Roasting macadamia nuts intensifies their delicious flavour and irresistible crunch. Whether you’re after a wholesome snack, something special for entertaining, or to add to your favourite meals, here’s how to roast macadamias perfectly every time.

First things first: start with raw kernels

Macadamias aren’t roasted in their shells in the same way chestnuts are. When roasting macadamias at home, it’s easiest to buy the raw kernels already cracked out of their shell. If you are lucky enough to have a macadamia tree at home you might want to invest in a good macadamia nutcracker to get the job done. Crack a generous batch and try one of the methods below.

Low and slow oven-roasted macadamias

The low and slow method of roasting macadamias means the macadamia kernel is roasted all the way through to the centre. It does take some time but the warmth and smell will fill your kitchen with joy.

This gentle method results in a roasted nut perfect for chopping and adding to dishes or making into creamy homemade macadamia butter.

To roast macadamias low and slow, preheat the oven to 120C. Spread the kernels in a single layer on a baking tray and roast in the oven for 120 minutes.

Tip: You’ll know they’re done when the colour reaches all the way to the centre. Let them cool to crisp up for that perfect crunch.

High and fast oven-roasted macadamias

The key to roasting macadamia nuts fast in the oven is to pay attention. Don’t look away. Don’t even blink. The nuts can go from not-quite-right to over-done in moments and for best results you need to give the process your full attention.

While you are waiting for your oven to heat to around 180C, place your nut kernels in a single layer on a baking tray. Give them a light spray with some macadamia or vegetable oil and then sprinkle a little salt on top.

Place your tray in the oven and roast for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden. Take the tray out part way through cooking and give it a shake to move the nuts around to ensure they cook evenly.

Tip: When they are done, remove from the oven and immediately transfer to a bowl. Toss immediately with your choice of spices – more sea salt, chilli flakes, smoked paprika or rosemary are great options.

Macadamias in the air fryer

Quick, easy, and perfect for a small batch, macadamia nuts in the air fryer may just change your life.

Simply preheat the air fryer to 165°C for a couple of minutes then add a single layer of macadamia pieces to the basket. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, shaking once halfway.

Once roasted, transfer to a tray or bowl and add sea salt and any other herbs or spices of your choice.

Check out these two air fryer macadamia recipes here and here for some extra tasty seasoning ideas.

Roasting macadamias on the BBQ

What could be more Australian than Australia’s native nut cooked on the barbeque? The process is simple and a great way to create a snack for those standing around the BBQ and chatting.

Prepare the kernels by tossing them together with your choice of flavourings (native flavours like lemon myrtle and wattleseed work particularly well using this method). Then, transfer the nuts to a 30cm piece of aluminium foil lined with baking paper and place on the barbeque away from direct flame for 10 minutes. Stir the nuts occasionally during that time. 

Pan-roasted macadamias

As with fast oven roasting macadamias, pan-roasting requires your full attention to make sure they don’t burn. 

Simply add the nuts to a frying pan and leave them to heat up, shaking the frying pan every two minutes or so to stop the nuts sticking and to make sure they roast evenly. 

After about 10 minutes, they should be nice and golden at which point you could add salt, pepper or chilli flakes to taste. 

You can also stir fry macadamias in a little macadamia oil. Use a high heat and keep the nuts moving around the frying pan or wok until they have coloured a little. Add your flavourings as a final step.

Tips for macadamia nut roasting success

• Macadamias crisp up as they cool, so don’t worry if they feel a bit soft straight from the heat.

• Always let them cool slightly before tasting – roasted macadamias can be very hot!

How do you roast your macadamias? Do you have a secret seasoning or family recipe? Join the conversation over on our Facebook page – we’d love to hear your tips!