Toasting Nuts: A Quick Guide
"If life gives you nuts then be a nutcracker" - Vikrmn
Ever wondered why some recipes insist on toasted nuts? Trust me, once you've mastered this simple technique, you'll never look back. Toasting transforms humble nuts into something altogether more magical – bringing out their natural oils and creating an intensely rich, aromatic flavour that will elevate your baking, salads, overnight oats, granola and snacks.
As a busy home cook, I know we're all looking for methods that fit into our hectic schedules. Whether you're prepping packed lunches, sorting dinner, or trying to squeeze in some weekend baking, I'm sharing three foolproof ways to toast nuts that will work with whatever time and equipment you have available.
The Classic Oven Method
This is my go-to method when I'm toasting larger quantities of nuts.
Heat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)
Spread your nuts in a single layer on a baking tray – no need for parchment paper or oil
Pop them in and give them a shake halfway through.
The timing varies depending on the size of your nuts: whole hazlenuts might take 12 minutes, while chopped pecans could be done in 7.
Here's a rough guide on timings, but of course their size and age will have a big impact:
Almonds: 8-10 minutes
Pecans: 5-7 minutes
Walnuts: 5-7 minutes
Pine nuts: 3-5 minutes (watch carefully as they burn easily)
Hazelnuts: 10-12 minutes
Cashews: 8-10 minutes
Macadamia nuts: 8-10 minutes
Pistachios: 6-8 minutes
Your nose is your best guide here – when you catch that gorgeous nutty aroma wafting through your kitchen, they're nearly ready. They will also be slightly darker in colour.
Watch them closely as they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly. They'll continue to cook slightly after removing from heat, so it's best to transfer them to a cool plate immediately.
The Quick Air Fryer Solution
If you've jumped on the air fryer bandwagon (and who hasn't?), you'll love this method. It's perfect when you just need a handful of nuts for sprinkling over your morning porridge or evening salad.
Set your air fryer to 160°C
Add your nuts to a metal grill in a single layer - don't use a silicone basket
Cook for 2-6 minutes, giving the basket a good shake every couple of minutes. Use the above timings to judge (things cook much faster in a air fryer!)
The beauty of this method is that you can easily check their progress without opening a hot oven. But you can still use your noggin to judge their readiness - keep your nose open for that smell!
The Hands-On Hob Method
Sometimes the simplest way is best.
For small quantities, just pop your nuts in a dry frying pan over medium heat
Keep them moving (this is a perfect task while waiting for the kettle to boil), and they'll be done in about 5 minutes.
This method requires a bit more attention, but it's brilliant when you need toasted nuts in a hurry.
Top Tips for Success:
Never walk away from toasting nuts – they can go from perfect to burnt in seconds
Let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container
They'll keep for up to two weeks, but trust me, they rarely last that long!
If you're chopping your nuts, do it before toasting for more even results
Different nuts have different toasting times – pine nuts are quickest, whole almonds take longest
Make-Ahead Magic
When you've got a spare moment (perhaps while waiting for something else to cook), toast a big batch of your most-used nuts. Once cooled, store them in clearly labelled jars. Having toasted nuts ready to go makes it so much easier to throw together a quick banana bread, jazz up your breakfast yoghurt, or add some crunch to a weekday dinner salad.
Remember, burning nuts is a rite of passage – we've all done it! But once you've got the hang of it, you'll find yourself reaching for toasted nuts far more often than raw ones. They're that little touch of luxury that can transform an everyday dish into something special, with minimal effort – exactly what we busy home cooks need!
