How to Toast Coconut

Toasted coconut is as beautiful as it is delicious, with a rich, nutty flavor, slightly crispy texture, and golden-brown color. Learn how to toast coconut in your own kitchen with one of these four easy, foolproof methods.

How to Toast Coconut

Toasting coconut is so easy! And you literally only need one ingredient, no matter which of the four methods you choose to use.

Learn how to toast coconut easily in the oven, microwave, air fryer, or in the stove. No matter the method, you can have crispy, sweet, golden-brown toasted coconut right at home.

Why Toast Coconut?

Toasting coconut removes any remaining moisture and adds a toasty, nutty flavor, as well as a slightly crispy texture that is heavenly. It is also very pretty, as it turns a rich golden-brown color.

What Type of Coconut Should I Use?

You can really use any type of coconut you wish, but the different types will affect cooking time.

The methods below are written specifically for sweetened coconut flakes. It can have different names depending on the manufacturer, ranging from flakes to shredded. But it basically is sweetened coconut and looks like shredded cheese.

Unsweetened coconut can also be used. The cooking times will be a little longer, as the sugar caramelizes quickly in the sweetened version. On the positive side, unsweetened coconut is less temperamental and less easy to burn.

You can also use larger pieces or shavings, but again the cook time increases with the larger pieces.

How to Toast Coconut

While toasting coconut is simple, there are multiple different methods. For all methods, you will need 1 to 2 cups coconut flakes.

In the Oven

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Spread the coconut into one even layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3.  Bake at 350°F for 8-12 minutes, stirring a few times so that the coconut browns evenly.
4. Once the coconut is lightly browned, remove it from the oven and cool completely on the baking sheet.

On the Stove

1. Add coconut to a skillet large enough for coconut to be spread into one even layer.
2. Place the skillet over low-medium heat, gently stirring often, until the coconut is lightly browned (about 5-10 minutes).
3. Remove the skillet from the heat and spread the coconut on parchment paper to cool completely.

In the Microwave

1. Add the coconut to a microwave-safe baking dish or flat-bottom bowl and spread it around into one even layer.
2. Microwave on high in 1 minute intervals, gently stirring after each interval.
3. Once coconut starts to lightly brown, microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring well after each interval.
4. Once all coconut is lightly browned, carefully remove dish from the microwave (It will be hot, so use oven mitts!) and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. 

In the Air Fryer

1. Put the coconut flakes into a small cake pan.
2. Place pan into the air fryer, and air-fry at 325ºF for about 5 minutes, stirring or shaking the coconut every 2 minutes, until desired color is reached.

What's the BEST Method for Toasting Coconut?

I personally like the oven and microwave methods. These methods toast the coconut more evenly, in my opinion. And I, of course, love how fast the microwave method is.

But it's definitely a personal preference that depends on how much time you're willing to spend and what equipment you have available, as all of the methods above will work great!

How to Store Toasted Coconut

After the toasted coconut has cooled to room temperature, it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or in the refrigerator for up to one month.

What Can I Use Toasted Coconut For?

• Cakes and Cupcakes - Sprinkle toasted coconut on top, into the frosting, or mix it into the batter. Try it with a pineapple upside down cake or for an extra nutty flavory in this coconut pecan frosting.
• Pie - Toasted coconut can make a beautiful garnish on cheesecakes and pies, such as banana cream pie or coconut cream pie.
• Fruit salad - Fresh fruit salads and creamy fluff salads can benefit from some coconut being folded in or sprinkled on top.
• Oatmeal - Use it as a topping or mix it right in!
• Yogurt - Use some as a topping, a mix-in, or add it in layers to make a beautiful parfait.
• Ice Cream - Sprinkle some on ice cream for some nutty coconut flavor.
• Milkshakes or smoothies - Mix some right into the milkshake or smoothie before blending or sprinkle a little on top as a garnish. Toasted coconut is also amazing on smoothie bowls.
• Crispy Cereal Treats - Add ½ to 1 cup toasted coconut into your favorite cereal treats. It works for so many flavor combos including the traditional plain marshmallow, chocolate, or even fruity treats!
• Caramel Apples - Roll caramel apples into toasted coconut for some extra depth of flavor.
• Sprinkles and garnish - Basically anything that you would put sprinkles on, you can use toasted coconut instead. It's pretty, natural, and easy to make.