How Long Does It Take to Roast Hazelnuts and Walnuts in the Oven?

Roast nuts such as hazelnuts and walnuts in an oven preheated to 160–170°C / 320–340°F for about 8–10 minutes. Almonds have a denser texture, so they may take 10–12 minutes. Stir the nuts once halfway through roasting to help them color evenly. Properly roasted nuts should be slightly golden inside when broken open and should not smell burnt.

Why Choose Oven Roasting Over Pan Roasting?
In the oven, heat surrounds the nuts more evenly, so the color difference between the center and the edges is much smaller than with pan roasting. Pan roasting is usually quicker, taking about 5–7 minutes, but requires constant stirring; otherwise, the bottom surface can burn quickly. The oven can roast a larger quantity of nuts evenly at the same time.

How to Remove Hazelnut Skins Easily After Roasting
Take the roasted hazelnuts out of the oven while hot, wrap them in a clean towel, and rub them for a few minutes to remove most of the thin brown skins. This works much better before the nuts cool; once cool, the skins stay firmly attached and are harder to remove by hand. Roasting does not affect the skins of walnuts and almonds in the same way, so this step is only for hazelnuts.

Why Does Roasting Time Vary by Type of Nut?
Walnuts have a high oil content and are considered roasted in 8–9 minutes because they absorb heat a little faster than hazelnuts. Almonds have a firmer, denser texture and need 10–12 minutes for the same result. Without taking this difference into account, walnuts in a mixed batch may over-roast while almonds remain under-roasted. When roasting a mix, add the walnuts a few minutes after the almonds and hazelnuts so everything is ready at the same time.

How Can You Tell If Nuts Are Over-Roasted?
If roasting goes 1–2 minutes too long, the inside turns dark brown and the flavor becomes noticeably bitter; the taste cannot be restored after that. A faint smoky smell from the oven means the roasting is reaching its limit. Nuts continue to roast for a few minutes from residual heat after coming out of the oven, so it is safer to remove them slightly before they reach the desired color.

Do Pistachios and Cashews Need Different Roasting Times?
Pistachio kernels are smaller and lower in oil than hazelnuts and walnuts, so they are considered roasted in 6–7 minutes. If roasted longer, their small size means they can burn quickly. Cashews have a softer texture and roast in 7–8 minutes; they firm up noticeably as soon as they come out of the oven. If roasting small nuts with larger ones on the same tray, place the smaller nuts closer to the edge and check them frequently halfway through to prevent burning.

Why Should Roasted Nuts Cool Before You Put Them in a Jar?
If hot nuts are put in a jar, steam can collect and condense inside, creating moisture that can make them soften and mold quickly. Spread them in a single layer on a wide tray and let them cool at room temperature for at least 20–30 minutes. Once completely cool, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to help them stay crisp for weeks.