Name: How to Roast Walnuts in an Air Fryer
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 7 min
Ingredients: 200 g raw walnuts (halves or whole) (1.5–2 cups); Spray oil

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I share how to quickly roast walnuts using an air fryer. This snack is rich in antioxidants and transforms raw walnuts into a crunchy, flavorful treat that I enjoy on its own or stirred into baked goods or trail mix.

How to Roast Walnuts in an Air Fryer

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly fast—just a few minutes transforms walnuts into a toasted, aromatic delight. I appreciate the enhanced flavor and aroma the air fryer brings out, making these walnuts perfect for snacking or sprinkling over desserts and salads. Plus, roasting boosts that satisfying crunch I find irresistible.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

200 g raw walnuts (halves or whole) – about 1.5 to 2 cups depending on size
Spray oil (such as olive oil)

Directions

I preheat the air fryer to 200 °C (390 °F).
I spray olive oil in the basket, then arrange the walnuts in a single layer and mist a bit more oil over them.
I toast the walnuts for 5 minutes, giving the basket a shake or stir halfway through to ensure even roasting.
I transfer the toasted walnuts onto a baking sheet and let them cool for 5–10 minutes before eating—this lets them crisp up perfectly.

Servings and timing

I make about 2 cups of roasted walnuts, which I estimate serves around 7 portions. The total time is just 7 minutes: 2 minutes to prep and 5 minutes to cook.

Variations

I sometimes experiment with these tweaks:

I add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a pinch of salt before roasting for a sweet-and-salty combo.
I try a light dusting of sugar or honey right after roasting for a candied twist.
I occasionally substitute spray oil with melted butter or coconut oil for a richer flavor profile.

Storage/reheating

I let the roasted walnuts cool fully, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay crisp for up to a week. If they soften, I briefly re-toast them in the air fryer at 180 °C (around 350 °F) for 1–2 minutes to revive the crunch.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

I can easily substitute almonds, pecans, or cashews—just adjust the cook time slightly depending on size and density.

Do the walnuts need to be halves, or can they be whole?

I find halves or whole work well, but halves toast more evenly due to better surface contact and heat exposure.

Can I skip the oil spray?

I prefer a light spray to help the walnuts toast evenly and enhance flavor. Without oil, they still roast but may be drier and less flavorful.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

I can roast the walnuts in an oven at 200 °C (390 °F) for about 8–10 minutes, stirring once halfway through.

How can I tell when they’re perfectly roasted?

I watch for a light golden-brown hue and a fragrant, nutty aroma. They continue to cook a bit while cooling, so I remove them just as they begin to color.

Is there a risk of burning them?

Yes—I stay nearby and shake or stir at about the 2–3 minute mark to prevent uneven browning or burning, because nuts can go from toasted to burnt quickly.

Can I roast them longer for extra crunch?

I can roast 1–2 minutes longer, but I watch carefully—walnuts can over-roast and turn bitter if left too long.

Can I flavor them before or after roasting?

I sometimes toss them with a dash of spice—like cinnamon, paprika, or sugar—immediately after roasting while still warm, so the coating sticks well.

Are these suitable for baking?

Absolutely—I let them cool completely and then chop or stir them into cookies, cakes, muffins, or trail mix. Toasting intensifies the flavor and adds crunch.

Are roasted walnuts still healthy?

I consider them a nutritious snack—walnuts boast healthy polyunsaturated fats, omega‑3 ALA, protein, fiber, and antioxidants. For example, one ounce (about 28 g) of walnuts contains around 18–19 g fat, 4 g protein, 2 g fiber, and ~186–190 calories. Plus, walnuts are one of the best nut sources of omega‑3 ALA and polyphenols, supporting heart and brain health

Conclusion

I adore how this recipe transforms plain walnuts into a crunchy, aromatic snack in just minutes. It’s simple, flavorful, and adaptable—I can play with flavors or bake with the results. Whether I’m nibbling on them as is or using them to elevate my favorite baked goods, these air-fried walnuts are a delicious and nutritious go-to snack.