Can You Roast Peanuts in an Air Fryer A Quick Guide

Yes, you can roast peanuts in an air fryer—it’s a fast, oil-free method that delivers perfectly crisp and golden results in under 15 minutes. Simply preheat, spread raw peanuts in a single layer, and shake the basket occasionally for even roasting without the mess of stovetop cooking. Ideal for snacking or adding crunch to dishes, air-fried peanuts are a healthy, convenient alternative to store-bought roasted nuts.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can roast peanuts in an air fryer for quick, even results.
• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for consistent roasting performance.
• Toss raw peanuts in oil to enhance crispiness and flavor absorption.
• Roast in small batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
• Shake the basket every 5 minutes to prevent burning and promote uniformity.
• Check for golden color and crunch to determine doneness—no oven required.

Why Roasting Peanuts at Home Is Worth It

Have you ever popped open a bag of store-bought roasted peanuts and thought, “I could do better”? You’re not alone. The truth is, roasting peanuts at home isn’t just about saving money or avoiding additives—it’s about flavor. That warm, nutty aroma filling your kitchen? That perfect crunch? Nothing beats it. But if you’re like most of us, your oven is already full of other responsibilities. That’s where the air fryer comes in.

I first tried roasting peanuts in my air fryer on a lazy Sunday. I had a bag of raw peanuts sitting in the pantry, and I was craving something crunchy. The oven would take too long to preheat, and I didn’t want to wait. So I tossed the peanuts in the air fryer basket, set the timer, and crossed my fingers. The result? Crispy, golden, evenly roasted peanuts that tasted like they were made in a professional kitchen. Since then, I’ve experimented with different times, temperatures, and seasonings. And now, I’m here to share everything I’ve learned—because yes, you absolutely can roast peanuts in an air fryer, and it might just become your favorite kitchen hack.

How the Air Fryer Works for Roasting Peanuts

The air fryer has taken kitchens by storm, and for good reason. It uses rapid air circulation to cook food quickly and evenly, mimicking the results of deep frying—but with little to no oil. But does this technology work for roasting nuts? Let’s break it down.

The Science Behind Air Fryer Roasting

Air fryers rely on a heating element and a high-powered fan. Hot air (typically between 300°F and 400°F) circulates around the food at high speed, creating a crisp exterior while cooking the interior evenly. For peanuts, this is ideal. Unlike an oven, which heats slowly and can leave nuts unevenly roasted, the air fryer’s convection action ensures every peanut gets a turn in the hot air.

Think of it like a mini convection oven with turbo boost. The constant airflow reduces moisture from the surface of the peanuts, helping them dry out and develop that classic roasted flavor. This process, known as the Maillard reaction, gives nuts their rich, nutty taste and golden color.

Why Peanuts Are a Great Fit

Peanuts have a unique composition—high in natural oils, moderate in moisture, and relatively small in size. These traits make them perfect for air frying:

• Small size means they cook quickly and evenly.
• Natural oils help them crisp up without needing added oil (though a light spray can help with flavor).
• Low moisture content allows them to dry out rapidly, preventing sogginess.

Compared to roasting in a conventional oven, the air fryer reduces roasting time by up to 40%. No more waiting 30 minutes for a small batch of nuts. You’re looking at 10–15 minutes, tops.

Real-World Example

Last month, I hosted a small game night. I needed a quick snack. I grabbed 1 cup of raw peanuts, tossed them in the air fryer at 360°F for 12 minutes, and shook the basket twice. By the time the guests arrived, I had a warm, aromatic bowl of roasted peanuts. Everyone asked, “How did you make these so fast?” The answer? The air fryer.

Step-by-Step: How to Roast Peanuts in an Air Fryer

Ready to try it yourself? Here’s a foolproof method that works every time. Whether you’re roasting a small batch for a snack or a larger quantity for meal prep, this guide has you covered.

What You’ll Need

• Raw, unsalted peanuts (in-shell or shelled—your choice)
• Air fryer (any model with a basket)
• Optional: 1 tsp oil (peanut, avocado, or olive oil), salt, spices (paprika, cumin, garlic powder, etc.)
• Mixing bowl and measuring cup
• Oven mitts or tongs

Step 1: Prep the Peanuts

If using in-shell peanuts, rinse and pat them dry. Moisture can cause steam buildup, leading to uneven roasting. For shelled peanuts, no rinsing is needed—just make sure they’re free of debris.

Pro tip: If you want seasoned peanuts, toss them with oil and spices in a bowl before roasting. A light coating of oil helps the seasoning stick and enhances browning. But if you prefer plain roasted peanuts, you can skip the oil entirely.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional but Recommended)

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 3–5 minutes. This ensures consistent cooking from the start. While not mandatory, preheating helps avoid cold spots in the basket.

Note: Some newer air fryer models don’t require preheating. Check your manual, but when in doubt, do it—it only takes a few minutes.

Step 3: Roast the Peanuts

1. Place peanuts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd—air needs to circulate.
2. Set the temperature to 360°F (182°C).
3. Roast for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket every 3–4 minutes. This ensures even exposure to hot air.
4. After 10 minutes, start checking for doneness. The peanuts should be golden brown, fragrant, and crisp when bitten.
5. If underdone, cook in 1–2 minute increments, checking after each.

Step 4: Cool and Store

Remove the peanuts from the air fryer and let them cool on a baking sheet or plate for 5–10 minutes. They’ll continue to crisp up as they cool. This step is crucial—peanuts straight out of the air fryer might feel slightly soft but will harden as they cool.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, keep in the fridge (up to 1 month) or freezer (up to 3 months).

Batch Size Matters

Here’s a quick guide to roasting different quantities:

• 1 cup (about 140g): 10–12 minutes
• 2 cups (280g): 12–14 minutes
• 3 cups (420g): 14–16 minutes

Remember: larger batches need more time and frequent shaking. Never fill the basket more than ¾ full.

Flavor Variations and Seasoning Ideas

Plain roasted peanuts are delicious, but why stop there? The air fryer is a flavor playground. With a little creativity, you can turn a simple snack into a gourmet treat.

Classic Salted Roasted Peanuts

Simple, timeless, and satisfying. Toss raw peanuts with 1 tsp oil and ½ tsp salt before roasting. Or, for a crispier finish, roast them plain and sprinkle salt immediately after removing from the air fryer—the residual heat helps the salt stick.

Tip: Use flaky sea salt or smoked salt for extra depth.

Spicy Cajun Peanuts

Love a kick? Mix raw peanuts with:

• 1 tsp oil
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt

Toss well and roast at 360°F for 12 minutes. Shake the basket twice. The result? Fiery, smoky, and addictive.

Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Peanuts

Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack. After roasting plain peanuts, toss them in a bowl with:

• 1 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg

Spread on a tray and let cool. The coating will harden into a delicious candy-like crust.

Everything Bagel Seasoning Peanuts

A fan favorite. Toss raw peanuts with oil and 1 tbsp of everything bagel seasoning (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, salt). Roast as usual. These are great for charcuterie boards or as a party snack.

Umami Garlic & Soy Peanuts

For an Asian-inspired twist, mix:

• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp honey
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Pinch of red pepper flakes

Toss with peanuts and roast. The soy sauce will caramelize slightly, creating a savory, sticky coating. Let cool completely before serving.

Pro Seasoning Tips

• Less is more: Start with small amounts of spices. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
• Oil is your friend: A light coating helps spices stick and promotes browning.
• Cool before storing: Warm, seasoned peanuts can sweat in the container, making them soggy.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with a simple process, things can go wrong. Here are the most common pitfalls—and how to dodge them.

Overcrowding the Basket

One of the biggest mistakes is filling the air fryer basket to the brim. When peanuts are stacked, hot air can’t circulate, leading to uneven roasting. Some will be burnt, others raw.

Solution: Always roast in a single layer. If you need more, do two batches. It only takes a few extra minutes and ensures better results.

Not Shaking the Basket

Peasants at the bottom of the basket get more heat than those on top. Without shaking, you’ll end up with a mix of undercooked and overcooked nuts.

Solution: Shake the basket every 3–4 minutes. Use tongs or wear oven mitts—the basket gets hot!

Overcooking (Burnt Peanuts)

Peanuts can go from golden to charcoal in seconds. The high heat of the air fryer means you need to monitor them closely, especially in the last few minutes.

Solution: Start checking at 10 minutes. Remove a peanut, let it cool for 30 seconds, then taste. If it’s crisp and nutty, it’s done. If it’s soft or bitter, it needs less time.

Using Wet Peanuts

Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. If your peanuts are damp (especially in-shell ones), they’ll steam instead of roast, leading to soggy results.

Solution: Rinse in-shell peanuts and pat them dry with a towel before roasting. Let them sit for 10 minutes if needed.

Forgetting to Cool

It’s tempting to eat roasted peanuts right away. But they continue to cook from residual heat. If you store them warm, they’ll lose crispness.

Solution: Let them cool for at least 5–10 minutes. Spread them on a tray or plate to speed up cooling.

Using the Wrong Temperature

Too high (above 380°F), and you risk burning. Too low (below 340°F), and they’ll take forever and never get crisp.

Solution: Stick to 360°F as your default. Adjust only if your air fryer runs hot or cold (test with other foods first).

Air Fryer Roasting Times & Temperatures: A Quick Reference

Every air fryer is slightly different. Brand, model, age, and even ambient room temperature can affect cooking time. Use this table as a starting point, then adjust based on your experience.

Batch Size	Temperature	Roasting Time	Shake Frequency	Notes
1 cup (140g)	360°F (182°C)	10–12 minutes	Every 3–4 minutes	Perfect for a small snack
2 cups (280g)	360°F (182°C)	12–14 minutes	Every 3 minutes	Ideal for sharing
3 cups (420g)	360°F (182°C)	14–16 minutes	Every 2–3 minutes	Do not exceed basket capacity
1 cup (seasoned)	350°F (177°C)	10–12 minutes	Every 3–4 minutes	Lower temp prevents burning spices
In-shell peanuts (1 cup)	360°F (182°C)	15–18 minutes	Every 4 minutes	Shake gently to avoid breaking shells

Note: Always start with the minimum time. It’s easier to add time than to fix burnt peanuts. And remember—your nose is a great tool. If you smell a strong nutty aroma, they’re likely done.

Final Thoughts: Is the Air Fryer the Best Way to Roast Peanuts?

So, can you roast peanuts in an air fryer? Absolutely. And in most cases, it’s the fastest, easiest, and most consistent method for home cooks. No preheating. No babysitting. No soggy or burnt batches. Just crispy, flavorful peanuts in under 15 minutes.

Compared to the oven, the air fryer wins on speed and convenience. Compared to stovetop roasting (which requires constant stirring and attention), it’s far less labor-intensive. And unlike microwaving, which can leave nuts rubbery or uneven, the air fryer delivers real roasting—with real flavor.

That said, it’s not perfect. If you’re roasting large quantities (more than 3 cups), the oven might still be more efficient. And if you don’t have an air fryer, don’t rush out to buy one just for peanuts. But if you already have one, why not put it to good use?

From classic salted to bold Cajun or sweet cinnamon, the air fryer opens up a world of flavor possibilities. It’s also a great way to experiment with homemade peanut butter (just roast, then blend). And let’s not forget the joy of a warm, homemade snack that fills your kitchen with that irresistible roasted nut aroma.

So go ahead—toss those raw peanuts in the air fryer. Set the timer. Shake the basket. And in minutes, you’ll have a crunchy, delicious snack that tastes like it took hours. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you. And who knows? You might just start roasting almonds, cashews, and walnuts the same way. Once you go air fryer, you might never go back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you roast peanuts in an air fryer?

Yes, you can roast peanuts in an air fryer! It’s a quick, oil-free method that yields evenly roasted, crunchy peanuts in under 15 minutes.

How long does it take to roast peanuts in an air fryer?

Roasting peanuts in an air fryer typically takes 10–15 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Shake the basket halfway through for even roasting and check frequently to avoid burning.

Do you need to add oil when roasting peanuts in an air fryer?

No, oil isn’t required since peanuts contain natural oils. However, a light spray of oil can enhance crispiness if desired. The air fryer circulates hot air for perfect roasting.

What’s the best air fryer temperature for roasting peanuts?

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for optimal results. This temperature ensures thorough roasting without burning. Adjust time based on your preferred crunch level.

Can you roast raw or boiled peanuts in an air fryer?

Yes, the air fryer works for both raw and boiled peanuts. Raw peanuts roast faster (10–12 minutes), while boiled ones may need extra time to crisp up (12–15 minutes).

How do you store air-fried roasted peanuts?

Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer freshness, refrigerate or freeze in sealed bags.