Roasting Peanuts to Perfection
How to Boil Peanuts in the Shell & Air Fryer Roasted Peanuts: Making Delicious Roasted Peanuts
There are two popular ways to enjoy peanuts in their shells: boiling them or roasting them. I personally find roasted peanuts to be much more flavorful and delicious. By adjusting the roasting time, you can even achieve different levels of nuttiness. This guide will show you how to make wonderfully aromatic roasted peanuts at home.
Ingredients- Raw Peanuts (in shell)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Raw peanuts can have a strong, sometimes off-putting taste if eaten unprepared. However, a simple cooking process transforms them! Boiling or roasting eliminates any raw flavor and enhances their natural nuttiness, making them a delightful snack. Let’s explore how to achieve this delicious transformation.
Step 2
It’s crucial to start by thoroughly cleaning the peanuts, especially if they have dirt on the shells. Place the peanuts in a bowl of water and gently rub them a couple of times to wash away any soil. Be gentle to avoid damaging the shells.
Step 3
If you plan to store the cleaned peanuts for later, after washing and draining them, spread them out in a single layer on a tray and dry them completely in the sun. For immediate enjoyment, place the washed peanuts in a pot. Add enough water to cover the peanuts completely. Some recipes call for adding salt, but I prefer to boil them plain. If you desire a slightly salted flavor, you can add about 1 tablespoon of salt.
Step 4
Begin by bringing the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Let it boil vigorously until the water is bubbling intensely.
Step 5
Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium. Cover the pot with a lid and let the peanuts simmer for about 20 minutes. This simmering time ensures they become tender on the inside.
Step 6
After 20 minutes of boiling, turn off the heat but leave the lid on. Allow the peanuts to steam and rest in the hot water for an additional 5 minutes. This steeping process helps to further cook them and enhance their flavor.
Step 7
Carefully remove the boiled peanuts from the pot and drain them thoroughly in a colander. Ensure all excess water is removed before proceeding.
Step 8
Opening the shells revealed plump and full-bodied peanut kernels, promising a delicious taste. Trying one, I was delighted by the soft yet incredibly rich and nutty flavor. Homemade truly tastes the best!
Step 9
Now, let’s move on to the second method: roasting raw peanuts using an air fryer. You can dry the washed and drained peanuts before roasting, or you can shell them first. I opted to shell the peanuts immediately before roasting, but either method works well.
Step 10
While shelled peanuts can be roasted in a pan, it requires constant stirring which can be tedious. An air fryer offers a much more convenient solution. Spread the shelled peanuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Roast at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes. Check their condition, give them a gentle toss, and then roast for another 5 minutes. If you prefer them darker and crispier, you can extend the roasting time slightly.
Step 11
Air fryer models can vary in their heating intensity, so it’s best to start by roasting in 10-minute intervals. Monitor the peanuts closely during this process. Adjust the time as needed until they reach your desired level of golden brown color and delightful crunch. Experiment to find your perfect roasted peanut!
