Spicy Peanuts (Quick + Easy Indian Snack Recipe)

These Indian spicy peanuts are fun, flavourful and made using just 5 ingredients! This peanuts recipe is super quick and easy to make and can be enjoyed as a simple snack or accompanying side dish! 

These spicy peanuts go great with our quick chana recipe (pindi chole) and stir-fried okra recipe!

Jump to:

• Easy and Quick Spicy Peanuts Recipe
• Notes on Ingredients 
• How to make these Spicy Peanuts
• Top Tips
• Variations
• ​How to Serve
• Storage Tips
• Fresh drinks
• Spicy Peanuts (Quick + Easy Indian Snack Recipe)

Easy and Quick Spicy Peanuts Recipe

Whenever you are in the mood for something savoury, tasty, flavourful with some crunch – these spicy peanuts will be the perfect snack! 

What is great about this recipe is you only need 5 simple ingredients – plus it comes together easily in a food processor – making this super quick and easy to whip up! There’s also no need to bake, fry or cook this snack either!

These are a great option to serve for get-togethers or if you fancy a tasty and flavorful crunchy snack! 

With football season coming up, these are also the perfect snack for game day and a wonderful tea time snack to replace the classic bowl of peanuts.  

Plus this recipe allows for variations depending on preferred level of spice and flavor.  

Notes on Ingredients 

• Peanuts: I recommend using salted and roasted peanuts for the best flavor (not raw peanuts). Peanuts bring a satisfying crunchy nuttiness to this snack.  
• Red onions: for flavor, you only need ½ small red onion
• Green chillies: for spice and heat 
• Fresh coriander/cilantro: for a refreshing taste 
• Seasoning: lemon juice adds a hint of tanginess in these peanuts. You can use the juice of a fresh lemon or bottled lemon juice. Substitute for lime juice if preferred. Optional – you can add a little more salt to taste if preferred, if using salted peanuts, you can omit/add to taste.
• Optional – You can add optional spices for a fiery kick and fusion of Indian flavors. To make this a spicy masala peanuts recipe add a spice mix including chaat masala, garam masala, red chili powder and/or turmeric powder. 

Note: unlike a traditional spicy peanuts recipe - this snack requires no deep fr​ying or baking in the oven or air fryer. Therefore there is no need to coat the peanuts with rice flour or chickpea flour/gram flour. 

How to make these Spicy Peanuts

1. In a food processor, add roasted peanuts, onion, chillies and fresh coriander/cilantro. 
2. Add the lemon juice (and optional spices). Pulse until crumbly.

Top Tips

• Ensure your food processor + blade is dry: this helps to evenly chop the ingredients (and ensures the peanuts do not become soggy!).
• Customize spice level: you can adjust the spice level by adding ½ green chilli (or omitting if you prefer less spicy).

Variations

Mix and match according to preference.

• For spicy/medium heat - add a pinch of chaat masala powder, garam masala or red chilli powder.
• For a simple masala peanut chaat - add chaat masala and black salt, drizzle mint chuntey and garnish with fresh pomegrante.
• For a tangier flavor - add a pinch of amchur powder (dry mango powder)

​How to Serve

Enjoy this great snack with a cup of chai (masala chai), coffee or fresh juices and other savory snacks!

This also works as a great crunchy topping on crackers or butter naan/whole wheat naan (or garlic naan).

You can also serve this as a side dish with meals including stir fry zucchini noodles, hakka noodles and paneer manchurian!​

Storage Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.   

Fresh drinks

Enjoy some fresh drinks with your spicy peanuts!