When we think of a quick snack, the first thing that comes to mind is a bag of chips to munch on. Or maybe that one drawer of temptation, filled with all sorts of candy, is calling out to you.

But that isn’t helping your health – or insulin resistance – in the long term. Instead, a delicious healthy snack like air fryer walnuts is a much better option.

Air fryer walnuts are a pleasant snack that is both nutritional and flavorful with little effort and time. You can make them and eat them anytime you want. They also last a long time when frozen. Adults will love this crunchy treat, and even kids will ask for more. 

Air fryer walnuts can be candied, spiced, or roasted plain. You can add them to salads, parfaits, and oatmeal to elevate the flavors to the next level. They can be wrapped up as amazing gifts for your friends and family as well.

Say goodbye to plain boring nuts and hello to new flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Join us as we uncover the secrets to transforming simple walnuts into irresistible, air-fried delights.

Nutritional Benefits of Air Fryer Walnuts

Walnuts are packed with nutritional benefits, including omega-3 fatty acids that keep your heart pumping longer.

They also contain copper that you need for strong bones. For when you need a mood boost, walnuts contain serotonin, the exact hormone which makes us feel happy. 

By air frying walnuts, you can enjoy a tasty snack without compromising their nutritional value. Some of you might think that sugaring them or spicing them isn’t very healthy, but any candied coating adds a touch of sweetness, which will leave you feeling more full than any chips will and take care of that incurable sweet tooth too. 

So go ahead and crack open a walnut for the recipes we have for you.

The Magic of Air Fryer Walnuts

When it comes to roasted walnuts, an air fryer elevates the game to a whole new level of delectability. Imagine perfectly golden-brown, crispy exteriors with a juicy, tasty interior that will please your taste buds.

Using an air fryer for roasted walnuts also brings some impressive benefits to the table. First, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional roasting methods since you can achieve that perfect crunch with minimal oil. Say hello to guilt-free snacking!

Plus, air fryers work their magic by evenly circulating hot air, ensuring that each walnut is roasted to perfection without any hot spots. This means you’ll get consistently tasty results every time.

So, if you’re ready to change your snack game and indulge in an insanely satisfying snack, it’s time to let your air fryer work its magic.

Recipes for Making Air Fryer Walnuts

We’ve gathered some recipes that will make your taste buds sing. These are simple and hassle-free. We’ve got sweet and savory treats, as well as incredible flavor combinations that will have you wanting more. 

Basics for Roasting Walnuts in an Air Fryer

Creating air fryer walnuts is a breeze! Begin by preheating your air fryer to 390°F. Lightly spray your air fryer basket with oil and place your walnuts inside. Cook for 5 minutes after spreading the coated walnuts in a single layer. Your crispy, tasty walnuts are ready to eat.

The basic recipe is just the beginning! Experiment with different spices and flavors to create unique and mouth-watering air fryer walnuts. Some ideas include candied walnuts, cocoa, cinnamon walnuts, or even spiced-up walnuts.

Candied Walnuts in an Air Fryer

Candied air fryer walnuts are delicious morsels coated in a sticky, sweet caramelized sauce that matches the bitter richness of the walnuts wonderfully.

Each bite is a flavor symphony, mixing the sweetness of caramel with the earthy deliciousness of walnuts. These candied air fryer walnuts are truly decadent. They will satisfy your desire for a hearty and quick snack, whether savored on their own or used as a delightful topping to desserts and salads.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw walnuts
• 1 tbsp white sugar 
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  
• Salt (for taste)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 200°F for 5 minutes.
2. In a mixing bowl, add your walnut halves and mix in the melted butter and vanilla extract. The wet ingredients will help with holding onto the dry ones. Make sure to mix thoroughly.
3. Once all walnuts are coated, add your dry ingredients and mix them up well till the walnuts are coated evenly.
4. Layer the basket in your air fryer with parchment paper. Add the walnuts in a single layer without overcrowding them, and heat them for 10 mins at 200°F. Mix the walnuts in between once.
5. Remove the candied walnuts from the basket onto a cookie sheet and allow them to cool down completely.

Refrigerate or freeze these in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for longer storage. You can use corn syrup, honey, or maple syrup as other healthy substitutes for sugar and brown sugar.

Sweet and Spicy Air Fryer Walnuts

For those who enjoy a little heat, try sprinkling cayenne pepper or chili powder over your candied walnuts before air frying. This will add a spicy kick to your snack, creating a delightful contrast between sweet and spicy flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups walnut halves 
• 1 Lightly beaten egg white
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper

Preparation:

1. In a medium bowl, coat the walnuts with beaten egg whites.
2. With the walnuts and egg whites, combine sugar and cayenne pepper.
3. Spray the tray with oil and spread them in a single layer.
4. Then cook the walnuts at 350 Fahrenheit for about 4-5 minutes, or until crispy.
5. Allow the walnuts to cool on a baking sheet, then indulge in their delightful crunch and flavor.
6. Store them in an airtight container or a mason jar for a quick treat.

