Air-Fryer Peanut-Brittle Clusters With Roasted Sesame Crunch
Get perfectly crispy peanut-brittle clusters with roasted sesame in an air fryer by following a single focused method: roast nuts and seeds in the air fryer, make the caramel off heat on the stovetop, combine quickly, then cool undisturbed.
How do I roast peanuts and sesame in the air fryer for best flavor and texture?
Preheat the air fryer to 320°F and spread shelled peanuts and sesame seeds in a single layer in the basket, shaking the basket every 90 seconds to ensure even browning; roast for about 6 to 8 minutes total for peanuts and 3 to 4 minutes total for sesame seeds, removing the sesame a little earlier if they brown faster. Watch closely during the final minute because small seeds and nuts can go from golden to bitter very quickly; use a heatproof spatula to transfer the roasted nuts and seeds immediately to a cool tray to stop carryover cooking. Allow the peanuts and sesame to cool to roughly warm but not hot before combining with caramel so the residual heat does not overcook the sugar.
What is the safest, most reliable way to make the caramel off the heat so sugar does not overcook?
Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan and heat granulated sugar and a small amount of water over medium heat without stirring once the mixture begins to boil, instead gently swirling the pan occasionally to promote even melting; when the sugar reaches a deep amber color around 320 to 340°F on a candy thermometer, remove the pan from the burner immediately. Stir in a measured amount of warm light corn syrup or a small quantity of neutral oil and a pinch of fine sea salt off heat to stabilize the caramel, then wait about 15 to 20 seconds so the boiling subsides but the caramel remains pourable. For safety, keep a lid or a damp towel nearby to smother any unexpected flare up, use long heatproof gloves or oven mitts to handle the pan, and never add water to hot caramel as it will violently spit.
How do I combine the caramel with the roasted nuts and sesame to form crisp clusters and cool them correctly?
Pour the warm caramel in a steady stream over the cooled but still-warm peanuts and sesame in a large metal or heatproof bowl, immediately stirring with a heatproof spatula to coat evenly while working quickly so the caramel sets around the nuts into clusters rather than forming a single slab. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a silicone mat or parchment-lined tray, spacing them slightly so edges set crisp; allow the clusters to cool undisturbed at room temperature for at least 30 minutes until fully hardened, avoiding refrigeration which can cause moisture condensation and soften the brittle. If any stickiness remains after cooling, return the clusters to a low oven at 170°F for 5 to 8 minutes to dry them out, then cool again on the tray to achieve a crisp texture.
Check our top 3 recommended models in the table below for equipment suited to the roasting step.
- AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air surrounds food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
- LARGE CAPACITY: The 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate fit up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings.
- 4-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- GUILT-FREE FRIED FOODS: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
- FROZEN TO CRISPY: Cook frozen foods in just minutes for an extra-crispy finish.
- SPACE SAVER: Ninja’s latest air fryer design allows you to save even more space on your countertop without compromising capacity.
- EASY TO CLEAN: The basket and crisper plate are both nonstick for easy cleaning.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: Air Fryer, 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate, chef-inspired 20 recipe book and cooking charts.
- MASTER GRILL, BBQ SMOKER, & AIR FRYER: All in one with 100% real smoky flavor..Voltage: 120 volts
- MASTER GRILL: Get all the performance of a full-size propane grill with the same char and searing.
- FOOLPROOF BBQ SMOKER: Create authentic BBQ bark and flavor fast and easy with just 1/2 cup of pellets.
- OUTDOOR AIR FRYER: Add smoky flavor to your air fried favorites and cook all your side dishes outdoors.
- NINJA WOODFIRE TECHNOLOGY: Powered by electricity, flavored by real burning wood pellets. Create rich smoky flavor you can see and taste with any cook function.
- EXCLUSIVE NINJA WOODFIRE PELLETS: Comes with 2 blends of 100% real hardwood Ninja Woodfire Pellets that pair great with anything you make. Used for flavor, not fuel, so you only need 1/2 cup.
- WEATHER-RESISTANT: Cook and store outdoors year-round.
- 1760-WATT ELECTRIC POWER: No charcoal, propane, or flareups. Balcony & apartment friendly.
- COOK FOR A CROWD: Grill 6 steaks or 30 hot dogs, air fry up to 3 lbs of wings, or BBQ smoke a 9-lb whole brisket.
- WHAT'S INCLUDED: 141-sq-in. nonstick grill grate, crisper basket, pellet scoop, Ninja Woodfire Pellets Robust Blend and All-Purpose Blend Starter Packs, & Quick Start Guide with 15 recipes.
- SMART SURROUND CONVECTION: High velocity fan and rear heat source completely surrounding food for all-around crisp.
- 2 LEVEL EVEN COOKING: Even cooking on 2 levels with no rotation, flipping, or shaking.
- 10-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Includes 10 versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Air Roast, Broil, Bake, Whole Roast, Pizza. Toast, Bagel, Reheat, Dehydrate.
- XL FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: Fits up to 2 9x9 baking trays; bakes up to 20 cookies, fit and cook 9 slices of toast or 9 bagel halves on a rack, fits up to a 12 lb. Turkey and allows for up to 8 lb. air fry capacity.
- QUICK FAMILY MEALS: 90-second oven preheat time and up to 30% faster cooking versus a full-size convection oven.
- PRESTIGE DESIGN: Superior performance with elegant style that fits in any home.
- AIR FRY HEALTHY MEALS: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
- DIGITAL DISPLAY HANDLE: The optimal oven rack positions will illuminate based on the selected function. When the door is open, display settings freeze to prevent any accidental changes to the cook cycle.
- WHAT'S INCLUDED: Prestige Smart XL Air Fryer & Countertop Oven, (2) wire racks, (2) sheet pans, roast tray, removable crumb tray, air fry basket, 15 chef created recipes and cooking charts.