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Air Fryer Candied Pecans

Featured in Elegant Small Bites.

Create irresistibly sweet and crunchy candied pecans in under 10 minutes using your air fryer. Coated with a mix of brown sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of maple syrup, they deliver a perfect blend of sweetness and spice. Start by coating pecans in melted butter and maple syrup, fold in frothed egg white, and finish with a sugar-and-cinnamon mixture. Air fry for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until perfectly crisp. Allow them to cool, then store in an airtight container for a delicious snack or topping!

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Barbara Chef
Updated on Thu, 01 May 2025 14:30:54 GMT
A bowl of pecans. Pin it
A bowl of pecans. | gracefulflavors.com

This quick air fryer candied pecan recipe transforms ordinary nuts into an irresistible sweet treat in under 10 minutes. The combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of maple syrup creates the perfect coating that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer.

I discovered this method after burning countless batches on the stovetop. Now my family expects these pecans every holiday season, and they disappear within hours whenever I set them out for guests.

Ingredients

  • Pecan halves: Fresh pecans provide the best texture and flavor
  • Melted butter: Helps the sweet coating adhere to the nuts
  • Maple syrup: Adds depth beyond regular sugar sweetness
  • Egg white: Creates the perfect candy shell texture
  • Brown sugar: Provides rich caramel notes
  • White sugar: Helps achieve the crisp coating
  • Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and holiday spice flavor
  • Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Nuts:
Place pecans in a medium bowl. Melt butter with maple syrup until just liquified, then pour over nuts and stir until evenly coated. This first layer helps everything else adhere properly.
Create the Egg White Coating:
Whip egg white until frothy but still soft, resembling a light foam rather than stiff peaks. Gently fold into the butter-coated pecans. The egg white is crucial for creating that perfect candy shell texture.
Add the Sweet Spice Mixture:
Combine brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon in a separate bowl, then pour over the nuts. Stir thoroughly until every pecan is completely coated with the sweet mixture. Make sure to break up any clumps.
Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for exactly 4 minutes. Line the basket with parchment paper, then spread the coated nuts in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
Air Fry to Perfection:
Cook at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes. This frequent stirring ensures even caramelization. The nuts are done when they no longer look wet or shiny, and no liquid remains in the basket.
Cool and Finish:
Spread the hot pecans on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle with salt to taste. Allow to cool completely for at least 30 minutes. During cooling, the candy coating will harden to the perfect texture.
A bowl of pecans. Pin it
A bowl of pecans. | gracefulflavors.com

The maple syrup is my secret ingredient that elevates these pecans. My grandmother always added a splash of maple to her stovetop version, and that subtle flavor reminds me of watching her prepare treats for holiday gatherings when I was a child.

Storage Tips

These candied pecans maintain their perfect texture for weeks when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 weeks. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 3 months. If they lose some crispness, a quick 2-minute reheat in the air fryer at 300°F refreshes them perfectly.

Flavor Variations

Experiment with different spice combinations to create unique flavor profiles. Try adding 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne for spicy-sweet pecans, or substitute pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon during fall months. Vanilla extract or orange zest also make wonderful additions to the base recipe. For a savory-sweet version, increase salt and add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and dried rosemary.

Gifting Ideas

These candied pecans make thoughtful homemade gifts. Pack 1-cup portions in small mason jars tied with ribbon, or fill cellophane bags with a decorative tag. For holiday gifts, I include the recipe card and a small bag of raw pecans so recipients can make their own batch when the gifted nuts inevitably disappear too quickly.

A bowl of pecans. Pin it
A bowl of pecans. | gracefulflavors.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or cashews for variation. Just adjust cook time slightly as needed.

→ How should I store candied pecans?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four weeks for maximum freshness.

→ Can I make these without an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake these in a conventional oven at 350°F, spreading them on a parchment-lined sheet and cooking for about 15 minutes.

→ Why do I need to froth the egg white?

Frothing the egg white helps coat the pecans evenly and allows the sugar mixture to adhere better during cooking.

→ Should I preheat the air fryer with parchment paper?

No, never preheat the air fryer with parchment paper inside as it may dislodge and catch fire.

Air Fryer Candied Pecans

Sweet, crunchy pecans with cinnamon, sugar, and maple syrup using an air fryer.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
6 Minutes
Total Time
16 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Tasty Snacks

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 2 cups pecan halves
02 2 tablespoons melted butter
03 1 tablespoon maple syrup
04 1 large egg white
05 1/2 cup brown sugar
06 2 tablespoons white sugar
07 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
08 Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Place the pecan halves in a medium-sized bowl.

Step 02

Heat the butter and maple syrup in a microwave or on the stove top until the butter is melted. Pour the mixture over the pecans and stir to coat.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, whip the egg white with a whisk or hand mixer until frothy, just barely holding soft peaks.

Step 04

Gently stir the frothed egg white into the coated pecans until combined.

Step 05

Mix the brown sugar, white sugar, and ground cinnamon together. Pour the mixture over the pecans and stir to evenly coat.

Step 06

Preheat the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4 minutes. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and pour the coated pecans into the basket. Spread them out evenly.

Step 07

Cook the pecans in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes. Cook until the pecans are dry but slightly sticky and no liquid remains in the basket.

Step 08

Pour the cooked pecans onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt to taste and allow them to cool and dry for at least 30 minutes.

Step 09

Once completely cool, transfer the pecans to an airtight container for storage.

Notes

  1. Never preheat the air fryer with parchment paper inside, as it can become lodged in the element.
  2. Store the nuts in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to four weeks.

Tools You'll Need

  • Cosori air fryer
  • Air fryer parchment paper

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Tree nuts (pecans)
  • Eggs
  • Dairy (butter)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 270
  • Total Fat: 21 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: 3 g