20-Minute Spicy Roasted Almonds
Crispy, spicy, and irresistibly moreish, these roasted almonds are a quick, healthy snack you can whip up in under half an hour. Made with just a handful of ingredients, they’re perfect for entertaining, meal prepping, or keeping on hand for energy boosts throughout the day.
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet with Rim
- 1 Sheet of Parchment Paper
- 1 Medium Mixing Bowl
- 1 Silicone Spatula
- 1 Set of measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Tray: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Preheating is crucial—it ensures the almonds roast evenly and develop that deep, nutty flavor without drying out. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking, makes cleanup effortless, and helps distribute heat more evenly. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the tray with a small amount of oil.
- Select and Inspect the Almonds: Place your raw almonds in a clean bowl and take a moment to check them for quality. Discard any broken, shriveled, or rancid almonds, as they can affect both flavor and texture. Fresh, whole almonds roast better, maintain their crunch, and deliver the best nutritional value.
- Season the Almonds Generously: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the almonds, coating them lightly but thoroughly—too much oil can make them greasy, while too little may cause uneven seasoning. Sprinkle sea salt flakes for crunch and natural mineral flavor, then add cayenne pepper for heat. Adjust the cayenne amount to your spice preference—remember, fresher cayenne will have a stronger kick. Using a silicone spatula or your clean hands, mix until every almond is evenly coated with the spice and oil mixture.
- Arrange for Optimal Roasting: Transfer the seasoned almonds to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out in a single, even layer. Avoid overcrowding—air circulation is key to ensuring each almond roasts to perfection without steaming. Gaps between almonds allow the hot air to surround them for even browning.
- Roast to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the center of the preheated oven and roast for 15 minutes. About halfway through (around the 7-minute mark), carefully remove the tray and turn the almonds using your spatula to ensure even cooking on all sides. This step prevents burning on one side and gives every almond a balanced crunch and color.
- Cool for Maximum Crispiness: Once roasted, remove the tray from the oven. The almonds will be very hot and slightly soft at this stage—they will crisp up as they cool. Allow them to rest completely at room temperature before storing. If you prefer to enjoy them warm, wait a few minutes until they’re comfortable to handle, but keep in mind they won’t have their full crunch until cooled.
- Store or Serve: If storing, place the cooled almonds into an airtight container to maintain freshness and crisp texture. They’ll keep well for up to two weeks at room temperature, though they’re often gone within days. Serve as a snack, appetizer, or party nibble, or package them in small jars for thoughtful, homemade gifts.
Notes
- Freshness is Key: Always choose fresh, raw almonds for the best flavor and texture. Stale or rancid almonds will taste bitter and unpleasant.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: The heat from cayenne pepper can vary greatly depending on its freshness and brand. Taste test your spice before adding, and adjust the quantity to suit your tolerance.
- Oil Alternatives: While extra virgin olive oil offers a rich, fruity flavor, neutral oils like grapeseed or avocado oil work beautifully if you prefer a lighter taste.
- Even Roasting: Spreading almonds in a single layer ensures consistent roasting without burning. Avoid stacking or crowding the tray.
- Cooling for Crunch: Almonds firm up as they cool. Let them rest completely before storing for maximum crispiness.