Contrary to popular belief, you do not need an open fire to roast chestnuts. Simply, give them a quick soak, score them, and throw them in the air fryer for 10 minutes! Although it isn’t quite the holiday season, you can still enjoy a healthy snack that you commonly eat around Christmas. Chestnuts are excellent sources of fiber, vitamin C, and minerals like potassium and copper.
Almonds and peanuts pack the most protein, but chestnuts pack a lot of complex carbohydrates, which the body digests slowly for a stable energy source. Foods that are high in fiber and complex carbs also have a positive impact on blood sugar. These nutrients keep you full for longer and reduce potential spikes blood sugar. Speaking of blood but unrelated to blood sugar, the copper in chestnuts supports blood vessel health. It also works to support nerve, immune, and bone health, in addition to improving iron absorption.
Unlike baking or boiling, air frying chestnuts actually gives them a toasty, slightly sweet flavor. The sweet aroma of the chestnuts cooking in the air fryer entices you to eat them once they’re done. Did you know that chestnuts are best enjoyed just after roasting? In Hong Kong, for example, you enjoy chestnuts right after vendors toss them into the charcoal, where they develop a smoky, sweet flavor. Last but not least, try to buy your chestnuts from a local source because they tend to get moldy the longer they are stored. We hope you love this recipe during the holiday season!
- Prep Time:10m
- Cook Time:10m
- Total Time:20m
- Serves: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizers & Snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 20 chestnuts
- water
Instructions
- Wash and soak raw chestnuts in warm water for about 15 minutes. This makes them a lot easier to peel.
- Drain the water and pat the chestnuts dry. Chestnuts should be firm or have a little give when you squeeze them. If you feel a lot of movement between the skin and the flesh, they are most likely rotten.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400º F.
- Lay the chestnuts flat side down on a cutting board and score an X on the rounded sides. Use a serrated knife to make the process easier. The reason for doing this is to allow steam to escape the chestnuts during the cooking process.
- Place the chestnuts X scored side up in the air fryer basket and place the basket in the air fryer. Keep a close eye on the chestnuts because they will cook in a matter of minutes.
- Small chestnuts can cook in as little as four minutes in the air fryer, while medium chestnuts cook in about 10 minutes. Large chestnuts take about 15 minutes for the skin to pull back and show the yellowish chestnuts.
- Once the chestnuts finish cooking, remove them from the air fryer and place them in a dry tea towel or paper bag and tie tightly. A little crackling is normal. Let the chestnuts remain in the towel or bag for about one or two minutes.
- Peel the chestnuts after this, using a towel if necessary so you do not burn your fingers. Just do not let them get cold before you attempt to peel them.
- Once you peel the chestnuts, you can enjoy them, but tossing them in a little olive oil and sea salt is always a great idea!
