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spicy peanuts in a elephant shape bowl with spoon
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5 from 54 votes

Crispy Masala Peanuts (Air fryer)

Crispy Masala peanuts is the most addictive snack we can make in under 15 minutes. This air fryer crispy masala peanut recipe is healthy, vegan and gluten free and is loved by kids and adults.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 126kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Air fryer
  • 2 bowls
  • 1 Spoon

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Raw peanuts with skin
  • ¼ cup Besan / kadalai maavu / chick pea flour
  • 1 ½ Tablespoon Rice flour
  • 2 Tablespoon Oil might need less than this
  • 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
  • ½ teaspoon Garam masala
  • ½ teaspoon Chat masala
  • ½ teaspoon Amchur powder / Dry mango powder Can be substituted with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon Asafetida Skip if making it gluten free
  • to taste Salt

Instructions

  • Measure the peanut and place it in a bowl. Wash the peanuts and drain them.
    Tip - Washing the peanuts is optional but I find that this yields the most crunchy and evenly roasted masala peanuts. This moisture also helps in not drying out the masala peanuts and the spices and flour seem to stick better when done this way.
  • Add 1 Tablespoon of oil to the wet peanuts and mix.
  • In another bowl, measure and add both the flours. Add all the spice powders to the flour. I have used 1 teaspoon of chili powder, ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder, ½ teaspoon of garam masala, ½ teaspoon of amchur powder (dry mango powder) and ½ teaspoon of chat masala. Also add salt needed. Chat masala has salt in it, so be careful when adding more salt.
  • Mix the flours and spices well. I find that using my fingers worked better in getting all the spices incorporated well.
  • Add the drained peanut to the flour mixture and mix to coat. Take time and mix before adding more liquid. We want the peanuts well coated and at the same time not clumpy.
  • If the peanuts are too dry, add water little by little. I use a spoon and add water and then mix. Also add a teaspoon or so of oil to help coat (if needed).
  • Preheat the air fryer at 330 F for couple of minutes.
  • Add the peanuts in the air fryer basket and spread it in a single row. To get the perfect crispy masala peanuts, it is very important that the peanuts are in single row and not overcrowded.
  • Air fry them for about 8 to 10 minutes. Depending on the individual air fryer cooking time will vary. So keep checking them peanuts every 2 minutes or so and shake them up to evenly roast.
  • If you feel that the peanuts are browning too quickly, reduce the air fryer temperature a little and continue.
  • The peanuts will still be soft when hot. Once the masala peanuts are evenly brown, turn off the air fryer and let them sit for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Serve the peanuts after they cool down or store for later.

Video

Notes

How to store masala peanuts
It is important to keep the peanuts crispy to enjoy them later. So before storing make sure to let the peanuts cool down completely. Then store the peanuts in an air tight container. I like using Mason jars to store mine.
Serving suggestion
Masala peanuts are great as after school snack or with coffee or tea. My son loves to take a few in his lunch box to snack on between his lunch.
I make the spicy masala peanuts as edible gifts during holidays. I place them in Mason jars and label the jars and they are ready to gift.
Every now and then I like to eat the masala peanuts as a side with sambar rice or rasam rice.
Expert tips
  • Use raw peanuts with skin to make the masala peanuts. Since we are going to be frying (air frying) the peanuts, roasted peanuts will burn.
  • Washing the peanuts have given me the best result in achieving crispy peanuts without making them overly dry.
  • Use spices as per your like. I made them medium spicy but make them spicy or milder.
  • Let the peanuts cool down completely before storing. Otherwise, they will lose their crispness.
  • If for some reasons, the peanuts become soft after a couple of days, air fry them for couple more minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 126kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 142mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 61IU | Vitamin C: 0.04mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg