Perfectly Roasted Air Fryer Cashews: A Crunchy and Healthy Snack

Air fryer cashews are one of the easiest and most delicious snacks you can prepare at home. Roasting cashews in an air fryer gives them a beautiful golden color, a satisfying crunch, and a rich, nutty flavor. They are not only perfect for snacking but also work wonderfully as an addition to salads, stir-fries, or even breakfast bowls.

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Cashews have always been a favorite snack for gatherings and festivals. Traditionally, they are fried in ghee with a pinch of salt and spices. Using an air fryer, you can achieve the same delightful taste with minimal oil, making them a healthier alternative without compromising on flavor.

Golden roasted cashews fresh out of the air fryer make for an inviting snack that both kids and adults love. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself reaching for a handful almost every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy: Cashews are packed with heart-healthy fats, plant-based protein, and essential minerals. Roasting them in an air fryer allows you to enjoy these benefits without adding unnecessary oils or fats.

Quick and Easy: The recipe requires minimal prep work and is beginner-friendly. Even if you’re new to air frying, you can have a batch ready in under ten minutes.

Versatile: The flavor possibilities are endless. From sweet to savory or tangy to spicy, you can customize your seasoning to suit your taste.

Are Cashews Good for You?

Cashews are kidney-shaped nuts that originate from tropical regions. They are not just delicious but also highly nutritious. Cashews are an excellent source of plant protein and monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, copper, zinc, vitamin K, and vitamin E.

In addition, cashews provide dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps you feel fuller for longer. Their antioxidant properties also help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

However, cashews are calorie-dense, so it’s best to enjoy them in moderation. A small handful is sufficient as a snack. You can consume them raw, roasted, powdered, or as cashew butter — all of which are nutritious and tasty.

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw, unsalted cashews
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon pink salt
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for color)
• ½ teaspoon chaat masala (optional)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional, for coating)

Seasoning Ideas

You can experiment with different seasonings depending on your preference:

• Savory: Garlic powder, onion powder, nutritional yeast, or just salt and pepper.
• Spicy: Cayenne, red chili powder, or peri-peri seasoning.
• Sweet: Cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Tangy: Add lemon or lime zest after roasting, or toss the nuts in a little citrus juice before air frying.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer cashews are extremely versatile:

• As a Snack: Enjoy them straight from the air fryer. Remember, a small handful is enough due to their calorie density.
• Salads: Add them to your favorite salad for extra crunch.
• Stir-Fries: Sprinkle on top of vegetable or chicken stir-fries.
• Breakfast Bowls: Toss into yogurt, oatmeal, or savory oats for added texture.
• Indian Dishes: They can be added to dishes like khichdi or upma for crunch and nutrition.

How to Roast Cashews in an Air Fryer

1. Start with 1 cup of raw, unsalted cashews.
2. Prepare the spices and seasoning you want to use.
3. Combine the cashews with salt, pepper, and a light coating of oil if using.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for 5 minutes.
5. While preheating, brush or spray the cashews lightly with oil. Save paprika, cayenne, and chaat masala for later to avoid burning.
6. Spread the cashews in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
7. Air fry at 360°F (180°C) for 4–6 minutes. Four minutes will give a light golden color, while six minutes will produce a deeper roast. Shake the basket a couple of times during cooking for even roasting.
8. If you prefer oil-free cashews, you can air fry them without oil. They will be lighter in color but equally delicious.
9. After air frying, toss the nuts with the remaining seasonings. Using a small amount of oil helps the seasoning stick, but if oil-free, toss the cashews in a ziplock bag with the spices.
10. Allow the cashews to cool completely before serving or storing. Cooling will make them firmer and enhance their crunch.

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Expert Tips

1. Do not overcrowd: Give the cashews space to roast evenly. Air fry in a single layer.
2. Shake the basket occasionally: Stir or shake the basket during cooking to ensure all nuts are evenly toasted.
3. Watch closely: Cashews can go from golden to burnt very quickly, especially towards the end of the cooking time.
4. Cool completely: Cashews are soft immediately after air frying but harden as they cool. Cooling also prevents condensation if storing.

FAQs

Can I use salted cashews?
Yes, but reduce or skip additional salt in the seasoning to avoid overly salty nuts.

Can I roast these in an oven?
Absolutely. Spread cashews on a baking sheet and roast at 360°F (180°C) for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

How long do air fryer cashews last?
Stored in an airtight container, they can last up to 2 weeks. Refrigeration can extend this period.

Can cashews go bad?
Yes, due to their natural oils, cashews can go rancid. Raw cashews last about 4 weeks in the pantry and up to six months in the fridge. Roasted cashews are best consumed within two weeks.

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