• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Seanna's Kitchen
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Shop
    • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    Air Fryer Candied Pecans

    Last Updated: Oct 31, 2022 by Seanna Borrows · This post may contain affiliate links. · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. · 10 Comments

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe
    Air Fryer Candied Pecans in a white bowl.

    Air Fryer Candied Pecans - Sweet and spicy recipe with perfectly balanced flavors of sugar and spice that you're gonna love.

    This delicious snack has the perfect crunch for salads, are a tasty add to charcuterie boards, and make amazing gifts to share with your friends during the holiday season.

    Air Fryer Candied Pecans in a white bowl.

    This quick snack is an easy recipe made from simple ingredients you probably already have on hand in the kitchen. All you need for this small-batch recipe are some raw pecan halves, and some sugar and spice, and you'll be good to go. Don't have an air fryer? No worries. We'll show you how to make them in the oven, too.

    Be sure to check out out other easy appetizer recipes.

    This recipe was inspired by a recipe by Chef Franklin Biggs from Homewood, Alabama. We have adapted his Sweet And Spicy Pecans Recipe for the air fryer.

    Jump to:
    • Air Fryer Candied Pecans
    • Equipment
    • Step By Step Instructions
    • Oven Roasted Candied Pecans
    • Substitutions And Variations
    • Recipe FAQS
    • Serving Suggestions
    • More Appetizer Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Community

    Air Fryer Candied Pecans

    Individual ingredients for Air Fryer Candied Pecans recipe.
    • water
    • granulated white sugar
    • raw pecans - raw pecan halves
    • chili powder
    • ground cayenne pepper - ground red pepper

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer - We use this one from Ninja. We chose it for the shape of its basket and the fact that it has over 39,000 five star ratings. It's an easy air fryer to use and we love it!
    • Liquid Measuring Cup
    • Mixing Bowl
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Parchment Paper Liner - We like to use these handy round liners that fit perfectly inside the air fryer basket. They help avoid the sticky mess and keeps the fryer nice and clean.

    Step By Step Instructions

    Preheat air fryer to 350°F.

    Simple syrup in a liquid measuring cup with a small whisk.

    Make Simple Syrup. Mix warm water and sugar together until sugar has completely dissolved in the water.

    Raw pecans soaking in simple syrup in a liquid measuring cup.

    Soak Nuts. Add raw pecan halves to the simple syrup and soak them for 5 minutes.

    Note: Soaking them longer will make them softer.

    Raw pecans being drained over a sink in a fine mesh strainer.

    Drain Nuts. Drain the pecans in a small fine mesh strainer, give them a gentle toss or two in the strainer to help remove excess water.

    Sugar and spice mixture for candied pecans recipe shown in a glass bowl.

    Make Sugar Mixture. In a medium bowl, mix the sugar and spices together until the spices are evenly disbursed and well-combined.

    Raw pecans coated with sugar and spice in a glass bowl with rubber spatula.

    Coat Nuts. Coat the raw pecans with the sugar mixture and toss to combine, making sure they are coated evenly.

    Air Fryer Candied Pecans in an air fryer basket.

    Air Fry. After the air fryer has been preheated to 350° degrees f, line the inside of the basket with a parchment paper liner. Then place the coated pecans in a single layer inside the parchment paper liner in the lined basket. Air fry for 3 minutes.

    Air fryer candied pecans shown on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper being turned with kitchen tongs.

    Turn. Turn them over in the basket so that they cook evenly. Using kitchen tongs, gently grab and release the nuts to turn them.

    Air Fryer Candied Pecans in an air fryer basket.

    Air Fry A Second Time. Air fry them for another 2 minutes. During the additional time air frying, the flavors will open up and you'll be able to smell the fragrance of the warmed nuts and spices.

    Air fryer candied pecans being placed on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

    Remove From Basket. Using kitchen tongs, remove the them from the basket. Place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet that has been lined with aluminum foil or a piece of parchment paper to cool.

    Air Fryer Candied Pecans in a mason jar.

