Air Fryer Peanuts in the Shell is super simple and delivers amazingly tasty, perfectly roasted peanuts every time. It’s a quick, healthy snack option that you’re going to love for its crunch and flavor. Plus, it’s an easy fit for anyone’s busy life. Let’s get those peanuts roasting!
You can count on this air fryer peanuts recipe to be a standout snack! With over 30 years of self-taught cooking under my belt, I’ve mastered the art of whipping up simple, yet delectable eats. This recipe is a perfect example of that – easy to make, healthy, and incredibly tasty. It’s one of those go-to snacks that’s not only nutritious but also fits right into a busy lifestyle. I’m excited for you to try it and enjoy every crunchy, flavor-packed bite!
❤️ Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’re probably wondering what’s so special about these air fryer peanuts, right? Here are a few reasons why they’ll become your new go-to snack:
- Quick and Easy: No fuss, no mess – just pop them in the air fryer, and voila!
- Healthy Choice: Roasting in the air fryer means less oil, making these peanuts a healthier snack option.
- Versatile Flavor: Whether you like them plain or spiced up with your favorite seasonings, these peanuts can be tailored to your taste.
- Perfect Crunch: The air fryer ensures that each peanut is perfectly roasted for that satisfying crunch.
- Great for Gatherings: These peanuts are a hit at parties or as a quick snack during movie nights. We always had them for Halloween in Scotland!
- Kid-Friendly: Even the little ones will love these – a great snack for the whole family!
🥜 Where Do You Buy Peanuts in Their Shell?
Great question! I tend to find them seasonally around Halloween at the local grocery store because we (in the UK) have them as a Halloween treat. Also called Monkey Nuts, you can find them on Amazon or Indian grocery stores, even during their growing season.
🗝️ Just 1 Key Ingredient
When it comes to making these easy air fryer peanuts in the shell, the ingredient list couldn’t be simpler. You just need peanuts in their shells. That’s it! They roast beautifully in the air fryer, giving you that perfect crunch.
And that’s the beauty of this excellent snack recipe – its simplicity. No complicated ingredients or steps. Just good old peanuts in their shell turned into a crunchy, delightful snack. However, if you’re in the mood to experiment, feel free to add your favorite seasoning after they’re cooked and cracked open. Different flavors like cajun seasoning, garlic powder, or a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. The possibilities are endless!
🥣 How to Air Fry Peanuts in their Shell
Ready to make some delicious air fryer shell peanuts? It’s a super easy recipe! Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you from raw to roasted in no time.
1. Preheat and Arrange
Preheat your air fryer to 250°F (120°C). Place the peanuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might be able to fit about 2 cups.
2. Roasting Time
Air fry peanuts for 12 minutes. Halfway through, give the basket a shake or the peanuts a stir to ensure they roast evenly.
3. Check and Cool
After 12 minutes, check your peanuts. They might need a little extra time depending on your air fryer model and the size of the peanuts. Once done, let them cool completely. This is when they achieve their ultimate crunchiness!
4. Season and Enjoy
Remember, seasoning the shell doesn’t really work. Crack open those delicious peanuts and season the kernels to your personal preference. I add mine to a mixing bowl and add a couple of teaspoons of cajun seasoning for a simple, easy, and great taste.
🪄 Recipe Notes & Tips
Making air fryer peanuts is pretty straightforward, but here are a few tips and tricks to ensure you get the best results every time.
- Even Cooking: Shaking the basket halfway through is key. It helps the peanuts roast evenly, so you don’t end up with some undercooked and others overcooked.
- Cooling is Crucial: Patience, my friend! Letting the peanuts cool completely is a must. It’s during the cooling process that they get their perfect crunch.
- Seasoning Suggestions: If you want to add some flavors, do it after they’re cooked and shelled. A little salt goes a long way, or get creative with spices like cajun seasoning, garlic powder, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Air Fryer Variances: All air fryers are a bit different, so your cooking time might vary. The first batch is always a good test to see how your air fryer performs. If the peanuts aren’t roasted (golden brown color) to your liking, add a bit more time.
- Shell Cracking Tips: Sometimes those shells can be a bit stubborn. If you find them hard to crack, gently tap them with a heavy spoon or the back of a knife. They should open right up.
🫙 Storage Instructions
Got some leftover air fryer peanuts? No problem! Here’s how you can keep them fresh and crunchy for your next snacking session:
- Airtight Container: Store the cooled peanuts in an airtight jar or container. Mason jars or ziplock bags are perfect. This helps keep them fresh and prevents them from going stale.
- Room Temperature: Keep the container at room temperature. You don’t need to refrigerate them unless you live in a very humid climate.
- Shelf Life: Properly stored, these peanuts can last for several weeks. But let’s be honest, they’re so tasty they probably won’t stick around that long!
- Reviving Leftovers: If they lose a bit of their crunch, a quick zap in the air fryer for a minute or two can bring back that fresh-roasted texture.
