Air Fryer Recipe: Goji-Spiced Nuts & Seeds Mix

 

Air Fryer Goji-Spiced Nuts & Seeds Mix

This nutritious and flavourful snack mix combines crunchy nuts and seeds with chewy goji berries, all lightly toasted and spiced in the air fryer for a perfect healthy crunch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Mixed Raw Nuts (e.g., almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans)
• 1/2 cup Mixed Raw Seeds (e.g., pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
• 1/4 cup Dried Goji Berries
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 tbsp Maple Syrup (or honey)
• 1/2 tsp Ground Ginger
• 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• Pinch of Cayenne Pepper (optional, for a subtle kick)
• Pinch of Black Pepper

Instructions and Method

1. Prepare the Mix

1. Combine Nuts and Seeds: In a large bowl, combine the mixed raw nuts and mixed raw seeds.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the olive oil and maple syrup to the nuts and seeds. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
3. Add Spices: Sprinkle in the ground ginger, ground cinnamon, salt, cayenne pepper (if using), and black pepper. Toss again thoroughly until all nuts and seeds are evenly coated with the spices.
4. Add Goji Berries: Stir in the dried goji berries last. Note: Goji berries are added now so they can lightly toast and soften, but not burn.

2. Air Fry the Mix

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to  () for . A lower temperature is used here to prevent burning the nuts and goji berries.
2. Arrange in Air Fryer: Spread the seasoned nut and seed mix in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in two batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Avoid overcrowding, as this will prevent even toasting.
3. Air Fry: Cook for , shaking the basket or stirring the mix every  to ensure even toasting.
4. Check for Doneness: The nuts and seeds should be lightly golden brown and fragrant. The goji berries will be slightly softened and lightly toasted. Be careful not to burn them, as nuts can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly.
5. Cool: Once done, immediately transfer the hot mix from the air fryer basket to a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool completely. The mix will crisp up further as it cools.

Serving & Storage

• Serve the Goji-Spiced Nuts & Seeds Mix as a healthy snack, topping for salads, or sprinkle over yogurt and oatmeal.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to .

Tips for Air Fryer Success

• Low and Slow: Nuts and seeds can burn easily. Using a lower temperature ( / ) and stirring frequently is key to even toasting without burning.
• Single Layer: Always cook in a single layer. If your air fryer basket is small, work in batches. This ensures maximum air circulation for crispness.
• Don't Overcook: Keep a close eye on the mix, especially towards the end of the cooking time. Nuts can go from perfect to burnt in a matter of seconds.
• Cool Completely: Allow the mix to cool fully before storing or consuming. This is when they will achieve their maximum crispness.
• Customise: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, seeds, and spices. A touch of rosemary, a pinch of smoked paprika, or a dash of chilli flakes can all add interesting flavour profiles. You can also swap goji berries for other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots, but add them in the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning.
• Add Flavour Post-Air Fryer: For an extra burst of flavour, you can add a squeeze of fresh orange zest or lime zest after the mix has cooled slightly.