Sweet-and-Spicy Candied Pecans Recipe for Air Fryer

Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Candied Pecans are an ideal snack—crunchy, addictive, and ready in about 8 minutes per batch.

Making candied pecans in the air fryer is faster and more convenient than using the oven, especially when preparing a small batch. They add a delicious contrast of sweet and spicy to salads, cheese boards, or just as a hand-held snack. I love them tossed into a salad with blue cheese and a bright vinaigrette—the pecans transform a simple salad into something special.

The pecans are coated in a blend of packed brown sugar, cayenne, paprika, cumin, and cinnamon. A single egg white helps the spices cling to the nuts while keeping added fat and calories low.

How To Make Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Candied Pecans:

In a medium bowl combine pecan halves and one egg white, stirring to coat. Add the brown sugar and spices, and mix until the pecans are evenly covered.

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Air fry the pecans in two even batches for about 8 minutes per batch at 300°F (150°C), shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Watch closely in the final minutes—candied nuts can go from perfect to burnt quickly. The pecans will be soft when removed from the air fryer but will crisp up as they cool.

Recipe Notes:

• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
• If the non-stick coating in your air fryer is worn, use a parchment paper liner to protect the basket and make cleanup easier.
• If you have a 5.3‑quart (or larger) air fryer, you may be able to cook the entire batch at once; smaller models will require two batches.
• The pecans will firm up as they cool, so don’t overcook them in the fryer.
• Store cooled candied pecans in an airtight container for up to three weeks.
• If you prefer, substitute chili powder for cumin.

Try These Other Air Fryer Snacks:

• Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Crackers
• Air Fryer Onion Rings

Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Candied Pecans

These sweet and spicy candied pecans are quick to make in the air fryer and perfect for snacking or topping salads.

Course
Snack

Cuisine
Southern

Keyword
gluten free, nuts

Prep Time
8
minutes

Cook Time
8
minutes

Servings
8

Calories
226
kcal

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pecan halves (about 2 cups)
• 1 large egg white
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Stir together the pecans and egg white until the nuts are coated.
2. Add brown sugar, paprika, cumin, salt, cayenne, and cinnamon; mix until evenly combined.
3. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Add half the pecans in a single layer.
4. Air fry at 300°F for 8 to 10 minutes, opening the basket to shake at about 5 minutes. Check at 7 minutes and every minute after; the nuts can burn quickly.
5. Remove and let cool until crisp. Repeat with the remaining pecans.

Recipe Notes

The pecans are soft when first removed but become crisp as they cool. If you have a larger air fryer (5.3 quarts or more), you can likely cook them in a single batch. Store cooled pecans in an airtight container for up to three weeks.

Nutrition Facts

Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Candied Pecans

Amount Per Serving

Calories 226Calories from Fat 180

% Daily Value*

Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Sodium 155mg7%

Potassium 138mg4%

Carbohydrates 11g4%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 8g9%

Protein 3g6%

Vitamin A 191IU4%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 26mg3%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutritional info is provided as an estimate and can vary based on brands, measuring techniques, and cooking methods.

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