Air Fryer Candied Walnuts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy—ready in under 15 minutes
• No need for stovetop or oven
• Perfectly crisp and sweet every time
• Ideal for holiday gifts, snacks, or salad toppings
• Made with simple pantry ingredients
• Customizable with different spices
• Less oil and less mess
• Great make-ahead snack
• Kid- and crowd-approved
• Naturally gluten-free

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Raw walnut halves
• Egg white
• Granulated sugar or brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist, or maple syrup for added depth

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk egg white until frothy.
2. Add sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir to combine.
3. Add walnut halves to the bowl and toss until evenly coated.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
5. Lightly grease or line the air fryer basket with parchment (if your model allows).
6. Spread coated walnuts in a single layer in the basket.
7. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to prevent clumping.
8. Check for golden color and caramelized coating. Air fry 1–2 more minutes if needed, but watch closely to avoid burning.
9. Remove and let cool completely. The walnuts will crisp up as they cool.

Servings and timing

Makes about 2 cups of candied walnuts.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 8–10 minutes
Total time: 13–15 minutes

Variations

• Spicy-sweet: Add cayenne or chili powder for a sweet and spicy snack.
• Pumpkin spice: Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in the fall.
• Maple glazed: Use half maple syrup and half sugar for a richer glaze.
• Brown sugar crunch: Substitute brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
• Mixed nuts: Use pecans, almonds, or cashews alongside the walnuts.
• Savory-sweet: Add rosemary or thyme with sea salt for a gourmet flavor.
• Chocolate-dipped: After cooling, dip half the walnut in melted dark chocolate.

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: No need to reheat—just allow frozen walnuts to come to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts besides walnuts?

Yes, this recipe works well with pecans, almonds, or cashews.

Why do I need egg white?

The egg white helps the sugar and spices stick to the nuts and creates that crisp coating.

How do I keep them from burning in the air fryer?

Cook at a lower temperature (300°F) and shake the basket halfway through. Watch closely at the end.

Can I make these without cinnamon?

Absolutely. Skip it or replace it with nutmeg, cardamom, or your preferred spice.

Do I need to soak or pre-toast the walnuts?

No soaking needed. Use raw walnuts for best results—they toast as they candy in the air fryer.

Can I use a sugar substitute?

Yes, granulated sugar substitutes like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol can work, but watch for differences in melting and texture.

Are these candied walnuts vegan?

Not as written due to the egg white, but you can use aquafaba (chickpea brine) as a vegan substitute.

What can I use them for besides snacking?

They’re great on salads, yogurt, oatmeal, cheese boards, or as dessert toppers.

Can I double the batch?

Yes, but cook in batches to keep the nuts in a single layer for even cooking.

How do I prevent them from sticking together?

Shake the basket during cooking and separate them gently while cooling if needed.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Candied Walnuts are a quick, easy, and irresistible treat with a perfect blend of crunch and sweetness. Whether you’re snacking straight from the jar or using them to elevate a dish, these walnuts are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With just a few ingredients and minimal time, you’ll have a homemade delight that’s better than store-bought every time.

Air Fryer Candied Walnuts

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Air Fryer Candied Walnuts are sweet, crunchy, and perfectly spiced walnuts made in under 15 minutes. Great for snacking, salad toppings, or holiday gifting, they’re quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
• Total Time: 13–15 minutes
• Yield: 2 cups
• Category: Snack, Appetizer
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1. 2 cups raw walnut halves
2. 1 egg white
3. 1/2 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar
4. 1 tsp ground cinnamon
5. 1 tsp vanilla extract
6. 1/4 tsp salt
7. Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper or 1 tbsp maple syrup

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Instructions

In a mixing bowl, whisk egg white until frothy.

1. Add sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir to combine.
2. Toss walnut halves in the mixture until evenly coated.
3. Preheat air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Lightly grease or line basket with parchment if safe for your model.
4. Spread coated walnuts in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
5. Air fry 8–10 minutes, shaking basket halfway through. Watch closely to prevent burning.
6. Cook 1–2 minutes longer if needed, until golden and caramelized.
7. Remove and let cool completely. Walnuts will crisp as they cool.

Notes

• Cool fully before storing to keep nuts crisp.
• Shake basket during cooking to avoid clumps.
• Try with pecans, almonds, or cashews for variety.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 cup
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg