Slow Cooker Spicy Cashews

Ligia Lugo

Ligia Lugo

Published:

October 19, 2022

Last Modified:

May 9, 2024

These Spiced Cashews have raw cashews tossed in olive oil, ground cumin, garlic, paprika, cayenne powder, and sea salt and cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.

Overhead photo of  spice covered cashews verflowing from a bowl on to a chocolate covered woven mat.

Do you love your slow cooker as much as I do? It’s the best time-saving appliance ever! They’re like little kitchen appliance miracles, but people only seem to use them for soups and stews. I’ve recently been using mine to make snacks because football season is finally here! Who would have thought that a slow cooker could be so versatile? 

Have you ever made something and thought, “this is so easy; why didn’t I think of this sooner” Well, that’s how I feel about these spicy roasted cashews. They’re the perfect healthy snack, and they’re effortless to make. You just need a few simple ingredients, and your slow cooker does all the work! So if you’re looking for an easy recipe, you can make any time, give these spicy roasted cashews a try.

Slow Cooker Spiced Cashews are overflowing a chocolate brown bowl onto a wood beaded mat. Included in 17 Amazing Vegan Appetizers.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cashew Recipe

Make-Ahead- Spicy cashews are the perfect recipe to make ahead of time. You can make a big batch and store it in the fridge for snacking all week long or serve them in a decorative bowl for fall gatherings.

Perfect Snack- Cashews are the perfect snack for satisfying your hunger without making you miserable. They’re packed with healthy fats and protein to keep you full and satisfied.

Great As Gifts- Looking for a thoughtful, unique, and tasty gift? Look no further than these spicy cashews! They are great for any occasion. Store them in a tin or jar with a lid and wrap them up with a pretty bow, and you’re all set.

Very close overhead photo of whole cashews and beautiful spices clinging and asking for a bite.

Equipment Needed To Make Vegan Spiced Cashews

  • Slow Cooker
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Spoon for Stirring
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients For Slow-Cooker Spiced Cashews

  • Cashews – are what it’s all about.
  • Extra virgin olive oil – a little bit helps coat the cashews for the spices to stick.
  • Ground cumin – is an amazing spice that adds a lot of flavors and a bit of heat.
  • Powdered garlic – always adds one of the most important seasonings tastes.
  • Cayenne pepper – is a favorite in my house and has a bit of a flavor kick.
  • Smoked paprika – also adds a lot of flavor and by now you can imagine how wonderful these seasonings are with cashews.
  • Salt – always comes in a small amount but it really is important.

How To Make Spicy Cashews In The Slow Cooker

These spiced cashews are a great snack and easy to prepare in your slow cooker. Start by adding all the cashews into the pot. Make sure they’re coated with oil, then give them a good stir. In a small bowl, combine your spices of choice before adding them to the mix in the slow cooker. Give it one final stir, put on the lid, and let cook for about an hour. Take off the top after this time has elapsed, letting the cashews cook exposed for another 15 minutes before removing from heat to cool and serve as desired.

What to Serve/Pair With Slow Cooker Spiced Cashews

These spiced cashews are delicious on their own but also pair well with a variety of other snacks and dishes. Try serving them with:

  • Crackers
  • Veggies
  • Fruit
  • Pita chips
  • Hummus
  • Tzatziki sauce
  • Or enjoy them as a topping on salads, soups, or grain bowls

Popular Substitutions & Additions

There are endless ways to customize this recipe to your liking. Get creative and try adding in different spices or herbs, such as:

  • Thyme
  • Oregano
  • Rosemary
  • Basil
  • Black pepper
  • Nutmeg
  • Cinnamon
  • Cloves

The possibilities are endless! You can also try using different types of nuts.

The Best Slow Cooker Spiced Cashews are golden and tilted forward in a chocolate colored bowl and is sitting on a dark brown beaded mat.

How To Reheat & Store Spiced Cashews

What Is The Best Way To Store Slow Cooker Spiced Cashews?

