These Spicy Roasted Almonds are a real-time-saver, perfect for when you’re in a rush or have surprise guests. They’re quick to make, taking less than 25 minutes from start to finish, and you only need a few ingredients.
I love roasted nuts because they become extra flavorful and crunchy. If almonds aren’t your thing, you can switch them out for raw cashews, which have a more subtle taste that pairs well with spice.
I prefer roasting just one type of nut at a time because they roast at different speeds. These almonds have a nice spicy flavour, but you can adjust the amount of spice to your liking.
We enjoy snacking on these roasted almonds with drinks or adding them to salads for some extra texture. And if you’re like me and often crave a snack in the afternoon, these Spicy Roasted Almonds are perfect. They’re filling, nutritious, and keep me satisfied until dinner – no guilt attached!
Spiced Almonds Recipe
Equipment
- Baking sheets
- Oven
- Mixing bowls
- Spoons or Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 cups Whole almonds
- 1 tbso Olive oil
- 1 ½ tbsp Honey
- ¼ tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- ½ to 1 ¼ tsp Cayenne pepper start with a little and add more if you like it spicy
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set one sheet near the oven for later.
- Spread the almonds in the middle of the other baking sheet. Drizzle them with the olive oil and honey, then sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon of salt.
- Put the almonds in the oven and roast for 3 minutes. Take them out and stir well to coat all the almonds with the honey mixture. Spread them out again in an even layer.
- Put the almonds back in the oven and roast for another 10-13 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they turn golden brown.
- While the almonds are roasting, mix the sugar, cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt in a bowl. Stir well and set aside.
- When the almonds are done, take them out of the oven and transfer them to the clean baking sheet, leaving any extra honey and oil behind.
- Sprinkle the almonds right away with the sugar and cayenne mixture. Toss them with two spoons until they are well coated. Spread them out in a single layer to cool completely.
- Once they are cool, store the almonds in an airtight jar or container, leaving any extra sugar on the baking sheet.
Notes
- Make sure your almonds are fresh and of good quality for the best flavor.
- When mixing the almonds with the honey and oil, ensure they are evenly coated. This helps the seasoning stick better and gives a consistent flavor.
- Allow the almonds to cool completely before storing. This helps them stay crispy.
- Store the cooled almonds in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy for longer. They can last for up to two weeks.
- Feel free to experiment with other spices like cinnamon, paprika, or a bit of smoked salt for different flavor profiles.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 135 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Sodium | 184mg |
| Potassium | 132mg |
| Fibre | 2g |
| Sugar | 4g |
Can Spice Nuts Be Frozen?
Yep, you can freeze spiced nuts! Pop them in an airtight container and store them in a cool, dry spot for about three weeks. If it’s too warm or humid, they might get sticky and stick together. Freezing them is handy too, as they thaw out quickly, perfect for those last-minute get-togethers.
How Does Seasoning Stick to Almonds?
Making seasoning stick to almonds is easy. You can try using egg whites, butter, coconut oil, olive oil, or even blanching the nuts in boiling water. Some folks fry the nuts in oil first, but that adds extra fat. Don’t worry though, you can get yummy almonds without all those extra calories.
Why Are My Spiced Nuts Sticky?
If your spiced nuts are still sticky even after cooling down, it’s probably because the sugar mix didn’t get hot enough while cooking. No biggie! Just pop those nuts back into the skillet and cook ’em a bit longer. That should help the sugar mix caramelize properly, giving you nuts with a less sticky texture.