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    Home » Recipes » Air Fryer

    Air Fryer Pecans [Two Ways!]

    Published: Dec 8, 2021 by Rosa · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

    749 shares
    JUMP TO RECIPE

    Crunchy, addictive air fryer pecans in two delicious flavours with no eggs and no oil required! Perfect for snacking on their own or use as a topping for pies, salad, and so much more!

    Air fried candied pecans in white bowl.

    Growing up, candied pecans were something we normally enjoyed on holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

    But with this super simple method, a handful of ingredients, and just 10 minutes, you can whip this up ANY time of year.

    Inspired by my stovetop candied “bacon” pecans, I felt it was time to try pecans in the air fryer. I’m thrilled to report that they’re SO delicious and SO fast!

    Use them to top your pecan pie, or to add some crunch to your favourite salads.

    Hand grabbing a pecan half from bowl of pecans.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients + Substitutions
    • Instructions
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Top tip
    • More amazing air fried recipes
    • 📖 Recipe

    Ingredients + Substitutions

    The sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and water are for the sweet version of these candied pecans. (See recipe card below for quantities.)

    The soy sauce, maple syrup, chili powder and cayenne are for the spiced version of the air fryer pecans. (See recipe card below for quantities.)

    Ingredients needed to make candied pecans scattered on kitchen countertop.
    See recipe card for quantities.
    • Pecan halves: You may use walnuts if preferred.
    • Brown sugar: Use unrefined coconut sugar for an unrefined option.
    • Soy sauce: Swap with Tamari to keep these gluten free, if needed.
    • Maple syrup: Use a liquid sweetener of your choice, but stick to date syrup or maple syrup if an unrefined option is preferred.
    • Chili powder + cayenne: I’m using small amounts of both and the end result will NOT be spicy. They add delicious savoury flavour to the pecans, but not heat.

    Instructions

    (This is a summary with step by step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)

    Determine which flavour of candied pecans you’re making and combine all the ingredients, except the pecans in a small bowl. Mix well. (photo 1)

    Then pour the mixture over your pecan halves and stir until evenly coated. (photo 2)

    Place the coated pecans in your fryer basket, without overlapping too much. (photo 3)

    Collage of images of pecan coating being mixed in bowl, then poured over pecans and placed in air fryer basket.

    Air fry for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. They cook fast. Mix or shake your basket at the halfway point. (photo 4)

    Then transfer the pecans to a lined baking sheet and arrange in a single layer to let cool. (photo 5)

    Air fryer basket with pecan halves inside and then transferred to a baking sheet.

    Once cool, the pecans will be hard, crunchy and incredibly delicious! Snack on them, or use them to top salads, ice cream, pies, and more!

    Candied pecans with savoury spices in white bowl.

    Equipment

    We use (and LOVE) a Ninja Foodi 8 quart. However, any model of fryer will work for these candied pecans.

    Just note that different models will have varying cook times. So make sure to check on your pecans starting at the 2 minute mark.

    Can I make these in the oven?

    You bet. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and arrange the coated pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

    Bake for 25-35 minutes, mixing every 8-10 minutes. Watch carefully towards the end of cooking so they don’t burn.

    Storage

    Store your pecans in a jar or container at room temperature for 1-2 weeks (if they last that long).

    I haven’t tried freezing these, but I suspect they’d hold up well in the freezer in an air-tight container or zip-top bag.

    Make sure the pecans are completely cooled before storing, so they don’t stick to one another.

    Top tip

    • Arrange the pecans in a single layer after air frying until they’re cool. Try your hardest not to eat them warm (although still delicious warm). This cool down time will allow them to harden and prevent them from sticking to one another. They cool down quickly and will be ready to eat in about 10-15 minutes.

    More amazing air fried recipes

    • white bowl filled with air fried chickpeas.
      Oil Free Air Fryer Chickpeas [Five Flavours]
    • Baked sweet potatoes in white plate with sour cream, tomato and parsley on top.
      Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato [Oil Free Option]
    • Roasted pineapple slices on white plate.
      Air Fryer Pineapple (Tastes Like Grilled)
    • Smashed potatoes on white serving dish with parsley sprinkled on top.
      Garlicky Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

    If you tried this recipe, please let me know about it in the comments below. I always love hearing from you! Don’t forget to Subscribe to This Healthy Kitchen to be among the first to get my new recipes! You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter to see more delicious food and get all the latest updates.

