How to cook chestnuts in an air fryer
How to cook chestnuts in an air fryer
Chestnuts are a fall classic, beloved for their sweet flavor and crispy, soft-on-the-inside texture. If you don't have a traditional oven or fireplace, an air fryer is a perfect solution for cooking them quickly and without making a mess. Let's see how to prepare them!
Ingredients and equipment:
- 500 g of chestnuts
- Salt (optional)
- Knife
- Air fryer
Procedure:
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Choose the right chestnuts: Before you begin, make sure you select fresh, blemish-free chestnuts. Discard any with holes or that are too light (a sign of internal drying).
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Score the chestnuts: Use a sharp knife to make a cross-shaped incision on the rounded part of each chestnut. This step is crucial because it allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing the chestnuts from exploding in the fryer.
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Soaking (optional): Soak the chestnuts in water for about 30 minutes. This step can soften them slightly and make them easier to peel once cooked. If you're in a hurry, you can skip this step, but the result will be a little crunchier.
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Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 180°C and let it heat up for 3-5 minutes.
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Cooking the chestnuts: Arrange the scored chestnuts in the fryer basket, taking care not to overlap them too much to ensure even cooking. Cook them at 180°C for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to turn them and cook them evenly.
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Check for doneness: The chestnuts are ready when the shell is well opened and the inside flesh is soft to the touch. If necessary, you can cook them for a few more minutes, but be careful not to burn them.
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Cooling and peeling: Once cooked, let the chestnuts rest for a few minutes. This will make peeling easier. If you like, you can add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
Conclusion: Cooking chestnuts in the air fryer is a quick, practical, and clean method. In less than 30 minutes, you can have perfectly cooked chestnuts, ideal for enjoying on their own or paired with autumn dishes. Enjoy!