a humid climate?

Refrigeration is your best bet! The cool, dry environment will help prevent them from becoming soggy.

Enjoy! I really hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments if you try it, and what variations you come up with!