    Buon appetito

    Rosa

    📖 Recipe

    Bowl of candied pecans.

    Air Fryer Pecans [Two Flavours]

    Crunchy, addictive air fryer pecans in two delicious flavours!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Add to Collection Go to Collections
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Course: Dessert, How To, Snack
    Cuisine: American, Canadian
    Servings: 6 Servings
    Calories: 208kcal
    Author: Rosa

    Equipment

    Ninja Foodi appliance on white background.
    Ninja Foodi Air Fryer

    Ingredients

    Air Fryer Candied Pecans

    • ¼ cup brown sugar or unrefined coconut sugar
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • 2 tablespoons water
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 1.5 cups pecan halves

    Air Fryer Spiced Pecans

    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or date syrup or liquid sweetener of choice
    • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Tamari for gluten free
    • ¼ teaspoon chili powder
    • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 1.5 cups pecan halves
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Determine which flavour you're making, the sweet or the spiced. Then combine the first four ingredients belonging to that flavour in a small bowl and set aside. Place your pecans in another bowl and pour the mixture on top. Mix well to ensure each pecan half is coated.
    • Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. Then spoon the coated pecans into your air frying basket but do not dump them in. Air fry at 350 degrees F for 3-5 minutes, mixing or shaking the basket at the halfway point. Watch carefully to prevent burning. They cook fast.
    • Transfer the pecans to your parchment-lined tray in a single layer to let them cool. Try your hardest not to devour them warm, as they will harden and get crunchy as they cool, which is when they taste best. Enjoy! 😉

    Notes

    Arrange the pecans in a single layer after air frying until they’re cool. Try your hardest not to eat them warm (although still delicious warm). This cool down time will allow them to harden and prevent them from sticking to one another. They cool down quickly and will be ready to eat in about 10-15 minutes.
    Leftovers keep at room temperature in a sealed container or jar for 1-2 weeks.
    The nutritional information above represents 1 serving of the sweet candied pecans.
    The spiced pecans are a little lighter with 182 calories and 3 grams of sugar per serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 208kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 115mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg
    DID YOU TRY THIS RECIPE?Mention @this.healthy.kitchen on IG and tag #thishealthykitchen!
    *Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools and does not include optional ingredients unless otherwise indicated.
    749 shares

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    Comments

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    1. Christy

      October 15, 2022 at 2:15 pm

      DONT DO 350, do 300..
      350 makes it too done, it taste burnt. I followed instructions to a t and it still happened. I followed home goods and they said cook at 300, so I used your recipe and their tp. It came out perfect.

      Reply
      • Rosa

        October 16, 2022 at 11:52 am

        Thanks for sharing Christy. 350 worked for us, but there are so many models of air fryers, so I’m glad you found what works for you. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Jay R

      May 03, 2022 at 10:10 pm

      5 stars
      Forgot to rate!

      Reply
      • Rosa

        May 04, 2022 at 8:56 am

        Thrilled you enjoyed Jay! Thanks very much for the review. 🙂

        Reply
    3. Jay R

      May 03, 2022 at 10:07 pm

      These might be the easiest toasted pecans I’ve ever made, with the perfect crunch, and just enough sweet! (I made the spiced, using coconut aminos instead of soy, just because I had it on hand.) I’ve been eating more lightly glazed nuts lately trying to get healthy snacks with enough sweet to satisfy that tooth. Can’t wait to try the cinnamon version, then play with other subs already in my syrup and spice collections.

      Reply
    4. Aimee B.

      December 18, 2021 at 2:05 pm

      5 stars
      These are addictive, lol! I made the sweet ones and doubled the cinnamon. I made them in the toaster oven and they only took about 13 minutes to cook. Really easy and delicious. Makes the house smell amazing, too! Happy Holidays! <3

      Reply
      • Rosa

        December 18, 2021 at 6:42 pm

        Thrilled you enjoyed Aimee. Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Rosa! Welcome to This Healthy Kitchen where you'll find tasty and nutritious, plant-based recipes. I'm an avid home cook who believes food is medicine. Each recipe is made using wholesome ingredients and under 400 calories per serving with many gluten-free and oil-free options. Occasional cheat days included. 😉

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