Air Fryer Roasted Nuts

If you thought your air fryer was just for fries and chicken wings, think again. This versatile kitchen gadget is also perfect for achieving perfectly toasted, irresistibly crunchy nuts. Whether you’re a fan of almonds, cashews, walnuts, or pecans, we’re going to show you how to transform them into a golden, fragrant delight. Not only are these air fryer roasted nuts a healthier alternative to store-bought versions, but they also make for a quick and easy snack, a flavorful salad topping, or a gourmet addition to your favorite recipes. So, let’s get toasting and explore the simplicity and efficiency of roasting nuts in an air fryer!

Ingredients needed for air fryer toasted mix nuts

To roast nuts in air fryer, you’ll need:

1. 2 cups of mixed nuts (You can use any combination of raw almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds etc. make sure they are raw and unsalted.)
2. 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or melted unsalted butter (Optional, but it can help the seasonings stick to the nuts better.)
3. Salt to taste (Optional)
4. Your choice of seasonings (Optional. You can use spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, rosemary, or sweet options like cinnamon and sugar.)

You can easily adjust the types of nuts and seasonings to suit your personal preference. Adding spices will make your favorite nuts even better. Think mix of brown sugar or maple syrup with cayenne pepper.

How to roast nuts in an air fryer

Toasting nuts in an air fryer is a simple and efficient process. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is important as it ensures even toasting.
2. Spread the nuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping to ensure even toasting.
3. Cook the nuts for 5-10 minutes. The exact time will depend on the type and size of the nuts. Smaller nuts like pine nuts will take less time, while larger ones like walnuts or almonds may take a bit longer.
4. Shake the basket every 2-3 minutes to ensure the nuts are evenly toasted.
5. Once the nuts are golden brown and fragrant, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool. They will continue to cook a little from the residual heat, so it’s better to err on the side of undercooking.
6. Once cooled, store the toasted nuts in an airtight container.

Remember, every air fryer is a bit different, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature slightly based on your specific model. Always keep a close eye on the nuts, especially the first time you try this, to prevent them from burning.

Roasting the nuts yourself vs. buying them ready-made

Roasting nuts at home versus buying them ready-made each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a quick comparison:

1. Flavor and Freshness: Homemade roasted nuts often have a superior flavor and freshness compared to store-bought versions. You can roast them to your desired level of doneness, and they don’t contain preservatives or artificial flavors. Plus, you can enjoy them warm right out of the air fryer, which is a treat you can’t get from a bag.
2. Control Over Ingredients: When you roast nuts at home, you have complete control over the ingredients. You can choose the type and quality of nuts, the amount and type of oil, and the seasonings. This is especially beneficial if you’re watching your sodium intake or if you have dietary restrictions.
3. Cost: Depending on where you live and the type of nuts you’re roasting, it may be more cost-effective to roast your own. However, some types of nuts can be expensive, so this isn’t always the case.
4. Convenience: Store-bought roasted nuts win in terms of convenience. They’re ready to eat and come in a variety of flavors. If you’re short on time, they can be a good option.
5. Health: Roasting nuts at home can be healthier. Some store-bought roasted nuts are deep-fried in oil and heavily salted, which increases their fat and sodium content. When you roast them at home, especially using an air fryer, you can limit the amount of oil and salt used.

Recipes with roasted nuts

Roasted nuts are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of snack recipes. They taste especially well with Cheese, Chocolate, Fresh Fruits (Apples, Pears, Grapes), Dried Fruits (Raisins, Apricots, Dates), Honey, Yogurt, Oats, Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Paprika), Herbs (Rosemary, Thyme), Jams and Preserves, Breads and Crackers, Salads, Ice Cream, Wine, Coffee, Tea. Here are a few examples of nuts air fryer recipes:

Nutty Granola

Mix your roasted nuts with oats, honey, and dried fruit, then bake until crispy. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast or snack on the go.

Trail Mix

Combine your roasted nuts with dried fruit, seeds, and chocolate or yogurt-covered treats for a personalized trail mix.

Nutty Yogurt Parfait

Layer Greek yogurt, roasted nuts, and fresh fruit in a glass for a healthy and delicious snack.

Chocolate Dipped Nuts

Dip your roasted nuts in melted dark chocolate and let them cool for a sweet and crunchy treat.

Nut Butter

Blend your roasted nuts in a food processor until smooth to make homemade nut butter. Spread it on whole grain toast or apple slices.

Roasted Nut Energy Balls

Blend roasted nuts with dates and other add-ins like oats, chia seeds, or protein powder, then roll into balls for a quick energy-boosting snack.

Cheese and Nut Platter

Arrange roasted nuts on a platter with a variety of cheeses and fruits for a gourmet snack or appetizer.

Salad Topping

Add a handful of roasted nuts to your salads for a crunchy texture and added protein.