Air Fryer Candied Pecans
Discover the magic of Air Fryer Candied Pecans—a sweet, crunchy, and healthier alternative to traditional candied nuts. Perfect as a snack, a salad topper, or a homemade holiday gift, these pecans are caramelized to perfection with minimal effort. Using an air fryer makes them quick, easy, and evenly crispy every time!
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw pecan halves
- ¼ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar for a healthier option
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg white or 1 tablespoon maple syrup for a vegan option
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer – Set your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
- Prepare Coating – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, egg white, water, and salt until well combined.
- Coat the Pecans – Add the pecans to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Arrange in Air Fryer – Spread the pecans in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
- Air Fry the Pecans – Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket every 3-4 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even caramelization.
- Cool and Serve – Transfer the pecans to a parchment-lined tray and let them cool for 10 minutes. They will harden as they cool.
Notes
- For extra crunch, let the pecans cool completely before storing.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or refrigerate for up to a month.
- Make it keto-friendly by substituting brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol.
- Add spice! A pinch of cayenne pepper gives these pecans a delicious sweet-and-spicy kick.
- Great for gifting: Package them in jars with a ribbon for a homemade holiday treat!