Once your spiced cashews have cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the pantry or in the refrigerator.

How Long Will Spiced Cashews Last In The Fridge?

Properly stored, spiced cashews will last for 2 weeks in the pantry or up to a month in the fridge.

Can I Freeze Vegan Spicy Cashews? 

Yes, you can freeze spiced cashews! Simply place them in a freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before eating.

How To Reheat Slow Cooker Spiced Cashews?

Spicy cashews are best served at room temperature but can also be reheated if desired. Place them in the microwave and heat them for 30-60 seconds, or until warm. Alternatively, you can reheat them on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

Slow Cooker Spiced Cashews FAQs

Do I have to use a slow cooker to make spiced cashews?

No, you don’t have to use a slow cooker to make spiced cashews. You can also make them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant.

Do I have to use oil?

No, you don’t have to use oil, but it helps to coat the nuts and allows the spices to stick. If you want to cut back on fat, try using water or vegetable broth instead.

A gorgeous closeup photo of whole cashews with dark rich spices baked in and clinging to the sides.

The Best Slow Cooker Spicy Cashews

Ligia Lugo
4.7500 from 8 votes
Cashews are tossed in olive oil and various savory spices, then cooked in a slow cooker. They are healthy, crunchy, delicious, and don’t require much prep work.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 12 Servings

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Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cashews
  • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon powdered garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Put the cashews in the crockpot.
  • Add the oil and stir so that there is a little bit of oil on all the cashews. It will be enough.
  • Mix the spices together in a small bowl and then add to the crockpot and stir.
  • Cook on low 1 hour. Uncover and then cook 15 more minutes.

Nutrition

Serving:2Ounces, Calories:102kcal, Carbohydrates:9g, Protein:5g, Fat:13g, Saturated Fat:2g, Sodium:101mg, Potassium:212mg, Fiber:1g, Sugar:1g, Vitamin A:75IU, Vitamin C:0.2mg, Calcium:12mg, Iron:2.2mg

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82 responses to “Slow Cooker Spicy Cashews”

4.75 from 8 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




  1. Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes Avatar

    I love that you made these in the slow cooker! Brilliant! Have a great weekend!

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      Thank you Ashley! You have a great time too!

  2. The Food Hunter Avatar

    I never thought to do them in a slow cooker…what a great idea

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      Thanks The Food Hunter!

  3. Elizabeth@ Food Ramblings Avatar

    Slow cooker cashew– omg! Bookmarking and definitely making!

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      That is great Elizabeth!

  4. Amanda ( The Kitcheneer) Avatar

    I am a big snacker and these look right up my alley! I love savory vs sweet! Yum!

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      Me too Amanda! You will love them. 🙂

  5. Lana @ Never Enough Thyme Avatar

    I absolutely adore cashews. This recipe has my mouth watering!

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      I love cashews too Lana! They are so good. 🙂

  6. Kelsea Britt Avatar
    Kelsea Britt

    Could you make these sweet by using cinnamon and sugar?

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      You can but it would be a different recipe and I am not sure of the measurements yet. I have actually tried two different mixes and it isn’t right yet. I am working on it and if you get it before I have it posted – let me know. 🙂

  7. claire @ the realistic nutritionist Avatar

    OMG YOU MADE THESE IN A SLOW COOKE?! Love this!

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      Haha! Thanks Claire!

  8. Samantha Avatar

    my mind is blown. slow cooker spiced cashews. whhhhat!!!!! I’d totally face plant into these.

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      Ha Samantha! Hope you can make them.

  9. Nutmeg Nanny Avatar

    I totally did not know that you could make nuts in the slow cooker! BTW I shared you blog with my little brother who is vegan and he LOVES it 🙂

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      Yes, Nutmeg Nanny. It is so easy! Thank you so much for sharing my blog with your brother. I appreciate it very much and I think he will be happy with all the recipes. 🙂

  10. Sara Kashlan Avatar

    Love cashews! This is such a great idea!

