Air fryer candied pecans is a quick snack made with a handful of simple ingredients. These pecans have the perfect crunch and flavor from the spice and sugar mixture. This air fryer pecans recipe makes a wonderful homemade gift too!
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Table Of Contents
Why This Candied Pecan Recipe Is The Best!
Candied nuts are one of my favorite snacks. Making candied pecans in the air fryer cuts the cook time by less than half the time it would take in a conventional oven. I am always trying to find ways to save time in the kitchen!
These candied pecans have just the right amount of sweetness from the brown sugar and agave syrup. Plus the wonderful warm flavor from the ground cinnamon and cardamom mixture is the perfect spice combination. I think what really makes these the best candied pecans is that little bit of orange zest. It doesn't take a lot of zest to add so much flavor to these crunchy candied pecans. Trust me, it makes such a tasty addition!
Of course these are a great snack, but candied air fryer nuts also make a great gift during the holiday season. I like to package candied pecans in a mason jar and tie a pretty ribbon around the jar. It makes the perfect gift to give family, friends, neighbors and coworkers.
Equipment Needed
air fryer- I use the PowerXL Air Fryer 7 QT Maxx Classic. If you haven't splurged for an air fryer yet, you need this now! I make everything from roasted vegetables, chicken wings to salmon in my air fryer and I love it!
Key Ingredients
pecans- raw pecan halves are best for roasting. Make sure the raw pecans are unsalted so they get all of the flavor from the cinnamon sugar mixture.
egg white- separate the egg white from the yolk. This will help the coating stick to the pecans.
brown sugar- this will caramelize and create a nice crunch. You can use light brown sugar or dark brown sugar.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Check the instruction manual of your air fryer and preheat to 300 degrees. Some models do not require preheating.
In a large bowl, add the egg white and the agave syrup. Use a whisk to beat together until the egg white is foamy. Add the pecans to the foamy egg white. Stir to coat the pecans. This will help the brown sugar and spices stick to the nuts.
Next, add the brown sugar, spices and orange zest. Stir the pecans to coat in the brown sugar mixture.
I like to line the air fryer basket with air fryer parchment. This will still allow the air to circulate through the air fryer better than a sheet of aluminum foil. The parchment paper will also help with easier clean up.
Add the coated pecans in a single layer to the bottom of the air fryer. Set the air fryer temperature to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and cooking time for 12 minutes. Remove the basket every few minutes to give a quick stir to the pecan mixture and return to the air fryer to continue cooking. This will ensure that the candied pecans cook evenly and do not burn.
After the 12 minutes, the pecans will still be sticky. As they cool the sugar will become crisp.
Storage Suggestions
Allow the candied pecans to cool completely before storing. Once cool they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week, in the refrigerator for 3 weeks or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
How To Serve
This super easy recipe is delicious to just snack by the handfuls, but you can also add candied nuts to other recipes. Here are a few ways to add a little crunch to your favorite recipes.
- sprinkle on top of salads
- serve with fresh fruit
- topping for baked sweet potatoes
Oven Instructions
If you do not have an air fryer you can make these tasty nuts in the oven. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and spread the nut mixture onto a parchment paper lined baking tray. You will need to bake the nuts for 45 minutes to an hour and stir ever 15 minutes to ensure they cook evenly.
Substitutions
This recipe is very flexible. You can definitely change the spice mixture to use your favorites. Ginger, nutmeg and allspice could be substituted for the cardamom. You can also substitute honey or sweet maple syrup for the agave syrup.
You can even use different nuts or nut mixture with the same spices. Just make sure to use the same quantity of nuts.
FAQ
No, candied and glazed pecans are not the same. Candied pecans have sugar and egg whites to make the candied coating while glazed pecans use corn syrup and butter.
They may not have cooked long enough for the sugar to achieve a candied state.
Looking For Another Easy Air Fryer Recipe? Try These!
Easy Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin (with Sweet & Spicy Rub)
Easy Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
Easy Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes
Air Fryer Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Did you try this recipe? Please let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and a 5- star rating. I would love to hear from you! Subscribe Here to get new recipes sent straight to your inbox!
Air fryer Candied Pecans
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon agave syrup
- 1 egg white
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon cardamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Consult instruction manual of air fryer and preheat to 300 degrees if necessary. (Not all air fryers require preheating.)
- Separate the egg white from the yolk and discard yolk. Add the egg white and agave syrup to a large bowl. Use a whisk to froth until egg white is foamy.
- Add the pecans to the egg white and stir to coat.
- Stir in the brown sugar and spices to the pecan mixture.
- Once coated add the pecans to the air fryer basket. For easier clean up you can cover with air fryer parchment squares.
- Set for 300 degrees and time for 12 minutes.
- Every few minutes remove the basket and stir pecans. This way they will cook evenly.
- After 12 minutes the pecans will be nicely toasted and have a sticky candied coating. Allow to cool. The coating will harden and will no longer be sticky after an hour.
- Once the pecans are cool they can be stored in an airtight container for 1 week at room temperature, the refrigerator for 3 weeks or the freezer for up to two months.
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