Air Fryer Candied Pecans Recipe

These Air Fryer Candied Pecans are the ultimate snack hack—crunchy, sweet, and just the right amount of spice, made in a fraction of the time it usually takes! With that irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating and toasted nutty flavor, they’re perfect for holiday treats, salads, or just snacking straight from the bowl. The best part? No need to turn on the oven. These come together in under 15 minutes from start to finish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy and Effortless: Skip the baking sheet and long oven times. The air fryer gives you perfectly roasted, candy-coated pecans in minutes.
• Incredibly Addictive: The combination of crispy pecans and caramelized cinnamon-sugar is pure magic—good luck not eating them all before they cool.
• Crowd Favorite: Whether you’re gifting them during the holidays or adding crunch to a salad, these are always a hit.
• Minimal Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples, no fancy gear, no fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make these delicious air fryer candied pecans:

• Pecans: Use whole pecan halves—fresh, unsalted ones work best for flavor and texture.
• Egg white: This helps the sugar and spice mixture cling to the pecans and gives them that glossy finish.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth—don’t skip it! A little goes a long way.
• Brown sugar: Brings that deep, molasses-rich sweetness that pairs beautifully with the nuts.
• Granulated sugar: Helps with the crisp coating—using both sugars gives the best texture.
• Ground cinnamon: The classic cozy spice that makes these pecans smell like the holidays.
• Salt: A small pinch enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.

Variations

Feel like switching things up? Try these easy twists:

• Spicy Candied Pecans: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a sweet-and-spicy combo.
• Pumpkin Spice Pecans: Use pumpkin pie spice instead of just cinnamon for a seasonal flair.
• Maple Glaze: Replace the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a softer, stickier coating.
• Different Nuts: This recipe works beautifully with almonds, walnuts, or cashews—just adjust cook time slightly.

How to Make Air Fryer Candied Pecans

Step 1: Make the Egg White Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg white until it’s frothy. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

Step 2: Coat the Pecans

Add the pecan halves to the bowl and toss them well to coat with the egg white mixture.

Step 3: Mix the Sugar and Cinnamon

In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this over the pecans and stir to evenly coat.

Step 4: Air Fry the Pecans

Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (if your model requires preheating). Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone liner. Spread the coated pecans in a single layer. Cook for about 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Cool and Crisp

Once done, transfer the pecans to a sheet of parchment paper to cool completely. They’ll crisp up as they cool—don’t worry if they seem a little sticky right out of the fryer.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Make sure your pecans are in a single layer—this ensures even coating and crispiness.
• Use parchment or a silicone liner: It keeps the sugary coating from sticking to the fryer basket and makes cleanup easier.
• Keep an eye on them: Sugar can go from golden to burnt fast. Start checking around the 8-minute mark depending on your air fryer model.
• Let them cool: The magic happens as they cool—this is when they firm up and get perfectly crisp.

How to Serve

These candied pecans are wildly versatile. Here are some ways to enjoy them:

As a Snack

Serve in a bowl during holiday gatherings, game night, or movie night. They disappear fast.

Salad Topper

Crumble a handful over mixed greens with goat cheese, apples, and a balsamic vinaigrette.

Dessert Garnish

Sprinkle on top of vanilla ice cream, yogurt parfaits, or even pies for added crunch and sweetness.

Homemade Gifts

Package in mason jars or cellophane bags tied with ribbon for an easy, heartfelt gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They’ll stay crisp and flavorful.

Freezing

Yes, they freeze beautifully! Store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Let them come to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If they lose a bit of crunch, pop them back in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes to refresh.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Absolutely! Just bake the coated pecans on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 300°F for 35–40 minutes, stirring every 10–15 minutes.

Why do I need an egg white?
The egg white acts as a glue to help the sugar and spices stick to the pecans and creates that crunchy candied shell.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
You can reduce the sugar slightly, but the coating may be thinner and less crispy. Try cutting back by ¼ and adjust to your taste.

Do I need to soak or roast the pecans beforehand?
Nope—no soaking or pre-roasting needed. The air fryer does all the work, giving you roasted, caramelized nuts in minutes.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Candied Pecans are the kind of snack you’ll find yourself making on repeat. Quick, crazy delicious, and made with ingredients you probably already have, they’re proof that sometimes the simplest recipes really are the best. Try a batch—you’ll see just how addictive they are!

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