  11. Rachel Avatar
    Rachel

    Did you use raw cashews in this?

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      I have actually used both. They both came out perfect so it is your choice!

      1. Susan Barwis Avatar
        Susan Barwis

        I made these this afternoon using raw cashews. I was expecting more of a roasted cashew flavor which I did not get. I would try this again as I like the spice blend but I would do them in the oven as I do almonds and walnuts. Thanks for the idea. Have you tried cooking the raw nuts longer in the slow cooker and gotten a more roasted nut?

        1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

          No, I have not left them in longer. The crockpot would not roast them but you could start with roasted cashews. Yes, you could do them in the oven.

  12. Jeanine Avatar
    Jeanine

    I was also wondering if these were raw cashews!

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      I did not use raw for this actual photo shoot but I have made this recipe using both. They turn out great either way.

  13. Diane Ashton Avatar

    I made these nuts and they are great! I will make these as gifts! Thanks!

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      Yay Diane!!! Thanks for letting me know. I think they are so good and it is wonderful when other people say so too – it is like a – See? Try it! 🙂

  14. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    I made these today and used a cup each of raw pecans, raw walnuts, and raw cashews! These turned out awesome!

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      That sounds so good Jennifer! Love the mixed nuts!!!

    2. Cat Avatar
      Cat

      Oh – mixed nuts! That’s a good idea, too! I recently saw a bag of mixed nuts in my freezer that I can use for my Christmas goodies I will give away. Save the cashews for us. 😉

      1. Cat Avatar
        Cat

        Oooo… actually, I just noticed that the seasoning for the nuts is somewhat similar to a blend that I have on hand. Makes this even simpler for me now. 🙂 Love that this can pretty much be tossed into the slow cooker and, voila – done! Thanks for this great idea that will jazz up my goodie trays!

  15. April Avatar
    April

    Is there a way to keep the nuts crunchy?

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      Have you made them yet? I had no trouble keeping them crunchy.

  16. Bionda Avatar
    Bionda

    I wish I never found this recipe because I CANNOT STOP EATING THESE! Blown away by the addictive flavor and ease of this recipe.

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      Aren’t they good Bionda!

  17.  Avatar
    Anonymous

    Nice

  18. Liz Avatar

    Cashews are my favorite nut! I could eat a bucket of these 🙂

  19. Mom4good Avatar
    Mom4good

    I can’t wait to make these! My boyfriend LOVES cashews and I plan on surprising him and giving him these as a holiday gift!

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      Fantastic Mom4good! He will love them!

  20. Cat Avatar
    Cat

    You know what? You have so many good ideas, I’m going to have to get more slow cookers to have everything going at once!;-)

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar
  21. sharon Avatar
    sharon

    I have no coconut oil!!!!!!!! What can I use instead?

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      Absolutely any cooking oil you like. 🙂

  22. Melissa Avatar
    Melissa

    What would be the best way to make them less spicy, while still being delicious?

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      I would knock the cayenne pepper and smokey paprika down to 1/4 teaspoon each. That should do it. If that is still too strong for you then go to 1/4 teaspoon of the ground cumin.

  23. Lauren Avatar
    Lauren

    Oh man, my mom LOVES cashews! I’m going to have to try this out for her 🙂 Do they HAVE to be kept in the refrigerator after making? Or can they be kept in a bag/mason jar at room temperature?
    Thanks for the rad recipe! 😀

  24. kate Avatar
    kate

    so easy and an excellent use of my slow cooker, i had no idea that you could roast nuts in a slow cooker! these are fantastic!! i can’t wait to try different spices. yummy!

  25. Dorothy Avatar
    Dorothy

    do you start with rew cashews?

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      I started with raw cashews but I did not specify the because I have also done them with roasted. Both are delicious! You decide but raw are wonderful and addictive. 🙂

  26. Cecilie @A Story of Freedom Avatar
    Cecilie @A Story of Freedom

    These cashews look so yummy. I have never tried to make flavored cashews myself, but I might just very well try that now!

