How to score X on Chestnuts
Place the chestnut flat side down on a chopping board. Hold the chestnut between your thumb and index finger and using a serrated knife cut a slit or a cross on the top. The warm roasted chestnuts taste sweet and buttery, a bit like sweet potatoes, and are so addictive. Every year I make a few batches of these roasted chestnuts in the air fryer to snack on while watching Christmas movies.
What type of chestnuts can I use for roasting?
There are a few varieties that you can use for roasting such as American chestnuts, Asian chestnuts and European chestnuts. European chestnuts are the best chestnuts for roasting and are widely available in UK supermarkets, specialty stores, and farmers’ markets. Note that horse chestnuts, often found on trees, are toxic and should not be consumed. Water chestnuts, used in Asian cuisine, are also unsuitable for roasting.
Air fryer Chestnuts Cooking time
They only take about 20 - 25 minutes in total of which the cooking time is about 6-12 minutes only. I have made these roasted chestnuts in my Instant Pot Vortex 6 in 1 as well as Instant Pot Vortex plus Versazone.
Air fryer Chestnuts step by step guide
The recipe is simple and straightforward.All you need is one ingredient and three simple steps: Soak, Strike a cross and air fry.
Soak the Chestnuts (Optional)
SOAK the chestnuts in hot water for at least 10-15 minutes. While this is an optional step, I recommend doing it because the chestnut’s rock-hard shell will become a wee bit softer to score a slit. Dry them with a towel before scoring on the shell. I simply pour a kettle of hot water about 60-70 C hot onto the chestnuts. By doing so, there are 3 benefits Make sure you cut through the shell but not the nut inside. Chestnuts have a rock-hard shell and hence it is a bit tricky if you are trying to do it for the first time. But with a little practice, you will easily be able to do it.
More easy Air fryer recipes
Air fryer Turnips About 5-6 minutes for smaller chestnuts and 10-12 minutes for larger chestnuts. Transfer the air fryer roasted chestnuts to a towel and Wrap them tight. This step helps in the easy peeling of the shell. Enjoy warm chestnuts for snacking or use them in your recipes.
Tips and tricks to make roasted Chestnuts in the air fryer
Always Soak the chestnuts in warm water for at least 10-15 minutes. While this is an optional step, I recommend doing it because the chestnut’s rock-hard shell will become a wee bit softer to score a slit. Trap the steam when you have finished roasting the chestnuts. Wrap the roasted chestnuts in a towel. This is essential in easily peeling the shell when warm. Some people I know add half a cup of water to the air fryer basket for roasting chestnuts. This develops a bit of steam in the air fryer and helps in easy peeling. However, I do not add water to the basket as I have not found any alarming difference in texture.
Store roasted Peeled Chestnuts
Roasted chestnuts will keep fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge in an airtight container or up to 2 months in the freezer. Air fryer Pineapples Cauliflower Steak Roasted Airfryer Peanuts
Easy Air fryer chestnuts recipe below
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