Ever wondered how to get that perfectly roasted, delicious taste without the hassle? Air fryer roasted peanuts are the answer. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and the perfect companion for your snacking adventures. Great as a salad topping, a healthy snack, or a crunchy dessert garnish, this customizable recipe is one you can flavor differently every time!
❤️ Why you will love this recipe
- Healthier Choice: Unlike traditional roasting methods, the air fryer uses hot air to cook the peanuts, meaning you can achieve that golden-brown perfection with just a little amount of oil or none at all! They’re a healthier snack option, retaining the good fats and health benefits of raw peanuts.
- Quick and Easy Recipe: Tired of constantly having to constantly stir your peanuts on the stovetop? With the air fryer, you can set a timer and forget it. In just a few minutes, you’ll have perfectly roasted peanuts ready for snacking.
- Customizable Flavor: One of the best things about making your own peanuts in the air fryer is that you can customize the flavor. Whether you prefer a spicy kick, a hint of sweetness, or a zesty tang, the options are endless.
- Consistency Every Time: The air fryer ensures even cooking, so no more unevenly roasted peanuts. Each batch of this quick snack comes out golden brown, with a consistent flavor and crunch.
🗝️ Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Raw Peanuts
The star of the show, raw peanuts are rich in natural oils which provide a deep, nutty flavor. When roasted, these oils help the seasoning stick to the peanuts, giving them a moreish taste.
Seasoning Mix (optional)
- Salt: A basic ingredient, salt accentuates the natural flavors of the peanuts and other ingredients. If looking for a different touch, rock salt or pink salt can be used as alternatives.
- Smoked Paprika: This gives our peanuts a smoky touch, reminiscent of campfire roasted snacks. It’s a unique flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Cayenne Powder: For those who enjoy a kick in their snack, cayenne powder adds that spicy edge. You can adjust the amount based on your heat preference. For a milder alternative, paprika powder can be used.
- Brown Sugar or Brown Sweetener: A touch of sweetness can elevate the taste. Whether you opt for traditional brown sugar or a healthier alternative like monk fruit or erythritol, this ingredient balances out the spices.
- Ground Black Pepper: Adding a hint of warmth, black pepper complements the salt and brings depth to our seasoning mix.
- Cumin: An earthy spice commonly found in Indian cooking, cumin adds another layer of complexity to our peanuts. It’s a flavor that many find irresistible.
- Garlic Granules: A favorite in many recipes, garlic granules give our peanuts a savory touch, making them even more tasty.
🥣 How to Make This Air Fryer Roasted Peanuts Recipe
Roasting peanuts in air fryer is a breeze. Here’s how:
1. Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 170°C/ 340°F. This ensures that your peanuts roast evenly from the get-go.
2. One layer
Place the peanuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This is crucial to achieve that golden-brown finish on every peanut. Remember, no overcrowding!
3. Air fry
Air fry peanuts for 15 minutes, and don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through. This step ensures that every peanut gets its time in the spotlight, resulting in an even roast.
4. Season
(Optional): Mix the seasoning spices together in a small bowl.
Once roasted, spray the peanuts in the air fryer basket with olive oil and give them a good stir to coat. This helps the seasoning adhere better. Start by sprinkling half of the prepared seasoning mix, giving it a good stir. Sample a few and add more seasoning if needed. If you have leftover spice mix, it stores well in an airtight jar for later.
Air fry for 2 more minutes, until the sugar/sweetener on the peanuts begins to melt and stick to the nuts.
Transfer the peanuts to a medium bowl, allow them to cool and enjoy!
🫙 How to Store Roasted Peanuts
- Cool: Always allow your peanuts to cool slightly before storing them. This prevents any condensation, which can make them go soft.
- Airtight: Store your roasted peanuts in an airtight container or a sealed jar. Mason jars are perfect for this. Keeping air out ensures they stay fresh for longer.
- Room Temperature Storage: It’s best to store your peanuts at room temperature in a dry place. No need for refrigeration.
- Shelf Life: When stored correctly, your air fryer roasted peanuts can stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks.
🪄 Recipe Notes & Tips
- Choosing the Right Peanuts: Always opt for raw peanuts when making this recipe. They are free from any added salt or seasoning, ensuring that you get the purest flavor.
- Shake (Or Stir): The beauty of the air fryer is its ability to roast evenly. Shaking the basket ensures each peanut gets roasted from all sides. Remember, a quick shake can make a big difference!
- Seasoning Quantity: The quantity of seasoning suggested is a general guideline. Always adjust based on personal preference. And don’t worry if you make extra; many seasonings store well for future use.
- Don’t Overcrowd: To achieve perfectly roasted peanuts, it’s essential not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Overloading can lead to uneven cooking.