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      You really need to make them Cecllie! They will be your favorite 🙂

  27. Christine Avatar

    These look delicious! I have pinned to several boards and look forward to trying soon. 🙂

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      Fantastic and thanks so much Christine!!!

  28. Maureen Avatar
    Maureen

    Could I use Olive oil ? Im still looking for a good coconut oil here in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, and Id probably prefer “refined” as Im not crazy for the taste of coconut.

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      Yes, you sure can Maureen!

      1. Maureen Avatar
        Maureen

        ok great, thanks so much! and keep up the great recipes….lovin em!!!! :-))

  29. Betty Avatar
    Betty

    Did you start with raw cashews?

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      For these photos I used roasted cashews but I have used both. The recipe is delicious either way but they will be less salty with the raw. Works great though.

  30. Becky Striepe Avatar

    Ginny, these look super fabulous! I would never have thought to make cashews in the slow cooker, but now I have to try it!

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      Thanks Becky! It is simple and you will love them 🙂

  31. Brynna Avatar
    Brynna

    Any idea of what is considered a serving size and the nutritional content of that?! I can eat all 3 cups in a sitting!!!

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      Hahaha! A serving size is considered about 16 to 18 cashews. I could eat them all too 🙂

  32. Brian Jones Avatar

    5 stars
    They look wonderful, I’d never think to do nuts in the slow cooker but it makes perfect sense… Yummy!

  33. Amanda | Chew Town Avatar

    I love serving spiced nuts when people come over. I’ve not tried to make them in a slow cooker but I love the sound of it!

  34. Luci Avatar

    Yummy, I’ll have to give this recipe a try. I love using my slow cooker.

  35. Claire Jessiman Avatar

    5 stars
    I too am inspired to make these, they look so tasty. What a great use of a slow cooker, rather than the usual soup/stew etc.

  36. Pete Avatar
    Pete

    Raw cashews to start?

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      Raw or Roasted would both work Pete. Definitely more salty if using roasted but still very delicious. I used roasted when I made this recipe the first time because that’s what I had.

  37. Jennifer Stevenson Avatar
    Jennifer Stevenson

    Can you mix in other nuts? I’d love a cashew, pecan and peanut mix with these spices!

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      Yes Jennifer! It would work great!

  38. Margaret Markovic Avatar
    Margaret Markovic

    5 stars
    Made a batch tonight. It was so easy & they taste great. Great snack to take to family as part of Xmas festivities.

  39. Sage Avatar
    Sage

    How long do you think these would last outside of the fridge/freezer? Like if I were to make them before I left for a trip and then took them with me.

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      I think a week for sure Sage. Keep in an airtight container and keep out of the sun and in as cool as a place as possible.

      1. Sage Avatar
        Sage

        Awesome! Thank you so much, I look forward to trying this!

  40. Rhonda Avatar
    Rhonda

    Are you using raw cashews?

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      I didn’t for this round but you can use either Rhonda.

  41. Deb Avatar
    Deb

    5 stars
    Can these be done in the pressure cooker?

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      If you mean in a multi-function pressure cooker using the slow cooker mode then yes Deb. If you mean as a straight pressure cooker then I don’t think so. I know you can do candied nuts (with sugar) in an instant pot but not sure how it would work with just spices.

  42. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    Love the recipe! Can’t wait to try it!

    Do you use salted or unsalted cashews in the recipe?

    Thanks!

  43. Maritza Batista Avatar
    Maritza Batista

    Love this recipe! Have made it soooo many times for myself and also have given it away.
    So easy and tasty!

Ligia Lugo

Ligia Lugo

Hi, my name is Ligia Lugo. I am the recipe developer, photographer and blogger behind Vegan in the Freezer. The recipes feature healthy and delicious food that you can enjoy now or freeze for future meals.

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