Once you've made air fryer roasted peanuts, you'll never go back! Crunchy, salty, and super satisfying. Ready in minutes with just 3 simple ingredients. Get ready to wow your tastebuds and your guests!
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Air fryer roasted peanuts are one of the easiest recipes ever. Store bought roasted peanuts can be full of unwanted ingredients, so I always make my own! I whip these up for any occasion, whether we're hosting the holidays, enjoying game day, or just craving a salty, crunchy snack. Everyone will be impressed that you roasted your own peanuts at home, and it will be our secret that it only took minutes!
If you're looking for other appetizers to serve alongside these peanuts, check out this delicious mango corn salsa. The sweetness and tang from the salsa is a great contrast!
These peanuts are the perfect appetizer for other air fryer dishes. For a quick and easy meal, I love making air fryer chicken sausage paired with air fryer diced potatoes. You'll have a complete meal in no time!
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Ingredients
Ingredient Notes
- Sea salt: I prefer to use coarsely ground sea salt. This gives the peanuts a nice variation in saltiness from bite to bite. Sea salt is also minimally processed and has trace minerals that give the peanuts a more complex taste.
- Extra virgin olive oil: I add this after roasting the peanuts. This reduces the risk of over cooking them. The salt also sticks to the olive oil, coating the peanuts more evenly. Extra virgin olive oil is less processed than regular olive oil. This may result in more antioxidants, which are compounds that may help reduce inflammation and chronic diseases. Olive oil is also loaded with heart healthy fats!
- Raw peanuts: I prefer to use raw peanuts with the skin still on, since it has a high level of antioxidants. Fun fact — some peanut skins can have antioxidant levels as high as green tea! The nuttiness from the skin complements the peanut taste and adds a cozy, rustic touch to the dish.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Salt: the sea salt can be substituted with the same amount of another type of salt. Options include table salt or pink Himalayan salt.
- Seasoning: you can add other types of seasoning in addition to, or in place of, the sea salt. Some delicious options would be garlic powder for a savory kick, chili powder or cayenne for some spice, or smoked paprika for a smoky sweet flavor. Start small and add more to taste.
- Oil: you can replace the olive oil for a different oil of your choice. A great option would be avocado oil, which has a mild, buttery flavor that complements the nuttiness of the peanuts. Avocado oil also has antioxidants and heart healthy fats!
- Peanuts: if you prefer your peanuts with the skin off, you can remove it after roasting. After the peanuts cool, gently rub the skin off by rolling the peanuts between your fingers. Season the peanuts after the skins are removed.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 320° F (160° C). Add the raw peanuts to the air fryer basket, spreading them out evenly in a single layer. You may need to cook the peanuts in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Step 2: Air fry each batch of peanuts for about 15 minutes, until they are golden with a medium brown skin. Shake the basket every 5 minutes to ensure they roast evenly. The exact cook time may vary based on your air fryer model and the size of your batches. The peanuts will harden more as they cool.
Step 3: Place the roasted peanuts in a large bowl. Add the olive oil and sea salt, mixing together until the peanuts are evenly coated.
Step 4: Serve once cool or store in an airtight container.
Equipment
- Air fryer: I have and love the Cosori 5.8 quart
- Measuring cups/food scale
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Airtight container for storage
Storage
Store roasted peanuts in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. The peanuts will last longer if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
See the USDA Leftovers and Food Safety guide for more information.
Expert Tips
- Air fry the peanuts in batches so they roast evenly. I use a 5.8 quart air fryer and cook this recipe in two batches.
- Every 5 minutes shake the air fryer basket and check to see if the peanuts are roasted to your desired level. The peanuts will harden more as they cool. Cooking times will vary based on your air fryer model and the size of your batches.
FAQ
When using an air fryer it only takes around 15 minutes to roast each batch of peanuts. Cooking times will vary based on your air fryer model and the size of your batches
When using an air fryer, 320°F (160° C) is the best temperature to roast peanuts. This temperature roasts the peanuts and enhances the flavor without overcooking.
There are two different ways of roasting peanuts: dry roasting and roasting. When dry roasting peanuts, no oil is used. Roasting peanuts uses an oil during the cooking process. This recipe adds the oil after the peanuts are roasted to boost the flavor and help the seasoning stick.
Related
Looking for more delicious air fryer recipes? Check out these favorites:
Pairing
Looking for more appetizers and snacks to go with these peanuts? Check out these delicious recipes:
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below and tag @littlenonni on Instagram!
Recipe
Air Fryer Roasted Peanuts
Save This Recipe! 💌
Ingredients
- 3 cups raw peanuts *
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil *
- ½ teaspoon sea salt *
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer and add the peanuts: Preheat the air fryer to 320° F (160° C). Once done preheating, add the peanuts to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out evenly in a single layer. I use a 5.8 quart air fryer and cook the peanuts in two batches.
- Air fry the peanuts: Cook each batch of peanuts for about 15 minutes. Every 5 minutes, shake the basket to ensure they roast evenly. The peanuts should be a golden color with a medium brown skin when done. The cook time may vary based on your air fryer model and the size of your batches. I recommend checking every 5 minutes until they reach your desired level of roast. The peanuts will harden more as they cool.
- Season the peanuts: Place the roasted peanuts in a large bowl. Add the olive oil and salt, mixing together until the peanuts are evenly coated. Add more salt to taste if needed. Serve once cool, or store in an airtight container.
Video
Notes
- Peanuts: if you prefer your peanuts with the skin off, you can remove it after roasting. After the peanuts cool, gently rub the skin off by rolling the peanuts between your fingers. Season the peanuts after the skins are removed.
- Olive oil: you can substitute with the same amount of another oil. Avocado oil would be a great option.
- Sea salt: Add more salt to taste if needed. I prefer to use coarsely ground sea salt. This varies the saltiness from bite to bite. If you don't have sea salt you can substitute with the same amount of another salt.
- Seasoning: you can add different seasonings in addition to, or in place of, the salt. Great options would be garlic powder, chili powder, cayenne, or smoked paprika.
- Equipment: air fryer; measuring cups/food scale; measuring spoons, mixing bowl; airtight container for storage
- Storage: store peanuts for up to two weeks in an airtight container. They will last longer if refrigerated.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition and storage information is estimated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
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Lisa says
These are delicious! Thank you for the recipe.
Maria D'Errico says
Thank you, Lisa! I'm so happy you enjoyed the recipe!
RD says
This recipe makes an easy and fantastic snack! So much better than store bought. Just the right amount of salt, with the perfect crunch. I love having this healthy snack ready and waiting for me when I’m craving something good to munch on. Quick to make and cleanup is minimal. Love it!
Maria says
Thank you, I'm so happy you enjoyed this recipe. I love a quick cleanup!
Anne says
I loved making these peanuts. Little Nonni’s recipes are the best!! So easy to follow.
Maria says
Thank you, I'm so happy you loved this recipe!