How To Roast Peanuts

Damaris Gatwiri

4 months ago

Roasting peanuts enhances their flavor and gives them a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re preparing a snack, an ingredient for recipes, or peanut butter, roasting is a straightforward process. You can roast peanuts with or without their shells, and either in the oven or on the stovetop. This guide explains how to roast peanuts to perfection while preserving their natural taste.

Choose Your Peanuts
Select raw, unsalted peanuts. Decide whether you want to roast them with their shells intact or shelled. Peanuts with shells offer a rustic snacking experience, while shelled peanuts are more convenient for cooking or direct eating.
Prepare the Peanuts for Roasting
- For Shelled Peanuts: Remove any loose skins and inspect for broken or discolored pieces.
- For Peanuts in Shells: Rinse them under cold water to remove dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures even roasting.
Spread Peanuts on a Baking Sheet
- Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or left ungreased.
- Arrange the peanuts in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap for even roasting.
- For flavored peanuts, lightly coat them with oil and sprinkle salt or seasonings before spreading them on the tray.
Roast the Peanuts
Place the baking sheet in the oven:
- For Shelled Peanuts: Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- For Peanuts in Shells: Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, also stirring occasionally.
  Keep an eye on the peanuts toward the end of the roasting time to avoid burning.
Test for Doneness
Peanuts are ready when they are golden brown and give off a rich, nutty aroma. Remove one, let it cool, and taste it for doneness. If they are not yet crunchy, roast for a few more minutes.
Cool the Peanuts
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the peanuts cool completely on the tray. The cooling process helps them achieve the final crunchy texture.
Store or Serve the Peanuts
Once cooled, store the roasted peanuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, refrigerate them in a sealed container. Serve them as a snack, use them in recipes, or grind them into peanut butter.