Add the roasted almonds [see note] in the bowl of a food processor.
Blend the almonds turn into a smooth and creamy paste. The almond butter goes through various phases as you grind it - starts with a dry powder, rolls up into a dough and then finally starts turning into a paste [see step by step pics in the post].
Stop to scrape the sides of the bowl every couple of minutes, if needed. Takes about 3-5 minutes to get a fine paste. The timings may vary depending on your blender.
Add salt and maple syrup, if using and mix well with a spatula to incorporate it in.
Store the almond butter in a glass jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for about 2 months.
Notes
How to roast almonds
You can either use an air fryer or an oven but I prefer an air-fryer because it is faster and gives perfect results every time. Roasting almonds takes about 6 minutes in an air-fryer at 325°F and about 10-12 minutes in an oven kept at the same temperature. Don't forget to toss the almonds at the half-way mark for even browning. Note: Let the almonds cool down for at least 10 minutes before grinding. Tips
Let the roasted nuts cool down for about 5-10 minutes before blending them.
From what I have seen the food processor grinds nut butter faster compared to a high-performance blender. So if you have a food processor try that first.
You'll need to determine the minimum quantity of nuts you need to add to your food processor so that these nuts grind properly. For my food processor, it was about 2 cups.
Blenders and food processors can overheat and shut down. That's why don't run your machine for more than 3 minutes at a stretch. Stop and scrape the sides every 3 minutes and wait for about 30-60 seconds before blending again.
The blending time will vary depending on the device you use. Be patient and look for visual cues as explained in the instructions above.
You don't need oil for this recipe but you can add it if you prefer to make almond butter more spreadable. I prefer using either avocado oil or coconut oil.
Flavoring options - add salt, avocado or coconut oil, cinnamon, vanilla essence etc.