Roasted Chestnuts in 3 Easy Steps (in an Air Fryer)

Roasted chestnuts couldn’t be easier when made in an air fryer! Only three steps and a few minutes and you’re ready to enjoy these healthy, delicious nuts.

Chestnuts are in season and if you’ve ever wondered how to prepare and eat them, this is for you.

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Italian chestnuts were available at my local Trader Joe’s store recently and my mother absolutely adores them, so we grabbed a bag. (FYI, the instructions on this bag are how chestnuts are roasted in Italy which is how I am sharing.) Roasted chestnuts are incredibly easy when done in an air fryer.

Do You Have to Soak Chestnuts Before Roasting?

The easy answer is no, you do not have to soak chestnuts before you roast them, so that’s a time saver. 

NOTE: know someone who is allergic to nuts?
Pass this important information about tree nut allergies to them.

Do You Have to Boil Chestnuts Before Roasting?

Again, the answer is, no, you don’t have to boil chestnuts before roasting them. Despite the reasoning that boiling or soaking makes chestnuts easier to peel, they are not at all difficult to peel if you don’t take this step. So skip it and follow the directions below.

Using an Air Fryer to Roast Chestnuts

We usually roast chestnuts in the oven or toast them on the stove top, but this year we decided to try the air fryer with excellent results, and it couldn’t be easier! I’m not a gadget girl, but I love my air fryer  (that’s the one I have) and use it everyday for so many things. You can make crisp and juicy chicken thighs and potatoes and even roast rack of lamb in your air fryer!

You can learn a lot more about chestnuts from my pal, Jill at Mad About Macarons in France! And if you’re a nut fan, please try my banana nut muffin recipe!

Roasted Chestnuts (in an Air Fryer)

Recipe by Christina Conte (passed down from my family).          Time: 25 minutes 

FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW

Ingredients

• fresh chestnuts

Preheat the air fryer to 400 F (200 C)

Step 1: Cut the Chestnuts

With a sharp knife, carefully cut slit into the soft side of each chestnut. This is safer than cutting the hard bottom.

Step 2: Roast the Nuts

Place the chestnuts into the preheated air fryer. Set the timer for 20 minutes.

Shake the nuts every 5 minutes.

Step 3: Cool and Peel the Roasted Chestnuts

The nuts will split open even more as they cook. After 20 minutes, peel open a nut carefully and check that they are roasted to your liking. Remove and cool before peeling and enjoying.

That’s it! It’s very simple and these are a festive and nutritious snack to have on hand for the autumn and winter season.

Have some on hand for the holiday entertaining, too!

Here’s something else to keep at the ready during the holidays, and a must if you’re Italian!

Lupini beans and olives!

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