Peanuts are part of the legume family (which includes peas, lentils and chickpeas) and are an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, niacin, protein, copper and other nutrients. With a little cooking experience, fried peanuts are simple to prepare and useful as an appetizer or a snack.
Remove the raw peanuts from their pods.
Pour the peanut oil into the deep saucepan, about 1 inch deep, and warm over medium heat. Allow the oil to heat-up, approximately 3 minutes.
Add the peanuts and cook until golden brown, approximately 5 minutes. Stir occasionally with a slotted spoon to keep the peanuts from burning.
Remove the peanuts from the saucepan, using the slotted spoon, and place them on a dry paper towel to absorb some of the excess oil.
Season the peanuts with salt and any other spices you desire such as cayenne pepper, paprika or garlic powder.
- You can substitute the deep saucepan with a wok or pan.
- If the oil is splashing too much, turn the heat down or cover the saucepan with a lid.
- Replace peanut oil with vegetable oil or any other cooking oil. However, keep in mind that some types of oil burn more quickly than others.
- Do not pour used oil down the drain (sink, toilet, etc.). Once the oil cools down, you can save it for future frying or dispose of it outside.
- C Squared Studios/Photodisc/Getty Images