Easy Air Fryer Candied Pecans Recipe - Simply Stacie (2024)

4.34 from 75 votes

ByStacie VaughanOn Updated

18 Comments

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This homemade snack recipe is quick and easy to make in minutes in your air fryer! Air Fryer Candied Pecans are perfect for salads, holiday snacks or gift giving. Each bite is crunchy, sweet and delicious.

Easy Air Fryer Candied Pecans Recipe - Simply Stacie (1)

I use my air fryer for many of my favorite recipes. I always think I can air fry this! Candied Pecans can also be air fried and guess what? They are ah-mazing!

I love making candied nuts over the holidays. They are perfect for gifting and also to serve as a snack when friends come for a visit.

These Air Fryer Candied Pecans are delicious! I love their crunch sweetness. They are so addicting though! I usually have to stop myself from eating too many.

Easy Air Fryer Candied Pecans Recipe - Simply Stacie (2)

Why You’ll Love This Candied Pecans Recipe

  • Made in minutes
  • The perfect edible gift for a foodie
  • Crunchy and sweet
  • Uses real maple syrup
  • Can be used for a snack, in salads or other desserts
  • Minimal prep work and the air fryer does all the work
  • Contains only a few simple ingredients
  • Long storage time

Ingredients for Air Fryer Candied Pecans

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  • Brown sugar: You can switch this out for granulated sugar if you prefer.
  • Egg white
  • Maple syrup: You can use honey or agave nectar instead, though maple syrup goes best with pecans. I highly recommend Maple Lifestyle maple syrups. So good!
  • Allspice: If you don’t have allspice, cinnamon, or nutmeg are good alternatives.
  • Salt
  • Pecan halves
Easy Air Fryer Candied Pecans Recipe - Simply Stacie (3)

How to Make Air Fryer Candied Pecans

Step One: Preheat the air fryer to 350F.

Step Two: Combine the brown sugar, egg white, maple syrup, allspice, and salt in a bowl and mix until fully combined.

Easy Air Fryer Candied Pecans Recipe - Simply Stacie (4)

Step Three: Toss the pecans into the brown sugar mixture. Make sure it is well tossed and coated.

Step Four: Carefully line the preheated air fryer tray with aluminum foil sprayed with cooking spray.

Step Five: Pour the pecan mixture into the air fryer basket. Cook for 3 minutes and then stir the pecans gently around. Cook for another 3 minutes.

Step Six: Let the pecans cool off for about 20 minutes before plating and serving.

Easy Air Fryer Candied Pecans Recipe - Simply Stacie (5)

Equipment Needed to Make Candied Pecans

What to Serve with Candied Nuts

Christmas Drinks

  • Spiced Cranberry Punch
  • Homemade Eggnog
  • Christmas Punch
  • Cranberry Mocktail
  • Gingerbread Latte

Christmas Desserts

  • Snowball Cookies
  • Eggnog Pie
  • Whipped Shortbread Cookies
  • Gingerbread Whoopie Pies
  • No-Bake Peppermint Pie
  • Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

Christmas Snacks

  • Reindeer Chow
  • Gingerbread Dip
  • Eggnog Dip
  • Candy Cane Dip
  • Sweet Spiced Pecans
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Variations

  • Try using granulated sugar instead of brown sugar.
  • Substitute honey or agave nectar for the maple syrup
  • Use cinnamon or nutmeg in place of the allspice.

Storage Instructions

Best Way to Store Leftover Caramelized Pecans

Store these air fryer candied pecans in an airtight container either in the fridge or at room temperature for 2 to 3 weeks.

Can I Freeze Candied Nuts?

Yes, you can freeze candied nuts. Air fry them as instructed and let them cool completely. Then transfer them to airtight container or a freezer bag. Store the nuts in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Easy Air Fryer Candied Pecans Recipe - Simply Stacie (7)

What do I do with Candied Pecans?

Candied pecans can be used in a lot of different ways. Some people love to toss them into salads to add a little extra sweetness and crunch.

Some people like to munch on them as a snack.

They are also a great addition to baked goods like cookies or cake.

