How to fry peeled peanuts so crispy and crunchy

The key to making peeled peanuts crispy and crunchy when fried is to control the oil temperature, frying time, and cooling method. The main points include selecting fresh peanuts, controlling the oil temperature at around 160 degrees, frying for about 5 minutes, quickly draining the oil after frying, and sufficient cooling.

1. Choose fresh peanuts

Fresh peanuts have a moderate moisture content and are easier to fry through after removing the outer shell. Choose peanuts with plump grains and no mold, and before frying, pick out the damaged or blackened peanuts to avoid affecting the overall taste. Peanut that has been stored for too long can easily produce a halal flavor and have a bitter taste when fried.

2. Oil temperature control at 160 degrees

High oil temperature can cause the outer coke to soften inside, while low oil temperature can make the peanuts absorb oil and become greasy. Heat the oil until it forms small bubbles around the chopsticks, and the optimal temperature for the oil is around 160 degrees Celsius. A kitchen thermometer can be used to assist in measurement, maintaining stable heating on low to medium heat to avoid drastic temperature fluctuations.

3. Fry for 5 minutes

After putting the peanuts into the pot, they need to be continuously turned to heat evenly. When the color turns light golden yellow, they can be removed. At this stage, the internal moisture of peanuts is fully evaporated, achieving a crispy texture. Pay attention to observing when the peanut skin begins to crack slightly, which is the best time to remove it from the pot. Overfrying can produce a burnt and bitter taste.

4. Quick oil draining

After using a strainer to scoop out peanuts, immediately drain the surface oil. You can place them on kitchen paper to absorb oil or use a filter to shake and drain the oil for no more than 30 seconds. The residual hot oil will continue to penetrate the interior of the peanuts, causing a softening of the taste and increasing the greasiness after cooling.

5. Adequate Cooling

Freshly fried peanuts should be spread flat in a dry container for natural cooling to avoid accumulation and the generation of water vapor. Sealed storage after complete cooling can maintain brittleness, while hot sealing can cause moisture regain and softening. During the cooling process, it can be gently flipped to help dissipate heat, and the best crispy state can be achieved in about 15 minutes at room temperature.

Fried peanuts are recommended to be stored in a sealed jar to avoid moisture, and can be seasoned with a small amount of salt or sugar. Pay attention to controlling the amount consumed, and the daily intake of high-temperature fried foods should not exceed one small handful. When paired with cold dishes or as a side dish snack, plant protein and healthy fats can be supplemented, but those with weak gastrointestinal function should reduce their consumption. If you want to reduce oil intake, you can also try making it by low-temperature baking in an oven.