Open fire, air fryer: sounds close enough to me! That’s right, I’m taking the classic holiday treat and making Ninja air fryer chestnuts this year. They’re so easy to make, and require only about a third of the time compared to the oven! Plus, no open flames required!
I love making chestnuts in the air fryer. They come out roasted and delicious, and generally take less than 10 minutes (unless you have some giant chestnuts)!
Even then, it’s so much faster when compared to the oven, and it leaves the oven open for other things. So, you can enjoy your freshly roasted chestnuts while waiting for the Christmas roast to finish.
While I have a Ninja air fryer and that’s what the recipe is based off of, it will still work if you happen to have a different brand. Just remember that cooking times can vary slightly between brands, so check in on your chestnuts often and you’ll be good to go!
Looking for an even faster preparation method? Then make sure to check out my Microwave Chestnuts recipe, which takes under 5 minutes to cook!
Ingredients List
Fresh chestnuts
Seasoning if desired (optional)
Ingredient Tips
This recipe is best with fresh chestnuts. However, you can also use frozen as well if desired. Simply add about 1 minute to cooking time to account for the frozen state
I like to sprinkle a little salt over my cooked chestnuts, but you can use other seasonings like Cajun, barbecue, or whatever you like. About ¼ – ½ tsp is usually sufficient for 1 pound of nuts
You can cook as many chestnuts at a time as fit in a single layer in your air fryer basket. My 8-qt Ninja can handle about 1 pound of American chestnuts at a time, but different varieties will vary
How to Choose Good Chestnuts
Here is how to know if you have good chestnuts:
They should be firm, dark in color, and free from visible blemishes such as cuts, dents, or holes
The chestnut should not “rattle” when you shake it
Place the chestnuts in a bowl of water to soak before cooking. Any chestnuts that float should be discarded, as they are likely bad
It is still possible to get a few chestnuts with “bad spots” after you have gone through all of these steps. If you peel your nut and it is blackened, moldy, or otherwise unappealing looking, do not eat it.
Step By Step Instructions
Place your chestnuts in a bowl of warm water (just enough to cover the chestnuts) to clean them, and allow them to soak for about 5 minutes. Discard any chestnuts that float
Dry each chestnut and then use a knife to cut an ‘X’ shape into the rounded side. Make sure to cut through the skin entirely
Place the scored chestnuts into your air fryer’s basket or rack, allowing some air space between each one
Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 7 minutes (I do not preheat, so that accounts for warm up time). Check the chestnuts, and look for the skins to peel back and expose the yellow nut underneath. If they have not peeled, cook them for additional time in 1-2 minute intervals until they do
Dump the hot chestnuts into a Ziploc bag, paper bag, or wrap them in a clean towel. Allow them to steam for about 2 minutes, just until they are cool enough to handle
Peel the chestnuts while they are still hot, making sure to remove the outer shell, as well as the fuzzy brown layer underneath. You should just have the yellow nut left. Season if desired, and enjoy warm!
How Long Should I Cook Chestnuts in a Ninja Air Fryer?
For Ninja air fryer chestnuts, cook for about 5-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The actual time will vary based on the size and variety of your chestnuts.
Start with the lowest time, then add small increments until they peel open.
Do I Need to Score the Chestnuts Before Air Frying?
Yes, you should score chestnuts before air frying. Using a sharp knife, make an “X” mark on the rounded side of each chestnut.
This helps prevent them from bursting while cooking and makes peeling easier afterward.
How Do I Know When Chestnuts Are Done in the Air Fryer?
The shells will start to split open, and the scored “X” will curl back as the chestnuts cook.
Additionally, the nut inside will become tender and creamy when done.
Do You Have to Soak Chestnuts Before Roasting?
No, you do not have to soak chestnuts before roasting. However, soaking helps to clean the chestnuts, and makes them easier to peel after cooking, so it is recommended, even for just a few minutes.
Additionally, chestnuts that have gone bad float, so it is an easy way to pick out bad nuts ahead of time.
