Cashews can be deep-fried, air-fried, oven-baked, or roasted in the microwave. I have shared all four methods to roast cashews. Store them in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
Recipe card
About masala kaju
Best gift idea
Cashews are one of the best gourmet food gifts you can give to anyone during festivals like Diwali, Thanksgiving, and Christmas holidays. I haven’t met anyone who hates cashews. The only problem I hear from people who eat cashews is that they can’t stop after eating one!
Our love for cashew nuts!!
My mom makes the best-roasted cashews, and people love eating them. All those who have tasted it are free to comment and share their experiences here 🙂 I still remember how we used to gobble cashews when she finished frying it. I have not tried anything as good as warm, freshly fried flavored cashews. You should try it at least once in your lifetime, and since fried cashews are super simple to prepare at home - don’t miss out on this experience. Any guest who visits our home always returns back with a packet of my mom’s signature roasted chili cashews. She has added two more flavors, and I am presenting all 3 of them here. And there are no secrets in our home. If anyone asks for the recipe, it is shared in detail, and also given an extra packet of raw cashews so that they try preparing it at home. I wanted to share my mom’s recipe with all my readers, so here it is! I don’t know if I have to call this a dedication post to my mom, who has continuously supported my blogging journey, sharing her recipes, ideas, tricks, etc. But all I know is that she will be super happy to see this post.
My Critics
My husband says these are the best-fried cashews he has eaten and even better than my mom’s. (sorry, mommy). This only makes me proud. My elder one says these are his lunch, and my younger one, who doesn’t like eating all that much, screams kachu kachu (for cashews cashews) and gobbles these in minutes. Next time I fry cashews, I will capture and share their reactions for sure. Having shared all these behind-the-scenes from my kitchen, I think cashews should be eaten in moderation like any other nuts.
How to roast cashews?
You can roast the cashews by deep frying them in oil or roast them in an air fryer, microwave, or oven. I have shared instructions for all of them. But my favorite and preferred version is the deep fry method, and I always use this approach. If you visit Mangalore Udupi regions, you will see this version served even in Wedding sweet boxes.
Ingredients
I have prepared three flavors: chili cashews, pepper garlic cashews, and kaju pakoda (pakora or bajo). You will need premium quality cashews and the best oil to fry them. Coconut oil is what I use. Fry in any neutral oil of your choice, like vegetable or canola oil. Seasonings: Use salt, pepper, chile powder, garlic powder, etc of your choice. For pakoda: Use besan flour along with hing and chile powder. See the recipe card for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Step-by-step instructions
Making of Chili Cashews
Heat oil in a pan on medium-low flame. Once the oil becomes warm, add 1 cup of cashews and continue to fry them on medium to medium-low flame, flipping it occasionally till it becomes crisp and golden brown. Transfer this to a bowl, and when it is still hot, add chile powder and salt, toss or shake it well until the cashews are coated in salt and chili powder. Flavor 1, i.e., Chili Cashews, is ready.
Making of Pepper Garlic Cashews
Like above, fry the cashews in medium to medium-low flame until it become crispy and golden brown. Transfer this to a bowl, and while it is still hot, add salt, pepper powder, and garlic powder, and toss or shake until cashews are coated in the spices. Flavor 2: Pepper Garlic Cashews is ready.
Making of Cashew Pakoda (Pakora, Kajubi Bajo)
In a bowl, add cashews, chickpea flour, salt, chile powder, asafoetida, and water little by little in increments of 1 tablespoon just until the chickpea flour coats well to the cashews. Do not add too much water. Adjust the spices as per your liking. Drop these in the hot oil one by one and fry them on medium to medium-low flame, occasionally flipping until they become crispy and crunchy. Transfer the fried pakoras to a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Flavor 3: Cashew pakora is ready.
Pro Tips
Don’t be in a rush for the crispy and crunchy final product. Always remember to fry it on medium to medium-low flame. The oil should not be too hot. It should be warm. The time for frying will vary depending on the flame’s intensity, the pan’s thickness, etc. Be patient for 5 minutes, and don’t be in a rush, please 🙂 Adjust salt and spices to your taste. The measurements given above work perfectly for us. In our hometown, pure coconut oil is used for frying. Use any preferred cooking oil of your choice. For cashew pakoda, do not overmix the batter. Air frying and baking time may vary depending on the appliance used. Adjust accordingly.
Roasted cashews in an air fryer
For the first two flavors (chile and pepper garlic) toss cashews with spices and 1 tablespoon of oil and mix well to coat. Place the seasoned cashews in a single layer on the air fryer basket. Air fry at 160 degrees or 325 degrees F for 6 to 8 minutes or until crispy and golden brown. Transfer it to a plate and let it cool for 10 minutes. For making cashew pakora or pakoda in an air fryer, mix all the ingredients given and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer separately as much as possible. Air fry at 325 degrees for 4 to 5 minutes. If there are any clusters, separate and continue to air fry for an additional 3 minutes or until they become golden. Cashews may look soft but will turn crunchy on cooling.
Roasted cashew nuts in an oven
Like the air fryer method, add cashews and spices along with 1 tablespoon of oil for the first two flavors (chili and pepper garlic), and for pakoda, mix all the ingredients given in the ingredient list. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the seasoned cashews to the parchment paper in a single layer and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, tossing every 5 minutes so that you prevent it from burning and the cashews are roasted evenly. Let this cool for 10 minutes. It will crisp upon cooling. Serve and enjoy.
Roasted kaju in a microwave
Like the air fryer and oven methods, you must mix cashews with spices and 1 tablespoon of oil for the first two flavors and mix all the ingredients for pakora. Microwave each flavor separately. Transfer them to a safe bowl and arrange them in a single layer. Microwave for 3 minutes. Take them out and toss them. Then, continue to microwave for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Storage Suggestions
Roasted or masala cashews stay fresh when stored in an air-tight container for up to 1 month.
Serving Suggestions
Cashews can be served as a mid-day snack, accompanied by hot tea (chai) or coffee. These cashew nuts also make the best accompaniment for your cocktail and mocktail parties.
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