Short on time but want to add more flavor to your regular nuts for recipes that require some nutty crunch? Learn how to toast nuts in the microwave!
It’s no secret that the so-called “secret ingredient” in many of my favorite recipes is toasted nuts. They add such a delicious warm and toasty flavor that really elevates a recipe to the next level!
How To Toast Nuts In The Microwave
While my preferred method of toasting them is via the oven, there are times when I just need a small handful… Say for a tasty salad at lunch — like this Wendy’s knock-off apple pecan chicken salad. Crunchy toasted pecans sprinkled on top are a must!
Firing up the oven for a just a small handful or nuts seems like such a waste. So when that hankering hits, I turn to my microwave for a quick and easy mini batch of toasted nuts.
How to Toast Nuts in The Microwave
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole walnuts, or your desired nuts
- 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil
- fine sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Toss one cup of nuts with the vegetable oil. Spread the oiled nuts out in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate.
- Toast in one-minute intervals, stirring between each interval. One cup of nuts will take can take anywhere from 3 to 8 minutes overall, depending on the quantity and size of the nuts used.
- To make salted nuts: Toss toasted nuts with fine sea salt to taste.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1/4 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 218Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 20mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 5g
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
See — easy, huh? Microwave-toasted nuts won’t brown as much, and as a result I think they’re slightly less flavorful. But the time and energy savings make this a good tradeoff for small quantities.
What’s your preferred method for toasting nuts?
Librarian Lauren
Monday 20th of November 2017
I put them on in my panini press and leave them just until they start to smell good. Then I turn off the machine and leave them there. This usually lets them finish toasting without burning
Tara @ Unsophisticook
Monday 20th of November 2017
Excellent idea -- thanks for sharing!
Jennifer Velazquez
Tuesday 7th of July 2015
I just tried this technique and I loved it so much! It made my sunflower seeds taste amazing. Thanks!! :)
Tara @ Unsophisticook
Wednesday 8th of July 2015
What a great idea -- I hadn't even considered doing this with sunflower seeds. Yum!
Ron
Tuesday 29th of January 2013
My wife and I replicated the Wendy's salad last night for dinner. Delicious. To toast the nuts we used our counter-top toaster oven. It heats up quickly and toasts the nuts in a few minutes. Almost as quickly as the microwave. A person must be vigilant, however, as the nuts can burn or over cook easily. We make a lot of different salads at home. This is one of the easiest to make and is absolutely fantastic. The Marzetti Pomegranate dressing is knock-out great. If it isn't available, Marie's Raspberry Vinaigrette is an excellent dressing also.
Jen
Sunday 4th of November 2012
I like YOUR idea! Hmm. I'm wondering. I've got one of those flat, small, toaster ovens -- the kind that a cupcake would be too tall. I wonder if I microwave like you said, while preheating that little oven. Then when done, stick them in that for like 1 minute, just to crisp them a little? It wouldn't take much more effort or time, thanks to your idea!!!