Description
Sweet, crunchy Air Fryer Candied Pecans offer a delightful Southern-style treat that brings warmth to any gathering. Caramelized with brown sugar and cinnamon, you’ll savor these irresistible nuts as a perfect snack or seasonal gift.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups pecan halves
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg white
Spices and Seasonings:
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Flavor Enhancer:
- ½ tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) maple syrup
Instructions
- Whip the egg white in a medium mixing bowl until it reaches a light, airy consistency with small bubbles forming across the surface.
- Incorporate brown sugar, ground cinnamon, rich maple syrup, and a pinch of salt into the frothy egg white, stirring until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy coating.
- Gently fold pecan halves into the sweet mixture, ensuring each nut is thoroughly enrobed with the sugary glaze, creating an even and consistent layer.
- Activate the air fryer and set the temperature to 350F, allowing the appliance to warm up for approximately 3-4 minutes to create an optimal cooking environment.
- Carefully place a parchment paper liner inside the air fryer basket, pressing it down to prevent any potential movement during cooking. Strategically arrange the sugar-coated pecans in a single, uncrowded layer to promote even caramelization.
- Slide the basket into the air fryer and cook for 6-8 minutes, pausing midway to gently agitate the pecans, ensuring they develop a uniform golden-brown sheen and crisp texture.
- Once the pecans emit a caramelized aroma and appear glossy, remove them from the air fryer and transfer onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Allow the candied pecans to rest and cool completely for 15-20 minutes, during which time they will naturally become crunchier and develop a delicate, crisp exterior.
Notes
- Use room temperature egg white for better frothy consistency, ensuring smoother coating on pecans.
- Shake the basket gently during cooking to prevent burning and promote even caramelization of sugar mixture.
- Cool pecans completely before storing to maintain maximum crunchiness and prevent moisture buildup.
- For gluten-free option, verify maple syrup and all ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 0.5 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg