This is my recipe for the most basic version. However, you can add flavorings such as Cajun seasoning or ranch powder, BBQ seasoning, taco seasoning, chili powder, etc.
Equipment
If you are using fresh corn, you can use either an oven or a dehydrator to dry it; in the second case, it is also necessary to utilize an oven thermometer so that the temperature stays constant during the entire process. It’s better to do this without a second thought and buy the already-dried corn.
To roast corn nuts in the oven, We recommend using a parchment-lined baking tray. A silicone mat can work, but there are better options than this one.
For the best results for frying corn nuts to get the best results, you should use a deep and massive cast-iron skillet, as well as a thermometer for frying. Also, keep baking sheets lined with paper towels available for quick draining.
Ingredients
14 ounces of giant white corn (such as Goya(r))
3 tablespoons vegetable oils
1 teaspoon salt
Directions
Place the corn in large bowls, and fill them with water. Allow it to sit for rehydrating for up to 8 hours or overnight.
Clean corn, then spread in a uniform layer on a baking sheet. Pat dry using towels. Air dry for 20 minutes.
The air fryer should be heated until it reaches 400 degrees F (200 degrees Celsius).
Working in batches, drop the corn in the air fryer basket evenly. Cook in the air fryer that has been preheated for over 10 minutes. Shake the basket, then cook for another 10 minutes. Let corn nuts cool to a crisp before serving, approximately 20 minutes.
Crunchy Corn Nuts Recipe
Baked Corn Kernel Nuts are popular in our home. When we first bought them a few months ago, they would be eaten in about a week. One thing I didn’t enjoy about them was the cost and some of the additional ingredients included in the bag.
The smallest bag of roasted kernels purchased from the supermarket will cost us approximately 4 bucks, about 1.5 servings (even when the bag states 4 servings, it’s not the case). It’s way excessive, in my view. Now, I’m going to demonstrate the process of making corn nuts!
This is the reason we make our corn nuts.
Easy. Apart from taking the corn in overnight for soaking, they are simple and quick to prepare.
Cheap. A 16 oz bag of corn costs around $2.50 at the grocery store. Other ingredients, such as seasonings, I always have in my pantry.
As healthful as possible. As an alternative to vegetable oil, I prefer coconut oil. Coconut oil is becoming a popular ingredient in various ways I bake and cook.
I prefer the corn nuts more than the ones that come in packages since they’re not so difficult on my tooth. Additionally, I enjoy the simple flavoring of sugar and salt.
BAKED HOMEMADE CORN NUTS
Corn nuts baked in the oven are the simplest way to prepare this tasty snack. However, baking them is my least preferred method to make the nuts!
Although baking is incredibly easy, I felt that the corn kernels did have a little chalky taste following baking (compared to the fried corn kernels). Frying gives a more crunch and more corny taste – however, there’s no doubt baking is incredibly simple.
To ensure you get great cooked corn nuts, dry the kernels, so they don’t steam or become wet.
I would suggest putting a huge tray beneath the baking sheet that you place in the oven because some kernels will explode when they cook, so you’d better not allow them to sink to the bottom of your oven and catch fire (though it’s not a huge problem to remove it if it happens to do this.)
When you’re checking your corn nuts, keep in mind that corn nuts can sometimes explode at random – much like popcorn.
Avoid putting your face or hands over the baking sheet while getting out of the oven when turning out the baking sheet or you risk burning yourself with a hot, flying kernel!
It’s not as dangerous as frying. However, it’s best to take a step back slightly and give your corn nuts a bit of room for safety.
Storage
Before eating or storing your corn nuts made from scratch, Let them cool completely.
They can be kept in a sealed container at room temperature for 3 to 5 days in either a glass or plastic jar.
Tips for the Best Corn Nuts
If you add the hominy to the hot peanut oil, it will get hot! Don’t worry, though. If the oil’s temperature is 350degF, the hominy will be cooked to golden perfection and will not cause any harm.
Take care that you don’t burn yourself. Hominy kernels can burst when they are cooked within the fat.
When you cook your Corn Nuts, be sure to be watching the thermometer. It must always read 350 degrees. If it’s too high, it will cause the hominy to burn. If you cook it too low, the hominy will cook better.
Do it in batches! It should be only around a cup and a half of hominy in your oil at any time. If you are overfilling, the pot and the oil’s temperature will drop.
Enjoy your spices! One of my favorite ways to add spice to the Corn Nuts is with Easy Homemade Ranch Seasoning.