You can even use them in a savory recipe like with chicken or fish.

Tips and Tricks

  • These pecans turn out delicious, but a bit moist. If you prefer them drier, put them back in the air fryer for 2 to 3 more minutes.
  • Putting the aluminum foil makes for an easy clean up job and keeps the pecans from sticking to the air fryer. I don’t recommend using cooking spray directly on the air fryer since most cooking sprays can cause air fryer baskets to chip.
Easy Air Fryer Candied Pecans Recipe - Simply Stacie (8)

What is the difference between glazed and candied pecans?

Candied pecans typically use sugar and an egg white while glazed pecans are made with brown sugar, corn syrup and butter. Both are deliciously sweet!

Do you eat candied pecans warm or cold?

You can eat candied pecans warm, but bear in mind that they may be stickier. They will harden as they cool with a crispy, sugary coating.

Personally, I prefer eating them at room temperature (not cold). I don’t recommend refrigerating them.

How to Make Candied Pecans in the Oven

  • Step One: Preheat oven to 250F. Grease a baking sheet with butter or cooking spray.
  • Step Two: Combine the brown sugar, egg white, maple syrup, allspice, and salt in a bowl and mix until fully combined.
  • Step Three: Toss the pecans into the brown sugar mixture. Make sure it is well tossed and coated.
  • Step Four: Spread pecans on baking sheet.
  • Step Five: Bake for 1 hour, stirring the pecans every 15 minutes. Let cool before serving.
Easy Air Fryer Candied Pecans Recipe - Simply Stacie (9)

Air Fryer Recipes

  • Air Fryer Pizza
  • Air Fryer Oreos
  • Air Fryer Chocolate Croissants
  • Air Fryer Chicken Wings
  • Air Fryer Potato Chips
  • Air Fryer Cinnamon Twists

You’ll also like Crockpot Candied Nuts.

Follow me on Instagram@simplystacieblog, Facebook atSimply Stacieor Pinterest at@simplystacieand let me know how you liked this recipe and my other recipes.

If you make the recipe, rate it on the recipe card below and tag me on Instagram and use #simplystacie. I like sharing the photos on my Instagram stories!

Easy Air Fryer Candied Pecans Recipe - Simply Stacie (10)

Rate this Recipe

4.34 from 75 votes

Air Fryer Candied Pecans

Created by Stacie Vaughan

Servings 4

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 6 minutes minutes

Total Time 11 minutes minutes

This homemade snack recipe is quick and easy to make in minutes in your air fryer! Perfect for salads, holiday snacks or gift giving. Each bite is crunchy, sweet and delicious.

Rate this Recipe

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg white
  • ½ tbsp maple syrup
  • ¼ tsp allspice
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 ¼ cups pecans

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.

  • Combine the brown sugar, egg white, maple syrup, allspice, and salt in a bowl and mix until fully combined.

  • Toss the pecans into the brown sugar mixture. Make sure it is well tossed and coated.

  • Carefully line the preheated air fryer tray with aluminum foil sprayed with cooking spray.

  • Pour the pecan mixture into the air fryer basket. Cook for 3 minutes and then stir the pecans gently around. Cook for another 3 minutes.

  • Let the pecans cool off for about 20 minutes before plating and serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 293kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 154mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 14g

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Course Snacks

Cuisine American

Keyword air fryer candied pecans, candied nuts, candied pecans, caramelized pecans, sugared pecans

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FAQs

Why are my candied pecans soggy? ›

If your pecans are soft, it's most likely because they weren't baked long enough and are still retaining moisture. The sugar needs to bake long enough to caramelize and form a brittle coating on the nuts.

How do you keep candied pecans from sticking together? ›

Under-cooking the pecans is the likely cause of stickiness, but the risk is low when they're oven-baked. After the sugar-coated nuts have darkened and turned very fragrant, about 20 minutes in the oven, stir the pecans and separate any pieces that have stuck together. Continue to bake for an additional 20 minutes.

How long do homemade candied nuts last? ›

How Long Do Candied Pecans Last? Store your candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. If you give them as a gift, be sure to include storage instructions.

