If you love a mix of sweet and savory snacks, then you’re in for a real treat with this Air Fryer Halloween Chex Mix. Not only is it the perfect snack for a cozy night at home or a Halloween party, but it’s also super easy to make in your air fryer! The best part? You can customize it with your favorite mix-ins, so it’s always delicious and just how you like it.
This festive twist on the classic Chex Mix is the perfect blend of crunchy, salty, and sweet flavors, all wrapped up in a spooky Halloween theme. Whether you’re preparing it for a Halloween gathering, a special treat for the kids, or just a fun snack to munch on, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your snack rotation. Let’s dive right in and get started with what you need for this fun and easy recipe!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chex Cereal: The base of any Chex Mix, Chex cereal adds that perfect crunch to the mix. Use a combination of corn, rice, and wheat Chex cereals to get the best texture and variety.
Pretzels: Pretzels bring that salty, crispy crunch that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the candy. Mini pretzels are a great choice because they’re bite-sized and easy to snack on.
Candy Corn: This classic Halloween treat adds sweetness and a pop of color to the Chex Mix. Candy corn is the perfect way to give your mix a festive and sweet twist.
M&M’s (or Halloween-themed chocolate candies): These add a bit of chocolatey sweetness to the mix. You can use regular M&M’s, or for a Halloween vibe, try using orange and black M&M’s or other seasonal candies.
Butter: The buttery coating that makes this Chex Mix so delicious. The butter helps to bind everything together and gives that irresistible richness to each bite.
Garlic Powder: A dash of garlic powder adds a savory depth to the mix. It’s a subtle flavor that balances out the sweetness from the candy corn and M&M’s.
Ranch Seasoning: A sprinkle of ranch seasoning adds a savory kick that complements the butter and garlic. It’s what makes this mix irresistible!
Cinnamon Sugar: The touch of cinnamon sugar will give a sweet, warm flavor to the Chex Mix. It’s especially great for those who love that classic cinnamon-spiced flavor in their snacks.
Halloween Sprinkles (optional): For a fun touch, Halloween-themed sprinkles are a great way to add even more spooky vibes to your Chex Mix. Think orange, black, and purple sprinkles to really bring the Halloween theme to life.
Ingredients List
- 3 cups of Chex cereal (corn, rice, and wheat)
- 2 cups of mini pretzels
- 1 cup of candy corn
- 1 cup of M&M’s or Halloween-themed chocolate candies
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning
- 1/4 cup of cinnamon sugar
- Halloween sprinkles (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Halloween Chex Mix
Step 1: Prep the Air Fryer Basket
Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the Chex Mix from sticking. This step is crucial for getting that crispy texture!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Chex cereal, mini pretzels, candy corn, and M&M’s. Stir everything together to ensure that the ingredients are evenly mixed. The combination of these dry ingredients creates a perfect base for your mix.
Step 3: Make the Butter Mixture
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Once melted, add the garlic powder, ranch seasoning, and cinnamon sugar. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Coat the Dry Ingredients
Pour the butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Toss the mix gently until everything is evenly coated. Be sure to coat every piece of cereal and pretzel with that buttery, flavorful mixture. This step is key to making the Chex Mix taste amazing.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chex Mix
Transfer the coated mixture into the prepped air fryer basket. Spread it out in an even layer so that each piece gets crisped up. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure everything is evenly crisped. Keep an eye on it as air fryer times may vary, and you don’t want to burn it.
Step 6: Let It Cool and Add the Sweet Touches
Once the Chex Mix is golden and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, add the candy corn, chocolate M&M’s, and Halloween sprinkles (if using). Give it one final gentle toss to mix everything together, and your festive Halloween Chex Mix is ready to serve!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Customize the Mix: You can swap out the candy corn for other Halloween treats like chocolate pumpkins or gummy worms. Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins!
- Watch the Air Fryer: Air fryer temperatures can vary depending on the model. Check the Chex Mix frequently to avoid overcooking it. You want it golden brown, not burnt!
- Store in an Airtight Container: To keep your Chex Mix fresh, store it in an airtight container for up to a week. It makes a great snack for Halloween parties or movie nights.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Chex cereal and pretzels to make this recipe gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
- Go Lighter on the Butter: If you’re watching your butter intake, you can cut back a little on the butter. The recipe will still taste great, but with fewer calories.
FAQs
Can I use other cereals instead of Chex cereal?
Yes, feel free to experiment with other cereals like Rice Krispies or even Cheerios for a different flavor and texture!
How long can I store the Air Fryer Halloween Chex Mix?
Store your Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for the best freshness.
Can I make this recipe in advance for a party?
Absolutely! You can make the Chex Mix a day or two ahead of time, so it’s ready to serve at your Halloween gathering.
Can I add nuts to this mix?
Yes, nuts like peanuts, cashews, or almonds would be a great addition to this mix, adding extra crunch and flavor!
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes! This recipe is fun and safe for kids. Just be sure to monitor them when adding candy and sprinkles, especially for younger children who might have food allergies.
Enjoy this delicious, crispy, and sweet treat at your next Halloween celebration or any time you need a festive snack!