Learn how to roast cashews four different ways to make super snacks, amazing treats and incredible additions to savory recipes. Roasted cashews make great food gifts and are quick and easy to make.
Cashews are a favorite healthy, nutrient-dense snack. They’re easy to throw together for gatherings and can be flavored for sweet, spicy, or savory treats.
You can toss them in a salad or stir-fry or make a Vegan Tomato Cream Sauce over pasta for dinner. These Paleo Energy Balls are terrific and cashew-based for high-protein, on-the-go snacks. I even use cashews in this Paleo Vegan Vanilla Sauce. You can see how incredibly diverse cashews can be!
Roasting cashews brings out a buttery, sweet flavor and enhances the aroma and crunch making them perfect in these Chocolate Covered Cashews.
Luckily, it’s easy to roast cashews in an oven, on the stovetop, microwave and even in an air fryer!
How to roast cashews
I recommend roasting whole cashews, rather than broken cashews, because the broken ones are much easier to burn.
Oven
When I’m not in a rush, I prefer to roast nuts in the oven instead of using another method. It’s a hands-off method for roasting cashews evenly with the occasional stir.
It’s also the best method for roasting big batches, so feel free to double or triple the recipe.
I would use a baking sheet with a rim or lip if you have one.
When roasting in the oven, use the middle rack, and it should take only 10 to 15 minutes.
How to roast cashews in the oven
I used 2 cups of raw cashews, 1 teaspoon of melted butter or refined coconut oil for the paleo, vegan version and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (176 °C).
- Melt the butter or coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl big enough for the cashews.
- Once melted, add cashews to melted butter or coconut oil, add salt and toss until well coated.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for super easy clean-up.
- In a single layer, place cashews on the baking sheet and place on the middle rack.
- Roast for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once golden brown, remove and let cool for at least 15 minutes.
Don’t get distracted and walk away; there’s a fine line between golden brown and burnt cashews.
You’ll notice straight out of the oven that the cashews will have soft interiors until they’re completely cooled.
Stovetop
Using a skillet and the stovetop is quicker than roasting nuts in the oven. It’s easy to do when you need them in a rush, but you want to stir often and keep an eye on them as they can easily go from golden brown to burnt in no time.
Note that you’ll want a flatter layer than what you see above!
Here’s how to roast cashews in a pan
- Using a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter or coconut oil.
- Add the nuts and salt to melted fat.
- Roast the cashews until fragrant and brown, about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove cashews from the skillet, let them cool and use as desired.
Air Fryer
The air fryer is basically a small countertop convection oven making it an excellent option for roasting cashews. Depending on the size of the air fryer, you might need to roast them in batches so each cashew roasts evenly.
Here’s how to roast cashews in the air fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 °F (176 °C).
- Microwave the fat in a microwave-safe bowl big enough for the cashews. It only takes about 30 seconds to get it completely melted.
- When melted, add cashews and salt and toss until well coated.
- In a mixing bowl, add cashews and salt to melted butter or coconut oil and toss until well coated.
- In a single layer, place the cashews inside the air fryer, leaving room between each for even roasting.
- Cook for 5 minutes, then toss them and cook an additional 3 to 5 minutes until they reach a golden brown.
I like using the air fryer in the hotter months because it doesn’t heat up the house and is perfect for making the roasted cashew and coconut crust for these No Bake Paleo Lemon Bars.
Microwave
Roasting cashews in a microwave works… okay. It is quick and easy.
They will be slightly softer than using one of the other methods and won’t have the same crunchy texture, which is why it’s my least favorite roasting method.
Here’s how to roast cashews in a microwave
- Place cashews in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cook at full power in 1-minute intervals, stirring after every minute, until golden brown and toasted.
If you don’t have a microwave that turns food automatically, be sure to turn the plate after each interval to ensure even roasting.
How to store
You can store roasted cashews in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
You’ll want to let the roasted cashews cool completely before placing them in a container and storing them.