    Store. Once they have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. We recommend using a simple mason jar like the ones we use here.

    Air Fryer Candied Pecans in a white bowl.

    Oven Roasted Candied Pecans

    Want to make them in the oven instead? Just spread the nut mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet that has been lined with a sheet of parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roast them in the oven for 5 minutes and turn them. Then roast them for another 5 minutes. Pull the baking sheet out of the oven and set it on the counter to cool. Then store them according to the recipe instructions.

    Substitutions And Variations

    This tasty recipe makes sweet and spicy pecans with a nice balance of sweet and heat. But feel free to experiment with the flavor profile to suit your tastes.

    Want them spicier? Add a little more heat by doubling the chili powder and cayenne pepper.

    Want them sweeter? Try these substitutions and variations:

    • Vary Ingredient Amounts - Reduce the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper. But keep the other ingredient amounts the same.
    • Cinnamon Sugar Pecans - Eliminate the chili powder and cayenne pepper and sweeten them up by adding ground cinnamon and sugar or a little sweet maple syrup.

    Cinnamon Sugar Almonds - Substitute raw almonds to make the cinnamon sugar almonds you find at the baseball park. Just add a little egg white to the simple syrup and whisk it until it is frothy. Then soak the almonds in the mixture. This will help the cinnamon and sugar to adhere to the almonds and create a sweet candy coating.

    Recipe FAQS

    What is the difference between candied pecans and pralines?

    Pralines typically contain milk and butter. Candied pecans typically do not.

    How to store candied pecans?

    They should be stored in a sealed container in a cool, dark place to avoid turning rancid. They can be stored in a pantry at room temperature. But if the temperatures get too warm, refrigerate them or put them in the freezer.

    Are candied pecans gluten-free?

    This is a gluten-free nut recipe. However, is important to take responsibility for your own health. Make sure to read every nutrition label, research the ingredients you consume and learn how they are processed.

    How long to candied pecans last?

    They can last for a few weeks at room temperature, a month in the refrigerator, and a year or two in the freezer.

    Small charcuterie board with meats and cheeses and candied pecans.

    Serving Suggestions

    Air Fryer Pecans are a great snack on the go. They also have the perfect crunch for salads, like our Copycat Panera Greek Salad. And are a tasty add to charcuterie boards, like our Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Recipe. Put them in some little bags or a mason jar, put a pretty ribbon on it, and they make a great gift to share with your friends during the holiday season or any time of year.

    Air Fryer Candied Pecans in a mason jar with a red bow sitting on a green napkin with twinkle lights in background.

    There you have it. Air Fryer Candied Pecans are as easy as that to make! We hope you enjoy our super simple, super tasty recipe. Try it and let us know how you like it. We'd love to hear from you!

    xo ~ Seanna

    More Appetizer Recipes

    • Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board - Add Air Fryer Pecans to this tasty grazing board.
    • Chili Cheese Dip - This crowd pleasing hot party dip satisfies that chip and dip craving every time.
    • Homemade Focaccia Bread - Perfect addition to a charcuterie board.
    • White Queso Dip - cheesy and delicious, with the best flavor, just like you get at your favorite Mexican restaurants.
    • Chip dipped into spinach artichoke dip.
      Easy Spinach Artichoke Dip Without Mayo
    • One pot Swedish meatballs and gravy on a white plate.
      One Pot Swedish Meatballs
    • Charcuterie board full of a variety of meats, cheeses, and nibbles.
      Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Recipe
    • Chip dripping with cheesy white queso dip.
      Easy White Queso Dip

    Hungry for More? Subscribe to my Newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for all of the latest recipes.

    📖 Recipe

    Air Fryer Candied Pecans in a white bowl.

