Air Fryer Candied Pecans

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Candied Pecans are a sweet, crunchy snack with a caramelized coating made from brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or topping salads and desserts, these nuts are incredibly easy to make in the air fryer with minimal cleanup. Their irresistible flavor and texture will have everyone coming back for more.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pecans (halves)egg whitebrown sugarsugarcinnamonsaltvanilla extractnonstick spray or oil for the air fryer

directions

Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and lightly spray the basket with oil.

In a bowl, whisk the egg white and vanilla extract until frothy.

Add the pecans to the egg white mixture and toss to coat evenly.

In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

Pour the sugar mixture over the coated pecans and stir until all nuts are well covered.

Place the pecans in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).

Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Once golden and fragrant, remove the pecans and let them cool on parchment paper—they will crisp up as they cool.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 2 cups of candied pecans.Preparation time: 5 minutesAir frying time: 10-12 minutesCooling time: 10 minutesTotal time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Add a pinch of cayenne for a sweet and spicy version.

Use maple syrup in place of vanilla for a richer flavor.

Try pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon for a fall twist.

Mix in almonds or walnuts for variety.

storage/reheating

Store Air Fryer Candied Pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.For longer storage, keep in the fridge for up to a month or freeze for up to 3 months.No reheating is necessary, but you can briefly warm them in the air fryer at 250°F (120°C) for 3-4 minutes to refresh the crunch.

FAQs

Can I use raw or roasted pecans?

Raw pecans are best, but roasted can work—just reduce air fry time slightly.

Can I skip the egg white?

Egg white helps the sugar mixture stick, but you can use aquafaba or a bit of maple syrup as an alternative.

Why are my pecans sticky?

They may be slightly undercooked or not fully cooled. Let them sit longer to crisp up.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

Are these pecans gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all your ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Do I need to line the air fryer basket?

No, just spray it lightly with oil. Parchment can block airflow.

Can I use other nuts?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or cashews work great with this method.

Do they taste like fairground candied nuts?

Yes—sweet, crunchy, and spiced with cinnamon just like the classic.

Can I make them less sweet?

Reduce the sugar slightly or omit the white sugar if desired.

Are these vegan?

They can be if you use a plant-based binder instead of egg white.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Candied Pecans are a fast, flavorful treat that brings together sweet, spiced, and crunchy in every bite. Whether you’re gifting, snacking, or enhancing a dish, this simple recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give them a try and watch them disappear!

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