These masala peanuts are tangy, flavorful and easy to make – a crispy, crunchy snack you can enjoy anytime! These peanuts are a healthier alternative, made in the air fryer.
Enjoy this masala peanuts recipe for a tea time snack, with a cup of our authentic masala chai (Indian spiced tea) or other snacks like our watermelon chaat or sweet potato and nectarine chaat recipe!
If you're craving a spicy peanuts snack that’s bursting with flavor, look no further!
These masala peanuts feature crispy peanuts tossed in flavorful aromatic spices – air fried to perfection. Just like our quick and easy spicy peanuts recipe and South Indian style peanut chutney, this peanut recipe is made with simple ingredients and tastes delicious.
These air fryer masala peanuts are infused with vibrant Indian masala flavors – and a healthier twist the deep-fried masala peanuts from grocery stores.
For more quick Asian recipes, check out our pindi chole (quick chana recipe).
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – you just need to season the peanuts, then air fry for just 7-8 minutes.
- Customizable – the great thing about this recipe is you can adjust according to your taste buds. If you prefer a tangier taste, add chaat masala at the end. For a milder taste, skip the garlic-ginger paste.
- Wholesome snack – these peanuts are made with flavorful spices and contain no added sugar, nor are they deep fried. Plus, peanuts are a great source of plant-based protein and other vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Raw peanuts: main ingredient. This recipe uses pink peanuts.
- Gram flour (besan or chickpea flour): for a crunchy coating. This is added after coating the peanuts with the spices.
- Spices: including red chili powder, garam masala (Indian masala blend), amchur (dry mango powder), turmeric powder (ground turmeric), coriander powder (ground coriander).
- Seasoning: salt and pinch of black pepper.
- Garlic-ginger paste: for extra flavor.
- Red onion: chopped red onions enhance the flavor of these peanuts.
- Fresh coriander/cilantro: for a refreshing taste (and a twist on the classic besan masala peanuts).
- Chaat masala powder: A tangy, savory spice mix, optional but recommended to add once you have cooked the peanuts , for a tangier taste. You can make homemade chaat masala or can often find store-bought blends from local Indian grocery stores.
- Olive oil: to help cook the spiced peanuts in the air fryer.
See recipe card for a full list of ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
- Rice flour: a teaspoon of rice flour can be added for an extra crispy texture.
- Black salt (kala namak): for more pronounced flavor, add a touch of black salt to these peanuts.
- Spice: for an extra spicy snack, consider garnishing with green chillies and more black pepper. You can also adjust spice by using either kashmiri chili powder or paprika, depending on preference.
- Sweetness: for a sweet-tangy kick, add a hint of maple syrup and lemon juice after cooking these peanuts. Note: this will affect the texture of the peanuts (making them softer).
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How to Make Masala Peanuts
Step 1: Prepare peanut mixture.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanuts, with the spices and seasoning (amchur, garam masala, turmeric, coriander powder, black pepper, salt), garlic-ginger paste, onions, coriander. Toss to coat the peanuts evenly.
Step 2: Coat with gram flour and oil.
Add sifted gram flour and toss to combine. Drizzle the olive oil over the peanuts, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Step 3: Cook in air fryer.
Preheat the air fryer to 180C (350°F) (air fry setting). Place the peanuts in the air fryer basket in an even layer. Cook for 7-8 minutes, mixing the peanuts every 2-3 minutes, to ensure even cooking. The peanuts will turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Cool and serve.
Allow the peanuts to cool and come to room temperature. Optional – sprinkle with chaat masala for a tangier taste. Serve and enjoy.
Expert Tips
- Air fryer: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
- Crispy texture: for crunchier peanuts, ensure they are fully cooled at room temperature after cooking.
- Spices: Adjust the amount of red chili powder and garam masala according to your spice tolerance. Add a little more amchur powder for a more tangy flavor.
- Sift the gram flour: use a sieve to sift the gram flour before adding to the peanuts to ensure a smooth coating and no lumps.
What to Serve with Masala Peanuts
- These spicy masala peanuts are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better when paired with a cup of chai or a glass of our refreshing pear juice!
- Enjoy with other Indian snacks like our instant besan dhokla or crispy palak pakora, or serve alongside dips including our mint chutney or coriander chutney.
Recipe FAQs
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
This recipe uses raw unsalted peanuts – if you prefer to use salted peanuts. Omit the salt in the recipe. You may require less cooking time in the air fryer if the peanuts are pre-roasted.
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Crispy Masala Peanuts
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw peanuts
- 2 tablespoon gram flour besan or chickpea flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon amchur powder dry mango powder
- ¼ teaspoon garam masala
- ¼ teaspoon ginger garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon coriander powder ground coriander
- Pinch black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon red onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh coriander/cilantro finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon chaat masala powder optional, at end
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanuts, with the spices and seasoning (amchur, garam masala, turmeric, coriander powder, black pepper, salt), garlic-ginger paste, onions, coriander. Toss to coat the peanuts evenly.
- Add sifted gram flour and toss to combine. Drizzle the olive oil over the peanuts, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 180C (350°F) (air fry setting). Place the peanuts in the air fryer basket in an even layer. Cook in a preheated air fryer for 7-8 minutes, mixing the peanuts every 2-3 minutes, to ensure even cooking.
- Allow the peanuts to cool and come to room temperature. Optional – sprinkle with chaat masala for a tangier taste. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Air fryer: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
- Crispy texture: for crunchier peanuts, ensure they are fully cooled at room temperature after cooking.
- Sift the gram flour: use a sieve to sift the gram flour before adding to the peanuts to ensure a smooth coating and no lumps.
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