Spicy Air Fryer Peanuts Recipe – Garam Masala & Amchur Snack

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spicy Air Fryer Peanuts Recipe – Garam Masala & Amchur Snack

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you always need a quick and satisfying snack on hand. And honestly, sometimes a bag of chips just doesn’t cut it. That’s where these spicy air fryer peanuts come in. They’re crunchy, flavorful, and seriously addictive – plus, they’re way healthier than store-bought options! I first made these when I was craving something savory and didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. They’ve been a family favorite ever since.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average peanuts! The combination of garam masala and amchur powder creates a unique sweet, tangy, and spicy flavor profile that’s totally irresistible. Air frying makes them super crispy without all the oil. And the best part? They come together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for movie nights, afternoon cravings, or even a festive snack!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a cup of these delicious spiced peanuts:

• 1 cup Raw Peanuts (with skin) – about 150g
• 3 tablespoons Gram Flour (Besan) – about 35g
• 1 tablespoon Rice Flour – about 8g
• 1 teaspoon Garam Masala – about 5g
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri Red Chili Powder – about 4g
• ½ teaspoon Turmeric – about 2g
• ½ teaspoon Amchur Powder – about 2g
• 3 tablespoons Water – about 45ml
• 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil – about 15ml
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right will make all the difference.

Raw Peanuts: Choosing the Best Quality
Look for raw peanuts that are bright and uniform in color. Avoid any that look discolored or have a musty smell. You can find them at most Indian grocery stores or online.

Gram Flour (Besan): A Protein-Rich Base
Gram flour, or besan, is made from ground chickpeas. It adds a lovely nutty flavor and a good dose of protein to our snack.

Kashmiri Red Chili Powder: For Color and Mild Heat
This is a game-changer! Kashmiri chili powder gives a beautiful vibrant red color and a mild, fruity heat. It’s not super spicy, so it’s great for those who prefer a more subtle kick.

Amchur Powder: The Tangy Secret
Amchur powder is made from dried, unripe mangoes. It adds a wonderful tangy flavor that balances the spices perfectly. If you can’t find it, I’ll share a substitution in the FAQs!

Olive Oil: A Healthier Alternative
I prefer using olive oil for a healthier twist, but you can use any neutral oil you like.

Garam Masala: Regional Variations & Blends
Garam masala is a blend of warming spices, and the exact composition varies by region and family. Feel free to use your favorite brand or even make your own!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. In a bowl, combine the raw peanuts, gram flour, rice flour, garam masala, Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric, amchur powder, olive oil, and salt.
2. Mix everything really well, making sure all the peanuts are coated in the spice mixture.
3. Now, add water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing continuously. You want the peanuts to be evenly coated, but not swimming in water.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for 4-5 minutes. This is important for getting that perfect crisp!
5. Spread the coated peanuts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket – you might need to work in batches.
6. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket gently after 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking. Lightly spray with a little extra oil halfway through to prevent the coating from drying out.
7. Once they’re done, let the peanuts cool completely before serving. They’ll get even crispier as they cool!

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip the shaking! It’s key to getting evenly cooked peanuts.
• If you find the mixture is too dry, add a tiny bit more water, a teaspoon at a time.
• For extra flavor, you can dry roast the peanuts for a few minutes before coating them.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check your garam masala blend to ensure it doesn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients.
• Gluten-Free Confirmation: This recipe is also gluten-free, as long as your garam masala is certified gluten-free.
• Spice Level Adjustment (Mild to Hot): Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped green chili to the spice mix. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Kashmiri red chili powder.
• Festival Adaptations (Diwali Snack): These are amazing during Diwali! My aunt always adds a sprinkle of chopped cashews and raisins to the mix for an extra festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

These spicy peanuts are perfect on their own as a snack. But they’re also great sprinkled over salads, yogurt, or even as a crunchy topping for chaat! My kids love them packed in their lunchboxes.

Storage Instructions

Store cooled peanuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They might lose a little of their initial crispness, but they’ll still be delicious!

FAQs

What type of peanuts work best for this recipe?
Raw peanuts with the skin on are ideal. They hold their shape and get wonderfully crispy.

Can I make these in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and spread the coated peanuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

How can I adjust the spice level?
As mentioned earlier, adjust the amount of Kashmiri red chili powder or add cayenne pepper for more heat.

What is Amchur powder and can I substitute it?
Amchur powder is made from dried mango powder. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

How long will these peanuts stay crispy?
They’ll stay crispiest for the first 2-3 days. After that, they might soften slightly, but they’ll still be tasty!