Every time there's a get-together with friends at home or when I'm feeling lonely while watching TV at night, I always think of that plate of golden and crispy peanuts. It's crispy and crunchy when chewed, leaving a lingering fragrance in the mouth. Paired with a little wine or green tea, it's simply a treat in the world! However, traditional fried peanuts can easily burn the pan if not handled with care, filling the room with cooking fumes and making the food greasy. Since I started using an air fryer, I've discovered that making peanuts can be so simple - no oil is needed, it's healthy and smoke-free, and can be done in just three steps. The crispy effect is no less than that of oil frying!

Preparation of ingredients
200 grams of peanuts (Choose plump and moldy raw peanuts, both red and white skins are fine, red skins are more fragrant and rich)
An appropriate amount of salt or white sugar (switch freely between salty and sweet flavors according to your taste)
Optional: A little cooking oil (if you prefer a crisper texture, add half a teaspoon and mix well, but this can be omitted for the healthy version)
Optional: Five-spice powder, chili powder (suitable for lovers of strong flavors)

Method and steps
Step 1: Pre-treatment of peanuts (The key is to remove moisture, making them crispier after frying!)"
Pour the peanuts into a bowl and pick out the bad ones and impurities (otherwise, the bitter ones will ruin the whole plate!) . Rinse quickly with clean water and immediately absorb the moisture with kitchen paper - this step is very important! While washing off the dust, keep the peanuts slightly moist to ensure even heating during frying. However, make sure to dry them thoroughly; otherwise, it will affect their crispness.
If there is enough time, you can spread it out to dry for 30 minutes. For lazy people, you can just use paper to absorb the moisture (I usually do it this way ~).

Step 2: Preheat the air fryer and conduct the initial frying
Preheat the air fryer to 160℃ for about 3 minutes. (Preheating ensures that the peanuts are heated evenly from the outside to the inside, preventing them from being burnt on the outside and burnt on the inside.)
Pour in the peanuts and spread them evenly in a layer (don't stack too thickly!) Otherwise, it won't be fried thoroughly and the middle will be soft. If the quantity is large, fry it in two portions.
First, fry at 160℃ for 8 minutes. Then, open the frying basket and shake it a few times (to make each peanut roll and ensure even heating). By this time, the peanuts had turned slightly yellow and the aroma was beginning to waft out

Set the temperature to 180℃ and fry for another 3 to 5 minutes. (Keep a close eye on the final stage as the heat of the air fryer varies to avoid burning!) .
When you hear the crackling sound becoming denser and the color turns golden yellow, take one and let it cool down to taste: if it is crispy but not soft, it is good. If it is still soft, add 1 to 2 minutes.
Immediately sprinkle salt or sugar after serving (hot peanuts are more likely to be coated with seasonings), mix well and let cool (they will become crispy when cooled, so don't eat them in a hurry!) .

Why is the air fryer version healthier?
Traditionally, frying peanuts requires half a pot of oil. Peanuts tend to absorb oil easily, causing a sharp increase in calories. The air fryer uses hot air circulation instead of oil, forcing out the peanuts' own oil. It has little or no oil, so you can eat it with peace of mind even during the fat loss period! And there's no need to worry about oil splashing or burning the pan. It's perfect for lazy people and health-conscious individuals ~

Failure remediation and tips
Why not crispy enough? It is most likely that the moisture was not dried out or the frying time was insufficient. Remedial method: Reheat to 160℃ and fry for another 2-3 minutes.
Why is it blurry? The temperature is too high or the time is too long! It is recommended to check every minute in the last three minutes
The secret to double the crispness: After frying, spray a little bit of white wine (just a few drops) while it's still hot, mix well and let it cool down. This can keep it crispy for a long time
Flavor variation: When sugar is sprinkled, it has a sweet and crispy taste. Adding five-spice powder makes it traditionally salty and fragrant. If you love spicy food, try chili powder and cumin powder