Air Fryer Candied Pecans – A Sweet, Crunchy, and Irresistible Snack Perfect for Any Occasion

Looking for a sweet treat that’s crunchy, satisfying, and easy to make? These Air Fryer Candied Pecans are the perfect snack! With just a few simple ingredients, including butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, you can whip up a batch of these sweet and spiced pecans in no time. The air fryer gives the pecans a perfect crunch, while the brown sugar and cinnamon coating adds just the right amount of sweetness. These pecans are great for snacking, topping on salads, or giving as a homemade gift!

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Air Fryer Candied Pecans

Candied nuts are a classic snack that you often find at fairs, holiday markets, and gift shops. They’re loved for their addictive combination of sweetness and crunch, but they can sometimes be tricky to make on the stove or in the oven. Enter the air fryer—a game-changer for candied pecans! The air fryer cooks the pecans evenly and gives them a perfectly crunchy texture without the need for constant stirring or monitoring. The result is a batch of sweet, caramelized pecans that are great for snacking or using in your favorite recipes.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Candied Pecans

These Air Fryer Candied Pecans are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With just five simple ingredients, you can have these sweet and spiced nuts ready in under 30 minutes. The air fryer helps the sugar caramelize evenly, giving the pecans a perfect crunch with every bite. Plus, they’re made with minimal oil, making them a lighter alternative to traditional candied nuts.

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a topping for your salads or oatmeal, or a homemade holiday gift, these candied pecans are sure to be a hit!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 3g
• Sugar: 12g
• Fiber: 3g

These Air Fryer Candied Pecans are a delicious and satisfying snack that’s perfect for any time of day!

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Air Fryer Candied Pecans are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways. Serve them as a simple snack on their own or add them to a cheese board for a sweet contrast. They’re also perfect for sprinkling on top of salads, yogurt, oatmeal, or even ice cream for a crunchy, sweet topping.

For the holiday season, package them in a mason jar or festive bag and give them as a homemade gift to friends and family. Pair the pecans with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced apple cider for a cozy, comforting treat!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Air Fryer Candied Pecans store beautifully and stay fresh for several weeks when kept in an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or in the refrigerator for up to a month. If you want to make them in advance for a party or holiday event, you can also freeze them in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving.

Fun Fact: Pecans – A Nut with Deep American Roots

Did you know that pecans are the only major tree nut that is native to North America? Native Americans were eating wild pecans long before European settlers arrived, and today, the U.S. is one of the largest producers of pecans in the world! Pecans are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients like healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants.

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Cooking Tips

• Stirring is Key: Be sure to stir the pecans every few minutes while they’re cooking in the air fryer. This will ensure that they cook evenly and don’t burn.
• Cooling is Essential: After cooking, spread the pecans out on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool. This helps the sugar coating set and gives the pecans their signature crunch.
• Egg White Magic: Whipping the egg white until frothy helps the sugar and cinnamon mixture stick to the pecans, giving them a beautifully caramelized coating.

Optional Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture for a sweet-and-spicy twist.
• Vanilla Dream: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the melted butter for a hint of vanilla flavor in your candied pecans.
• Maple Syrup: For a richer flavor, swap out the brown sugar for maple syrup, which will add a subtle maple sweetness to the pecans.

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Air Fryer Candied Pecans Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pecan halves
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 large egg white
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Prepare the pecans: Place the pecans in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the melted butter over the pecans and toss them to coat evenly.
2. Whip the egg white: In a separate bowl, whip the egg white with a handheld mixer until frothy and soft peaks form. Pour the frothed egg white over the pecans and stir to coat them thoroughly.
3. Coat with sugar and cinnamon: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the pecans and stir until the pecans are evenly coated.
4. Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F and preheat for 5 minutes. If your air fryer does not have a preheat option, run the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes.
5. Cook the pecans: Place the coated pecans in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to ensure even cooking.
6. Cool and set: Once the pecans are done, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread the pecans out in an even layer and let them cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the sugar coating to set and the pecans to become crunchy.
7. Serve and enjoy: Once cooled, the pecans are ready to serve and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

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These Air Fryer Candied Pecans are sweet, crunchy, and perfect for snacking or adding to your favorite dishes. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party or enjoying them as an afternoon treat, they’re sure to be a hit!