Air Fryer Masala Cashews are cashew nuts coated in a mixture of spices and then roasted to perfection in an air fryer. The term “masala” refers to a blend of spices commonly used in Indian cuisine, which gives these cashews their unique and addictive flavour. Try my Air Fryer Nuts Recipe if you love having roasted nuts as a snack!
When it comes to indulging in a delicious and healthy snack, Air Fryer Spicy Masala Cashews are at the top of the list. These sweet & spicy, crunchy, and flavourful air fryer cashew nuts perfectly accompany your evening tea or coffee.
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Traditionally, masala cashews are deep-fried, but using an air fryer makes the process healthier while still delivering that satisfying crunch.
Air Fryer Roasted Masala Cashews are a quick, and easy snack that you can enjoy any time of the day or when you crave a savoury treat. You can easily customize this masala cashew recipe to suit your taste preferences. So, go ahead and try making these delicious air fried kaju at home—you won’t be disappointed!
Why you’ll love these Masala Cashews made in Air Fryer?
- Quick and Easy: You can prepare this masala cashew snack within 10 minutes, making it an ideal choice for spontaneous cravings.
- Healthy: Using an air fryer reduces the oil needed, making these masala cashews a healthier alternative to deep-fried snacks.
- Flavourful: The combination of spices used in masala fried kaju creates a burst of flavours that are both spicy and savoury.
- Versatile: These air fryer cashews can be enjoyed on their own, with chai, or as a topping for salads and other dishes.
Ingredients used to make Air Fryer Masala Cashews
- Cashews: The main ingredient, usually raw and whole.
- Spices: A mix of red chilli powder, cumin powder, sugar, black pepper powder, chaat masala powder, amchur powder(dry mango powder), and salt.
- Ghee or Oil: Used for roasting the cashews. Ghee is
How to make Masala Cashews in an Air Fryer?
In a mixing bowl, add oil or ghee. Add the red chilli powder, cumin powder, sugar, black pepper, chaat masala powder, amchur powder, and salt. Mix well with the ghee/oil. Add the cashews. Mix well, ensuring each cashew is evenly coated with the spice mix.
Transfer the seasoned cashews to the air fryer basket, spreading them out in a single layer.
Air fry at 350F for 8 minutes, or until the cashewnuts are crispy and golden brown. To ensure even roasting, shake the basket halfway through the cooking time. This ensures that all sides of the cashews get nicely browned.
Once done, let the cashews cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
Tips for Perfect Masala Kaju Recipe
Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Add more chilli powder for spice, or include other spices for a different flavour profile.
Ensure the cashews are spread in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This helps them roast evenly and become perfectly crispy.
Start checking the air fryer at 6 minutes to make sure the cashews don’t get burnt. If you feel they need to be roasted more, air fry till 8 minutes.
The masala cashews may seem soft as soon as you remove them from the air fryer. Let the cashews cool completely before storing them. This helps maintain their crunchiness.
Serving Suggestions
- With Chai: The most traditional way to enjoy masala roasted cashews is with a hot cup of chai. The savoury flavours complement the tea perfectly.
- As a Snack: Enjoy the air fryer roasted cashews on their own as a satisfying snack.
- Toppings: Use the spicy cashews as a crunchy topping for salads, soups, or even curries.
- Party Snack: Serve air fried cashews at gatherings or parties as a spicy appetizer that guests will love.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can substitute cashews with almonds or peanuts. The process remains the same, but the cooking time may vary slightly.
No, you can use any oil of your choice. Ghee adds a rich flavour, but oil works just as well for a vegan version.
Garam masala, garlic powder, apparika powder, cayenne pepper are few other spices that can be used.
Sugar adds a balance in taste and flavour, so I highly recommend adding it to get the authentic masala cashew taste.
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Recipe Card
Air Fryer Roasted Masala Cashews
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cashews
- 2 tablespoon Ghee/Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt or as needed
- 2 teaspoon Chilli Powder
- 2 teaspoon Cumin Powder
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper Powder
- 1 teaspoon Chaat Masala Powder
- 1 teaspoon Amchur Powder/Dry Mango Powder
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add oil or ghee. Add the red chilli powder, cumin powder, sugar, black pepper, chaat masala powder, amchur powder, and salt. Mix well with the ghee/oil. Add the cashews. Mix well, ensuring each cashew is evenly coated with the spice mix.
- Transfer the seasoned cashews to the air fryer basket, spreading them out in a single layer.
- Air fry at 350F for 8 minutes, or until the cashew nuts are crispy and golden brown. To ensure even roasting, shake the basket halfway through the cooking time. This ensures that all sides of the cashews get nicely browned.
- Once done, let the cashews cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.