How to Make Pistachio Paste (Homemade Recipe)

homemade pistachio paste in bowl, pistachios on the side.

5 from 1 vote

How to Make Pistachio Paste (Homemade Recipe)

Make creamy, rich pistachio paste with just one ingredient – pistachios! This paste is infused with fresh pistachio flavor and can be made in less than 20 minutes using an air fryer and food processor!

Prep Time15

Cook Time3

Cooling time2

Total Time18

Course: DIY, Spreads

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: servings (more or less depending on serving size) (This recipe makes just under 1 cup of pistachio paste)

Calories: 173kcal

Author: Sonia

Equipment

Ingredients

2 cups pistachios (2 cups = approx 285g)

Instructions

Spread pistachios in a single layer onto preheated tray and roast in air fryer for 3 minutes (170°C/338°F - bake setting), mixing the pistachios halfway using a spatula.
Transfer pistachios onto a plate and allow them to cool slightly for a few minutes.
Add roasted pistachios into a dry food processor (fitted with an “S” shaped blade). Blend on medium/high speed for 7 minutes. Every few minutes, stop the food processor and scrape down the sides of the food processor to help ensure even blending of pistachios. (See notes)
Continue blending. Keep blending pistachios for another 3-5 minutes, stopping intermittently to scrape down the sides of the blender, until the pistachios become a creamy and smooth paste.
Transfer into an airtight container and refrigerate for maximum freshness – or serve straight away and enjoy!

Notes

Mix pistachios halfway into roasting them: this helps them roast evenly without overcooking certain areas.
Blending: you will notice the pistachios going through different stages. Starting with a course meal/ground consistency, followed by a crumbly and sticky dough and then a smooth creamy paste. Keep going and be patient – it is worth it!
Use fresh pistachios: make sure the pistachios are fresh (not from an open packet, as there is a risk of them being stale), ensure they have a long enough shelf-life, so you can keep the pistachio paste for longer.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge: for maximum freshness, store the pistachio paste in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. I recommend storing in the fridge help keep the pistachio paste fresh for longer.
Use a dry food processor: ensure the food processor and blade attached is completely dry before adding the pistachios (or this will affect the consistency of this paste).
Preheat air fryer and tray (without parchment paper): this helps to roast the pistachios quicker. Depending on the size of your air fryer you may wish to roast in batches (for smaller air fryers). This recipe uses the Ninja wide air fryer.

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