Air Fryer Chestnuts: Quick, Easy, and Perfectly Roasted Every Time
Air fryer chestnuts are a delightful treat that offer a crispy, roasted exterior and a soft, sweet centre. With a fraction of the time it takes to traditionally roast them, air fryer chestnuts are an excellent choice for snacking or adding a nutty flavour to your dishes.
This recipe is a great way to enjoy chestnuts during the autumn and winter seasons, and its ease of preparation makes it suitable for busy days. Whether you’re preparing them for a meal or simply as a snack, air fryer roasted chestnuts are a quick, stress-free option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
In this article, we’ll guide you step by step on how to make air fryer chestnuts perfectly, including preparation tips, roasting instructions, and creative serving suggestions.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chestnuts
Air fryer chestnuts are incredibly easy to prepare with just one ingredient: chestnuts! However, selecting the best chestnuts will ensure that the final result is perfectly roasted and easy to peel. Here are some tips for choosing high-quality chestnuts:
- Type of Chestnuts: European chestnuts (Italian) and American chestnuts are ideal for this recipe as they have a smooth, easy-to-peel skin. Chinese chestnuts, although popular, can be more challenging to peel, so they’re not recommended for air frying.
- Size and Quality: Look for chestnuts that are uniform in size to ensure they roast evenly. They should be smooth, plump, and shiny, free from blemishes and mold. Avoid chestnuts that feel light or hollow, as these are typically dried out.
- Where to Buy: Fresh chestnuts are widely available at grocery stores, especially during the fall and winter months. You can also find them at local farmer’s markets if you prefer to buy locally sourced chestnuts.
- Avoid Horse Chestnuts: Make sure not to confuse regular chestnuts with horse chestnuts or water chestnuts, which are toxic and have an entirely different texture and taste.

How to Prepare Chestnuts for Cooking in the Air Fryer
Before you get started with air frying, preparation is key to achieving the best results. Follow these simple steps to prepare your chestnuts for roasting:
- Rinse: Place the chestnuts in a colander and rinse them under cold running water. This step ensures that they are clean and free from dirt.
- Score: Lay each chestnut flat-side down and use a sharp knife to make an “X” on the rounded side of each nut. Scoring allows the chestnuts to cook evenly and helps with peeling later on.
- Soak: Soak the scored chestnuts in a bowl of cold water for 30 to 60 minutes. This process helps to soften the shells, making them easier to peel once roasted.
How to Roast Chestnuts in the Air Fryer
Once your chestnuts are prepped, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer. Follow these steps for perfectly roasted chestnuts:
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 175°C (350°F) and preheat for a few minutes.
- Dry the Chestnuts: After soaking, drain the chestnuts and dry them thoroughly with a kitchen towel. Make sure they are as dry as possible to avoid excess moisture during roasting.
- Arrange the Chestnuts: Place the chestnuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with the scored “X” facing up. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even roasting.
- Air Fry: Roast the chestnuts at 175°C (350°F) for 17 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice during the cooking process to promote even roasting.
- Steam the Chestnuts: After cooking, transfer the chestnuts to a clean kitchen towel, fold it into a pouch, and let them steam for about 5 minutes. Alternatively, place the chestnuts in a paper bag to trap steam. This helps loosen the skins for easier peeling.

How to Peel Air Fryer Roasted Chestnuts
Peeling chestnuts can be a tricky task, but the steaming process makes it much easier. Once your chestnuts have steamed, follow these steps to remove the skins:
- Squeeze: Gently squeeze the pouch of chestnuts to loosen the shells.
- Peel: Start peeling the outer shell and the thin papery skin. If you find it difficult to peel by hand, use a small sharp knife to carefully assist with the process. Be sure not to pierce the soft nut inside.
How to Store Air Fryer Roasted Chestnuts
If you’ve made a batch of chestnuts and have leftovers, here’s how to store them:
- Refrigeration: Allow the chestnuts to cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, place the peeled chestnuts in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Seal the bag tightly and freeze for up to three months.
- Thawing: To thaw, simply remove the chestnuts from the freezer and place them in the fridge overnight.
Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chestnuts
To ensure your chestnuts come out perfectly roasted every time, here are a few expert tips:
- Scoring: Score the chestnuts carefully to prevent accidents and ensure easy peeling. Make an “X” on the rounded side to avoid damaging the nut inside.
- Soaking: Soaking chestnuts in cold water for about 30 to 60 minutes helps soften the shell and makes peeling easier.
- Air Fryer Temperature: Avoid increasing the temperature to speed up cooking, as this can lead to overcooked exteriors and undercooked interiors. Stick to 175°C (350°F) for the best results.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give your chestnuts enough room in the air fryer basket for air circulation to ensure an even roast.

Creative Ways to Season Air Fryer Chestnuts
Air fryer chestnuts can be seasoned in many delicious ways, adding a personal touch to your recipe. Here are a few ideas:
- Sweet Honey and Vanilla: Drizzle honey and vanilla over your roasted chestnuts for a dessert-like treat.
- Buttery Maple Syrup: For a rich flavour, combine melted butter and maple syrup, then drizzle over the chestnuts.
- Balsamic Glaze: A tangy balsamic glaze with a sprinkle of sea salt creates a sophisticated, savoury snack.
- Asian-Inspired: Coat the chestnuts in soy sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a savoury snack with an Asian twist.
FAQs
How long should I roast chestnuts in an air fryer?
Roast your chestnuts for 17 minutes at 175°C (350°F). Check them at the 15-minute mark to ensure they are cooked to your liking.
Do I need to soak chestnuts before air frying?
Soaking chestnuts for 30 to 60 minutes helps soften the shells, making them easier to peel after roasting.
Can I air fry chestnuts without scoring them?
No, scoring the chestnuts is essential to prevent them from exploding during cooking and to make peeling easier.
Can I store air fryer roasted chestnuts?
Yes, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze them for up to three months.
What can I do with leftover chestnuts?
Leftover chestnuts can be used in soups, purees, or even as a filling for pastries. You can also snack on them directly or mix them into dishes like salads or roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
Air fryer chestnuts are a quick and convenient way to enjoy this seasonal treat. With a simple preparation and cooking process, you can achieve delicious, nutty chestnuts that are perfect for snacking or adding to your favourite dishes.
Whether you’re using them in savoury meals or sweet recipes, air fryer chestnuts offer a versatile and easy solution to enjoy this seasonal delicacy.
References
How to Roast Chestnuts
Air Fryer Cooking Tips
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