The disclosed method describes a process for creating brined peanuts that have improved crunch and flavor characteristics compared with conventional peanuts. The nuts are soaked in a brine solution comprising at least 10% salt by weight and water for 6-16 hours. In some embodiments, the brine solution includes other heat tolerant flavors, such as cayenne pepper, hot sauce and capsicum extract. The nuts are drained for at least one hour to a moisture level of 21-24% water by weight. The nuts are then oil roasted at 305° F. for 11 minutes via a technique that fully enrobes the nuts in hot oil, such as a full submersion fry.