There are snacks you politely nibble, and then there are snacks that make you feel like you’ve snuck into a very chic hotel bar and no one has figured it out yet. These Air Fryer Chili-Cardamom Spiced Nuts fall squarely into the second category — glossy, fragrant, a little fiery, and ready in the time it takes to scroll half a doom-cycle.
They hit that sweet spot between “I want something interesting” and “I’m too fried to think,” which is, frankly, my personal food group. A pantry handful of mixed nuts, a slick of honey, a dusting of warm spices — and suddenly you’ve engineered the kind of snack that makes visitors assume you host dinner parties for sport.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast, indulgent, and low-effort — a 15-minute healthy air fryer snack that tastes like a splurge.
- Pantry-powered — mixed nuts, honey, and spices are all you need.
- Dinner-party energy without the cleanup — serve warm as an apéro bite.
- Toddler-flexible — skip the chili and cayenne for a sweet-spiced version.
- Global-inspired flavor — smoky, sweet, and cardamom-forward.
Tips, Tricks & Variations
The spice mix is flexible. If you love heat, keep the cayenne; if you’re spice-shy, let the cardamom lead — it brings a warm, almost perfumed depth that feels fancier than it has any right to. Maple syrup swaps beautifully for honey (and makes the recipe vegan).
For hosting, make a double batch and store them in an airtight container for up to a week — they keep their crunch surprisingly well.
Serving & Pairings
These nuts are unapologetically apéro snacks. Pair with a gin and tonic, a crisp lager, or a sparkling water with lime. Scatter them on a cheese board, over yogurt, or straight into your palm over the sink like a gremlin — all valid choices.
FAQ
Can I make these nuts in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Yes. Spread the coated nuts on a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 12–15 minutes, stirring once. They won’t be quite as quick, but the flavor is just as punchy.
Are these spiced nuts vegan?
They can be — simply swap the honey for maple syrup. The texture stays glossy, and the spices cling just as well.
How do I keep them crispy?
Let them cool fully before storing. They crisp as they cool, and sealing them while warm traps steam, which softens them.
Air Fryer Chili-Cardamom Spiced Nuts
Ingredients
Main
- 2 cups mixed nuts almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts — unsalted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 325°F (160°C).
- In a large bowl, toss nuts with olive oil and honey until coated.
- Add chili powder, smoked paprika, cardamom, cayenne (if using), and salt. Toss until evenly spiced.
- Spread nuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and fragrant.
- Cool slightly before serving — they crisp as they cool.