    Air Fryer Candied Pecans

    Air Fryer Candied Pecans - These sweet and spicy pecans are an easy recipe made from simple ingredients. This delicious snack has the perfect crunch for salads, are great for charcuterie boards, and make amazing gifts during the holiday season.
    A quick and easy recipe made from simple ingredients you probably already have on hand in the kitchen.
    Easy air fryer instructions and oven instructions.
    * Adapted from Chef Franklin Biggs Sweet And Spicy Pecans recipe.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate Add to Shopping ListGo to Shopping List
    Course: Appetizer, Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 4 Servings
    Calories: 248kcal
    Author: Seanna Borrows

    Equipment

    • air fryer
    • liquid measuring cup
    • mixing bowl
    • measuring spoons
    • parchment paper liner
    • mason jar

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup water warm
    • ¼ cup sugar granulated white
    • 1 cup pecan halves raw
    • 2 tablespoons sugar granulated white
    • 1 tablespoon chili powder
    • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper ground
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    Preheat air fryer to 350°F. (See Note of Caution below.)

    • Make Simple Syrup. Mix warm water and sugar together until sugar has completely dissolved in the water. Simple way to heat the water is for 2 minutes in the microwave. That will be enough to dissolve the sugar.
      1 cup water, ¼ cup sugar
    • Soak. Add raw pecan halves to the simple syrup and soak them for 5 minutes.
      1 cup pecan halves
    • Drain. Drain the pecans in a small fine mesh strainer, give them a gentle toss or two in the strainer to help remove excess water.
    • Make Sugar Mixture. In a medium bowl, mix the sugar and spices together until the spices are evenly disbursed and well-combined.
      2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon chili powder, ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • Coat. Coat the raw pecans with the sugar mixture and toss to combine, making sure they are coated evenly.
    • Air Fry. After the fryer has been preheated to 350°F, line the inside of the basket with a parchment paper liner. Then place the coated pecans in a single layer inside the parchment paper liner in the basket. Air fry for 3 minutes. (See note below)
    • Turn. Turn the pecans over in the basket so that they cook evenly. Using kitchen tongs, gently grab and release the pecans to turn them.
    • Air Fry A Second Time. Fry the pecans for another 2 minutes. During the additional time, the flavors will open up and you'll be able to smell the fragrance of the warmed nuts and spices.
    • Remove From Basket. Using kitchen tongs, remove the candied pecans from the basket. Place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet that has been lined with aluminum foil or a piece of parchment paper to cool.
    • Store. Once they have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. We recommend using a simple mason jar like the ones we use here.

    Notes

    Want to make them in the oven instead? 

    Just spread the nut mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet that has been lined with a sheet of parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roast them in the oven for 5 minutes and turn them. Then roast them for another 5 minutes. Pull the baking sheet out of the oven and set it on the counter to cool. Then store them according to the recipe instructions.

    Are Candied Pecans Gluten-Free?

    This is a gluten-free nut recipe. However, is important to take responsibility for your own health. Make sure to read every nutrition label, research the ingredients you consume and learn how they are processed.

    ✳️ Caution:  Lining Air Fryer Basket

    Do not line an empty air fryer basket or the parchment paper liner may fly up into the heating element and catch fire.  Wait to line the basket until after it has been preheated and you are ready to add the nuts to the basket.  Always follow the air fryer safety precautions listed in the manufacturer's instruction book for your air fryer.

    Substitutions and Variations

    This Air fryer Candied Pecans recipe makes sweet and spicy nuts with a nice balance of sweet and heat. But feel free to experiment with the flavor profile to suit your tastes.
    Want them crunchier? Soak for less time to make the nuts crunchier. 
    Less crunchy? Soaking nuts for longer, will make them softer.
    Want them spicier? Add a little more heat by doubling the chili powder and cayenne pepper.
    Sweeter?
    • Vary Ingredient Amounts - Reduce the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper. But keep the other ingredient amounts the same.
    • Cinnamon Sugar Pecans - Eliminate the chili powder and cayenne pepper and sweeten them up by adding ground cinnamon and sugar or a little sweet maple syrup.
    Cinnamon Sugar Almonds - Substitute raw almonds to make the cinnamon sugar almonds you find at the baseball park. Just add a little egg white to the simple syrup and whisk it until it is frothy. Then soak the almonds in the mixture. This will help the cinnamon and sugar to adhere to the almonds and create a sweet candy coating.

