Easy Air Fryer Cashews Recipe – Spicy Chaat Masala Snack

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Air Fryer Cashews Recipe – Spicy Chaat Masala 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, flavorful handful of spiced cashews. I first made these in the air fryer when I was craving something savory and didn’t want to spend ages hovering over the stove. Now? It’s my go-to method! They’re so easy, and the air fryer makes them perfectly crispy every single time. Let’s get roasting!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This air fryer cashew recipe is a total winner for a few reasons. It’s unbelievably quick – ready in under 10 minutes! Plus, it’s super simple, needing just a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. But the best part? The flavor! That spicy chaat masala kick is seriously addictive. It’s the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and tangy.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious air fryer cashews:

• 2 cups raw cashews (about 200g)
• 1 tablespoon ghee or oil (15ml)
• ½ teaspoon salt (2.5g)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper powder (2.5g)
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (5g)
• 1 teaspoon chaat masala (5g)

Ingredient Notes

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

• Ghee vs. Oil: Traditionally, ghee (clarified butter) is used in Indian cooking for its lovely nutty flavor and aroma. It also helps the spices cling to the cashews beautifully. But if you’re vegan or prefer, any neutral-flavored oil like vegetable or canola oil works perfectly well.
• Chaat Masala: Oh, chaat masala! This is the spice blend for Indian street food, and it adds such a wonderful tangy, savory, and slightly fruity flavor. It’s incredibly popular all over India, but especially in North India. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, and even many larger supermarkets now. There are tons of brands, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite!
• Cashew Quality: Using good quality, fresh cashews really makes a difference. They should be firm and have a slightly sweet smell. Avoid any that look discolored or smell stale.

Step-By-Step Instructions

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

1. First, preheat your air fryer to 160°C (325°F). This is key for even roasting.
2. In a medium bowl, add the raw cashews. Now pour in the ghee or oil, salt, black pepper powder, red chili powder, and chaat masala.
3. Give everything a good mix! Make sure all the cashews are evenly coated with the spices. This is where your hands work best – get in there and really massage the spices in.
4. Spread the seasoned cashews in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd the basket, or they won’t get crispy. You might need to work in batches.
5. Air fry for 6 minutes. Now, here’s the important part: halfway through (after 3 minutes), shake the basket really well. This ensures even roasting.
6. Once they’re done, transfer the roasted cashews to a plate and let them cool for 7-8 minutes. They’ll get even crispier as they cool!
7. Store in an airtight container.

Expert Tips

A few little things I’ve learned along the way:

• Don’t skip the shaking! Seriously, it makes all the difference.
• Cooling is crucial. The cashews continue to crisp up as they cool, so be patient!
• Watch closely. Air fryers can vary, so keep an eye on the cashews during the last couple of minutes to prevent burning.

Variations

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

• Spice Level Adjustments: My family loves a good kick, so I usually stick with 1 teaspoon of chili powder. But if you’re sensitive to spice, start with ¼ teaspoon and add more to taste.
• Vegan Option: As mentioned before, simply substitute the ghee with any neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil.
• Different Chaat Masala Brands: I’ve tried a few different brands of chaat masala, and MDH and Everest are my personal favorites. But feel free to experiment!

Serving Suggestions

These cashews are amazing on their own as a snack. But they’re also fantastic:

• Sprinkled over a salad for a crunchy topping.
• Mixed into trail mix.
• Served alongside a cup of chai (tea).
• As part of a festive snack platter during Diwali or other celebrations.

Storage Instructions

Store these beauties in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 15 days. Though, let’s be real, they probably won’t last that long!

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• How do I know when the cashews are perfectly roasted? They should be golden brown and fragrant. Taste one – it should be crunchy and flavorful!
• Can I make this recipe in the oven? Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and roast for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• What other spices can I add to customize the flavor? Get creative! Try adding a pinch of cumin powder, coriander powder, or even a little turmeric for color and flavor.
• Why use ghee instead of oil? Ghee adds a richer, more authentic flavor. It also has a higher smoke point, which is great for roasting.
• How long will the cashews stay crispy? As long as they’re stored in an airtight container, they should stay crispy for up to 15 days. But honestly, they’re best enjoyed within the first week!

Enjoy your homemade spicy chaat masala cashews! I hope you love them as much as I do. Let me know in the comments how they turn out for you. Happy snacking!