How to Toast Coconut 🥥

Toasting coconut flakes is a piece of cake and the taste is just amazing. You can toss them into a variety of recipes, and the best part is, it only takes 10 minutes. No need to wait – just scroll down and snag that recipe right away!

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I love coconut and it’s so good toasted.  I was talking to a friend the other day and she hadn’t even thought of toasting it.  She had no idea how to do it.  I told her and she said it would be a perfect post for the blog so here I am.  

It’s simple to add to cookies, oatmeal, trail mix, yogurt parfaits and protein balls. It adds a great nutty flavor. It’s the easiest thing to do to add a great new flavor to your recipes. Coconut cake is always a favorite. Scroll down to get the instructions on the simple process on how to toast coconut.

How to Toast Coconut Flakes

There are several different ways to cook coconut flakes and they are all easy methods, but I find the easiest way is using the stovetop method. It’s a great way that doesn’t take much time, 5-10 minutes.

 I love it in my morning oatmeal, on top of cakes and pies, and even in dinner dishes.

 I just buy shredded coconut from the baking section in the grocery store.  You can purchase it sweetened and unsweetened.  It’s your choice and you can buy whichever you prefer, but I normally buy the sweetened coconut flakes.

There are different ways to toast coconut flakes, but my favorite way is on the stove top. You can bake it in the oven on a large baking sheet, but I’m always afraid it will burn so I like doing it on the stove so I can keep a close watch on it. It actually takes less time to cook coconut on the stove than the other methods and clean up is a breeze.

Kitchen Tools to Make Toasted Coconut

Wooden spoons– I use wooden spoons all the time and have a drawer full. You can never have too many.

Stainless Steel pan– All my pots and pans are from a Canadian brand called Paderno. I love them and they have held up well over the years. You can buy them off Amazon, but I purchased them straight from their website.

Glass Jars– I have these glass jars with attached lids and store my brown sugar and craisins in them, along with my toasted coconut flakes. They work great and look good sitting on your counter and pantry too.

How do I toast coconut?

Step 1

Spread coconut out in a thin layer in a large skillet and cook on low heat. Set heat to medium heat. I set my stove on 4 out of 10.   Update: Do not spray the pan with a nonstick spray, make sure it’s a dry skillet. Just add the coconut directly to your pan in a single layer.

Step 2

For best results, you need to just stir, continuously. Do not let it sit!  It will start to burn very quickly.  You need to keep stirring.

It starts by letting off a stronger smell and will gradually start to turn brown.  You’ll also start to hear the coconut getting crunchier as you stir.  

Step 3

Cook time for the coconut will take about 8-10 minutes and will become golden brown.

I was nervous to take this picture because I didn’t want it to burn!! You have to keep a close eye on it.

Step 4

It’s a good idea to let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container. You’ll notice that you can add it to a lot of things you are already eating. Enjoy!

How to toast coconut in the air fryer

I recently tried toasting my coconut using a different method, in the air fryer, so I thought I would update this post for my readers.

Step 1

Preheat your air fryer to a low temperature, around 325F.

Step 2

Add an even layer of coconut to the bottom of the air fryer and cook for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket ever couple of minutes. Make sure to stay close so the coconut flakes don’t burn.

Both of the ways are simple methods but both have a great end result.

Favorite recipes that have toasted coconut

Here are a couple of recipes that I have on my site that have coconut. However, you can always add it to any cookie recipe to get a great flavor.

• Coconut Ice Cream Pie
• No Bake Protein Balls

Just a quick friendly reminder: I would absolutely LOVE it if you could drop some feedback in the comment section for this easy way to toast coconut. A shiny 5-star rating would be awesome! Your ratings really make a difference for others looking for new and tasty recipes. Thanks a bunch! 😊🌟