Behind the Beans
THE PROCESS
What Is Air Roasting?
Air roasting is a cleaner way to roast coffee that uses hot air instead of hot metal to bring out the best in every bean.
Rather than tumbling inside a scorching drum, coffee beans are suspended and evenly roasted in a stream of hot air, allowing heat to circulate freely around each bean. This results in a more controlled, consistent roast from start to finish.
What makes AIR ROASTING better?
1. Even Roasting, Every Time
Because beans never touch hot metal, air roasting eliminates scorching and uneven roasting. Each bean receives the same amount of heat, which leads to a smoother, more balanced cup.
2. Naturally Cleaner Coffee
As beans roast, the papery outer layer, called chaff, is gently lifted away and removed. In traditional roasting, this chaff often burns, creating ash and carcinogens that reabsorb into the coffee. Air roasting keeps it out of the equation, producing a cleaner bean with less bitterness. The leftover, unburnt chaffs maintain their nutrients and can then be repurposed for various uses.
3. Lower Acidity, Smoother Flavor
Removing chaff and preventing scorching helps reduce harsh acids created during traditional roasting processes. The result is coffee that’s easier on the stomach, never bitter, and incredibly smooth, all without sacrificing bold flavor.
4. Better for You and the Planet
Air roasting doesn’t just improve flavor, it’s also more environmentally friendly. The process produces less smoke and fewer emissions. Overall, air roasting uses energy more efficiently than traditional roasting methods.
That’s why only about 1% of coffee roasters worldwide use air roasting. It requires specialized equipment and expertise, which can be time consuming to get started. But the payoff is exceptional coffee that can't be beat by any drum roasted coffee.
LEARN MORE >
5. Bold Flavor You Can feel
Air roasting allows the natural characteristics of the bean to shine. You’ll notice:
- Brighter, clearer flavor notes
- A smooth, clean finish
- Bold taste without bitterness
Whether you prefer light, medium, or dark roasts, air roasting ensures each coffee reaches its full potential.
Our Commitment to Clean Coffee
At Fogbuster, air roasting isn’t a trend, it’s our foundation. As pioneers in this process, we've been creating coffee that’s smoother, cleaner, and more flavorful for 30+ years. Our unmatched expertise is how we deliver high-quality, organic, fair trade coffee that tastes as good as it makes you feel.
Once you taste air-roasted coffee, there's no going back.