If you want to make them ahead and store them in the fridge, they should last 4 months to 6 months or you can freeze them for up to a year.
How long do cashews last?
Cashews exposed to heat, sunlight, and air will make them turn rancid more quickly, so when storing, you want to protect them against these factors.
When you buy cashews in bulk, it’s best to transfer them immediately to an airtight container or sealable bag, which will minimize exposure.
Unopened cashews can remain in their sealed packaging at room temperature. But once they’re opened, you’ll want to store them properly in a resealable bag and in a dark cabinet.
Cashews can absorb moisture and odors when refrigerated, so ensure they’re properly sealed to avoid this.
If you notice mold on the nuts, throw them away immediately. Other indicators like shriveled, darker or dry cashews are all signs they have gone rancid. They might also have a bitter taste or brittle texture, so they must be thrown out.
Flavor combinations
If you’re roasting cashews to have around for snacks or gifting, there are countless ways to flavor them.
You can lightly coat them in a neutral-tasting oil or butter, sprinkle on some fine salt and roast them using one of the methods above. Finer salt adheres to the cashews better than coarse salt.
If using oil, I recommend an oil mister to spray the nuts lightly to help the salt stick.
Salting cashews will add more flavor and make great on-the-go snacks.
For other enhancing flavors, consider these options.
- Before roasting, toss them with cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamon or allspice as a sweet treat. Add 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to make them even sweeter.
- Add garlic and onion salt for savory snacks or for spicy roasted cashews, use crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, chili powder or cayenne.
- Cummin, paprika or ground coriander will add a little smoky flavor while roasting the cashews.
- Adding rosemary, thyme or Italian seasoning mix for herb lovers are all great options.
Are raw cashews poisonous?
You may have heard that raw cashews are poisonous, which is misleading.
Cashews have an outer shell, but I bet you haven’t seen them come that way. That’s because the outer shell contains oils that can cause reactions similar to poison ivy. They’re more irritating than poisonous in their raw form.
But don’t worry – storebought “raw” cashews have had their outer shells removed and have been lightly roasted to reduce the oils, so any raw cashews you buy are ok to eat even without the extra step of roasting them yourself.
Other toasty nut recipes
- How to Toast Pine Nuts
- Roasted Pepitas
- Maple Walnuts
- Toasted Coconut Butter
- Pumpkin See Butter
- Pecan Clusters
Now that you know how to roast cashews, you can make the covered cashew clusters I’ll be posting next! And please drop a comment below if you try any of these roasting methods or post to social media and mention @texanerin or tag #texanerin so I can be sure to see your creations. Happy roasting!
How to Roast Cashews
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Ready in:
- Yield: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw cashews
- 1 teaspoon butter or refined coconut oil paleo/vegan
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (176 °C) and place the rack in the middle of the oven.
- Microwave the butter or coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl big enough for the cashews. It only takes about 30 seconds to get it completely melted.
- Once melted, add cashews and salt and toss until well coated.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place cashews on the baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring after every 5 minutes.
- Once golden brown, remove and let cool for at least 15 minutes.
- Using a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter or coconut oil over medium heat.
- Add the nuts and salt.
- Roast the cashews until fragrant and brown, about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove cashews from the skillet, let them cool and use as desired.
- Preheat the air fryer to 330°F (165 °C).
- Microwave the butter or coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl big enough for the cashews. It only takes about 30 seconds to get it completely melted.
- Once melted, add cashews and salt and toss until well coated.
- In a single layer (you might need to do a few batches depending on how big your air fryer is), place the cashews inside the air fryer, leaving room between each for even roasting.
- Cook for 5 minutes, then toss them and cook an additional 3 to 5 minutes until they reach a golden brown.
- Place cashews in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cook at full power in 1-minute intervals, stirring after every minute, until golden brown and toasted.
Oven:
Stovetop:
Air fryer:
Microwave:
Recipe by Texanerin Baking | www.texanerin.com