    How To Store Them

    Store in a cool, dark place to avoid turning rancid. They can be stored in a pantry at room temperature. But if the temperatures get too warm, refrigerate them or put them in the freezer.

    How Long Do Candied Pecans Last?

    They can last for a few weeks at room temperature, a month in the refrigerator, and a year or two in the freezer.

    How To Use Them

    Air Fryer Candied Pecans are the perfect snack for on the go, they're also great to put in salads, are a tasty add to charcuterie boards, and make amazing gifts to share with your friends during the holiday season.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 248kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 36mg | Potassium: 142mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 633IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Mention @SeannasKitchen and tag #seannaskitchen!

    Did you love this recipe? If you make this recipe and love it, stop back and give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Seanna's Kitchen and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest and subscribe my Newsletter for ALL the latest recipes! We'd love to hear from you!

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links to products we use and love. If you click through these links and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    More Appetizer Recipes

    • Oven baked chicken wings with ranch dip.
      Oven Baked Chicken Wings
    • Image showing a plate full of sliced focaccia bread.
      Homemade Focaccia
    • Image showing Chili Cheese Dip Cheese Pull on Chip.
      Chili Cheese Dip
    • Guacamole with a chip inside a white bowl
      The BEST Guacamole

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Join the Discussion Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Will

      October 31, 2022 at 8:52 pm

      These are great!

      Reply
      • Seanna Borrows

        November 01, 2022 at 11:30 am

        Thanks Will! You're the best!

        Reply
    2. Lynn Tyler

      October 31, 2022 at 8:31 pm

      5 stars
      Love this recipe. Works great in my airfryer. And thanks for all the tips!

      Reply
    3. Jessica Robinson

      October 31, 2022 at 8:30 pm

      5 stars
      These pecans are beyond amazing with flavor and the perfect holiday snack or DIY gift. Loved this simple to follow recipe.

      Reply
      • Seanna Borrows

        October 31, 2022 at 8:43 pm

        Thanks so much!

        Reply
      • Seanna Borrows

        October 31, 2022 at 8:44 pm

        Thanks so much! They are yummy!

        Reply
    4. Russ B

      October 31, 2022 at 4:47 pm

      5 stars
      Great snack!

      Reply
      • Seanna Borrows

        October 31, 2022 at 5:02 pm

        I know you like them!

        Reply
    5. Megan

      October 31, 2022 at 4:36 pm

      5 stars
      My mind is blown right now! I never dreamed of frying pecans in an air fryer but YUM!!!!

      Reply
      • Seanna Borrows

        October 31, 2022 at 4:43 pm

        Thanks Megan! They're so tasty and are great to have on hand for salads and charcuterie boards.

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Seanna Borrows.

    Welcome to Seanna's Kitchen!

    Hi, I'm Seanna, a home cook and food blogger, sharing favorite recipes inspired by the people and places I love.
    Food is love. And here you can expect to find the recipes and stories that bring us together.
    Good food…made with love…for the people you love…Now, that's a great recipe!

    More about me →

    Reader Favorites

    • Image of Ground Turkey Pasta with grated parmesan cheese on white plate with fork and spoon.
      Ground Turkey Pasta
    • Easy weeknight dinner of Ground Bison Pasta made with rotini pictured in a white bowl, topped with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.
      Ground Bison Pasta
    • Piece of the Best Jiffy Cornbread Recipe with butter on top.
      Best Jiffy Cornbread Recipe
    • Old Fashioned Banana Bread loaf with slice shown.
      Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe

    Footer

    About

    Privacy Policy

    Accessibility Statement

    Disclosure Policy

    Keep in touch

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Sign up! Sign up for our newsletter and never miss a recipe!

    Contact Us

    Contact

    About

    Copyright © 2023 Seanna's Kitchen, All rights reserved. ~ SDG