Air Fryer Chex Mix

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Today’s recipe is for all the snack lovers – Air Fryer Chex Mix. This savory snack mix is perfect when you’re craving something crunchy and flavorful. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make in the air fryer.

Chex party mix recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it as a game day snack. Or at casual holiday season get-togethers, movie nights, or family game night. And it’s a great choice to package up as an edible gift for neighbors and teachers. 

We love this classic snack recipe because of its simplicity. The prep is minimal and using the air fryer is an easy way to whip up a batch in under 15 minutes.

All without preheating the oven or hovering over the mix for an hour while it bakes. Plus, clean-up is a breeze. 

We also appreciate the versatility this easy snack mix recipe allows. To switch up the flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or Ranch seasoning mix to the traditional Chex mix seasonings.

Or substitute the crunchy elements to use what you have on hand. The options are endless and we’ve included some of our favorite variations further down.

Speaking of different versions, we love making Bunny Bait for Easter, white trash mix or a sweet and spicy combo around Christmas and this salty sweet mix during the Fall. 

Ingredients

• Chex cereal – see below for different combinations. 
• Cheerios cereal – we used the original Cheerios. If you prefer a sweet version use chocolate or one of the fruity varieties. 
• pretzels – we like a combination of pretzel shapes and used sticks and mini twists.
• peanuts – use unsalted and roasted so the Chex mix isn’t overly salty.
• oyster crackers – adds more texture and variety to the mix. 
• salted butter – helps the seasonings stick to the dry ingredients and adds a rich flavor. 
• seasonings: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper.
• Worcestershire sauce – deepens the savory flavor.

How to Make Air Fryer Chex Mix

Combine the Chex cereal, Cheerios, nuts, mini pretzels, and crackers in a large bowl and stir. 

Melt the butter over medium heat in a small saucepan. Add the rest of the seasoning ingredients to the melted butter and stir until the butter has melted.

Remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool for a couple of minutes. 

Pour the butter mixture over the cereal mixture and stir with a spatula until the dry ingredients are fully coated. 

Add the Chex mixture to the air fryer basket and cook for 4 minutes at 350 degrees F. Shake the basket and air fry for another 3 more minutes. 

Remove the snack mix from the basket and cool at room temperature on a paper towel. 

Tips for Making Air Fried Chex Mix

• This tasty snack recipe is very forgiving, so we’ve added some variations below to make your own version using what you have on hand. 
• Add a parchment paper liner to the basket before adding the mix for easier cleanup. 
• Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Need more help? Check out our favorite air fryer accessories, best oils to use and tips for choosing the right air fryer. This is the air fryer model I’m currently using.

Substitutions and Variations

• Chex cereal: you can use Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or Wheat Chex for a savory snack. Crispix cereal can also be swapped out for the Chex cereal. 
• Nuts: whole cashews, pecan or walnut halves or almonds. 
• Seeds: sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
• Chips: mini bagel chips, rye chips.
• Crackers: goldfish crackers, Cheez-its cheese crackers. 
• Sweet add-ins: caramel popcorn, a cup of M&Ms, Reese’s pieces, chocolate chips. If you’re adding chocolate wait until the mix has cooled to avoid melting.
• Dried fruit: banana chips, apricots or Craisins (white chocolate chips are amazing with the dried cranberries).
• Seasoning: swap out the seasonings for a packet of ranch mix.
• Spice it up: add a couple of dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the melted butter mixture for a little heat.
• Air fryer buffalo Chex mix: add a couple of tablespoons of Frank’s buffalo sauce with a packet of ranch into the melted butter in place of the other seasonings. 
• Gluten free: use gluten-free pretzels, crackers, and any of the Chex cereal besides the Wheat Chex. 

How to Make Chex Mix in the Oven

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Prepare the recipe as directed. Instead of adding to the air fryer you’ll pour the coated Chex mixture onto a rimmed baking sheet.

Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15-20 minutes. Remove from the oven and transfer the mix to paper towels to cool before serving.

How to Store 

This homemade Chex mix recipe will stay fresh for up to a week on the counter when stored in an airtight container. 

So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, start your air fryer and make a batch of this delicious snack mix today.

The blend of savory flavors with crunchy ingredients is an irresistible combination. And it’s sure to become a staple in your snack rotation. 

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