🖐️ 5 Ways to Use Peanuts in Their Shell
Looking for creative ways to use those air fryer peanuts in their shells? Here are a few delicious ideas:
1. Homemade Peanut Butter
Why buy store-bought when you can easily make your own peanut butter? Here’s how:
- Shell and Peel: After roasting, crack open the shells and remove the peanuts. Don’t worry about getting every last bit of skin off; a bit left on adds flavor.
- Blend: Pop them into a food processor and blend until smooth. You might need to pause and scrape down the sides a few times.
- Customize: Add a pinch of kosher salt for that classic peanut butter taste. If the mixture is too thick, a splash of water can help reach the perfect consistency. Feel free to get creative here – a drizzle of honey or a dash of cinnamon can add a unique twist!
2. Instant Pot Southern Boiled Peanuts
Turn these air-fried beauties into a classic Southern snack! I loved finding these hot peanuts at gas stations in Florida on road trips:
- Prep the Peanuts: Use the air fryer peanuts in their shells for this recipe. The roasting adds a depth of flavor.
- Cooking: Pop them in your electric pressure cooker or Instant Pot with enough water to cover, a good amount of salt, and your choice of spices – think cajun seasoning or a bit of cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Enjoy: The result? Soft, salty, and slightly spicy instant pot boiled peanuts. They’re a staple in Southern gas stations, and for a good reason – they’re so good!
3. Peanut Chutney
Transform your roasted peanuts into an incredibly flavorful peanut chutney:
- Blend: Shell the peanuts and blend them with key chutney ingredients like fresh garlic, tangy tamarind, and a kick of green chilies.
- Season Well: Add a touch of salt and a hint of sugar to balance the flavors.
- Final Touch: For an authentic flair, create a tempering by heating mustard seeds and curry leaves in oil, then stir it into the chutney. Perfect as a dip or spread!
4. Spicy Peanut Salad Topping
Add a crunch to your salads:
- Crush ‘Em: Shell and lightly crush the peanuts – they shouldn’t be powdery, just broken into smaller bits.
- Toss in Salads: Sprinkle them over your favorite salads for a nutty, crunchy addition. They pair wonderfully with both leafy greens and heartier grain-based salads.
5. Peanut Trail Mix
Create a custom trail mix for on-the-go snacking:
- Mix It Up: Combine shelled peanuts with a variety of dried fruits, seeds, and a few chocolate chips for a sweet touch.
- Spice It Up: For an extra flavor kick, toss the mix with a light sprinkle of cayenne pepper or cinnamon before packing it up.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Green raw peanuts can be used, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time due to their higher moisture content.
No, it’s not necessary to wash them. Just make sure they are free of debris before cooking.
Yes, you can. The process is a bit longer, but roasting in a conventional oven at a low temperature will also work. Pop them on a baking sheet and bake them for 20-25 minutes instead of 12.
Yes, peanuts are generally keto-friendly as they are low in carbs. Just be mindful of portion sizes.
It’s best to season them after cooking, as the air fryer won’t effectively transfer the seasoning flavors to the peanuts while they’re still in their shells.
😋 More Air Fryer Recipes You Will Love
- Air Fryer Spicy Peanuts
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
- Air Fryer Walnuts
- Air Fryer Cinnamon Almonds
- Air Fryer Rice Paper Dumplings
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📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Peanuts in Shell Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups peanuts in their shell
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 250°F/120°C.
- Add the peanuts to the air fryer basket in a single layer. My air fryer perfectly fits 2 cups – yours may be more or less.
- Air fry the peanuts in their shells for 12 minutes, shaking or stirring with a wooden spoon halfway through (after 6 minutes).
- Add a little extra time if needed.
- Allow the peanuts to cool completely before breaking the shells and enjoy!
Notes
- Even Cooking: Shaking the basket halfway through is key. It helps the peanuts roast evenly, so you don’t end up with some undercooked and others overcooked.
- Cooling is Crucial: Patience, my friend! Letting the peanuts cool completely is a must. It’s during the cooling process that they get their perfect crunch.
- Seasoning Suggestions: If you want to add some flavors, do it after they’re cooked and shelled. A little salt goes a long way, or get creative with spices like cajun seasoning, garlic powder, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Air Fryer Variances: All air fryers are a bit different, so your cooking time might vary. The first batch is always a good test to see how your air fryer performs. If the peanuts aren’t roasted (golden brown color) to your liking, add a bit more time.
- Shell Cracking Tips: Sometimes those shells can be a bit stubborn. If you find them hard to crack, gently tap them with a heavy spoon or the back of a knife. They should open right up.
Storage Instructions
- Airtight Container: Store the cooled peanuts in an airtight jar or container. Mason jars or ziplock bags are perfect. This helps keep them fresh and prevents them from going stale.
- Room Temperature: Keep the container at room temperature. You don’t need to refrigerate them unless you live in a very humid climate.
- Shelf Life: Properly stored, these peanuts can last for several weeks. But let’s be honest, they’re so tasty they probably won’t stick around that long!
- Reviving Leftovers: If they lose a bit of their crunch, a quick zap in the air fryer for a minute or two can bring back that fresh-roasted texture.