The first time I tried making candied pecans on the stovetop, I ended up with a sticky, uneven mess—half burnt, half chewy. Then I decided to test the recipe in my air fryer, and everything changed. The sugar caramelized evenly, the coating turned glassy and crisp, and my kitchen smelled like warm cinnamon sugar within minutes. After testing three temperature levels, 300°F finally gave me that perfect crunch without scorching. These little gems have become my go-to snack for gifts and salads alike.
Why This Air Fryer Candied Pecans Works
Air circulation is the real hero here—it mimics a convection oven’s dry heat but in half the time. At 300°F (150°C), the sugar melts just enough to coat the pecans before hardening into a crisp shell, while the egg white locks in that signature glaze. Unlike the oven method, there’s no preheating wait or uneven browning. The result? Buttery, cinnamon-sweet pecans with an audible crunch. After testing different batches, I found shaking every 5 minutes prevents clumping and ensures a glossy, even candy layer every single time.
Air Fryer Candied Pecans That Stay Crunchy in 15 Minutes
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Aluminum foil or parchment liner
Ingredients
- 1 egg white
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted salted butter
- 1 cup pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and line the basket with foil or parchment.
- In a bowl, whisk egg white, sugar, and cinnamon until frothy.
- Add pecans and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
- Pour melted butter into the lined basket, then spread the coated pecans in a single layer.
- Air fry for 5 minutes, shake the basket, then cook for another 5 minutes.
- Shake again and cook an additional 2–4 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
- Cool completely before serving—the coating will harden as it cools.
Notes
- Avoid overcrowding; nuts need space to crisp evenly.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 280°F (140°C) for 2 minutes to refresh the crunch.
- For a twist, add a pinch of cayenne or vanilla sugar.
Nutrition
Conclusion
For more cozy snacks, try my Air Fryer Fried Oreos, Air Fryer Lemon Bars, or Air Fryer Baked Apples. Each one delivers that same golden, crisp magic you’ll want to share.