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Learn how to roast cashews in 4 different ways – in the oven, in the air fryer, in a pan, or in the microwave. Roasted Cashews are crunchy, buttery and full of flavors. Whether sweet or savory, these toasted cashews are ideal as a healthy snack or as a tasty addition to bowls and salads.
Roasting cashews enhances their sweet, buttery flavor and makes them irresistibly crunchy. They’re quick and easy to prepare, making them ideal for on-the-go snacking, parties, gifts, and as a complement to meals.
I absolutely love roasted cashews — they’re definitely my favorite nut. Flavorful, crunchy, and so versatile, I add them to everything from yogurt bowls and oatmeal to salads and pasta sauces. Plus, cashews are a healthy food, packed with nutrients like magnesium, copper, and vitamin K.
How to roast cashews
This roasted cashew recipe is incredibly simple and versatile. You can make it in an oven, air fryer, microwave, or on the stove in a pan. All you need is one ingredient — whole cashews. While oil or butter isn’t necessary, adding a teaspoon can enhance their flavor. You can also sprinkle in some salt and spices for roasted salted cashews. But personally, I prefer them unsalted.
A note about choosing the best nuts for roasting. I recommend using whole cashews rather than broken pieces split into halves. Whole cashews roast evenly on both sides, ensuring a perfect texture. Broken pieces, on the other hand, are easier to burn, which can affect the taste and make them harmful.
How to roast cashews in the oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the nuts over your lined baking sheet, in a single layer so that they do not overlap. If you want cashews lightly salted or seasoned, coat them with a teaspoon of olive oil and spices on both sides.
- Bake in hot oven for about 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes while they are roasting. After baking, let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving or storing.
Keep an eye on the nuts as they roast, don’t walk away. Oven baked cashews can go from roasted to burnt in seconds. You know they are ready when golden brown on the outside. Don’t worry if the interior is still slightly soft, they will get crunchier as they cool.
How to roast cashews in the air fryer
An air fryer works similarly to a convection oven by circulating hot air to cook food. This method makes roasting not only possible but also faster. Just keep in mind that the air fryer basket is usually smaller than an oven baking sheet, so it’s best to roast in batches.
Place the cashews into the basket of your air fryer in a single layer – if it is necessary, air fry in multiple batches. Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for about 8-10 minutes, shaking a couple of times halfway through.
How to roast cashews on the stove
If you’re in a rush and need a quicker roasting method, grab a large skillet and a bag of cashews. This method is super fast — you’ll only need 5 minutes.
Grease and preheat over medium-high heat a large nonstick skillet. When it is hot, toast the cashews in a pan for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring regularly so that they do not burn.
How to roast cashews in the microwave
This thechnique for roasting cashew nuts will save you from extra cleaning. Simply spread the whole nuts over a microwave-safe plate and roast them in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until they’re perfectly done. It’s quick, easy, and mess-free!
Flavor ideas
- Olive oil roasted cashews: Toss nuts with half a tablespoon of olive oil for a crunchier texture and richer flavor. You can also use a different type of oil or butter.
- Salted cashews: For a savory snack or salad topper, sprinkle sea salt on cashews coated with olive oil before roasting.
- Indian spiced cashews: Boost flavor with spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, a touch of chili powder, or a pinch of garam masala.
- Spicy cashews: For a spicy munch, toss cashews with olive oil, a drop of hot sauce, and seasonings like chili powder, cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
- Flavored cashews: Add spices and seasonings such as tamari, rosemary, garlic, or even a hint of lemon zest.
- Sweet cashews: Try a sweet snack with honey glazed cashews, cinnamon roasted cashews, or toasted coconut cashews.
Storage directions
Dry roasted cashews can be prepared in bulk, as they maintain their taste and texture very well. After roasting, let the nuts cool completely to room temperature. Once they have cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and seal with a lid. At room temperature in the pantry, they will last for up to 1 month.
For longer storage, seal them well and refrigerate for up to 4 months. This recipe is also freezer-friendly — just let the cashews cool to room temperature, then place them in sealable zipper bags and freeze for up to 6 months.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
Raw cashews contain a toxin called urushiol, which can cause irritation and digestive problems. However, store-bought cashews are not truly raw — they are usually steamed or roasted to remove this toxin, so they can be eaten safely. To avoid any issue, just do not eat raw cashews from the wild or unprocessed ones. Purchase them for the grocery store.
Yes, roasted cashews are generally as healthy as raw ones. Roasting them enhances flavor and texture, but it doesn’t affect their nutritional value. They’re still a great source nutrients like healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Just be cautious with adding too much oil and salt.
More easy snacks
- Roasted almonds
- Honey roasted peanuts
- Air fryer zucchini chips
- Air fryer potato chips
- Banana chips
- Apple chips
- Air fryer popcorns
Roasted Cashews
Instructions
Oven roasted cashews
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread cashews over the lined baking sheet, in a single layer so that they do not overlap.
- Bake in hot oven for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes while they are roasting. After baking, let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving or storing.
Air fryer roasted cashews
- Place cashews into the basket of your air fryer in a single layer – if necessary, air fry in multiple batches. Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes, shaking a couple of times halfway through.
Stovetop roasted cashews
- Grease and preheat over medium-high heat a large nonstick skillet. When hot, toast the cashews in a pan for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring regularly so that they do not burn.
Microwave roasted cashews
- Layer over a microwave-safe plate and roast cashews in the microwave in 1 minute steps, until they are done.
