Air Fryer Maple Pecan Bars — We all know that the air fryer is one of the best kitchen appliances ever created. But what you may not know is that it’s also great for making delicious desserts!

These Air Fryer Maple Pecan Bars are a perfect example. They’re easy to make, and they taste amazing. So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert recipe, try these bars! You won’t be disappointed.

Air Fryer Maple Pecan Bars
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Cooks, have you ever used an air fryer? If not, you’re missing out! An air fryer is a fantastic appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it. This gives food a crispy outer crust while maintaining its moisture and flavor.

I will show you how to make air fryer maple pecan bars today. These are the perfect dessert for any occasion, and they’re so easy to make! Keep reading for the recipe.

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What Are Maple Pecan Bars?

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy air fryer dessert, look no further than maple pecan bars! With just a few simple ingredients, you can quickly prepare these tasty treats.

They’re perfect for any occasion – from a birthday party to a holiday celebration. So what are you waiting for? Start baking!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Maple Pecan Bars

Fall is in the air, which means delicious smells are in the kitchen! These maple pecan bars are perfect for a snack or dessert. The recipe is simple and only requires a few ingredients. Everything is better with bacon, so I added some topping for an extra layer of deliciousness. If you’re looking for a sweet treat this autumn, try these Maple Pecan Bars!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Maple Pecan Bars

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

  • Butter: Butter is the base of the crust and filling, adding a rich and creamy flavor to the bars.
  • All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour creates the crust, providing structure and a tender texture.
  • Light Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar sweetens both the crust and filling, lending a warm, caramel-like sweetness to the bars.
  • Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor of the bars, balancing the sweetness.
  • Milk: Milk is an essential ingredient in the filling, adding moisture and creaminess.
  • Maple Syrup: Maple syrup infuses the bars with a delightful maple flavor, contributing to their signature taste.
  • Pure Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile, providing a pleasant aroma and depth of flavor.
  • Pecans: Pecans are the star of these bars, adding a crunchy texture and a rich, nutty taste that complements the sweetness of the filling.

These ingredients combine to create decadent Maple Pecan Bars that are perfect for indulging in a delightful blend of sweet, nutty, and buttery flavors.

How To Make Air Fryer Maple Pecan Bars

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of homemade Air Fryer Maple Pecan Bars with this step-by-step guide. These bars combine the rich sweetness of maple syrup with the delightful crunch of pecans, all baked to perfection in your air fryer. Get ready to savor each bite of this delectable treat that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist. Follow along for a dessert that’s bound to become a family favorite.

How To Make Air Fryer Maple Pecan Bars

Line a two-quart (10×6) oven-safe baking dish ( or an 8×8 oven-safe baking dish) with parchment paper. Set aside. Preheat the air fryer to 300 degrees F, air fryer setting. Cut the cold butter into small cubes.  Combine the flour, brown sugar, butter, and salt in a large bowl. 

Air Fryer Maple Pecan Bars

Use a beater or a fork to thoroughly mix the ingredients, mashing the butter as you go. Transfer it to your parchment-lined baking dish once you’ve mixed it up and there aren’t any large lumps. Press the mixture down carefully in the baking dish,  against the edges, filling it out evenly until it’s nice and flat, covering the bottom.

Make The Filling:

Air Fryer Maple Pecan Bars

Place the baking dish into the air fryer. Bake or air fry the crust (depending on your air fryer’s settings) for about 18 minutes. While the crust is cooking, you can make the filling. Add the butter and brown sugar to a medium pan on the stove. Bring it to a boil and pour in the milk & maple syrup. Stirring frequently. Continue to cook for about two-three minutes; remove from heat and add pecans.

Air Fryer Maple Pecan Bars

By this point, the crust should be golden, and it should’ve started to firm up a little. Remove the crust from the air fryer. 

Pour the maple mixture over the crust and back the bars into the air fryer. Cook for about 18-20 minutes. The bars are done when they form tiny bubbles on top, and the entire top has firmed up. If you need to, add 5 minutes and check again. Air fryer models and temperatures vary, and you want to ensure it’s set enough before removing it from the air fryer.

Air Fryer Maple Pecan Bars

When it is finished cooking, allow it to cool for about 30 minutes; it will firm up even more after cooking.

