Innovative Ways to Roast Your Own Cashews

At first, roasted cashews may sound too good to be true. They are a healthy snack, packed with healthy fats and protein, that offer a buttery, sweet flavor, crunchy texture, and can be flavored in a wide variety of ways. Not only is this true of the snack, but it’s extremely easy to make delicious roasted and salted cashews at home. It can even be done in a variety of kitchen gadgets, from the microwave to the air fryer, and made your own with different seasonings and flavors. If you’re looking for ways to roast cashews at home, try some of the options here.

Ingredients for Roasting Cashews

Any time you are going to make roasted and salted cashews you’ll want to start with the same basic ingredients. Each of these recipes will use:

• 1 cup cashews (about 5 ounces)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil, coconut oil, or melted ghee
• Pinch of kosher salt

Flavorings or seasonings can be added after the fact to your taste. Because of the simple ingredient list, the most important thing you will purchase for this is the cashews themselves. It is important here to buy raw cashews. Technically, these cashews have undergone a preliminary roasting process to help remove toxins that may remain from their removed shell, but they are still considered raw. You’ll want to add the texture and flavor that you love by roasting them yourself.

While you can buy packaged roasted and salted cashews at the grocery store, they may contain a list of ingredients much longer than this, including preservatives. Starting with raw cashews whose source you trust is key.

Traditional Methods of Roasting Cashews

Most recipes for roasting your own cashews will be for either the oven or the stove. These are quick and easy ways to achieve the desired result.

To roast cashews in the oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F, then line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. In a large bowl, combine cashews, oil, and salt. Toss to coat.
2. Spread the nuts in a single layer on the baking sheet, then bake for 8 to 12 minutes. Shake the pan every 5 minutes to ensure the nuts are cooked evenly. When you start to notice a nutty smell and a golden-brown hue, your cashews are ready!

To roast cashews on the stove:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium to high heat. Add cashews, oil, and salt. Stir to combine.
2. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently to make sure every cashew makes contact with the hot pan. When the nuts are browned, remove from heat and cool.

Innovative Roasting Methods

Maybe you don’t have the time or energy to utilize a stove or oven for roasting your own cashews, or perhaps you just want to try something different. Here are our top three effective and innovative roasting methods for making the most delicious roasted and salted cashews at home.

Roasting Cashews in the Microwave

You may be surprised at how easy it is to roast your cashews in a microwave. As a bonus, nuts are almost impossible to burn using this method. This recipe will give you cashews with a softer touch, but the same crunchy exterior.

1. Combine the cashews, oil, and salt before placing them in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Cook at full power one minute at a time. If your microwave doesn’t rotate, turn after each minute. Repeat until the cashews appear golden-brown and toasted.

Roasting Cashews in the Air Fryer

Air fryers are a newer kitchen gadget that has gained popularity recently and for good reason. They offer a crunchy texture in a short time.

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350 F. In a small bowl, combine ingredients, then add them to the air fryer.
2. Cook for 5 minutes, then remove the basket to toss cashews. Replace the basket and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until done.

Roasting Cashews in the Toaster Oven

For a smaller number of nuts or to avoid heating the whole house, a toaster oven can work as well. Remember that the small device keeps your cashews near the heating source and makes burning possible if you don’t keep a close eye.

1. Set toaster oven to 335 F. Combine ingredients, then place in a single layer on the baking sheet for your toaster oven.
2. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until nuts are golden brown. If you notice a burnt or acrid smell, stop cooking immediately.

Making Roasted Cashews Your Own

Some people love the simplicity of roasted and salted cashews while others want to add more. Once you master the process of roasting cashews with your preferred method, you can begin to add seasonings along with the salt. Cashews make a great sweet snack, coated in honey and sugar, or spicy snack coated with cayenne pepper. The possibilities are endless!