My Mexican Chile Lime Peanuts are coated in fresh lime juice, lime zest, Mexican spices then roasted. Adjust the spice level to your liking and they just might become your new favorite snack!

Peanuts spilling out of a mini bucket

What is more perfect when you’re sipping on your margarita nd snacking on these easy and delicious peanuts? If you happen to go into a bar in Oaxaca (pronounced wa-há-ka) or Mexico City and order a beer, you’ll be served these peanuts along with chips and salsa (of course).

How to Roast Mexican Chile Lime Peanuts

The recipe starts with raw unsalted peanuts. They are coated in a delicious combination of lime juice, lime zest, chili powders, spices and salt. They are then roasted until they become toasted and produce a truly unique and nutty flavor.

Can I use already roasted peanuts?

Yes, but since they are already roasted, I would cut the roasting time in half.

Peanuts coated with seasonings

Roasted Chile Lime Peanuts Seasoning

In my recipe below, I include my favorite spice blend. For a shortcut (and if you have some) Tajín Mexican spice blend is also a delicious option. You may have some of this spice if you like to make Spicy Margaritas.

A closeup of Mexican Chile lime peanuts in a small bucket

Spicy Chile Lime Peanuts

The good news is that you can make these as spicy as you like. With the recipe as I’ve written it, they are a little spicy, but you can add some cayenne pepper to taste if you desire a bit more zip and want to turn the heat up another notch.

I love to roast my own nuts for recipes. Whether it’s roasting almonds for homemade almond butter, or a mixed nut snack like my Autumn Spiced Nuts. I even keep roasted pecans in the fridge for a quick, nutty and protein rich snack.

Roasted Mexican Peanuts Serving Suggestion

Perfect for snacking on movie night or game watching. They make a lovely crunchy topping for Chicken and Vegetable Lettuce Wraps, Mexican Rice or Salmon al Pastor Pineapple Burrito Bowls.

Optional Additions to Chile Lime Seasoning

This is a simple recipe and any number of items can be added to the mix for different flavors. A little sugar would take them to the sweeter side, cayenne pepper for a little heat and a little garlic powder would also be good for a pop of garlic flavor. Don’t be afraid to make them your own; the possibilities are endless!

A sack of peanuts and a small bucket

Another use of delicious Mexican flavors is in my Mexican Popcorn (picture below) using similar flavors with the addition of cheese.

Mexican popcorn garnished with lime zest in a bowl

Yield: 6

Mexican Chile Lime Peanuts

A small silver bucket filled with peanuts that has fallen over

Mexican chile lime peanuts are coated in fresh lime juice, zest, and spices then roasted.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 cups (375 grams) shelled raw peanuts, unsalted * see note
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons lime zest
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ancho Chile pepper powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon mild chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F/177°C.
  2. To a bowl add all of the ingredients except the nuts. Mix well.
  3. Add the nuts to the spice mix, stir to make sure the peanuts are all coated well. Spread the peanuts evenly onto a large baking sheet and roast for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Remove from the oven, allow to cool to room temperature and serve.

Notes

If you can’t find raw peanuts, you can use unsalted roasted peanuts, just cut the roasting time in half.

Nutrition Information

Yield

6

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 339Total Fat 37gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 26gCholesterol 0mgSodium 399mgCarbohydrates 18gFiber 7gSugar 4gProtein 18g

This nutrition calculation is provided by Nutronix that is only a guideline and not intended for any particular diet.