Roasted Hazelnuts
Warm, deeply nutty hazelnuts with a golden-brown interior and a crackly, loosened skin that slips right off. Slow roasting coaxes out their natural oils and makes them unbelievably fragrant — perfect for snacking, chopping into cookies, or scattering over salads.
For 4 servings
- prep
Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet.
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
TIPAvoid going hotter — hazelnuts burn quickly at higher temperatures. - prep
Spread the hazelnuts in a single layer.
Arrange the raw hazelnuts on the baking sheet in one even layer. They should not overlap so they roast evenly.
- roast · ~11 min
Roast for 10 to 12 minutes.
Place the baking sheet in the center of the oven. Stir or shake the pan once halfway through. The hazelnuts are ready when they smell intensely nutty and the skins start to crack and darken slightly.
TIPWatch carefully after the 8-minute mark — they go from golden to burnt fast. - rest
Cool and rub off the skins.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. While the nuts are still warm, pile them onto a clean kitchen towel. Gather the towel into a bundle and rub the nuts together vigorously for 30 to 60 seconds to loosen the papery skins. Pick out the naked nuts and discard the skins.
TIPDon't wait for the nuts to cool completely — the skins slip off most easily while warm. - mix
Season while still warm.
Transfer the warm skinned hazelnuts to a bowl. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and toss to coat evenly.
TIPFor a sweet version, skip the salt and toss with a pinch of cinnamon and sugar while hot. - serve
Serve or store.
Let the hazelnuts cool completely before storing. Eat them as a snack, chop them for baking, or scatter over salads and oatmeal.
TIPStore fully cooled nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Roast hazelnuts on a rimmed sheet pan to catch any that roll off during stirring.
- 2Start checking at 8 minutes: hazelnuts go from perfectly roasted to burnt very quickly.
- 3Use a clean kitchen towel you don't mind staining; the rubbed-off skins can leave brown marks.
- 4For easier skin removal, rub the warm nuts in small batches of about 1 cup at a time.
- 5Cool roasted hazelnuts completely before storing to prevent condensation and loss of crunch.
- 6Freeze extra roasted hazelnuts in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy smoked
Toss the warm roasted hazelnuts with a pinch of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and flaky salt. The smoky heat pairs beautifully with the nutty sweetness.
maple cinnamonMaple cinnamon
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of maple syrup over the warm nuts, then toss with a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Roast 2-3 extra minutes after coating for a crisp glaze.
herb & garlicHerb & garlic
Mix the warm skinned hazelnuts with finely chopped rosemary, a tiny pinch of garlic powder, and sea salt. Excellent crushed over roasted vegetables.
chocolate espressoChocolate espresso
Toss the cooled nuts with 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder, and a pinch of sugar. A sophisticated sweet-savory snack.
low oilLow-oil
Use no oil at all—the hazelnuts' own high oil content is sufficient for roasting. This keeps them lighter and more crisp.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Hazelnuts are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help support healthy cholesterol levels when eaten in moderation.
Good Source of Vitamin E
Hazelnuts provide a significant amount of vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress.
Mineral-Rich
These nuts are a natural source of magnesium, copper, and manganese — minerals important for bone health, energy production, and immune function.
High in Dietary Fiber
With roughly 3 grams of fiber per ounce, hazelnuts contribute to digestive health and help promote a feeling of fullness.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. The skins still rub off easily while warm.
