How to Toast Pine Nuts

Pine nuts are a key ingredient in classic basil pesto as well as a nutty addition to salads or topping for main dishes like salmon. You’ve probably noticed, though, that most recipes call for pine nuts to be toasted before adding them to the dish, which may leave you asking, what’s the best way to toast pine nuts? Here, we break down a few different methods, so you’ll always have a way to get your nuts toasted quickly and easily without fear of burning those pricey little seeds. 

Pine nuts are not actually nuts at all, but the seeds of evergreen pine trees. The seeds grow under the scales of pine cones and take about three years to reach maturity. The cones are harvested, dried, and then the nuts are removed. The long grow time and difficulty in harvesting and refining the seeds contribute to the high retail price of pine nuts. 

Pine nuts have a mild, buttery, nutty flavor that is enhanced via light toasting — which is why so many recipes call for them to be toasted. Pine nuts are high in oil, which can lead them to scorch easily when toasting, so keep a close eye on them. 

1. Add pine nuts to a small skillet. 
2. Toast the pine nuts over medium-low heat, using a wooden spoon or heat-proof silicone spatula to stir often until lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Immediately transfer the toasted pine nuts to a plate to prevent further cooking (and possible scorching) in the residual heat of the skillet.

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F and set the rack to the middle position.
2. Spread pine nuts in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
3. Toast in the oven for 6 to 8 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant, stirring often. Don’t be tempted to leave the oven unattended, as the pine nuts can go from raw to golden-brown to scorched very quickly.
4. Immediately transfer the toasted pine nuts to a plate to prevent further cooking (and possible scorching) in the residual heat of the baking sheet.

• In the microwave. While it is possible to toast pine nuts successfully in the microwave, we do not recommend it, as the risk of burning is quite high, and you won’t save yourself more than a few minutes using this method. 
• In the air fryer. Same here, unfortunately. While you can toast pine nuts in the air fryer, you run the risk of them burning, as it’s often difficult or impossible to monitor the nuts as they’re toasting when the appliance is running. 

Toasted pine nuts are best used right away, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent spoilage.