How To Cook Raw Almonds In Air Fryer

You can cook raw almonds in an air fryer by roasting them at 300°F for about 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
 
Raw almonds are one of the easiest and most rewarding things to cook in an air fryer, and once you try it, you’ll never look at store-bought roasted almonds the same way again.
 
They come out crunchy, warm, and full of that rich, nutty flavor that only fresh roasting can bring out.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to cook raw almonds in an air fryer, from prep to storage, so you get perfect results every single time.
 
Let’s get to it.

How to Cook Raw Almonds in an Air Fryer

Cooking raw almonds in an air fryer is simple, and here’s exactly how to do it:

1. Prep Your Raw Almonds

Start with plain, raw almonds, whether you buy them in bulk or in a bag from the grocery store.
 
Give them a quick rinse under cold water and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel.
 
If the almonds are still wet, they’ll steam instead of roast in the air fryer, which means you won’t get that crunchy texture you’re after.
 
You can also toss the raw almonds in a light drizzle of oil, about a teaspoon per cup, along with a pinch of salt if you want them seasoned.
 
This step is optional, but it helps the salt stick and gives the almonds a nicer golden finish when you cook raw almonds in the air fryer.

2. Preheat and Arrange in a Single Layer

Preheat your air fryer to 300°F for about 3 minutes.
 
Once it’s hot, spread the raw almonds in a single, even layer in the basket.
 
Don’t crowd them, because raw almonds need airflow to cook evenly in the air fryer.
 
If you’re cooking a big batch, work in batches instead of piling them up.
 
Overcrowding is one of the biggest reasons almonds come out unevenly roasted, with some burnt and others still raw.

3. Cook and Shake Halfway Through

Cook the raw almonds at 300°F for about 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
 
When you cook raw almonds in an air fryer, keep the temperature moderate, since almonds burn quickly at high heat.
 
You’ll know they’re ready when they smell nutty and the skins look lightly toasted.
 
Keep in mind that almonds will continue to crisp up as they cool, so pull them out when they’re a shade lighter than you’d like.

4. Cool Before Eating or Storing

Spread the cooked almonds on a baking sheet or plate in a single layer to cool.
 
This lets them release steam and finish crisping up completely.
 
Once fully cooled, taste one to check the crunch, and pop them back in the air fryer for another minute or two if they need more time.
 
Cooling is a small step, but it makes a big difference when you cook raw almonds for snacking.

Tips for Cooking Raw Almonds in an Air Fryer

Want the best results every time you cook raw almonds in an air fryer?
 
Here are a few tips worth keeping in mind:

1. Lower Heat Cooks Them More Evenly

Sticking to 300°F gives you the most even results when you cook raw almonds in an air fryer.
 
Higher temperatures can scorch the outside before the inside is properly roasted.
 
Slow and steady really is the way to go with raw almonds in the air fryer.

2. Watch Them Closely Toward the End

Air fryers vary in how they cook, so the timing can shift from one model to another.
 
Check the raw almonds a minute or two before the timer goes off, and don’t walk away during that final stretch.
 
A 30-second difference can mean the gap between perfectly roasted and slightly burnt almonds.

3. Store Them the Right Way

Once your cooked almonds have cooled completely, store them in an airtight jar or container.
 
They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about two weeks, or in the fridge for up to two months.
 
Proper storage keeps the almonds crunchy and prevents them from going stale after you cook raw almonds in the air fryer.

So, Can You Cook Raw Almonds in an Air Fryer?

You can absolutely cook raw almonds in an air fryer, and it’s one of the simplest snacks you can make at home.
 
At 300°F for 10 to 12 minutes with a good shake halfway through, raw almonds turn out perfectly toasted every time.
 
Just keep them in a single layer, let them cool fully, and store them in an airtight container.
 
I hope this guide helps you cook raw almonds in an air fryer with confidence, because once you nail the timing, you’ll never buy roasted almonds again.