How to Make Toasted Walnuts (Oven Roasted / Airfryer)
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Toasted Walnuts are addictively crunchy and slightly sweet – the perfect holiday treat or game day snack! This recipe for maple candied walnuts can be made in an air fryer or in your oven! This easy recipe is the best way to toast walnuts perfectly!
Toasted Walnuts
If you love candied nuts, then this toasted walnuts recipe is for you! The natural flavor of the nut shines while the sticky coating adds just the right amount of sweetness.
As the walnuts cool, they become extra crunchy — perfect for snacking! It will be hard to leave them sitting on the sheet pan, but the wait is worth every second.
Try them in our cinnamon walnut sweet bread. They are also amazing on my pear and arugula salad.
Sprinkle some over a spinach strawberry salad or homemade ice cream for a pop of sweetness and crunch.
Or, make a simple trail mix with dried cranberries or raisins and your favorite chocolate chips!
Try these roasted walnuts in our saffron walnut rice pilaf, it is amazing!!!
Want to try a strange but addictive snack? Try my sweet & salty Kool Aid Pickles!
Roast Walnuts In Air Fryer
Air frying is certainly the fastest method, though it will probably require a bit more clean up in the end.
- Combine everything together. In a large bowl, toss the nuts with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt until well coated.
- Transfer to the basket. Spread the nuts into a single layer so they toast on all sides.
- Cook for 8 to 10 minutes. It helps to preheat the air fryer to 320°F first, and be sure to shake the basket halfway through the cooking time.
It’s VERY important not to overcook them, or the sugar will burn and the toasted walnuts will taste bitter. - Allow to cool completely. Once they appear golden and no longer sticky, scoop the roasted walnuts onto a baking sheet to cool.
Note: Different brands and sizes of air fryers may require different cooking times, so be familiar with your model, and make adjustments as needed.
Toasting Walnuts In Oven
The process is similar to air frying, except you will transfer the nuts straight to a baking sheet once coated.
- Line your baking sheet. Parchment paper or foil makes clean up a breeze!
- Spread nuts into a single layer. That extra space will ensure that they toast evenly.
- Bake until golden. It will take about 8 to 10 minutes at 350°F. Check frequently once you hit the 5-minute mark.
Toasted walnuts can go from perfect to burnt in under a minute! - Don’t forget to cool! Once they are done, transfer the nuts to a new sheet pan or large plate.
Don’t worry if they seem soft — they will continue to crisp as they cool.
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Mixing Bowl – I like to have a variety of sizes on hand, and this set has them all.
- Silicone Spatula – Use this for stirring everything together and for transferring to and from the sheet pan or fryer basket.
- Air Fryer or Baking Sheets, depending on which method you will be using for toasting walnuts.
Toasted Walnuts Recipe FAQ
Yes! You can roast walnuts plain without any kind of coating, or use just oil if you want to try different spices. It would even work with different varieties of nuts!
I’ve toasted pumpkin seeds, macadamia nuts, peanuts, and
It does make them a bit softer and especially mellows out the harsh flavor that’s present when they are raw. Once cooled back to room temperature, the texture becomes crisp again.
This toasted walnuts recipe will keep for about 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to toss them into the freezer, they should be good for up to 1 month!
There are a lot of different ways that you can use this type of nut. Toasted nuts are great in banana bread, and they add great flavor to yogurt as well. The sweet flavor of the nuts gives a bowl of ice cream a perfect crunch, too!
Making toasted walnuts is a great way to create a wonderful snack that is a healthy snack, too. A handful of walnuts is a great way to curb cravings and to enjoy eating healthy fats.
There are plenty of easy ways to make a big batch of this great snack, so have fun figuring out the best method! You just might uncover some of your favorite dishes or create the perfect topping for a variety of recipes.
All you need are a few minutes of your time to get walnuts that are that perfect brown color. The recipe card gives all the easy details below – and trust me when I say that it’s the perfect addition to the day. (plus it’s easy clean-up!)
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Air Fryer Recipes
How to Make Toasted Walnuts (Oven Roasted / Airfryer)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups walnuts, shelled
- 4 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 320° F. for 3 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix until all nuts are well coated.
- Transfer all the coated nuts into the basket of the air fryer. Cook for 5 minutes. Shake the basket.
- Continue air frying for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, until walnuts are golden and look sticky. Don’t overcook, as the sugar will burn.
Donna’s Notes
- Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl and toss until nuts are all coated.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Spread nuts into a single layer on the pan.
- Bake in oven at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes. Once you hit the 5-minute mark, check on them often. Toasted walnuts can go from perfect to burnt in under a minute!
- Don’t forget to let them cool. Don’t worry if they seem soft, they will continue to crisp as they cool down.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published March 2022, updated and republished April 2024
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I always buy toasted walnuts from the store, but after making them its so much better to do it yourself. They always come out perfect.