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Lemon Pepper Almonds Recipe

Lemon Pepper Almonds

Bright, zesty, and just a little peppery, these Lemon Pepper Almonds are a quick roasted nut snack made with simple pantry ingredients, real lemon zest, and lemon pepper seasoning. Perfect for meal prep, road trips, parties, and gifting.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 170 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups raw whole almonds about 1 pound; unsalted and unroasted
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning good-quality; adjust if very salty
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest finely grated; from about 1 medium lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt reduce slightly if lemon pepper seasoning is very salty
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper optional, for extra heat and aroma
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional, for a spicier snack

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) until you have a loose, fragrant paste.
  • Add the raw almonds to the bowl and stir well with a spatula or wooden spoon, scraping the bottom of the bowl so every almond is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
  • Pour the seasoned almonds onto the prepared baking sheet and spread them into a single, even layer, avoiding piles so the nuts roast rather than steam.
  • Place the baking sheet on the center rack and roast for 14–18 minutes, stirring once around the 8-minute mark. The almonds are done when they smell toasty, look slightly darker, and you hear a faint crackle. They will crisp further as they cool.
  • Remove the pan from the oven and let the almonds sit for 3–4 minutes. Carefully taste one and adjust the seasoning if desired by sprinkling a little extra lemon pepper over the warm nuts and tossing on the tray.
  • Let the almonds cool completely on the baking sheet at room temperature, 20–30 minutes, until fully cooled and crisp. Break up any clusters with your fingers.
  • Transfer the lemon pepper almonds to a serving bowl, or store in an airtight container or jar. Serve as a snack on their own or on a board with cheese, olives, and fresh fruit.

Notes

Watch the last few minutes of roasting closely, as nuts can go from perfectly toasted to burnt quickly. Let the almonds cool fully on the pan so the coating can dry and set for maximum crunch. If your lemon pepper seasoning is very salty, reduce the amount used and add extra fresh lemon zest to keep the citrus flavor bright without over-salting. For extra lemon aroma, you can sprinkle a small pinch of fresh zest over the cooled almonds before serving. Store completely cooled almonds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, refrigerate for up to 1 month, or freeze for up to 3 months. To refresh softened almonds, re-warm at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes and cool again.

Nutrition

Calories: 170kcal
Keyword Gluten-Free, Healthy Snack, Lemon Pepper Almonds, Meal prep, Roasted Almonds, Savory Snack, Vegan
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