Last updated on November 14th, 2022.
Learning how to roast cashews (everyone’s favorite nut) is a great way to bring their flavors out, add a crunchy texture, and give them a beautiful golden color.
If you love to bake with nuts, check out my other post, How to Toast Pecans? and How to Roast Hazelnuts?
What Makes Cashews Special?
Raw nuts, like pecans and hazelnuts, already have a distinct nutty flavor and crispy texture. Raw cashews are a bit different. They are rich in oils and contain a signific amount of starches, making them an effective thickener.
A large amount of starches is why raw cashews are so soft and sometimes even a bit chewy, so roasting them will develop a deep rich flavor with a crunchy texture.
How to roast Cashews five ways
If you have wondered What the best way to roast cashews is, then know that the answer is different in different circumstances. Below are five ways to roast (or toast), and I also included when each method is favorable.
Beforehand
When first roasted, the roasted nuts are chewy, allowing them to reach room temperature for the desired texture and flavor. The nuts are ready to be removed and cool when they release a pleasant and nutty aroma, and their color has changed from plate yellow to golden yellow.
For lightly salted cashews, toss the nuts with one tablespoon of oil, coconut oil, or water, then sprinkle with one teaspoon of table salt.
Oven
Use the oven when not pressed with time and when you want to roast many nuts (over one cup). Note that whole cashews will take longer than half or pieces.
Time needed: 15 minutes
- Prepare
Spread the cashews in a single layer over an ungreased baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake
Over the middle rack at 350 degrees f for 10-15 minutes.
Microwave
A microwave is an excellent option for a small amount.
- Line a wide microwavable plate with a paper towel and evenly spread the nuts.
- Microwave using 30-60 seconds increments, tossing the nuts between each time.
Stove
A stovetop is a great option when you are in a hurry and want to toast up to 1 cup of nuts.
Place the nuts in a wide skillet and cook on the stove over medium heat while constantly tossing for about 4 minutes.
Toaster Oven
Also, when you are in a hurry and want to roast up to 1 cup.
Use the toasted oven the same way you would, but reduce the time to 5-7 minutes to prevent the nuts from burning.
Air Fryer
If you are a huge air fryer fan and do not have an oven available, give it a go.
Line your air fryer with a piece of parchment paper, spread the nuts over, and cook for 5 minutes at 350F.
How To Eat Cashews
There are unlimited ways to enjoy this healthy snack.
- You can use them to make my Candied cashews recipe, my chocolate-covered cashews recipe, or my Honey Roasted Cashews recipe.
- Place them in a mason jar as a holiday season gift idea, as I did with my Candied Pecans.
- Toss them with vegetable oil, coconut oil, or even water (one tablespoon of fat per cup of nuts), then toss again using a wooden spoon with different flavors like cayenne pepper, kosher salt, black pepper, or some fresh herbs, then roast.
- Make homemade nut butter.
- Add them to desserts like this Pumpkin Cake and these Mini Pavlovas.
Storing
Nuts get ranid pretty fast when stored at room temperature. This is why it is best to place them in a freezable bag or an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. Or at room temperature for up to 10 days.
Where to buy?
Nuts, as a rule, can be expensive, and I found that most grocery stores offer small amounts for high prices. Check out our policy here, our local Costco, Trader Joe’s, authentic stores, or online market (affiliated link). The bigger the quantity, the lower the cost per gram/oz.
FAQ
No. The soaking is often done for making nut cheese or milk.
I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful. Please comment at the bottom of this post if you have questions or have any recipes. And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram; I would love to see your creations.
Roasted Cashews Five Ways
Five easy ways to roast cashews.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Raw whole cashews
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, coconut oil, or water
- 1 teaspoons Salt
Instructions
Oven Method
-
Preheat the oven to 350F (170C) and line a large baking pan with parchment paper.
-
Toss the cashews with oil or water, then sprinkle the salt. Spread the nuts in one layer over the prepared baking pan.
-
Bake for 15 minutes, using a wooden spoon to toss midway.
-
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
Stove Method
-
Toss the cashews with oil or water, then sprinkle the salt. Spread the nuts in one layer in a medium or large saute pan.
-
Cook over medium heat tossing every 15-20 for 5-6 minutes.
-
Remove from the stove and allow to cool completely.
Microwave Method
-
Toss the cashews with oil or water, then sprinkle the salt. Spread the nuts in one layer in over a wide plate lined with a paper towel.
-
Microwave using 30-60 seconds increments until lightly brown.
Air Fryer Method
-
Toss the cashews with oil or water, then sprinkle the salt. Spread the nuts in one layer over the air fryer tray.
-
Cook for 6-8 minutes at 325F (160C), tossing midway.
Toaster Oven Method
-
Toss the cashews with oil or water, then sprinkle the salt. Spread the nuts in one layer over the toaster's pan.
-
Bake until golden brown, using a wooden spoon every two minutes. Depending on the strength of your toaster oven, it will take 8-10 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- When first roasted, the nuts are chewy; allow them to cool completely before eating.
- The oil and salt are optional.Â
- You can toss the nuts with different spices and herbs.
- Store the nuts in the freezer for up to six months or in the pantry for up to 10 days.
- Do not roast whole cashews with half and pieces. Each size roasts at different times.