✨ 7 Other Seasoning Ideas
Feeling adventurous? Love different spices and flavors? This is the perfect snack to experiment with! Feel free to add your favorite seasoning or spices of your choice. Here are some other seasoning ideas to try:
- Chaat Masala Peanuts: Give your peanuts an Indian twist with chaat masala, a blend that includes spices like dry mango powder and kala namak (black salt). You can find this blend at your local Indian grocery store, or make your own Chaat Masala Blend with this recipe.
- Lime and Chili Peanuts: For a tangy kick, sprinkle your roasted peanuts with a mix of red chili powder, lime juice, and a hint of salt. This is one of my personal favorites!
- Cajun Seasoned Peanuts: Bring the flavors of the South to your snack with a blend of cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Snickerdoodle Peanuts: If you have a sweet tooth, sprinkle a mix of cinnamon and brown sugar or brown sweetener over the peanuts with a dash of salt before air frying. Tip: Mix them with melted butter first for an even tastier experience!
- Sweet and Spicy Peanuts: A blend of granulated sugar or sweetener, chili powder, and a touch of salt gives you a snack that’s both sweet and fiery.
- Curry Flavored Peanuts: Ground curry powder, turmeric powder, and a hint of salt can give your peanuts an aromatic and savory touch reminiscent of Indian street food. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a lovely tart kick.
- Cheesy Garlic Peanuts: Combine garlic powder with nutritional yeast for a cheesy, vegan treat that’s hard to put down.
🍽️ What can I serve with roasted peanuts?
With Chilled Beverages
A bowl of air fryer peanuts pairs beautifully with cold beverages. Whether it’s an iced tea, soda with lime juice, or a mocktail, the combination is a hit at gatherings and parties.
On Salads
Add a crunchy twist to your salads by sprinkling them with crushed roasted peanuts. Their rich flavor complements fresh veggies and dressings. Try them on my Pickled Beet Salad instead of walnuts!
DIY Trail Mix
Combine your roasted peanuts with other roasted nuts, dried fruits, and perhaps a sprinkle of chocolate chips for a personalized trail mix. It’s perfect for road trips or a midday office snack.
Cheese and Wine Pairing
The robust flavors of these peanuts can stand up to a variety of cheeses. Try pairing them with sharp cheddar or creamy camembert. Accompany with a glass of wine, and you’ve got yourself a sophisticated snack for your next get-together.
As a Garnish
Roasted peanuts without seasoning or just with a sprinkle of salt taste excellent as a garnish on things like Peanut Butter Fudge, Chocolate Fudge, or Raw Vegan Cheesecake.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use the same method and seasoning for other nuts like almonds or cashews. Adjust the cooking time based on the size and density of the nut.
No, raw peanuts don’t require soaking for this recipe. Using them directly ensures a crunchy finish.
Absolutely! While this guide focuses on the air fryer method, you can roast peanuts in an oven on a baking sheet. Adjust the temperature and keep an eye on them to prevent over-roasting.
While oil helps the seasoning stick to the peanuts better, you can also make them without oil, or use less for an even healthier version.
😋 More air fryer recipes you will love
- Air Fryer Walnuts
- Air Fryer Candied Walnuts
- Air Fryer Rice Paper Dumplings (Vegan)
- Air Fryer Drumsticks
- Juicy Air Fryer Hamburgers
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📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Peanuts Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups raw peanuts (I used redskin)
- Olive oil spray
- 1/2-1 teaspoon salt
Optional seasonings
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar or brown sweetener of choice I used brown erythritol
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 170°C/ 340°F.
- Place the peanuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.1.5 cups raw peanuts
- After 15 minutes, test a peanut. Add a couple of extra minutes cooking time if needed.
If adding seasoning (optional):
- Mix the seasoning together in a small bowl or jar.1/2-1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons brown sugar or brown sweetener of choice, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder
- When the peanuts are finished, spray them in the air fryer basket with olive oil and give them a good stir to coat.Olive oil spray
- Add half of the seasoning and mix well. Taste and add more seasoning if needed, or store the extra seasoning in a sealed jar for later.
- Air fry for 2 more minutes, until the sugar/sweetener on the peanuts begins to melt.
- Transfer the peanuts to a medium bowl, allow them to cool and enjoy!
Notes
- See full post for more seasoning ideas
- Peanuts: Always opt for raw peanuts when making this recipe. They are free from any added salt or seasoning. The ingredient list should say “100% peanuts”.
- Seasoning Quantity: The quantity of seasoning suggested is a general guideline. Always adjust based on personal preference. And don’t worry if you make extra; many seasonings store well for future use.
- Don’t Overcrowd: To achieve perfectly roasted peanuts, it’s essential not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Overloading can lead to uneven cooking.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container (like a mason jar) at room temperature for up to two weeks. Extra seasoning can be stored in an airtight jar as well for the next batch of air fryer nuts you make.