Roasting Almonds In An Air Fryer: Easy, Quick, Delicious!

Roasted almonds are a delicious snack and a great addition to salads, desserts, and even meals. They are also healthy, being rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. But what if you don't have an oven? Can you still roast almonds? The answer is yes! You can easily roast almonds in an air fryer, and it only takes a few minutes. Here's a basic guide on how to do it, with plenty of tips and tricks to ensure your almonds turn out perfectly crispy and tasty every time.

How long to roast almonds in an air fryer

Roasting almonds in an air fryer is an easy and quick way to turn a bag of plain nuts into a delicious and healthy snack. The time taken to roast almonds in an air fryer depends on the quantity of almonds and the model of the air fryer. However, on average, it takes about 5 to 10 minutes to roast almonds in an air fryer at a temperature of 300 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 325 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before roasting the almonds. However, some sources suggest that preheating is not necessary as air fryers heat up quickly.

Step 2: Prepare the Almonds

Place the almonds in a medium bowl. If you want to add seasonings like salt, olive oil, or spices, mix them with the almonds in this step. Ensure that the almonds are coated evenly.

Step 3: Roast the Almonds

Place the almonds in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Roast the almonds for 5 minutes, and then give the basket a good shake to stir them up.

Step 4: Check and Continue Roasting

After the initial 5 minutes, continue roasting and check on the almonds every minute or two to prevent burning. The total roasting time will vary depending on the desired level of doneness, but it typically takes between 6 to 10 minutes.

Step 5: Cool and Store the Almonds

Once the almonds have reached the desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely before serving or storing. Store the roasted almonds in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week or longer if stored properly.

How to roast seasoned almonds

Roasting seasoned almonds in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Ingredients:

• Raw almonds
• Olive oil or melted butter
• Salt (optional)
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. smoked paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, cayenne pepper)

Instructions:

• Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to between 300°F and 350°F. Note that some sources advise against preheating the air fryer for this recipe, as it may burn the nuts.
• Coat the almonds: In a small bowl, combine the almonds with olive oil or melted butter, and salt (if using). Stir well until the almonds are evenly coated. You can also add other seasonings at this stage if you want to infuse more flavour into the almonds.
• Place almonds in the air fryer basket: Spread the almonds in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded to ensure even cooking.
• Cook the almonds: Roast the almonds for about 5 minutes. Shake the basket or stir the almonds halfway through to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. For some air fryers, you may need to cook for a few minutes longer, but keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. The almonds are done when they turn a few shades darker and have a nutty aroma.
• Cool the almonds: Remove the almonds from the air fryer and let them cool completely. They will continue to cook and harden as they cool.
• Store the almonds: Once cooled, store the roasted almonds in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for about a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 months or freeze them for up to 6 months.

Tips:

• Check the almonds frequently during the cooking process, especially after the 5-minute mark, as they can go from almost done to burnt very quickly.
• If you want to dry roast the almonds without any oil or seasonings, simply omit Step 2 and follow the rest of the instructions. You can also add seasonings after roasting if desired.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can roast the almonds in an oven preheated to 300°F for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

How to dry roast almonds

Dry roasting almonds in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to turn a bag of plain nuts into a delicious and healthy snack. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to dry roast almonds:

Preparation:

Firstly, gather your ingredients: raw almonds, olive oil or melted butter, and salt (optional). You can also add other seasonings like smoked paprika, chilli powder, or garlic powder for a garlicky flavour. If you want to make cinnamon sugar almonds, you will need cinnamon and sugar.

Cooking:

Preheat your air fryer to around 325-350°F (165-175°C). Do not overheat the air fryer as this may burn the nuts. Place the almonds in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is room for the hot air to circulate. Cook for around 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to prevent the almonds from sticking and to ensure even cooking.

Post-Cooking:

After cooking, transfer the almonds to a bowl and toss with olive oil or melted butter, if desired. Sprinkle on your chosen seasonings and toss again to coat. Allow the almonds to cool fully before serving or storing.

Storage:

Once cooled, store your roasted almonds in an airtight container or jar at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to a week, or you can freeze them for up to 6 months.

Tips:

• Check on the almonds regularly to prevent burning.
• Almonds are done when they are a few shades darker and have a nutty aroma.
• Do not place in an airtight container until fully cooled, as this can trap moisture and breed bacteria.
• You can roast other nuts like walnuts, pecans, and cashews in the same way.

Air fryer roasted almond serving suggestions

Roasted almonds are a delicious snack and can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions for air fryer roasted almonds:

Snacks

Air fryer roasted almonds make a great snack on their own. They can be eaten by the handful or dipped in chocolate for a delicious dessert.

Toppings

Roasted almonds can be used as toppings for a variety of dishes. Chopped or crushed almonds can be sprinkled on:

• Cereal or yogurt
• Oatmeal
• Ice cream or sundaes
• Salads, such as a sweet pear salad or an avocado tuna salad
• Soups
• Sandwiches or wraps
• Buddha bowls, rice or grain bowls
• Baked goods or cakes, such as an iced Southern Red Velvet Cake

Trail Mix

Roasted almonds are a great addition to trail mix, providing a crunchy and protein-rich element.

Puree

Roasted almonds can be pureed to make almond butter, which can be spread on crackers, bread, or easy beer bread.

Salads

In addition to being used as a topping, roasted almonds can be added to green salads, such as a kale and broccoli salad, or a pasta salad, such as a red pepper pesto fettuccini.

Other Dishes

Air fryer roasted almonds can also be used in:

• Charcuterie boards
• Tuna or chicken salad
• Chex Mix
• Baked goods, such as muffins
• Smoothies

How to store roasted almonds

Roasted almonds are a delicious snack, but they can go stale and taste bad if not stored properly. To keep your roasted almonds fresh, follow these steps:

Firstly, allow the almonds to cool fully. It is important not to put them in an airtight container until they are completely cooled, as condensation can build up and make your almonds soggy.

Once your almonds are cool, it is time to choose your storage container. Glass jars are a good option, but any airtight container or jar will work. Just make sure the container is not too large for the amount of almonds you have, as too much extra space can affect freshness.

When your almonds are in their container, it is time to choose a storage location. The ideal location is somewhere cool and dry, with the optimal temperature being less than 50°F/10°C. The refrigerator is a good option, as it will keep the almonds at a cool temperature and slow down spoilage. If you want your almonds to last even longer, you can store them in the freezer. Roasted almonds can stay good for up to a year in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

If you are storing your almonds at room temperature, make sure to use them within a week, as they can go rancid if left out for too long.

Frequently asked questions