This paper reviews recent advances in developing novel nanomaterials-based electrochemical sensors and biosensors for rapid pesticide detection in food. These nanosensors have emerged as a highly effective method for pesticide detection (e.g., organophosphate pesticides, carbamate pesticides) with superior advantages over the existing classical techniques, such as gas chromatography or high-performance liquid chromatography. The use of unique nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes, gold nanoparticles, quantum dots and other nanomaterials, has greatly enhanced the performance of pesticide sensors and biosensors in sensitivity, selectivity, stability and on-site analysis. The construction, characterization, and application of these nanosensors are described in detail. Future trends and challenges of these nanosensors are also discussed.