Easy Air Fryer Chex Mix Recipe – Quick, Delicious Snack
An Air Fryer Chex Mix Recipe is a quick and easy way to prepare a crunchy, flavorful snack in no time. This recipe is perfect for those who crave the classic Chex Mix but want a healthier, faster alternative to oven baking. To make it, start by mixing Chex cereal, pretzels, and nuts in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, combine melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and seasoning salt. Pour the mixture over the dry ingredients and toss everything together to ensure an even coating. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F, then spread the mixture in a thin layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping. The result is a golden, crunchy snack with just the right amount of flavor. This Air Fryer Chex Mix Recipe is ideal for parties, movie nights, or a simple afternoon treat!
Easy Air Fryer Chex Mix Recipe – Quick, Delicious, and Customizable Snack
Air Fryer Chex Mix is a simple, quick, and healthy version of the classic snack mix, perfect for satisfying your crunchy cravings. The Air Fryer brings a new level of convenience by crisping up the ingredients to perfection with little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional oven-baked Chex Mix. Packed with a combination of Chex cereal, pretzels, nuts, and a flavorful seasoning blend, this recipe can be customized to fit your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a snack for movie night or a party treat, Air Fryer Chex Mix is an ideal choice for both adults and kids!
Air Fryer Chex Mix Recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
- 1 cup mini pretzels
- 1 cup cheese crackers
- 1 cup mixed nuts
- 6 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, mini pretzels, cheese crackers, and mixed nuts.
- Seasoning: In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt until well combined.
- Coating: Pour the seasoning mixture over the cereal mix, stirring gently to ensure even coating.
- Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Add the coated mix to the air fryer basket in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
- Cooling: Once done, spread the Chex Mix on a baking sheet to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
Ingredients:
- 3 cups Rice Chex or Corn Chex cereal (or a combination of both)
- 1 cup pretzels (mini or traditional)
- 1 cup mixed nuts (cashews, almonds, peanuts, etc.)
- 1/4 cup melted butter or olive oil
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp seasoned salt (or regular salt)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. You can lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking, but it’s optional.
- Mix the Seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter (or olive oil), Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, seasoned salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to create a uniform seasoning mix.
- Prepare the Chex Mix Ingredients: Add the Chex cereal, pretzels, and mixed nuts to the bowl with the seasoning mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients with the seasoning blend.
- Air Fry the Chex Mix: Transfer the seasoned mix to the air fryer basket. Spread it out evenly for the best results. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning and ensure it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
- Cool & Serve: Once done, carefully remove the basket from the air fryer. Let the Chex Mix cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition:
(Per 1/4 cup serving, approximately)
- Calories: 150-170 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg (may vary based on seasoning)
This Air Fryer Chex Mix recipe is lower in fat compared to traditional baked versions, thanks to the reduced use of butter and oil. It’s also high in fiber and protein, making it a satisfying snack to curb hunger between meals. The ability to customize the seasoning allows you to adjust the sodium and flavor profile to suit your needs.
Tips for Customization:
- Make It Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to heat things up.
- Swap the Nuts: Try different combinations of nuts like walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds for variety.
- Use Gluten-Free Ingredients: Swap in gluten-free Chex cereal and gluten-free pretzels if needed.
- Add Cheese: For a cheesy version, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or cheddar powder over the mix before air frying.
- Sweet and Savory: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a sweet contrast to the salty seasoning mix.
Conclusion:
This Air Fryer Chex Mix is a game-changer for snack time, offering a quick, healthier alternative to the oven-baked version while maintaining that irresistible crunch. With endless customization options, you can cater to any dietary preference or flavor craving. Plus, it’s the perfect snack for parties, gatherings, or whenever you’re in the mood for something savory and satisfying!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.