Learn how to roast almonds in order to coax out their nuanced flavors and bring a nutty, aromatic crunch to salads, cookies, crumbles, or just about any recipe that calls for almonds. It isn't difficult to roast an almond, but there are a few different methods for roasting almonds. Each of them takes a little extra time and attention from the cook to achieve optimum results.
Roasting Almonds 101
The two primary ways to roast almonds. You can either dry roast them or employ an oil to brown the nuts. You can also dry pan roast or toast almonds with a shallow frying pan.
Dry Roasting Almonds
To dry roast almonds, follow these steps.
- Heat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Spread almonds on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until they are golden brown and fragrant. Note that because of their high oil content, the almonds will continue to roast after you remove them from the oven.
- Check to make sure that a test almond has the proper crunch when bitten into. It should taste toasted, not bitter or burnt.
Oil Roasting Almonds
Look for an oil that imparts the flavor you desire.
- Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Cover an entire cookie sheet with aluminum foil and spread almonds on baking pan.
- Spread canola oil (or your preferred oil) over almonds.
- Bake for eight to 10 minutes, remove pan from oven and sprinkle with kosher salt or sea salt.
Skillet Toasted Almonds
To toast almonds you will need a shallow skillet, preferably not nonstick.
- Add only enough almonds to the skillet so they lie in a single layer.
- Turn heat on to medium and toast, stirring every once in a while until the almond skins begin to slightly crackle and the nuts are fragrant.
- Remove from heat and cool.
Honey Roasted Almonds
Try a sweet roasted almond once you've mastered basic roasting. This recipe makes approximately two cups of almonds.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole almonds
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
Instructions
- Spread almonds on an ungreased cookie sheet and place in oven. Set oven to 350 degrees.
- Bake, stirring occasionally until the nuts are browned, about 12 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Mix the sugar and salt in a medium-sized bowl.
- In a medium saucepan, stir together the honey, water, and oil and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Stir in the almonds and cook until all of the liquid has been absorbed by the nuts, approximately 5 minutes.
- Transfer nuts to a bowl and sprinkle sugar and salt mixture over. Toss together to combine, and spread on wax paper to cool.
Enjoying Roasted Almonds
Roasted almonds can be used in just about any kind of dish. Chop them and add to green salads; add them to a topping for apple or peach crumble, toss into your breakfast cereal or yogurt, or use to help create a coating for chicken. Roasted almonds can be enjoyed in so many ways!
