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A close-up view of spicy peanuts spilling out of a bowl onto a white surface, showcasing their vibrant seasoning and irresistible crunch.

Spicy Peanuts

Spicy Peanuts are my go-to snack when I want something with serious kick that's ridiculously easy to make. They're crunchy cocktail peanuts packed with chili powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper with heat that builds with every bite. I make them for game day parties, tailgates, potlucks, and happy hour spreads because they're always a crowd-pleaser with spicy food lovers. They stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for about a week or freeze for up to 2 months.
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Rest Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Spicy Peanuts
Servings: 12
Calories: 221kcal
Author: Mandy Applegate

Ingredients

  • 3 cups salted cocktail peanuts
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
    1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Place the peanuts in a medium mixing bowl with the oil and a tablespoon of the seasoning mix. Stir until all the peanuts are evenly coated.
    3 cups salted cocktail peanuts, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Spread on the prepared pan and bake for 5 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and toss the peanuts with the remaining seasoning mix.
  • You can eat them right away or leave them in an airtight container overnight for the best flavor results.

Notes

  • Use the right peanuts: Salted cocktail peanuts work best because they're already seasoned with salt, so you don't need to add more. Unsalted peanuts will taste flat, and cashews work too, but need an estimate of 1-2 minutes less baking time since they're more delicate.
  • Don't skip the oil: The vegetable oil helps the spices stick to the peanuts and keeps them from burning in the oven. Without it, the seasoning just falls off.
  • Split the seasoning: Add half the spice mix before roasting and the rest after to achieve better flavor distribution and more intense heat. If you add it all at once, some will burn.
  • Adjust the heat level: If cayenne is too spicy for you, reduce it to ¼ teaspoon or omit it. You'll still get plenty of flavor from the chili and garlic powder.
  • Let them rest overnight: The flavors really develop after sitting in an airtight container for 8-12 hours. The spices soak into the peanuts, and the heat mellows slightly.
  • Flash-freeze for longer storage: Spread cooled peanuts on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer container. This prevents clumping and makes it easy to grab a handful.

Nutrition

Calories: 221kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 19mg | Potassium: 289mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 232IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 2mg
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