Can I Add Seasonings or Flavors to the Chestnuts Before Air Frying?
You can, but I find much gets lost during peeling. As such, it is better to add seasonings to chestnuts after cooking, while still warm.
Salt is a classic addition, but you can experiment with other options, such as cinnamon, rosemary, or thyme. Create unique flavor combinations that compliment your holiday meal.
How Do I Store Leftover Air Fried Chestnuts?
Allow the roasted chestnuts to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3-4 days or in the refrigerator for about a week.
Recipe Pro Tips
I have tried both serrated and smooth knives for cutting the X into the chestnut, and personally find smooth easier. However, you can use whatever is best for you!
The soaking and steaming method really makes peeling chestnuts easy (for me anyway; I tried a few methods and that is my favorite). That said, once they cool down, they become difficult again, so I try to only make smaller batches (about ½ pound) at a time so I can peel them all within 5 or so minutes
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover roasted chestnuts in a bag or container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to one week
To reheat cooked chestnuts, air fry at 325°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed, or microwave for 15-20 seconds on high. I only recommend reheating once, as they lose moisture each time and will eventually be too hard to eat
These Ninja air fryer chestnuts are so easy to make, and far quicker than the oven. They come out roasted and delicious! While they do still take a little longer than the microwave, they offer a slightly less chewy texture that’s more akin to a slow roasting option.
No matter which way you choose to prepare them, chestnuts are a buttery, delicious option that’s perfect for snacking on around the holiday season. They’re also low fat, gluten free, and suitable for vegetarian diets as well!
Pair with a nice cup of coffee, mulled wine, or a chocolatey cocktail for the perfect combination. My Salted Caramel Whiskey Hot Chocolate is a great choice!
Ninja Air Fryer Roasted Chestnuts
Roast fresh chestnuts in your Ninja air fryer in under 10 minutes! They come out buttery and delicious; perfect for snacking during the holiday season!
Place your chestnuts in a bowl of warm water (just enough to cover the chestnuts) to clean them, and allow them to soak for about 5 minutes. Discard any chestnuts that float
½ Pound fresh chestnuts
Dry each chestnut and then use a knife to cut an ‘X’ shape into the rounded side. Make sure to cut through the skin entirely
Place the scored chestnuts into your air fryer’s basket or rack, allowing some air space between each one
Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 7 minutes (I do not preheat, so that accounts for warm up time). Check the chestnuts, and look for the skins to peel back and expose the yellow nut underneath. If they have not peeled back, cook them for additional time in 1-2 minute intervals until they do
Dump the hot chestnuts into a Ziploc bag, paper bag, or wrap them in a clean towel. Allow them to steam for about 2 minutes, just until they are cool enough to handle
Peel the chestnuts while they are still hot, making sure to remove the outer shell, as well as the fuzzy brown layer underneath. You should just have the yellow nut left. Season if desired, and enjoy warm!
Seasoning if desired
Notes
I like to sprinkle a little salt over my cooked chestnuts, but you can use other seasonings like Cajun, barbecue, or whatever you like. About ¼ – ½ tsp is usually sufficient for 1 pound of nuts
You can cook as many chestnuts at a time as fit in a single layer in your air fryer basket. My 8-qt Ninja can handle about 1 pound of American chestnuts at a time, but different varieties will vary
I have tried both serrated and smooth knives for cutting the X into the chestnut, and personally find smooth easier. However, you can use whatever is best for you!
The soaking and steaming method really makes peeling chestnuts easy (for me anyway; I tried a few methods and that is my favorite). That said, once they cool down, they become difficult again, so I try to only make smaller batches (about ½ pound) at a time so I can peel them all within 5 or so minutes
Store leftover roasted chestnuts in a bag or container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to one week
To reheat cooked chestnuts, air fry at 325°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed, or microwave for 15-20 seconds on high. I only recommend reheating once, as they lose moisture each time and will eventually be too hard to eat
Exact nutritional values will vary based on variety and size of chestnuts, as well as any seasonings added and total quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
