How to Make Crispy Masala Peanuts at Home



How to Make Crispy Masala Peanuts at Home

Masala peanuts are one of those timeless Indian snacks that perfectly balance crunch, spice, and comfort. Whether enjoyed with evening tea, served to guests, or munched during a rainy day, these spiced, deep-fried peanuts are loved by all ages. The best part? They’re easy to make at home with just a handful of ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Raw peanuts – 1 cup (with skin)
  • Gram flour (besan) – ½ cup
  • Rice flour – 2 tablespoons (for extra crispiness)
  • Red chilli powder – 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
  • Turmeric powder – ¼ teaspoon
  • Garam masala – ½ teaspoon
  • Chaat masala – ½ teaspoon (for tang)
  • Salt – to taste
  • Baking soda – a pinch (optional, makes them lighter)
  • Water – as needed
  • Oil – for deep frying

Step-by-Step Method

  1. Prepare the spice coating

    • In a large mixing bowl, combine gram flour, rice flour, red chilli powder, turmeric, garam masala, chaat masala, salt, and a pinch of baking soda.
    • Mix well so the spices are evenly distributed.

  2. Coat the peanuts

    • Add the raw peanuts to the bowl.
    • Sprinkle water little by little and mix with your hands, ensuring the flour and spice mixture coats each peanut well. The coating should be thick enough to cling but not soggy.

  3. Heat the oil

    • In a deep pan or kadhai, heat oil over medium flame. The oil should be hot but not smoking.

  4. Fry the peanuts

    • Drop the coated peanuts into the oil in small batches, separating them with a slotted spoon to avoid clumping.
    • Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4–5 minutes.
    • Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

  5. Cool and store

    • Allow the masala peanuts to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.

Tips for the Best Masala Peanuts

  • For extra crunch, always use rice flour along with gram flour.
  • Avoid overcrowding while frying — it ensures even cooking and crispiness.
  • Air-fryer version: Lightly spray coated peanuts with oil and cook at 180°C for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.

Serving Ideas

  • Enjoy with hot chai during the evening.
  • Serve as a crunchy topping for salads or chaats.
  • Pair with cold drinks during a movie night or party.

With these simple steps, you can make restaurant-style masala peanuts in your own kitchen — fresher, healthier, and spicier than the store-bought ones.

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