A few years ago during the holidays, Richard and I spent an afternoon with his friends Andrea & Travis. Travis brought out these oyster crackers that were tossed in oil, seasoned up and then baked. They were almost like a crouton but far more addicting and snack-able. I knew I had to make my own version and call it Oyster Cracker Munch.
This is the PERFECT thing to eat on its own, top on salads or soups or to mix with nuts, chocolate or whatever else for the ultimate bar snack. Even better – it’s the perfect gift when placed in a tin or mason jar to give to others and it couldn’t be cheaper or easier to make either using your Instant Pot air fryer lid or your oven.
Oyster Cracker Munch
A few years ago during the holidays, Richard and I spent an afternoon with his friends Andrea & Travis. Travis brought out these oyster crackers that were tossed in oil, seasoned up and then baked. They were almost like a crouton but far more addicting and snack-able. I knew I had to make my own version and call it Oyster Cracker Munch.
Ingredients
- 2 (9-12 ounce) bags Oyster Crackers
- 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 2 (1-ounce) packets ranch dip mix
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- In a large bowl or in your Instant Pot's liner pot, use clean hands to mix all the ingredients together until the crackers fully absorb the oil and are coated with the seasonings. Really get in there and get under the cracker to toss them with everything as evenly as possible NOTE: Be gentle while mixing so as to not crush the crackers.
- If using an Instant Pot, place the air fryer lid on top, hit Air Fry at 300° for 20 minutes and then hit Start. Every 5 minutes, carefully remove the lid, gently stir the crackers for even toasting and place the lid back on (you'll do this 4 times).
If using the oven, pre-heat to 250-275° place the crackers on a large foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown, shaking a few times throughout. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't burn as all ovens vary. - Allow to cool for 30-60 minutes before serving on its own, mixed with some nuts and/or M&Ms, or used to top on soups and/or salads! Store in a Ziploc gallon bag, air-tight containers, mason jars or in a tin.
Jeffrey's Tips
Feel free to make it spicier by adding in 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and/or 1/2 teaspoon Zatarain's Shrimp & Crab Boil concentrate in Step 1.
Perfect for home bars, coffee tables and entertaining, this is a GREAT and ECONOMICAL gift to give away for the holidays. Simply pop it in mason jars or re-use a cookie tin, slap a bow on it and presto! Give the gift of munch.
Jean Moulton
I love making this, but I tried using Orville Reddingbocker’s popcorn butter/popping oil. Takes it to a whole new level!
Carrie
Yes! My pap always made these and I continue it with the Orville Redenbacher oil. Adds the perfect something
Mar Kohl
You will find there are several versions of this. I’ve been making what I call “Cracker Salad” at least 20 years. I use HVR salad dressing mix, not dip mix, and the usual seasonings. I mix Cheez-its, pretzels, bugles, jar of peanuts, oyster crackers (only Sunshine, not store brand).
MaryAnn Aquilino
Saw this yesterday, made it today. I’m not a big ranch fan (tho I will try the recipe as written, I bought the ranch dip already) so I used Zesty Basil, Thyme, and Lemon Zest seasoning by Tasty, added in the garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, did them in the oven, and OMG they are so good! You’re right, they’re very addicting. One bags worth of oyster crackers will be gone very quickly today, lol. Thanks for another great recipe!
Judy Witte
I like to use light olive oil.
Dianne
What air fryer lid do you recommend? I have an 8 qt IP So many choices on Amazon, not sure what will really fit.
christina m gaffney
oh yes, ive been doing these and small bagel bites for years for my children so many varieties, i also do a cinnamon brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, jalapeno cheddar, endless BUT always in my oven game changer with IP thanks for sharing this is ideal for just the 2 of us now.
Please keep sharing, love your inspiration
christina
Suzanne McGuire
Been making these for years to go with my chili but never baked them, just kept them in the fridge so they didn’t go rancid. Will try the bake method as I don’t have a air fryer lid but will have an air fryer in my oven. Never thought to add lemon pepper or dill weed. Great way to use up all that dill weed I picked up by mistake.
Nancy Smith
Hi there. I am in love with PLC. I would like to know what ingredients to use for a chocolate drizzle or “sweet” version?
Terri
This is a recipe that my mom gave me years ago. Yes they are good for a snack, but try them in clam chowder or tomato soup.
Patrick
Really want to try these crackers but would like to do it in my new Instant Vortex Pro air fryer but with the fan in the top of the unit may that be an issue? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Sue Dodd
Wow! I have been making these crackers for years and have never cooked them. I just leave them in a large bowl on the counter for a few hours and give it a stir every now and then. I’ll definitely have to try and bake them