Toasted almonds are a versatile food: they can be used as an ingredient in savory and sweet recipes, but also as a snack. Compared to raw almonds, they have an intense flavor and a crunchy texture, making them particularly delicious. A common nut to have in the pantry, easy to find at the supermarket, and easy to make at home using the oven, microwave, or a simple pan. Below, we'll explain how to make toasted almonds, along with some tips for cooking them optimally.
1. Oven Method
Let's start with one of the simplest methods, which guarantees even browning and, therefore, an excellent result. Start by preheating the oven to 355°F/180°C if fan-assisted and 375°F/190°C if static. Meanwhile, line a baking tray with baking paper and distribute the almonds without overlapping them, forming a single layer. Once the temperature is reached, cook for 10-15 minutes. Once ready, turn off the oven and let them cool completely before using them or storing them in an airtight container. Any tips? Place the tray in the middle of the oven and don't leave the almonds alone while they are cooking, but stir halfway through, so as to ensure that the heat reaches them more evenly, avoiding "burnt" and paler almonds.
2. Microwave Method
To save time, the microwave is always a good solution, provided you pay attention to a few details. In this case, your best allies are a little butter or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, which will serve both to enhance the aroma and to better conduct the heat across the entire surface. How to proceed? In a bowl, mix the almonds with the fat: it serves to coat them, so there's no need to overdo it. Once seasoned, transfer them to a microwave-safe dish and cook for a minute on high power. Remove, stir, and repeat 3-4 times, until they're nicely golden and smell an unmistakable toasted aroma.
3. Pan Method
We might call it a “fast and furious” method, but sometimes it's more than enough for recipes that call for toasting almonds, such as when they need to be incorporated into a dough or chopped into garnishes. The risk of burning them is very high, so it's best to keep an eye on them throughout the entire process. Heat a heavy-bottomed nonstick pan thoroughly and pour the almonds in a single layer: cook over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, turning on both sides. They will tend to brown in the center, remaining lighter at the edges.
How to Peel Almonds
Depending on the preparation you're trying, your habits, or your intestinal sensitivities, almonds can be toasted with or without their skin. Remember that the skin contains many of the nutrients found in almonds, making them not only edible but also harmless. They're just difficult to digest for those who consume foods high in fiber. The skin, in any case, can be removed in just a few steps:
- boil some water in a saucepan and soak the almonds for a couple of minutes;
- drain and rinse under cold running water;
- transfer the almonds onto a clean tea towel and pat dry;
- rub them with the cloth, the softened peel will begin to come off easily
How to Toast and Salt Almonds
A very delicious version of toasted almonds is one enriched with a little salt, creating a savory, vaguely umami flavor and serving them as an appetizer, somewhat the opposite of praline almonds, which enhance their sweetness. What do you need? In addition to the two main ingredients, you also need an egg, using only the white (enough for 100 grams of nuts). In a bowl, season the almonds with the egg white and a pinch of salt. Then, arrange everything on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, always without overlapping, and bake in a preheated oven at 355°F/180°C for 15 minutes or until crunchy. You can do the same thing with an air fryer, adjusting the cooking time and temperature according to your model's power. You can also add herbs and spices (paprika, curry, cinnamon) to create personalized and tasty snacks.
What About the Air Fryer?
As we just mentioned, yes, almonds can also be toasted in an air fryer. They should be distributed across the bottom of the basket in a single layer —no baking sheets or parchment paper needed. Choose a lower temperature, around 320-340°F/160-170°C, to cook them more delicately, as the heat released inside the appliance tends to be aggressive. You can also lightly oil them. Allow 8 to 12 minutes: open the basket halfway through to check and stir, or remove and shake it, then continue. After a few tries, you'll have perfectly toasted almonds.
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