I wish the internet had a smell button, because OH MY GOODNESS. These air fryer nuts and bolts smell so good while they’re cooking!
If you grew up in Australia, there’s a good chance you remember nuts and bolts. That deliciously crunchy, salty snack made with Nutri-Grain, peanuts and buttery seasoning. The kind you’d find at parties, family gatherings and Christmas celebrations.
And the kind you can’t stop eating once you start. 😂
I’ve made my version in the air fryer, and it’s ridiculously easy. Just a handful of ingredients, 10 minutes of cooking time, and you’ve got yourself a big batch of crunchy, buttery, slightly curry-ish goodness.
It’s perfect for entertaining, snacking, or popping into little jars as homemade gifts.
What are nuts and bolts?
Despite the name, there are no actual nuts and bolts involved (well, except for the peanuts!).
Nuts and bolts are an old-school Australian savoury snack mix, traditionally made with Nutri-Grain cereal, peanuts, butter and seasonings.
The Nutri-Grain pieces are the bolts, and the peanuts are the nuts. Add a little curry powder and French onion soup mix, and you’ve got that delicious savoury flavour that makes them so addictive.
I’ve added mini pretzels to mine too, because a little extra crunch never hurt anyone.
Why you’ll love this air fryer nuts and bolts recipe
- Super easy: Just mix everything together and let the air fryer do its thing.
- Ready in minutes: They only need around 10 minutes of cooking.
- Perfect for sharing: Make a batch for parties, Christmas or family get-togethers.
- Great for gifting: Pop them into a jar, add a ribbon, and you’ve got an easy homemade gift.
- Seriously delicious: Buttery, salty, crunchy and just a little bit curry-ish.
How to make air fryer nuts and bolts:
- Combine the crunchy ingredients
Place the Nutri-Grain, unsalted peanuts and mini pretzels into a large mixing bowl. Give everything a quick toss to combine.
- Make the buttery seasoning
Melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add the French onion soup mix and curry powder, and stir until everything is well combined.
- Mix everything together
Pour the melted butter mixture over the Nutri-Grain, peanuts and pretzels. Give everything a really good toss, making sure all those crunchy little pieces get coated in the delicious buttery seasoning.
- Cook in the air fryer
Transfer the mixture to your air fryer basket, working in batches if needed.
Cook at 170°C for approximately 10 minutes, shaking the basket 3–4 times during cooking to make sure everything toasts evenly.
Keep an eye on them towards the end, as air fryers can vary and you don’t want them to burn.
- Cool and enjoy!
Spread the cooked nuts and bolts onto a large tray and allow them to cool completely. They’ll become even crunchier as they cool.
Once cooled, serve in a big bowl for everyone to share, or transfer to an airtight container for later.
Can you make nuts and bolts in the oven?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, or you’re making a big batch for a party, the oven is a great alternative.
Preheat your oven to 160°C fan-forced (180°C conventional).
Prepare the nuts and bolts mixture following Steps 1–3 above, then spread it evenly across one or two large lined baking trays.
Bake for approximately 15–20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes so everything cooks evenly.
Keep an eye on the mixture towards the end, removing it once it’s lightly golden and toasted. The timing may vary depending on your oven.
Allow to cool completely before serving or storing.
My tip: If you’re making a big batch for Christmas entertaining, the oven might actually be easier because you can cook more at once!
Air fryer nuts and bolts recipe
Ingredients
1 x 290g box Nutri-Grain
1 cup unsalted peanuts
1 cup mini pretzels
75g butter, melted
1 packet French onion soup mix
1 teaspoon curry powder
Instructions
- Place the Nutri-Grain, peanuts and mini pretzels into a large mixing bowl.
- Melt the butter, then stir through the French onion soup mix and curry powder until combined.
- Pour the buttery seasoning mixture over the Nutri-Grain, peanuts and pretzels. Toss really well so everything gets a good coating.
- Transfer to your air fryer basket in batches, leaving enough room for the hot air to circulate.
- Air fry at 170°C for approximately 10 minutes, shaking the basket 3–4 times during cooking so everything toasts evenly. Keep an eye on it towards the end so it doesn’t burn.
- Spread onto a tray and allow to cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Yes! You can make nuts and bolts in the oven too. Spread the coated mixture onto lined baking trays and bake at a moderate temperature, tossing regularly until golden and crunchy. Keep an eye on them, as oven cooking times will vary.
You can, but I prefer unsalted peanuts because the French onion soup mix already adds plenty of savoury flavour. If you use salted peanuts, the finished snack will be saltier.
Definitely. The traditional Australian nuts and bolts recipe is often made with just Nutri-Grain and peanuts, so you can leave the pretzels out if you prefer.
Not really! The curry powder adds a lovely savoury warmth rather than a lot of heat. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
There’s something about these old-school recipes that I just love.
They’re simple, they remind you of growing up, and they don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated instructions.
And I promise, once you make a batch of these, you’ll find yourself wandering back to the kitchen for just one more handful.
Tell me, did you grow up eating nuts and bolts? Or is this one completely new to you?
Want more deliciously easy recipes? Browse through hundreds of my tried and tested recipes, or take a look at my free recipe eBook filled with budget-friendly dinner ideas. You can also keep up-to-date by following along on Instagram or Facebook.
