Walnuts are a healthy snack packed with healthy fats, and when candied, they transform into an irresistible delicious treat. This easy air fryer recipe is perfect for creating candied nuts that are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s a great homemade gift for friends and family during the holiday season or simply a way to enjoy a satisfying crunch on your own. Let’s dive into how you can easily whip up air fryer candied walnuts in just a couple of minutes.
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Why Use an Air Fryer for Candied Walnuts?
The air fryer has quickly become a go-to kitchen tool for quick snacks. With its medium heat cooking, you can create small batches of perfectly candied nuts without the hassle of using an oven. The heating element in the air fryer helps the walnuts develop a candy coating that is crispy and caramelized, making them deliciously crunchy. Plus, air frying is faster and more efficient than traditional methods, reducing the cooking time.
Ingredients & Substitutions
For this easy recipe, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s a quick look at the basics, along with possible substitutions:
- Walnuts: These form the base of the recipe, providing that signature crunchy snack. You can substitute with raw pecan halves or other types of nuts like almonds or cashews for variety.
- Maple Syrup: It adds sweetness and helps create the caramelized coating. You can swap this for corn syrup, brown sugar, or white sugar if you prefer.
- Pinch of Salt: This enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Optional Spice: For a kick, add cayenne pepper or hot chili powder.
These ingredients will transform into a sweet, sticky coating that gives the walnuts their toasted walnuts texture and delicious crunch.
Helpful Tools
To make this air fryer candied walnuts recipe, you’ll need the following tools:
- Air Fryer: The key to this recipe, ensuring the walnuts are perfectly cooked in less time than an oven.
- Medium Bowl: To mix the ingredients together before placing them in the air fryer.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring and mixing the sugar coating evenly.
- Parchment Paper: Optional but great for easy cleanup. If your air fryer doesn’t have a non-stick bin, you can line it with a piece of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Airtight Container or Mason Jar: Perfect for storing the walnuts after they’ve cooled, keeping them crunchy and fresh for longer.
How to Make Air Fryer Candied Walnuts
Here’s the step-by-step process to make these candied walnuts:
Prepare the Air Fryer: Start by removing the rack from your air fryer and adding the walnuts directly into the bin. If your air fryer doesn’t have this option, simply line it with a piece of parchment paper.
Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, toss the walnuts with maple syrup, salt, and hot chili powder (if you like them spicy).
Stir well so that each walnut is coated in the sugar mixture.
Air Fry: Set the air fryer to 300°F and air fry the walnuts for 7-9 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Cool: Remove the walnuts from the air fryer and spread them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool.
They will harden as they cool, achieving that perfect crunch.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Results
- Stir halfway: Make sure to stir the walnuts halfway through the cooking process to prevent burning.
- Watch the time: Keep an eye on the cooking time, as air fryers can vary. The walnuts should be golden brown, not too dark.
- Cool completely: Let the walnuts cool fully before storing them in an airtight container or mason jar to maintain their crispiness.
- Gift Idea: Wrap the walnuts in little bags with a pretty ribbon for a great homemade gift.
FAQs
You can store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks at room temperature. For longer storage, keep them in a freezer-safe container.
Absolutely! You can swap walnuts with raw pecan halves, almonds, or even cashews.
You can bake them in the oven at 300°F for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
They are a healthy snack rich in healthy fats, but keep in mind the added sugar.
Stir them halfway through the cooking process and keep an eye on the time to ensure they don’t overcook.
Air Fryer Candied Walnuts Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1-2 tbsp maple syrup
- pinch of salt
Optional
- hot chili powder to make them spicy
Instructions
- Start by removing the rack from your air fryer and add the walnuts directly into the bin.
- See photos above for reference. If your air fryer doesn't have this option just try lining it with a piece of parchment.
- Add the maple syrup, salt and hot chili powder or cayenne if adding.
- Air fry at 300 degrees for 7-9 mins, stirring halfway. Remove from air fryer, allow to cool and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion: Air Fryer Candied Walnuts
Air fryer candied walnuts are a delicious snack that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them on their own or adding them to salads or ice cream, they’re a great way to add a satisfying crunch to your day. Plus, they make for amazing gifts during the holiday season. Follow the steps above for the best results and enjoy!
Loved how easy this was! Air fryers are the best! And came out perfect 🤩
Agreed! I love the air fryer too haha! So happy you loved the recipe, thank you so much!
Candied walnuts take everything to the next level!! This was such a great idea never thought to make these in a airfryer loved it
Right?! they really do! I’m so so happy you loved this recipe! Thank you so much 🙂
This was great!! Time saver I’m all about that!!
Me too!! and thank you so much!