Name: How to Toast Nuts, Seeds & Oatmeal in the Microwave
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 4 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Nuts, seeds, shredded coconut, or old-fashioned oatmeal

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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.

raw and microwave-toasted almonds on the right — Almonds

raw pecans on the left, toasted pecans on the right. — Almonds

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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.

Why Toast Nuts & More?

Toasting deepens flavor, adds crunch, and enhances aroma—without oil or extra steps. Instead of waiting on the oven, use the microwave for:

Pecans, walnuts, almonds, cashews
Sunflower & pumpkin seeds
Shredded or flaked coconut
Old-fashioned oatmeal

Benefits:

✔ Boosts flavor in baked goods & snacks
✔ Crunchier texture for salads & toppings
✔ Quick & oil-free—ready in 2-3 minutes

Shared & Loved

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.–JACQUELINE

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!

Need help troubleshooting? Email me: Paula at saladinajar.com—photos welcome!

More Amazing Things You Can Do in a Microwave

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15 Comments

Using the microwave to toast nuts is a convenient time saver.

Paula says:

at

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.

Reply

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!

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.

Paula says:

at

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.

Reply

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.

Paula Rhodes, owner

As a retired home economist, I created Saladinajar.com to share my belief that you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating homemade food worth sharing. Bread machines (used in an unconventional way), homemade yogurt, and quick microwave recipes are my specialty.