Can you roast pecans in a dehydrator? ›

Perfect Crispy Pecans

Spread the pecans on a stainless-steel or glass baking pan and place in a warm oven (or a dehydrator) that is no more than 150 degrees F. for 12-24 hours, stirring occasionally, until completely dry and crisp.

Why didn't my pecan candy harden? ›

If you beat too long, the candy will seize and start to crumble. If you don't beat it long enough, then pralines won't set properly and will stay soft and sticky. Work quickly to drop heaping tablespoons (I use a small cookie dough scoop) of pecan praline mixture onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

Why are my candied pecans still sticky? ›

Pecans too sticky: If your nuts are still sticky after cooling, heat your oven to 325° F and bake for 5 to 10 minutes to help harden the candy coating.

Do candied pecans need to be refrigerated? ›

Candied pecans are best when stored at room temperature for about a week. If you store them in the refrigerator they can last up to three weeks. Make sure to store them in an airtight container and include storage tips if you're giving these away as gifts!

How long can you keep homemade candied pecans? ›

How long will candied pecans keep? They will keep for up to two weeks in an airtight container at room temperature, at least three weeks in the refrigerator, or up to two months in the freezer. No matter where you store them, keep in a tightly sealed, airtight container.

Why do you soak pecans before roasting? ›

Wet pecans allow the salt to stick easily to the nuts. Plus, soaking nuts helps neutralize enzyme inhibitors, which can harm your digestion, and reduce phytates, which decrease nutrient absorption. Just submerge your nuts in water while the oven is heating up and you'll be good to go.

Can dogs eat pecans? ›

Why are pecans bad for dogs? These nuts are toxic for dogs. Eating them can result in pets becoming sick and needing immediate veterinary care. “The reason pecans are considered toxic is that they contain a compound called juglone, also found in walnuts, that is harmful to dogs,” advises Dr.

What is the difference between candied pecans and praline pecans? ›

Praline pecans are just one variety of candied pecans. These pecans have a tasty coating or glaze and are also referred to as flavored pecans.

Do candied pecans go bad? ›

If you don't plan on eating your candied pecans right away, you may want to consider storing them in the refrigerator or freezer. Refrigeration can keep the pecans fresh for up to three months, while freezing can extend their shelf life for up to six months.

How long to dehydrate nuts in air fryer? ›

Add in dried fruits, nuts, coconut flakes and cinnamon and stir consistently. Flatten the mixture into the dehydrator trays or baking pan, using a spatula. 3. Place the trays in the Dehydrator or Air Fryer Oven and dehydrate at 115°F for 4 hours, or until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can you dehydrate nuts in an air fryer? ›

And, if you're a true air fryer newbie, you'll get a lot out of my air fryer tips articles! Now, back to dehydration. I've dehydrated fruit, vegetables, meat, and even seeds and nuts in my air fryer.

Why do you soak pecans in water? ›

By soaking nuts and seeds, you minimize or eliminate the nutritional inhibitors and other toxic substances as they are absorbed into the water. Without the inhibitors and toxic substances, the nutrients of the nuts and seeds are more readily available for absorption.

How do you fix soggy nuts? ›

Just toasting them in a dry pan or oven should be enough to revive them, but they'll also go in any recipe that requires nuts. We got through most of ours by toasting them with spices, to eat as nibbles or to add crunch to soups, stews and salads.

What if candied nuts are too soft? ›

If the nuts or candy coating seem 'stringy' or too soft after cooling, just pop them onto your cookie sheet & place them in the oven at 325 degrees (f), stirring gently until they crisp up. To warm these nuts up before serving, you can simply follow the oven instructions above or toss in a warm pan for a few minutes.

How do you dry wet pecans? ›

Pecans often contain excessive moisture when they first fall. The nuts should be dried before they are put in storage. Drying can usually be accomplished by placing the pecans in a shallow layer in a warm, dry area for two weeks. Adding fans and heat can speed drying.

Why are my candied walnuts soft? ›

Cool completely before storing otherwise the residual heat will add steam to the airtight container and this excess moisture will cause your crispy candied walnuts to go soft.

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