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Toasting pecans is a simple cooking technique that can be accomplished using two different methods. This easy tutorial will walk you through the steps for making toasted pecans using both the oven and stovetop methods.
Many recipes call for toasted pecans, and it’s a really simple process no matter which method you choose. It only takes a few minutes, and your recipes will have the best flavor if you toast the nuts first.
By toasting first, you can turn ordinary pecans into ones with an extra crunchy bite and nutty flavor that make the perfect addition to many sweet and savory dishes.
The best part is that this roasted pecan recipe only uses simple ingredients, well one simple ingredient – raw pecans. And by choosing the right method for your needs, you can make a small number of pecans or large batch for your favorite recipes.
Ingredients and Supplies
- 1-4 cups of raw pecans
- Large, rimmed baking sheet or skillet
- Parchment paper (for oven method)
- Spatula
- Storage container
By the Numbers: How to Toast Pecans in the Oven
Follow these simple step by step instructions to learn how to toast pecans using the oven method. Making toasted pecans in the oven is my preferred method when I need more than one cup.
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven temperature to 350˚ F.
Step 2: Place Pecans on Baking Sheet
Lay your pecans out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Toast Pecans in Oven
Once your oven is pre-heated, place the pan of pecans into the oven and bake pecan halves for 5-10 minutes or pecan pieces for 4-5 minutes (smaller pieces will cook more quickly than whole pecans).
Be sure to stir every couple of minutes so they toast evenly. When done, they will be golden brown and fragrant. Be sure to keep a close eye on them because all it takes is one minute too long for them to burn.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Allow your toasted pecans to cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container.
By the Numbers: How to Toast Pecans on the Stovetop
Follow these simple step by step instructions to learn how to toast pecans using the stovetop method. The stove top dry skillet method is the best way to toast pecans when you need no more than 1 cup.
Step 1: Preheat Skillet and Add Pecans
Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add up to 1 cup of pecans to the pan.
Step 2: Toast Pecans in Skillet
Toast the pecans, stirring frequently, until they darken slightly and become fragrant. This usually takes 2-5 minutes depending on the size of your pecans or pecan pieces.
Step 3: Cool and Serve
Allow your roasted pecans to cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container.
Tips for Making Toasted Pecans
Answers to all of your questions about toasting pecans on the stovetop or in the oven, including tips, variations and substitutions.
Variations
While I like the simplicity of toasting nuts using their natural oils, you can also coat them lightly with olive oil or a little butter before toasting for an extra crunchy texture.
And if you’re lightly oiling your pecans, you can also season them with a little sea salt for a simple snack or even a little cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
How to use toasted pecans
There are so many uses for toasted pecans, such as:
- Enjoy a handful for a simple snack
- Make a delicious gluten free pecan pie
- Add them to baked goods like Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies or Gluten Free Banana Muffins
- Use them to top an ice cream sundae along with Chocolate Sauce and Salted Caramel Sauce
- Add them to your Date Energy Balls
- Make your own granola or trail mix
Air fryer option
You can also use your air fryer for the oven method. Just follow the exact oven directions using your air fryer. Watch them closely as air fryers tend to cook hotter than ovens.
Storage tips
Be sure the nuts are cooled completely to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container for storage. Toasted pecans have a shorter shelf life than raw pecans, so for best results, store your toasted pecans in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
If they need to be stored for a longer period of time, you can freeze them in a freezer safe container like a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Toasted Pecans Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups raw pecans
Equipment
- Large rimmed baking sheet or skillet
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
- Storage container
Instructions
Oven Method
- Preheat the oven to 350˚ F.
- Place pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Transfer the pan into the oven and bake pecan halves for 5-10 minutes or pecan pieces for 4-5 minutes. Give them a good stir every couple of minutes so they toast evenly. Do not walk away while the nuts toast… it only takes an extra minute for them to burn. When they’re lightly browned and fragrant, they’re done..
- Allow your toasted pecans to cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container.
Stovetop Method
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add up to 1 cup of raw nuts to the pan.
- Toast the pecans, stirring frequently, until they darken slightly and become fragrant. This usually takes 2-5 minutes depending on the size of your pecans or pecan pieces.
- Allow your toasted pecans to cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container.
