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.

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:

  1. Pecans, walnuts, almonds, cashews
  2. Sunflower & pumpkin seeds
  3. Shredded or flaked coconut
  4. Old-fashioned oatmeal

Benefits:

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

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


How to Use a Microwave to Toast Nuts or CoconutPin
Yield: 8

How to Toast Nuts, Seeds & Oatmeal in the Microwave

These are instructions for quickly toasting pecans, almonds, seeds, oatmeal, or coconut in a microwave to be used in baking or salads.
5 from 9 votes
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Prep time: 1 minute
Cook time: 3 minutes
Total time: 4 minutes

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

Pro Tip: Toasted nuts smell rich and nutty when done. Watch closely—they burn fast!
The calorie count will vary depending on which ingredient you choose.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Potassium: 76mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg

All images and text ©️ Paula Rhodes for Salad in a Jar.com

5-Star Ratings Are My Favorite!Help others find this recipe in search results on the web.

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!


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4.67 from 9 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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15 Comments

  1. Jill Uher says:

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

    1. 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.

  2. Bonnie Smith says:

    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.

  3. 5 stars
    This makes life so much easier—and tastier! Thanks, Paula!

  4. 5 stars
    This makes life so much easier—and tastier! Thanks, Paula!

  5. 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. 🙂

  6. 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.

    1. 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.

  7. 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!

  8. 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!!

  9. You could make these anytime for me! Great travel snack!

    Steve

  10. I am sooo Guilty of skipping toasting! Thanks for this tip I will no longer skip toasting!

  11. 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!

  12. Great idea and such a time saver…thanks!

    Enjoy!

  13. Jacqueline Strawder says:

    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.