Air Fryer Candied Pecans are a quick and easy treat that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With a sweet and spiced coating that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, these pecans make the perfect snack, dessert topping, or holiday gift. They’re so irresistible that you might find it hard to stop at just one handful!

Ingredients

2 cups pecan halves
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg white
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Prep the Coating Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Coat the Pecans: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg white and vanilla extract until frothy. Add the pecans to this egg mixture, tossing them until evenly coated.
Add the Sugar Coating: Pour your sugar mixture over the egg-coated pecans and toss to ensure all the pecans are fully coated in the sweet and spiced coating.
Air Fry the Pecans: Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and place the pecans in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Cool and Serve: Once done, remove the pecans and spread them out on parchment paper to cool. This helps the coating harden and become crisp.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sugar mixture for a spicy-sweet combination.
Maple Flavor: Replace the vanilla extract with maple extract and use maple syrup instead of the egg white for a different flavor profile.
Nut Variations: Swap out the pecans for other nuts like walnuts or almonds for a new take on this recipe.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store cooled candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Freezing: These pecans can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place them in a freezer bag to keep them fresh.
Reheating: If you prefer warm pecans, simply reheat them in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 300°F (150°C).

10 FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, almonds, walnuts, or cashews can be used as a substitute.
Do I need to use egg white?
The egg white helps the coating stick to the nuts, but you can omit it for a different texture. You might need to experiment with another binding agent if you do.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Absolutely! Feel free to reduce the amount of sugar to suit your taste.
How can I make the pecans crispier?
If you want them extra crispy, extend the air frying time by a few minutes, but be sure to monitor closely to prevent burning.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe, but you may need to cook the pecans in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
Can I use brown sugar only?
Yes, using only brown sugar will give the pecans a deeper, molasses flavor.
What can I serve these with?
These candied pecans are perfect on their own, but also make a great topping for salads, oatmeal, or ice cream.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
What’s the best way to coat the pecans?
Tossing the pecans in the egg mixture first ensures that the sugar coating sticks well and becomes crunchy when air fried.
Can I use a different air fryer temperature?
While 300°F is ideal for crispy pecans, you can adjust the temperature slightly (to around 280-320°F) based on your air fryer’s performance, just be sure to keep an eye on them.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Candied Pecans are a deliciously simple treat that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Perfect for snacking, sharing, or gifting, these sweet and crispy nuts are sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or just a fun snack, they’re guaranteed to disappear quickly!