Air Fryer Roasted Pecans (Sweet and Spicy)

This air fryer pecans recipe is a constant in our rotation.

They are super simple to make and work just as well for an after school snack as they do on your holiday buffet.

Give them a try; I think you will love them as much as we do.

• Butter:  I like to use unsalted butter.  If you use salted butter, you may want to omit the additional salt in the recipe.
• Brown Sugar:  I prefer light brown sugar in this recipe, but you can use dark brown sugar if that is what you have on hand.
• Sea Salt:  Maldon sea salt is great here, but you can also use regular sea salt.
• Cayenne Pepper:  This gives the pecans a nice little bit of heat. Smoked paprika could be used for less heat. If you don't like spicy foods, leave it off.
• Pecan Halves: This recipe will need two cups of pecan halves.  I like to use halves because they don't cook as quickly as pieces.

Switch Them Up

• Cinnamon: Make cinnamon roasted pecans by whisking ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg into the butter mixture.
• Vanilla: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the melted butter.
• Maple: Swap maple syrup for the brown sugar.
• Low carb: Swerve brown sugar works just fine here.
• Smoky: Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika and ½ teaspoon liquid smoke to the butter mixture. Keep the sweetener there; it provides a nice balance.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do you need to soak pecans before roasting?

No, you don't need to soak pecans before roasting. This recipe is quick and easy, so there's no need to soak the pecans beforehand.

Some people do soak nuts before roasting because it can help them be more easily digestible. You can certainly do this if you feel it would benefit you. 

Can you roast pecans in the oven?

Yes, you can roast pecans in the oven! This recipe is designed for the air fryer, but you can easily adapt it for the oven.

Simply preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and spread the pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 10 minutes until the pecans are golden brown and fragrant.

Why are my pecans not crunchy?

There are a few reasons why your pecans might not be as crunchy as you'd like. First, ensure you use raw pecans and not roasted or salted nuts. Roasted and salted nuts will not get as crispy in the air fryer.

Second, spread the pecans in a single layer on the air fryer basket or tray. If they overlap, they will not get as crispy.

Finally, make sure you are not overcooking the pecans. They should only be in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes. Any longer and they will start to become burnt and less crispy.

Storage

Store these candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.  

If you live in a humid climate, you may want to store them in the refrigerator.

Freezing

Place them in a freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer for up to two months. When you're ready to eat them, thaw them at room temperature or in the fridge.

How to Roast Pecans in the Air Fryer

(For the full instructions with measurements, see the recipe card below.)

First, start by lining your air fryer basket with parchment paper or an air fryer liner. 

This will help to prevent the pecans from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. (The easy clean-up is one reason I toast pecans in the air fryer more than any other method.)

If you don’t have either, spray lightly with cooking spray.

Next, melt the butter in a small bowl. Once it's melted, whisk in the brown sugar, salt, and cayenne pepper until well combined. 

(If you want to add any of the spices mentioned above in the tips and tricks section, now is the time.)

Pour the sugar mixture over the pecans in a medium bowl and toss to coat.

Now it's time to air fry the pecans! Set your air fryer to 275 degrees Fahrenheit and place the pecans in the basket in a single layer. If you need to, cook them in batches.

Air fry for 10 minutes, then stir and cook for 5 minutes more.

Once the pecans are done, transfer them to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and allow them to cool completely. They will harden as they cool.