Crispy Air Fryer Candied Pecans Recipe

Crispy Maple-Coated Air Fryer Candied Pecans Recipe

Crafting delectable air fryer candied pecans brings pure joy to snack time.

These sweet and crunchy pecans with an irresistible caramelized coating deliver an instant flavor explosion.

Warm spices dance through each perfectly roasted nut, creating a mouthwatering treat that tempts every taste bud.

Crisp and golden, these pecans emerge from the air fryer with a delightful crackle and rich caramel notes.

The simple technique transforms ordinary nuts into an extraordinary snack that everyone will adore.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation make this recipe a delicious game-changer for home cooks seeking a quick and impressive treat.

Dive into this easy recipe and watch these candied pecans become your new favorite indulgence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 13 minutes

Calories: 203 kcal

Servings: 3

What Goes Into Air Fryer Candied Pecans Recipe

For Sweet Coating:
  • Egg White: Creates a sticky base for sugar to adhere, choose fresh room-temperature eggs for best frothy texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Delivers rich caramel-like sweetness, opt for fresh, soft-packed sugar without lumps.
  • Maple Syrup: Adds deep, natural sweetness and helps bind ingredients, select pure, high-quality maple syrup.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic flavor, use freshly ground cinnamon for most intense taste.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances overall sweetness, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
For Base Ingredient:
  • Pecan Halves: Star of the recipe, select fresh, plump pecans with no signs of rancidity or discoloration.
For Preparation Support:
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and facilitates easy cleanup, choose unbleached, non-stick variety.

Air Fryer Tools For Candied Pecans Recipe

  • Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl for whisking and coating pecans.
  • Whisk: Essential for creating a frothy egg white and blending sugar mixture smoothly.
  • Air Fryer: Your main cooking appliance for transforming pecans into crispy, sweet treats.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
  • Baking Sheet: Perfect for cooling and setting your candied pecans.
  • Spatula or Tongs: Helpful for stirring and transferring pecans during cooking.

How To Make Air Fryer Candied Pecans Crunchy

  • Frothy Egg White Mixture

Create a luscious base by whisking egg white until it becomes light and airy. Blend in brown sugar, warming cinnamon, rich maple syrup, and a touch of salt until everything melds together beautifully.

  • Pecan Coating

Gently tumble pecan halves through the sweet mixture, ensuring each nut gets a generous, even embrace of the sugary blend.

  • Air Fryer Preparation

Warm up your air fryer to a cozy 350F. Layer the basket with parchment paper, allowing the nuts to nestle comfortably without sticking.

  • Golden Transformation

Arrange pecans in a single, relaxed layer. Let them dance in the hot air for 6-8 minutes, giving the basket a playful shake midway to ensure every nut gets equally caramelized and crispy.

  • Cooling and Crunch

Spread the glistening pecans onto a parchment-lined sheet. Let them rest and transform, developing a satisfying crackle as they cool down. Within 10-20 minutes, you’ll have a batch of irresistibly crunchy, sweet pecans ready to enjoy.

Store Air Fryer Candied Pecans Recipe The Easy Way

  • Quick Cooling Strategy: Spread pecans in a single layer on parchment paper to cool rapidly, preventing clumping and ensuring maximum crunchiness.
  • Airtight Storage Technique: Store completely cooled candied pecans in a sealed glass container at room temperature for up to two weeks, maintaining their crisp texture and sweet flavor.
  • Freezer Preservation Method: Pack pecans in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen candied pecans can last up to three months without losing quality.
  • Gifting and Portion Control: Divide cooled pecans into small mason jars or decorative bags for quick snacks, hostess gifts, or portion-controlled treats. Label with the date of preparation to track freshness.

Tips To Perfect Air Fryer Candied Pecans Recipe

  • Pecan Perfection Hacks: Make Your Air Fryer Nuts Spectacular
  • Moisture Magic: Pat pecans completely dry before mixing to ensure the sugar coating sticks perfectly and prevents soggy results.
  • Batch Brilliance: Cook pecans in small batches to prevent overcrowding, which helps achieve an even, crispy caramelization without burning.
  • Sweet Swap Options: Replace maple syrup with honey or agave nectar for different flavor profiles, creating unique taste experiences with each batch.
  • Dietary Friendly Twists: For a keto version, substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or erythritol to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining delicious candied texture.
  • Flavor Adventure: Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or cayenne pepper to create unexpected and exciting flavor combinations that elevate these candied pecans beyond traditional recipes.

Best Ways To Serve Air Fryer Candied Pecans Recipe

  • Sweet Snack Companion: Pair these candied pecans with creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert contrast, letting the crunchy nuts add texture and warmth.
  • Salad Sprinkle Magic: Scatter these caramelized pecans over mixed green salads to elevate ordinary greens with a sweet, nutty crunch that transforms simple dishes.
  • Charcuterie Board Star: Arrange these glossy pecans alongside soft cheeses, dried fruits, and crackers to create an elegant appetizer board that impresses guests with minimal effort.
  • Holiday Gift Potential: Package these pecans in cute mason jars or decorative tins, tie with a festive ribbon, and give as a homemade, delicious edible gift that shows personal care.
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Crispy Air Fryer Candied Pecans Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Candied Pecans Recipe


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4.9 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 13 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Homemade air fryer candied pecans bring southern sweetness to classic holiday snacking. Warm spices and caramelized sugar create an irresistible treat you’ll want to enjoy again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¼ cups (296 ml) pecan halves
  • ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
  • 1 large egg white
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) salt
  • ½ tbsp (7.5 ml) maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Egg White Preparation: Whip egg white until frothy with delicate bubbles forming across the surface.
  2. Glaze Creation: Blend brown sugar, ground cinnamon, maple syrup, and salt into the egg white, whisking until a smooth, lustrous coating emerges.
  3. Pecan Coating: Thoroughly enrobe pecan halves with the sweet glaze, ensuring uniform coverage and an even distribution of the sugary mixture.
  4. Air Fryer Setup: Preheat air fryer to 350F for 3-4 minutes, creating an ideal thermal environment for caramelization.
  5. Cooking Arrangement: Line air fryer basket with parchment paper, strategically positioning pecans in a single, spacious layer to facilitate optimal browning and prevent clustering.
  6. Caramelization Process: Cook pecans for 6-8 minutes, midway interrupting to gently toss, promoting even golden-brown coloration and achieving a crisp, glossy finish.
  7. Cooling and Settling: Transfer candied pecans to a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing them to cool completely for 15-20 minutes, during which they’ll develop a satisfying crunch and delicate exterior.

Notes

  • Whip Egg White Perfectly: Use room temperature egg white and whip slowly to create stable, small bubbles that help bind the sugar mixture effectively.
  • Control Sugar Caramelization: Watch pecans closely during cooking to prevent burning, as air fryers can heat quickly and cause rapid caramelization.
  • Prevent Sticking Technique: Use non-stick parchment paper or lightly spray the liner with cooking spray to ensure easy removal and prevent sugar from burning.
  • Customize Flavor Profile: Experiment with alternative spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or a pinch of cayenne for unique taste variations while maintaining the candied texture.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 203
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 58 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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