This is How to Roast Groundnuts (Peanuts) at Home.
If you love the crunchy, nutty taste of roasted groundnuts (peanuts), this guide is for you. Roasting groundnuts at home is not only easy but also gives you full control over the flavor, texture, and freshness.
Whether you prefer them salted, unsalted, or slightly spicy, doing it yourself ensures you get exactly what you love.
In this post, I’ll show you step by step how I roasted groundnuts using a mini electric oven — starting from raw nuts still in their shells to the perfectly golden-brown, crispy ones we all enjoy.
This method is beginner-friendly, uses minimal ingredients, and works perfectly even if you don’t have a large oven. Moreover, you can be sure of groundnuts that are completely free from sand or dirt.
Why Roast Groundnuts at Home?
Roasted groundnuts are one of the world’s favorite snacks; from Nigerian street corners to American pantries. They’re crunchy, satisfying, and full of healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients like magnesium and vitamin E.
Furthermore, roasting them yourself has many benefits:
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Fresher taste: Homemade roasted nuts taste much better than packaged ones.
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Healthier option: You can control the amount of salt or oil.
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Affordable: Buying raw groundnuts and roasting them at home saves money.
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Customizable: You can make them spicy, salted, or plain.
Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need on How to Roast Groundnuts (Peanuts) at Home
To roast groundnuts in your mini electric oven, you’ll need just a few simple things.
Ingredients:
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1 cup of dry groundnuts (in their shells)
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1 tablespoon of salt
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2 cups of hot water
Tools:
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Mini electric oven
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Baking tray
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Bowl
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Sieve or strainer
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Spoon
Step-by-Step: How to Roast Groundnuts (Peanuts) at Home
Below is the exact process I used — simple, practical, and tested.
Step 1: Get Your Groundnuts
Firstly, start with dry groundnuts in their shells. These are the raw, unroasted type you can easily find in local markets or grocery stores. Make sure they’re not moldy or discolored — fresh nuts make the best result.
Once you have them, peel off the shells to reveal the nuts inside. You should have about one cup of groundnuts after peeling.
Step 2: Wash the Groundnuts
Next, even though they look clean, it’s important to wash your peeled groundnuts with normal water to remove any dust or debris. This also helps the salt stick better later on.
Therefore, pour the groundnuts into a bowl, add clean water, and give them a gentle wash. Rinse once or twice, then drain the water.
Step 3: Salt Soak the Groundnuts
To give your roasted groundnuts a mild salty taste, dissolve one tablespoon of salt in one cup of hot water. After that, pour the salt solution over the washed groundnuts and allow it to sit for about 5–7 minutes. This helps the nuts absorb some of the salt and gives them that perfect, balanced flavor when roasted.
Step 4: Sieve and Drain
After soaking, pour the groundnuts into a sieve to remove the excess water. Shake gently to drain out as much moisture as possible.
This step is important because if the nuts are too wet, they may not roast evenly in the oven. Additionally, you can spread them on a towel for a few minutes to help them dry faster.
Step 5: Arrange on a Baking Tray
Next, spread the groundnuts evenly on your baking tray. Don’t overcrowd them — they should have enough space to roast evenly.
If you have parchment paper, you can line the tray with it to make cleanup easier; however, it’s not a must.
Step 6: Roast in the Mini Electric Oven
Now it’s time to roast!
First, preheat your mini electric oven for about 2–3 minutes on medium heat (around 160 °C / 320 °F).
Then, place the tray inside the oven and roast the groundnuts for about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, keep an eye on them — every oven heats differently. You can stir them once or twice during roasting to ensure even color and prevent burning.
You’ll notice the nuts start turning light brown and giving off that familiar roasted aroma. That’s your cue that they’re almost done.
Step 7: Remove and Peel the Soft Skins
Once roasted to your desired level (light or deep golden brown), remove the tray from the oven. Allow them to cool for about 3–5 minutes. Then, gently rub them between your palms or with a clean cloth to remove the soft brown outer skin (also known as the husk).
Finally, after removing the skins, your roasted groundnuts are ready to enjoy!
Tips on How to Roast Groundnuts (Peanuts) at Home Perfectly.
To make your groundnuts turn out perfectly every time, keep these simple tips in mind:
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Do not skip the preheating step – it helps the nuts roast evenly.
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Stir occasionally while roasting to prevent burning.
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Avoid high heat; groundnuts roast better slowly.
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Cool completely before storing to keep them crunchy.
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Store in an airtight container to retain freshness.
How to Know When Groundnuts Are Ready
Many people struggle to know when to stop roasting. Here’s a simple way:
Take one nut out and let it cool for a few seconds. Then bite into it; if it’s crunchy and tastes nutty with no raw flavor, it’s ready.
However, remember that groundnuts continue to cook a bit even after you remove them from the oven, so don’t wait until they’re too dark.
Health Benefits of Roasted Groundnuts
Aside from being a delicious snack, roasted groundnuts are packed with nutrients. In fact, they’re one of the healthiest affordable snacks you can make at home.
Here are some key benefits:
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Rich in protein: Great for muscle repair and growth.
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Good fats: Contains healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
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Heart-friendly: Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
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Energy booster: Ideal for a quick snack during work or school.
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Antioxidants: Especially when roasted, groundnuts contain powerful antioxidants that protect body cells.
Different Ways to Enjoy Roasted Groundnuts
Once you’ve roasted your groundnuts, there are many fun ways to enjoy them. For example:
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Eat plain as a healthy snack.
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Pair with banana or bread (a popular Nigerian combo).
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Crush and sprinkle over salads or yogurt.
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Blend into homemade peanut butter.
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Use in baking cookies, cakes, or energy bars.
Therefore, the versatility of roasted groundnuts makes them perfect for both sweet and savory dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions on How to Roast Groundnuts (Peanuts) at Home
Can I roast groundnuts without an oven?
Yes! You can also roast them using a dry pan or sand on a stovetop. Nevertheless, using an oven gives a cleaner, more even roast.
How long should I roast groundnuts in the oven?
About 10–15 minutes depending on your oven and the nut size.
Can I add oil before roasting?
You don’t need to, but if you prefer a slightly glossy texture, you can toss the nuts with a teaspoon of oil before roasting.
How long can roasted groundnuts last?
If stored properly in an airtight jar, they can last for up to 2–3 weeks without losing their crunch.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, roasting groundnuts at home using a mini electric oven is simple, fast, and rewarding. With just a cup of nuts, a bit of salt, and 10 minutes of oven time, you can create a crunchy, tasty, and healthy snack.
Whether you’re in Nigeria or anywhere else in the world, this method works perfectly for everyone who loves fresh, homemade roasted peanuts.
So, try it today and enjoy the satisfying crunch of your own oven-roasted groundnuts
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