Chestnuts are a traditional delicacy that has been appreciated for centuries for its mild flavor and tender, melt-in-the-mouth texture. Chestnuts are generally prepared using the classic method of wood-fired cooking. However, the advent of modern cooking appliances, notably the air fryer, offers an interesting alternative. Let’s take a look at how to cook chestnuts with an air fryer.
How to cook chestnuts: the first step
Before you put your chestnuts in the AirFryer, there’s a crucial preparation stage. First of all, examine them thoroughly. The aim here is to discard any chestnuts showing signs of infestation or visible defects.
Next, hold the best chestnuts in your hand and place them on a sturdy wooden surface in your kitchen. Using a sharp blade, you can carefully peel them, i.e. remove the first shell. How to do it? By making vertical or cross-shaped incisions in the flaps of their shells. This operation is crucial, as it breaks the porosity of the shell. In other words, it allows steam to escape and prevents the chestnuts from bursting during cooking.
Next, soak them in a pan of boiling water for a few minutes, then immediately transfer them to cold water. Does this sound like a strange procedure? Well, it’s a well-known technique.
It loosens the outer layer of the chestnuts (the bogue), making the peeling process easier and more efficient. After being cooled in cold water, the chestnut skin develops slight cracks, facilitating the peeling process. What’s more, this method effectively prevents internal heat from further cooking the chestnuts once they’ve been removed from the boiling water.
How to cook chestnuts in the air fryer?
Make sure your peeled chestnuts are well drained and still warm before placing them in the air fryer basket. This is essential, as residual moisture could have a negative impact on the desired texture. Cook at a temperature generally recommended around 180°C to 200°C, allowing the chestnuts to brown perfectly.
During cooking, it is often advisable to check the basket halfway through cooking, or several times, by stirring it. Technically, this ensures even browning, so that all the chestnuts are cooked equally. On the other hand, it’s important to bear in mind that appliances differ, as do chestnut sizes. Consequently, the cooking time for your air fryer chestnut may vary, but on average, 15 to 20 minutes should suffice.
At the end of the cooking time, carefully remove the chestnuts from the air fryer and wrap them tightly in a clean cloth.
And if you find yourself with an abundance of chestnuts, know that there are endless possibilities for their use. For example, you can use them to concoct savory soups, cake desserts, and even a delicious homemade jam.
Cooking chestnuts: what you absolutely mustn’t forget?
Basically, the end result must be worthy of your effort. You’ll need chestnuts with a roasted flavor, lightly salted with a hint of the seasoning of your choice.
Don’t forget to season your chestnuts. A little salt is sometimes all they need to enhance their natural flavor. For a twist, spices such as garlic, parsley, or even a pinch of pepper can be sprinkled on top. Naturally, all this should be done before cooking for an original touch.
On the other hand, once your air fryer has been turned off, don’t be in too much of a hurry to enjoy your roasted chestnuts. Leave them to cool for a few minutes; this will not only help prevent burning but also give them time to develop their melt-in-the-mouth texture. And how do you recognize perfectly cooked chestnuts? The answer is quite simple: when they’re nicely browned the skin reveals tender, melting flesh. Taste one to check its doneness: it should be soft, but not mushy.
In short, air-frying chestnuts are a quick and easy way to enjoy this autumn fruit. By following the steps described above, you’ll obtain perfectly cooked chestnuts, without the smoke and time required for slow pan-frying.