How to cook chestnuts in an air fryer quickly? Recently, Grandma Benedetta discovered how to quickly roast chestnuts (or marroni), and there’s no stopping her now! To prepare air fryer roasted chestnuts, I always recommend cutting them and soaking them in water before cooking. However, it is also possible to cook them without cutting and without soaking in water and salt first.
SEASON and period for #chestnuts and #marroni: from September to December.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Medium
- Rest time: 30 Minutes
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 4 People
- Cooking methods: Air frying
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Seasonality: Autumn
- Energy 221.85 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 46.79 (g) of which sugars 11.35 (g)
- Proteins 3.70 (g)
- Fat 2.17 (g) of which saturated 0.00 (g)of which unsaturated 0.00 (g)
- Fibers 5.99 (g)
- Sodium 16.48 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 97 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Chestnuts in Air Fryer
- 1.1 lbs marroni (from Castel del Rio IGP – or another type of chestnut)
- as needed water (for soaking)
Tools
- Air Fryer
- Knife chestnut cutter
- Rack raised
- Air Fryer Pan square
Chestnuts in Air Fryer
Score the chestnuts on the rounded side, making sure not to cut too deeply. You can choose to make a single horizontal cut or a cross cut, depending on preference.
Both methods help facilitate steam release during cooking and make peeling easier after preparation.
SOAK in water
Then, place them in a large bowl and cover completely with cold water. It is recommended to soak the chestnuts for at least 30 minutes, but one hour is ideal to soften them a bit before cooking. The soak helps soften the skin and makes it easier to remove the inner film, making the chestnut softer and more flavorful.
Adding salt or wine to the chestnut soak is optional. Salt can enhance the flavor, but should be used sparingly. Wine, on the other hand, gives a richer aroma.
After soaking, drain the chestnuts well and place them directly on the air fryer rack, taking care not to overlap them. It’s better to position them with the rounded and scored side up.
Or to avoid dirtying the rack, first place a raised rack inside the air fryer and then place the pan with the chestnuts on top.
Place them immediately in the fryer, without waiting for it to preheat. Set the temperature to 392°F and cook for about 15 minutes, remembering to shake the basket halfway through.
1. It’s useful to do this while they are still warm, but not too hot, to avoid burning yourself.
2. After cooking, they can be wrapped in a damp cloth for a few minutes, so the skin becomes softer and peels off easily.
3. Alternatively, place them hot in a paper bag and shake gently. This will help crack the shell and make the skin peel off more easily.
STORE cooked chestnuts
To store cooked chestnuts, let them cool and then place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To store them longer, freeze them in a food bag for up to 3 months.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
How do you know if chestnuts are ready?
Chestnuts are ready when their shell has opened and the flesh is tender. Additionally, when pierced with a toothpick, they should yield without resistance.
What is the difference between chestnuts and marroni?
Chestnuts and marroni are both fruits of the chestnut tree, but marroni are larger and have a smoother shell. The flesh of marroni is also sweeter and firmer, while chestnuts are smaller and often have an internal division into multiple parts, making them sometimes more difficult to peel.
What is the difference between a convection oven and an air fryer?
The main difference between a convection oven and an air fryer is the mode of air circulation. In a convection oven, hot air circulates thanks to a fan, but the environment is larger and less concentrated. In an air fryer, hot air circulates faster in a confined space, ensuring faster and crisper cooking.
