Easy Air Fried Salt and Vinegar Almonds: A Chip Alternative

This Salt and Vinegar Almonds recipe is super simple. Air fry time is only TWO minutes and prep barely takes one minute. Plus, this is a three ingredient recipe! Salt and Vinegar Almonds are great for a gathering or to enjoy on your own.

Almonds vs. Chips

If I’m being honest, I’m more of a sour cream and onion potato chip girl versus salt and vinegar but these air fried salt and vinegar almonds are too good!

Sometimes after eating too many potato chips I feel sluggish and become a couch potato. Not only that, my skin does not react well.

On the other hand, almonds offer numerous benefits like fiber, protein, magnesium, and healthy fat. Not only do I not feel crummy after eating them, I actually feel good!

Almonds & Health

Almonds are a nutrient dense food and incorporating them into our diet regularly can be beneficial for our health. A serving of nuts per day is associated with decreased risk of heart disease. Plus, almonds can aid in blood sugar control.

The magnesium is almonds can even lead to improved sleep quality. If you want to know more about the connection between meal intake and sleep, check out my Sleep Hacks article here.

The fat in almonds is heart healthy and brain healthy!

Without a doubt, almonds are a great healthy snack.

Homemade vs. Store Bought

In almost all cases, homemade is always better- in terms of taste and nutrition. It’s 100x better when the homemade option is simple.

Sure, you can buy Salt and Vinegar Almonds. However, some store bought almonds can contain unhealthy oils such as hydrogenated oils. These oils have been associated with increased risk of heart disease.

When it’s so easy to skip the unwanted ingredients, why not stick to homemade?

The Recipe: Salt and Vinegar Almonds

I tried a few different variations of the recipe to determine what works best. Apple cider vinegar, white distilled vinegar, and white wine vinegar plus different temperatures, time frames, and order of ingredients. I felt like these were missing the kick that salt and vinegar potato chips offer.

After numerous adjustments, this salt and vinegar almond recipe came about.

The 3 Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of raw almonds
• 1/4 cup of white wine vinegar
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to desired saltiness)

The Simple Steps

• Soak almonds in a bowl of white wine vinegar for 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Mix almonds around to assure all are submerged under the vinegar
• After soaking, preheat air fryer to 210 degrees
• Add a layer of aluminum foil to the air fryer
• Drain almonds and place in air fryer once preheated
• Key Tip: use a fork to pick up a few almonds which will drain them. Then carry over those almonds over to the air fryer.
• Air fry for 2 minutes at 210
• Let cool for at least 2 minutes prior to eating
• Enjoy!

Serving Size

The recipe provided is for one batch for a few days for 1-2 people. If you’re making a snack for more people or just simply want to have more, double or triple the recipe. Time and temperature will remain the same.

The recommended serving size for nuts is about 1 ounce daily. A 1/2 cup of almonds provides about 4 ounces.

Measuring Tip: cup your hand and fill with almonds or preferred nuts, this is about the recommended serving size of 1oz.

Flavor Tips

White wine vinegar was by far the most similar vinegar to the popular potato chip. Therefore, I recommend sticking to this option.

However, even with this vinegar, something was still missing from these salt and vinegar almonds. I decided to try soaking the almonds before air frying them. This worked way better-don’t skip this step!

Be sure to drain and coat with salt prior to cooking. I recommend salting the almonds just prior to air frying and mixing together to assure the salt sticks.

Salt options: table salt, Himalayan Pink, sea salt, kosher salt

When it comes to salt, everyone has a different preference. Please adjust accordingly.

Time and temperature took a lot of guess work. 350 degrees is the typical set temperature so that’s where I started. However, this high temperature dried out the almonds. Even with a decrease in time the recipe wasn’t there yet. Too short of a time span or too low of a temperature lead to wet almonds.

The short two minute time span worked out best. This way, the almonds are not soggy and do not lose the vinegar taste. 210 was a perfect in between temperature.

For an extra vinegar taste: after soaking almonds, pour liquid into a spray bottle. Spray onto the almonds once they’re ready.

Special Diets

Almonds and other nuts are great for heart health. However, salt-not so much. If you follow a heart healthy diet, I’d recommend using a salt substitute such as NoSalt. But, of course, speak with your doctor or registered dietitian about the best option for your specific needs.

Salt and Vinegar Almonds are:

• Vegetarian
• Vegan
• Keto
• Paleo
• Low Sugar
• Diabetes friendly
• Mediterranean diet pattern compliant
• Kosher (but double check labels)
• Halal
• Gluten Free

Serving

This recipe can be used for a single serving or a party with increased measurements.

The almonds are an anytime healthy snack. The best snacks contain 2 food groups, so I’d recommend combing these with a fruit or vegetable to promote satiety. These can also be a good side to a lunch like a salad or sandwich.

The almonds can be left on the counter for convenience. To be honest, leaving almonds on the counter forces me to eat more heart healthy nuts.

Storage

Almonds can be stored at room temperature in an air tight container up to one month.

Enjoy!

Tried these Air Fried Salt and Vinegar Almonds? Suggestions? Comments? Email me! mindmemorynutrition@gmail.com