Enjoy this irresistible treat in your daily diet!

Chocolate Coated Roasted Air Fryer Walnuts

You can always balance two delicious elements to create a treat that kids and adults will both enjoy. This recipe is perfect for those of us who can’t resist a little bit of chocolate on the go. 

Ingredients:

• Walnuts
• Coconut oil
• Maple syrup
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Chocolate chips

Preparation:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 325°F.
2. In a bowl combine walnut with all the ingredients except the chocolate and stir until walnuts are evenly coated.
3. Air toast the walnuts for 8-10 minutes, shake the pan halfway through to ensure even toasting. 
4. When the walnuts are done toasting, remove them from the air fryer basket and let the walnut cool completely.
5. Then melt chocolate chips in the microwave, until completely melted.
6. With a fork, dip each toasted walnut in the melted chocolate making sure to coat completely.
7. Place the chocolate-coated walnuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet or cooling rack and let the chocolate set. You can place it in the refrigerator for a quicker setting as well. 

Store them properly and enjoy!

If you’re a fan of garlic bread, you might also want to try garlic roasted walnuts. Candied ginger and lime walnuts or candied cumin walnuts in the air fryer are other options as well. Just some garlic powder and olive oil can elevate the rich flavor of your walnuts.

Roasting is not only limited to walnuts, many other nuts can be roasted as well. It also might be a good idea to try making roasted nut mixtures with additional ingredients like cashews, almonds, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, etc. It is easy to make a spicy and sweet nut mix following the basic recipes we mentioned here.

Storage Tips for Your Air Fryer Walnuts 

1. Cool completely: Make sure the walnuts are completely cooled to room temperature before storing them. This helps prevent moisture buildup and maintains its texture.
2. Use airtight storage container: Keep the walnuts in an airtight container such as a glass Tupperware, mason jar, or a Ziplock bag.
3. Refrigerate: Walnuts can be stored in the refrigerator for seven days to enhance shelf life. This will keep the walnuts fresh for daily consumption.
4. Freeze: You can freeze air fryer walnuts to maintain crispness for a long time. Place the walnuts in an airtight container or bag and label the container with the freezing date as well. Frozen walnuts keep fresh for up to 3 months.
5. Keep the smell away: Keep walnuts away from strong-smelling foods in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent them from absorbing the smell.
6. Properly label: It’s always helpful to label the container with the type of walnuts and the date of storage for easy identification.

By following these storage guidelines, you can enjoy toasted, spiced, or candied walnuts at their best for a longer period.

Roasted or Candied Air Fryer Walnut Recipe Topping Ideas

Because of their versatility, air fryer walnuts can be eaten in a variety of ways. Add them to salads or trail mixes, or bake them into cookies and cakes for a sweet and savory crunch.

A simple noodle recipe or coating fish with crushed air fryer walnuts could bring your taste buds to heaven.

Another option is to crush candied walnuts over a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add crunch to your sweet creamy dessert. 

Combine Greek yogurt, fresh berries, and candied walnuts in a jar for a nutritious breakfast or snack – every bite is a new sensation. It’s time to get creative in your culinary creations!

Tips For Making The Best Air Fryer Walnuts 

• Use the freshest walnuts you can get your hands on. Make sure you check the expiry date as well. Look for plump walnuts for the best flavor.
• Soaking the walnuts will help remove the Phytic acid from the nuts. Phytic acid interferes with mineral and vitamin absorption in your gut – soaking the nut will prevent this. But keep in mind that you will have to cook your walnut at 350 Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes in case of an overnight soak.
• Shake or stir the walnuts during the cooking process to ensure they cook evenly. This helps to prevent any burnt spots. Also, it’s best to spread them in a single layer in the air fryer basket for an even cooking process.
• After the walnuts are done cooking, allow them to cool down completely. This will keep them crunchy in their air-tight containers. 

FAQ

How can we prevent walnuts from sticking to each other?

Most recipes do not use a lot of sugar or sweet syrups. So, this might not be an issue but if you’re still wary, it’s best to shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time. 

Can we freeze air fryer roasted walnuts?

Yes, you can freeze your air fryer walnuts in a dry, clean, airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. The roasted walnuts will probably go bad after that and you must throw it away in case of mold.

Why did my candied walnuts not turn crispy?

If your air fryer walnuts did not turn crispy, it may be because the glaze is taking time to set when it’s hot. Walnuts will turn harder once cooled down completely. If the walnuts are still soft then you may have overfilled the air fryer tray. Be sure to spread apart the walnuts when cooking. 

Also, you can put the soft walnuts back in to cook for a few more minutes and they’ll come out crispy.  

Conclusion

Air fryer walnuts are a quick, easy, and nutritious snack that you can make whenever. They are a good alternative to the unhealthy treats we consume – just imagine how many pies, cookies, ice creams, and sweets you can top off with these delicious nuts.

Air fryer walnuts are sure to leave you warm and toasty with every bite. So, take your fryer out, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate snack.