Love a snack that’s bold, crunchy, and bursting with citrusy goodness? These Lemon Almonds pack a zesty punch in every bite and I just know you’re going to love them!
We’re always on the hunt for some good snacks in this house. There’s just no denying—the boyfriend and I absolutely loooove snacking. I mean, who doesn’t?! The problem? We (along with the rest of the world, I’m sure) always tend to gravitate towards the snacks that are loaded with sugar, salt, or all the things that aren’t exactly doing our bodies any favours.
But here’s the thing—snacking doesn’t (always) have to be a guilty pleasure! Enter these lemon roasted almonds, the snack game-changer that will have you hooked after the first bite (trust me). They’ve got that perfect tangy lemon zing, that satisfying crunch, and just the right amount of seasoning—without any crap or ingredients you can’t pronounce (which we’re super big fans of over here on this blog!)
These lemon almonds were born because after trying my salt and vinegar almonds, a loyal subscriber on my youtube channel mentioned that he used to buy these amazing lemon-flavoured almonds but couldn’t find them in stores anymore. He asked if I could help recreate them and, being totally intrigued by the sounds of them, I (of course!) was all in!
So, I went to work experimenting with flavours and, let me tell you, these lemon roasted almonds turned out even better than I imagined. They’re exactly what I was hoping for—zesty, crunchy, and seriously addictive. This is the kind of snack that’s so simple to make, but once you start munching, it’s hard to stop (don’t say I didn’t warn ya!). Lemon-flavoured almonds have quickly become one of my go-to snacks, and I bet they’ll be one of yours too!
LEMON ALMONDS INGREDIENTS
These lemon almonds are the ultimate snack for citrus lovers! They’re roasted to perfection with fresh lemon juice, zest, and just the right amount of seasoning to bring out their bold, tangy flavour. Whether you’re craving something savory, slightly sweet, or a little of both, this recipe is easily customizable. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding to salads and charcuterie boards, these almonds are irresistibly crunchy and bursting with lemony goodness. Here’s what you’ll need to make them in a little bit more detail:
- Raw Almonds: Use natural, unsalted, and unroasted almonds so they can absorb all the lemon flavour before roasting.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: The key to bold citrus flavour, it soaks into the almonds and enhances their tanginess. Freshly squeezed lemon juice (that you squeeze yourself) works best in this recipe and will give you the best results.
- Lemon Zest: Packs an even stronger lemon punch since the oils in the zest carry intense citrus flavour.
- Olive Oil: Helps coat the almonds evenly and gives them a rich, slightly roasted taste. As always, good quality and extra virgin works best in this recipe. However, you can use a different oil (such as avocado or coconut) instead, if you prefer.
- Salt: Enhances the lemon and balances out the rest of the flavours.
- Honey: Optional but adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity and create a slightly caramelized coating. Skip for a purely savory version. If following a low carb or Keto diet, feel free to use a keto-friendly sweetener instead.
- Garlic Powder: Optional. However, if you want a savory twist, this adds depth and pairs surprisingly well with lemon.
HOW TO MAKE LEMON ALMONDS (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make these roasted lemon almonds in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest. Bottled lemon juice won’t give you the same bold citrus flavour. Freshly squeezed juice and zest will make all the difference. Trust me.
- Let the almonds soak briefly. After tossing them in the lemon mixture, let them sit for 5–10 minutes before roasting. This helps the flavours absorb better.
- Spread them out evenly. Make sure the almonds are in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting. Crowding them can lead to uneven texture. EXTRA TIP: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to help prevent sticking (and for easy clean up!)
- Stir and shake the pan halfway through roasting. This prevents burning and ensures they get evenly crisp and golden all the way around. EXTRA TIP: Keep an eye on the almonds during the last few minutes of baking. All ovens are different so cooking time may vary. They (and the lemon zest!) can go from good to burnt real quick!
- Adjust salt and lemon zest to taste. If you want a bigger lemon kick, use extra lemon zest and sprinkle some on after roasting while the almonds are still warm.
- Let the almonds cool completely after roasting. They will continue to crisp up as they cool, so don’t judge the texture straight out of the oven.
- Store in an airtight container. Keep them fresh and crunchy by storing them in a sealed container at room temperature for up to a week.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Lemon almonds are the ultimate crunchy, zesty snack for citrus lovers. They’re almonds coated in fresh lemon juice, a little zest, and just the right amount of seasoning before getting roasted to perfection. The result? A bold, tangy, and slightly salty treat that’s seriously addicting. Whether you munch on them straight from the jar, toss them in a salad, or add them to a snack board, they bring a bright, refreshing flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
Yes, roasted almonds are still healthy! Roasting doesn’t significantly impact the nutritional value of almonds, so they retain their heart-healthy fats, protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. The key is to roast them without too much oil or salt. While dry roasting or using minimal healthy fats (like olive oil) can keep them just as nutritious, over-roasting or adding excessive sugar and salt might reduce some of their health benefits. So, as long as you keep the seasoning light and avoid burning them, roasted almonds remain a great, wholesome snack.
After roasting these lemon almonds, it’s best to let them cool completely before storing them. Once they’re cool, transfer them to an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy. They’ll stay good at room temperature for up to a week, but if you want them to last longer, you can store them in the fridge. Just be sure to keep them in a sealed container to avoid moisture, which could make them lose their crispness. Proper storage ensures you’ll enjoy that bold, tangy crunch every time you grab a handful!
LOVE ROASTED ALMONDS? Try my recipe for cinnamon roasted almonds or salt and vinegar roasted almonds next!
MORE GREAT THINGS TO SNACK ON
EASY OVEN ROASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS
MILK CHOCOLATE COVERED PRETZELS
KETO FRIENDLY ALMOND FLOUR CRACKERS
LOVE THIS RECIPE? PIN IT FOR LATER!
LEMON ALMONDS
Ingredients
- 2 cups Raw Almonds
- 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1.5 tsp Lemon Zest (more for extra lemony kick!) plus more for after roasting
- 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1.5 tsp Salt adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp Honey or Keto-Friendly Sweetener optional, for a touch of sweetness
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder optional, for a savory note
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and honey (if using). Make sure it’s well combined and full of lemony aroma!
- Toss the raw almonds in the lemon mixture, making sure every almond is evenly coated with that bold lemon flavour.
- Spread the almonds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the almonds are golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Once they’re done baking, remove them from the oven. If you want even more lemon kick, sprinkle extra lemon zest over the almonds right after they come out of the oven. Let them cool completely. The lemon flavour will intensify as they cool, giving them that addicting tangy punch.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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