Toast Nuts, Seeds & Oatmeal in the Microwave (Fast & Easy!)
Sneak Preview: Skip the oven! Toast nuts, seeds, coconut, or oatmeal in the microwave in just 3 minutes. This oil-free method enhances flavor and crunch—perfect for baking, salads, or snacking.
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Ever skip the toasting step because it takes too long? I used to, too—until I discovered the microwave trick. In just 3 minutes or less (depending on the amount), you can toast nuts, seeds, coconut, or oatmeal without turning on the oven or the stove. Toasting boosts flavor, lends a crunchier texture, and doing it in the microwave makes it quick without adding extra oil.
How to Toast Nuts, Seeds & Oatmeal in the Microwave
Ingredients
- ½ cup (150 g) Nuts, seeds, shredded coconut, or old-fashioned oatmeal
Instructions
- Spread in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute, then stir.
- Continue in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until golden brown and fragrant.
- Let cool completely before using—they crisp up as they cool. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer.
Notes
Nutrition
All images and text ©️ Paula Rhodes for Salad in a Jar.com
FAQ: Toasting in the Microwave
How do I know when they’re done?
They’ll smell toasty, turn slightly darker, and feel crisp when cooled.
Can I toast more than 1 cup at a time?
Yes, but use a larger plate and stir more often for even toasting.
Do I need to add oil?
Nope! The microwave naturally toasts without added fat.
What if I burn them?
Start with shorter bursts (30 seconds) and stir frequently. Nuts burn fast!
Final Thoughts
This fast & foolproof microwave method will change how you toast nuts, seeds, and oatmeal. Try it today and enjoy better-tasting baked goods, salads, and snacks!
More Amazing Things You Can Do in a Microwave
Need help troubleshooting? Email me: Paula at saladinajar.com—photos welcome!
Using the microwave to toast nuts is a convenient time saver.
Hi Jill,
Hope you are doing well. Thank you for the confirmation on this post. Especially handy with all the holiday cooking a lot of us are doing.
Thanks for the good advice, Paula. That worked well for me. Though I will admit it took a whole lot longer when the almond slivers were frozen.
This makes life so much easier—and tastier! Thanks, Paula!
This makes life so much easier—and tastier! Thanks, Paula!
The almonds pictured are not slivered as stated; they are sliced which makes a difference in time cooked. I have a high-powered microwave, and it took 4 minutes for my slivered; might could even use a little more. But now I’ll know about the sliced and am tickled to know about the coconut, thanks for posting. 🙂
2 minutes total was too long for my almonds. I would suggest the first 1 minute then maybe 30 seconds the second time around. I had a LOT of burnt ones with the last 1 minute.
Hi Pat,
Directions for microwave cooking must always be taken as a suggestion with lots of observation the first time or two you make a recipe with microwave instructions. I have two microwave ovens myself. The differences between them are astronomical so I must adjust times accordingly on every recipe I make.
LOVE the salad in a jar idea…life can be so simple! Try soaking the almonds for a day or two (change the water morning and evening) salting/seasoning them and place in a dehydrator until desired crispness. Great snack for kids especially and they keep in a jar for ages!
Well, I am one of those that does toast the nuts but not anymore or at least not in the oven. Never thought about the microwave but I will definitely use now. Thanks, you are such a genius!!
You could make these anytime for me! Great travel snack!
Steve
I am sooo Guilty of skipping toasting! Thanks for this tip I will no longer skip toasting!
Wow – what a great idea (that I never knew existed)! I am one of those that sometimes skip the toasting step knowing good and well that the flavor will be much, much better! Now – an easy and quick method that is surely worth a try! Thanks for sharing!
Great idea and such a time saver…thanks!
Enjoy!
OM gosh ….I never knew that this could be done…where have I been? ….thanks so much for knowledge that will bring great flavor to my recipes.