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Easy Air Fryer Candied Pecans (The Secret to Non-Sticky, Crunchy Nuts)

Name: Easy Air Fryer Candied Pecans
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 11 min
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups raw pecan halves; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp water; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: April 9, 2021

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These Easy Air Fryer Candied Pecans are perfectly sweet, crunchy, and ready in minutes for snacking or topping your favorite dishes.

Air fryer candied pecans, golden, crunchy, and coated in sweet glaze.

These Easy Air Fryer Candied Pecans are the ultimate sweet and crunchy treat, perfectly caramelized without the sticky mess.

Ready in just minutes, they’re ideal for snacking, topping salads or desserts, or gifting during the holidays.

If you’re looking for even more Air Fryer Nut Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER SPICY PEANUTS, AIR FRYER PINE NUTS, HONEY ROASTED WALNUTS AIR FRYER, and AIR FRYER BARBECUE ROASTED MIXED NUTS!

Golden, crunchy candied pecans made in the air fryer, ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

Non-sticky and perfectly crunchy: No messy caramel sticking to your hands.
Quick and easy: Ready in just minutes with minimal effort.
Versatile snack: Great for eating on their own or adding to salads, oatmeal, or desserts.
Customizable flavors: Easily adjust spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice to your taste.
Perfect for gifting: Makes a thoughtful and delicious homemade treat for holidays or special occasions.

Ingredients Needed

Pecan Halves: Raw pecan halves ready for air fryer roasting
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps coat pecans evenly for crunch
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and sticky glaze for flavor
Water: Helps dissolve sugar and blend ingredients smoothly
Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice to enhance sweet, nutty flavor
Vanilla Extract: Adds aromatic, rich flavor for deeper sweetness
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall nutty taste

How to Make Easy Air Fryer Candied Pecans

Mix the pecans with the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F and line the tray with aluminum foil. If you decide to use parchment paper, add it after it’s done preheating.

Mixing raw pecans with sugar, honey, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and water in a large bowl until evenly coated.

Step 2: Add the pecans, sugar, honey, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and 1 tablespoon of water to a large bowl and mix to coat the pecan halves. Make sure the mixture gets in all of the nooks and crannies.

Pecan mixture spread in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ready to cook.

Step 3: Transfer the nut mixture to the preheated air fryer basket and arrange in a single layer. Set cook time for 5-6 minutes, or until shiny and fragrant.

Golden, crunchy air fryer candied pecans coated in sweet glaze.

Air Fryer Candied Pecans Recipe Tips

Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even roasting.
Watch closely during the last minute or two to prevent burning.
Coat pecans thoroughly with sugar and spices for full flavor.
Cool completely before storing; they firm up and stay crunchy.
Use a single layer in the air fryer to promote even cooking.

Storing Instructions

Room Temperature: Store cooled pecans in an airtight container for up to 1–2 weeks.
Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 month to maintain freshness and crunch.
Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Re-crisping: If pecans soften, briefly toast in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes before serving.

Golden, crunchy candied pecans cooked in the air fryer, ready to serve.

Easy Air Fryer Candied Pecans Recipe Faqs

Do I need to soak the pecans before air frying? No, raw pecans can be roasted directly without soaking.

Can I make multiple flavors at once? It’s best to roast one batch at a time for even coating and flavor.

How long do candied pecans stay fresh? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 weeks, in the fridge up to 1 month, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I use pre-roasted pecans? Yes, but reduce cooking time and watch carefully to prevent burning.

How do I make pecans extra crunchy? Let them cool completely after roasting; they firm up as they cool.

Can I adjust the spices? Absolutely! Add more or less cinnamon, nutmeg, or other spices to taste.

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