Air Fryer Candied Pecans

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Candied Pecans are a quick, sweet, and crunchy snack that’s perfect for holiday gifts, party bowls, or everyday munching. Made in just minutes with simple ingredients, these pecans are coated in a caramelized cinnamon-sugar glaze and crisped to perfection in the air fryer. They’re irresistibly addictive and require no oven time.

ingredients

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

pecans (halved)egg whitevanilla extractgranulated sugarsaltground cinnamon

directions

Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).

In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy.

Add the vanilla extract and stir to combine.

Toss the pecans in the egg white mixture until fully coated.

In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

Add the sugar mixture to the pecans and stir until evenly coated.

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

Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Remove from the air fryer and let cool completely—they’ll crisp up as they cool.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 2 cups of candied pecans.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Air frying time: 10-12 minutes
Cooling time: 10-15 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a richer flavor.

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy twist.

Mix in other nuts like almonds or cashews for variety.

Sprinkle with brown sugar after frying for extra caramel flavor.

storage/reheating

Store candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to 3 weeks or frozen for up to 2 months.
To refresh, warm briefly in the air fryer at 250°F (120°C) for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts in this recipe?

Yes, almonds, walnuts, or cashews work well with the same coating and method.

Why use an egg white?

The egg white helps the sugar mixture stick to the pecans and creates a glossy, crunchy coating.

Are these very sweet?

They have a pleasant sweetness balanced by cinnamon and salt, not overwhelmingly sugary.

Can I make them without an air fryer?

Yes, bake at 300°F (150°C) for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

Can I double the batch?

Yes, just air fry in separate batches to avoid overcrowding.

What if I don’t like cinnamon?

Omit it or substitute with pumpkin spice, nutmeg, or even cocoa powder.

How do I prevent burning?

Shake the basket often and monitor closely during the last few minutes.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating helps the nuts cook evenly, so it’s recommended.

Are they gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use brown sugar instead?

Yes, brown sugar adds a deeper molasses flavor and works just as well.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Candied Pecans are the ultimate snack: crunchy, sweet, and quick to make. Whether you’re gifting them, topping a salad, or enjoying by the handful, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Try it once, and it’ll become a go-to treat in your snack rotation.

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