Remove bars by lifting parchment paper up and out. Use a knife to cut the bars into squares of your choice. This yields about 8-12 bars, depending on how big you cut them.

Air Fryer Maple Pecan Bars

Recipe Notes:

  • These do firm up more as they sit. Make sure to allow the bars to cool for long enough before removing them by lifting the parchment paper from the dish. 
  • It would be best if you kept these in the fridge after cooling. You can warm them up a little before serving if you wish. The more you warm them, the gooier they’ll get.

Can You Make Pecan Pie Bars in Advance?

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and many of us are starting to think about what we will make for the big feast. If you’re looking for an easy dessert that you can make in advance, pecan pie bars are a great option.

They’re quick and easy to put together and can be stored in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to serve them. So, if you want something different this year, try these pecan pie bars.

Do You Have To Refrigerate Pecan Pie Bars?

Do you refrigerate pecan pie bars? This is a question that I am often asked. The answer is it depends on how they are stored. You do not have to refrigerate if they are stored in an airtight container. They will last for about 3 to 4 days at room temperature.

However, if they are stored in the refrigerator, you do not have to worry about them going bad. Pecan pie bars make a delicious dessert, a popular item during the holiday season. This dessert will last for about a week when stored in the refrigerator.

Can You Freeze These Pecan Bars?

If you love pecan bars, you’re in for a real treat. These delicious bars can be frozen, making them the perfect dessert for your next picnic or road trip.

Let the pecan bars cool to room temperature and cut into squares for best results. Wrap the pecan bars tightly in saran wrap. They will last for about a month in the freezer. Defrost at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight.

You can either reheat in the microwave or serve at room temperature.

More Air Fryer Dessert Recipes:

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Air Fryer Maple Pecan Bars

Air Fryer Maple Pecan Bars

4.91 from 10 votes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 Servings

Description

If you're looking for a delicious treat that's both easy to make and healthy, you'll love these air fryer maple pecan bars. They're made with just a few simple ingredients, and they're perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Plus, the air fryer cooks them up perfectly every time. So give them a try today!

Ingredients 

Shortbread Bottom:

  • 1 stick butter, unsalted
  • 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, omit if using salted butter

Pecan Topping:

  • 6 tablespoons butter, unsalted
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk, (2%, 1%, or Skim)
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups pecans

Instructions

  • Line a 2 qt (10×6) oven-safe baking dish ( or an 8×8 oven-safe baking dish) with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 300 degrees F, air fryer setting.
  • Cut the cold butter into small cubes.
  • Combine the flour, brown sugar, butter, and salt in a large bowl.
  • Using a beater or a fork to thoroughly mix the ingredients, mashing the butter as you go.
  • Once you’ve mixed it up and there aren’t any large lumps in it, transfer it to your parchment-lined baking dish.
  • Press the mixture down carefully in the baking dish,  against the edges filling it out evenly, until it’s nice and flat, covering the bottom
  • Place the baking dish into the air fryer. Bake or air fry the crust (depending on what settings your air fryer has) for about 18 minutes.
  • While the crust is cooking you can make the filling. Add the butter and brown sugar to a medium pan on the stove. Bring it to a boil and pour in the milk & maple syrup. Stirring frequently. Continue to cook for about two-three minutes, remove from heat and add pecans.
  • By this point, the crust should be a golden color and it should’ve started to firm up a little. Remove the crust from the air fryer.
  • Pour the maple mixture over the crust and place the bars back into the air fryer. Cook for about 18-20 minutes.
  • The bars are done when they start to form tiny bubbles on top, and the entire top has firmed up. If you need to: add 5 minutes and check again. As air fryer models and temperatures do vary and you do  want to make sure it’s set enough before removing it from the air fryer
  • When it is finished cooking, allow it to cool for about 30 minutes, it will firm up even more after cooking.
  • Remove bars, by lifting parchment paper up and out. Use a knife to cut the bars into squares of your choice. This yields about 8-12 bars depending on how big you cut them.
  • Plate, serve, and enjoy!

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Baking Pan
  • Parchment Paper

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 368kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 3gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 164mgPotassium: 128mgFiber: 2gSugar: 29gVitamin A: 425IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

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