Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Candied Pecans are a quick, crunchy, and sweet snack with a hint of spice, made effortlessly in your air fryer. Perfect for gifting, party snacks, salad toppings, or holiday munching, these caramelized nuts deliver all the flavor of oven-roasted candied pecans in a fraction of the time.

ingredients

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

pecans (halves)egg whitesugarbrown sugarsaltcinnamonvanilla extractoptional: pinch of cayenne pepper or nutmeg for extra warmth

directions

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

In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy, then add the vanilla extract.

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

In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and any optional spices.

Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the pecans and stir until well coated.

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray.

Spread the coated pecans in a single layer in the basket.

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

Remove and let cool on parchment paper or a wire rack; they will crisp up as they cool.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 3 cups of candied pecans.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 10-12 minutesCooling time: 10 minutesTotal time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Use maple syrup instead of vanilla for a deeper flavor.

Add a pinch of cayenne for sweet and spicy candied pecans.

Swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice or chai spice blends.

Mix in almonds or walnuts for a nut medley.

storage/reheating

Store Air Fryer Candied Pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a month or freeze for up to 2 months.Recrisp in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes if they soften over time.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts?

Yes, almonds, walnuts, or cashews work well with this method.

Why are my pecans sticky?

They may need to cool longer to fully set, or they were slightly undercooked.

Can I make these without egg white?

Yes, use a bit of maple syrup or aquafaba (chickpea brine) as a vegan binder.

How do I prevent burning in the air fryer?

Shake the basket frequently and keep a close eye during the last few minutes.

Can I double the batch?

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

Are they gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all added ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I use less sugar?

You can reduce the sugar slightly, but they won’t be as crisp or caramelized.

Do I need to soak the pecans?

No soaking is needed—use them dry straight from the bag.

Can I gift these?

Absolutely, package them in jars or bags for a perfect edible gift.

How do I make them extra crunchy?

Ensure a single layer in the air fryer and allow full cooling before storage.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Candied Pecans bring the perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, and aromatic flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re entertaining, gifting, or just craving a sweet snack, these spiced nuts are sure to satisfy. Fast, flavorful, and festive—this is a recipe you’ll keep coming back to.