These Air Fryer Spiced Pecans are candied with maple syrup and an array of spices, including a touch of cayenne for an extra special kick! They're a perfect appetizer for holiday parties and would make a delicious edible gift!
These Air Fryer Candied Pecans are maple-sweetened, spiced with an array of wintery flavors, and topped off with a hint of cayenne spice! All that adds up to an absolutely addictive flavor combo.
Save them for a quick, high-protein snack or a healthy dessert. Or share them as an appetizer at your next holiday party! Put them in a pretty jar with a bow and they also make a delectable edible gift.
These air-fried candy pecans have no egg, so they're vegan and great for people with food allergies.
As I was testing this recipe I couldn't stop eating them. They are just that good! Give them a try and let me know what you think!
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Ingredients
Here's what you need to make this recipe.
- maple syrup -- For sweetness and rich fall flavor.
- melted vegan butter -- A neutral oil would also work (not olive oil). If you want to skip the butter and oil altogether, just add extra maple syrup.
- cinnamon -- Nothing beats cinnamon for lots of flavor!
- ground cloves --Cloves are warm and a little spicy. Just perfect for adding to the mix. If you don't have any on hand add a little extra cinnamon.
- allspice -- This spice adds a warm, peppery flavor. (Fun fact: Despite the name, it's just a single spice!)
- salt -- Salt helps enhance the flavors.
- nutmeg -- I like to grate whole nutmeg with a microplane. The nutty, earthy flavor helps round out the seasonings.
- cayenne pepper -- Just a little for a kick of spice. It also helps enhance the other flavors in a way that really makes them shine.
- raw pecans -- The star of the show! For best results use raw pecan halves. Be sure to avoid roasted pecans and pre-seasoned pecans.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Here are step-by-step instructions with photos.
- Add everything except the pecans to a mixing bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Add the pecans to the bowl and mix until the pecans are fully coated with the maple spice topping.
- Transfer the pecans to a lined air fryer basket. (No need to preheat the air fryer!)
- Air fry on 300F or 150C for 12 to 15 minutes, stopping 3 or 4 times to shake the basket or mix everything around. Keep a close eye near the end, as they can burn easily.
- Let cool completely. Then serve right away or store for later.
Hint: For extra flavor, use a rubber spatula to scrape any extra liquid out of the mixing bowl to drizzle over the pecans before you air fry them.
Variations
Here are some ways to switch things up!
- Extra Spicy - Double the amount of cayenne.
- Walnuts - Add half walnuts, half pecans for the ultimate mix!
- Spice Level Zero - Not into spicy food? Just drop the cayenne.
Equipment
For this recipe, you need an air fryer and a mixing bowl. You will also need a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl to melt the butter.
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How to serve
Air fryer candied pecans make a yummy protein-rich snack or healthier dessert. The maple and spices make them a perfect appetizer to share at your next Christmas party or Thanksgiving dinner. They would pair perfectly with these air fryer apples!
These spiced pecans would also make a great salad topping. Try them in place of pumpkin seeds on this sweet potato and spinach salad!
Storage
Be sure to let the pecans cool completely before storing! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, and in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Top tip
Pecan halves can be pricey. If you can find raw pecans in the baking section of the grocery store, they are sometimes more affordable! Another tip for saving money on pecans is to buy them in bulk and store them in the refrigerator or freezer to keep them fresh longer.
FAQ
Raw pecans haven't been roasted yet, so they won't get overdone as quickly in the air fryer. You also want to avoid using pre-salted or seasoned pecans for this recipe.
I prefer to use air fryer basket liners because they're a perfect fit, but if you don't have that, you could use regular baking paper that's folded up at the edges.
Choose the air fryer that best meets your needs. Consider things like price, size, and functionality. I personally love my Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Grill and Air Fryer, because it has a bigger capacity, which better suits my family of four.
For more info, see my post What Air Fryer Should I Buy? or check out Good Housekeeping's review of the Best Air Fryers of 2024.
Related
Looking for more air fryer recipes? Try these:
Air Fryer Spiced Pecans
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon melted vegan butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon all spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cups raw pecans
Instructions
- Add everything except the pecans to a mixing bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Add the pecans to the bowl and mix until the pecans are fully coated with the maple spice topping.
- Transfer the pecans to a lined air fryer basket. (No need to preheat the air fryer!)
- Air fry on 300F or 150C for 12 to 15 minutes, stopping 3 or 4 times to shake the basket or mix everything around. Keep a close eye near the end, as they can burn easily.
- Let cool completely. Then serve right away or store for later.
Notes
- Before starting the recipe, melt the butter in a sauce pot (for a minute or so on medium heat) or in the microwave (just a few seconds).
- Nutritional info is calculated for 8 servings, or just over ¼ cup per person.
- This recipe is a bit messy, so I recommend using a liner.
- Be sure to use raw, unsalted pecans for this recipe.
Nutrition
Air Fryer and food safety tips
Here are a few safety tips for cooking with an air fryer.
- Cook food to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always use oven mitts or some protective hand covering when shaking the basket or removing food from the air fryer.
- Hot air comes out the back of the air fryer. Try to keep the back of the air fryer at least a hands length away from the wall, other ingredients, or anything else that could be damaged by heat.
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