Air Fryer Candied Pecans Recipe for Crunchy Perfection

Crispy and sweet, these air fryer candied pecans will dance across your taste buds with irresistible charm.

Nutty aromas quickly fill the kitchen during this simple preparation.

Cinnamon and sugar create a magical coating that transforms ordinary pecans into an extraordinary snack.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this treat comes together without complicated steps.

Anyone can master these delectable morsels with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

The blend of warmth and crunch makes these pecans impossible to resist.

You might find yourself making multiple batches to share – or keep all for yourself.

Crack open a batch and watch them disappear in moments.

Reasons You’ll Keep Making Air Fryer Candied Pecans

• Transform plain pecans into a delectable snack in under 15 minutes, using the convenient air fryer method for fast, even cooking.
• Enjoy these pecans as a standalone snack, salad topper, or holiday gift- perfect for entertaining or satisfying sudden sweet cravings.
• Create a lighter version of a classic treat with controlled sugar and no deep-frying, making it a guilt-free alternative to traditional candied nuts.

Air Fryer Candied Pecans Ingredient Guide

• Egg White: Helps bind the sugar mixture to the pecans and create a crispy coating.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep sweetness and helps create a caramelized exterior.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic flavor to complement the pecans.
• Maple Syrup: Enhances sweetness and contributes to glossy caramelization.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the nuts' natural flavors.

• Pecan Halves: The star ingredient, rich and buttery nuts perfect for candying. Choose fresh, high-quality pecans with no signs of rancidity.

• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup. Use heavyweight paper that won't blow around in the air fryer.

Prep Instructions for Candied Pecans

Step 1: Whip the Egg White

Crack the egg white into a medium bowl and whisk vigorously until it becomes frothy and light. The mixture should look soft and bubbly.

• Egg white

Step 2: Create Sweet Coating

• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Maple syrup
• Salt

Step 3: Dress the Pecans

Pour pecan halves into the sweet mixture and gently toss until each nut is generously covered with the sugary blend.

Step 4: Prepare Air Fryer

Turn air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Wait 3-4 minutes for it to warm up.

Line basket with parchment paper, pressing it down so it won’t flutter around.

Step 5: Roast the Pecans

Spread coated pecans in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.

Cook for 6-8 minutes, giving the basket a quick shake halfway through cooking.

Pecans should look glossy and caramelized when finished.

Step 6: Cool and Crisp

Transfer pecans onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Allow them to rest and harden for 10-20 minutes.

The pecans will become crunchier as they cool down.

Handy Tips for Candied Pecans

• Prevent Sugar Burning: Shake the basket midway to ensure even caramelization and prevent sugar from scorching at the bottom.
• Check Coating Consistency: Whisk egg white until truly frothy to create a perfect sticky layer that helps sugar adhere evenly to pecans.
• Use Parchment Paper Trick: Weigh down parchment paper with nuts to stop it from flying around during air frying, ensuring stable cooking.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Watch pecans closely during last 2 minutes to avoid over-caramelizing, as they can quickly go from golden to burnt.
• Cool Completely for Crunch: Allow pecans to cool fully on parchment paper to develop a satisfying crispy texture and prevent sticky clumping.

Best Way to Store Air Fryer Candied Pecans

• Store cooled candied pecans in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Keep them away from moisture to maintain crispness.
• Place pecans in a freezer-safe bag or container. They'll stay fresh for 1-2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Warm briefly in the air fryer at 250F for 2-3 minutes to restore crunchiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soft.
• If storing at room temperature, use a sealed container and consume within 1 week for best flavor and texture.

What Tastes Great with Candied Pecans

• Pair these candied pecans with a crisp, chilled apple cider that echoes the cinnamon warmth and complements the maple sweetness.
• Serve alongside a smooth vanilla bean gelato or creamy Greek yogurt to provide a cool, silky counterpoint to the crunchy, caramelized nuts.
• Sprinkle these pecans over a fresh mixed green salad with goat cheese and dried cranberries to add a delightful crunch and sweet-savory dimension.
• Enjoy with a smooth bourbon or dark amber craft beer that shares similar caramel and spice undertones, creating a rich flavor experience.

New Flavors to Try with Air Fryer Candied Pecans

• Keto-Friendly Pecans: Replace brown sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to create a low-carb version that maintains the sweet, crunchy texture while keeping the carbohydrate count low.
• Vegan Spiced Variation: Swap egg white with aquafaba (chickpea liquid) and use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a plant-based alternative that still delivers rich caramelized flavor.
• Nut-Free Option: Substitute pecans with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for those with nut allergies, maintaining the same spiced coating and air fryer method.
• Savory Herb Upgrade: Add smoked paprika, rosemary, and a pinch of cayenne to transform the sweet recipe into a zesty, savory snack that works perfectly as a salad topper or party appetizer.

Air Fryer Candied Pecans Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sweet Southern air fryer candied pecans deliver irresistible nutty caramelized goodness with minimal effort. Crisp, golden pecans glazed in cinnamon and brown sugar make perfect snacking companions or festive gift toppers.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pecans:

• 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) pecan halves

Main Sweeteners:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) brown sugar

Spices and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 large egg white
• ½ tablespoon (7.5 ml) maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Whip the egg white in a mixing vessel until it develops a light, airy texture with soft peaks forming around the edges.
2. Incorporate brown sugar, ground cinnamon, pure maple syrup, and sea salt into the frothy egg white, creating a glossy and uniform coating mixture.
3. Gently fold pecan halves into the sweet mixture, ensuring each nut is thoroughly enveloped with the sugary glaze, using a folding motion to prevent breaking the delicate nuts.
4. Activate the air fryer and set the temperature to 350F, allowing the appliance to warm for approximately 3-4 minutes to create an optimal cooking environment.
5. Carefully place a parchment paper liner inside the air fryer basket, securing it with the coated pecans to prevent the paper from shifting during cooking.
6. Distribute the glazed pecans in a precise single layer across the parchment-lined basket, avoiding overcrowding to promote even caramelization.
7. Initiate the cooking process, air frying the pecans for 6-8 minutes, pausing midway to gently agitate the basket and promote uniform browning.
8. Watch for a glossy, amber-toned appearance indicating the pecans have transformed into a perfectly caramelized treat.
9. Transfer the hot pecans onto a parchment-covered baking sheet, allowing them to cool and firm up for 15-20 minutes, during which they will develop a satisfying crisp texture.

Notes

• Prevent clumping by ensuring pecans are spread in a single layer during air frying, allowing each nut to caramelize evenly and develop a perfect crispy texture.
• Swap maple syrup with honey or agave nectar for alternative sweetness, making the recipe adaptable to different flavor preferences and dietary needs.
• Control sugar content by reducing brown sugar amount or using a natural sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie version.
• Enhance recipe versatility by experimenting with additional spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle warming or spicy kick.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 0.6 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg