If you’re a fan of deliciously crunchy and sweet snacks, Air Fryer Candied Walnuts should definitely be on your list to try. The combination of sweet sugar coating and the slight crunch of walnuts makes for a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or an addition to your favorite salad or dessert, these walnuts will hit the spot. Best of all, you can easily make them in your air fryer, saving you time and energy while still getting a perfectly roasted and candied finish.
These walnuts are a great addition to any gathering or even a great gift. They offer a beautiful balance of sweetness and nuttiness, making them a crowd favorite. Plus, the air fryer makes them so simple to prepare with minimal cleanup. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without this easy and indulgent recipe.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Walnuts: Walnuts are the star of this recipe. Their rich, nutty flavor is perfectly complemented by the sweet sugar glaze. They’re full of healthy fats, making them a great choice for snacking. Fresh, raw walnuts work best to ensure a crispy texture once candied.
Brown Sugar: The key to that deliciously caramelized coating is brown sugar. It brings sweetness as well as a slight molasses flavor, which pairs beautifully with the walnuts. You can also use coconut sugar if you’re looking for a more natural, unrefined sugar option.
Butter: Butter helps bind the sugar mixture to the walnuts and adds richness. It also gives the nuts a beautiful golden finish and a smooth, indulgent flavor. You can substitute with a dairy-free butter if needed.
Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the candied walnuts. It complements the sweetness and gives them a festive touch, especially perfect for the fall and winter seasons.
Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances the sweetness of the walnuts and adds a subtle depth of flavor that rounds out the caramelized sweetness.
Salt: A small amount of salt balances the sweetness of the candied coating. It brings out the flavors of the walnuts and prevents the candy from being overly sweet, giving a nice contrast to the sugary glaze.
Ingredients List
- 2 cups walnuts (fresh, raw)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon butter (unsalted)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Make Air Fryer Candied Walnuts
Step 1: Prepare the Walnuts
Start by placing your fresh walnuts in a large bowl. If the walnuts are large, you can break them up slightly, but keep them in large enough pieces to give a satisfying crunch.
Step 2: Make the Candied Coating
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Once melted, add the brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Coat the Walnuts
Pour the brown sugar mixture over the walnuts and toss them gently to coat each walnut piece evenly. Make sure that all the walnuts are covered with the sugary mixture.
Step 4: Air Fry the Walnuts
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Once it’s ready, add the coated walnuts to the air fryer basket. Make sure they are spread out evenly, not overlapping too much. Air fry for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once the walnuts are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool. They will harden as they cool, so be patient before serving. Enjoy these as a snack, or use them to top salads, desserts, or even as a garnish for roasted vegetables.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Keep an eye on them: The air fryer cooks quickly, and walnuts can burn if left too long. Check them at the 5-minute mark to make sure they are perfectly roasted.
- Use a parchment paper liner: If you want to minimize cleanup, line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or use a silicone air fryer mat.
- Don’t overcrowd: For best results, ensure the walnuts are spread in a single layer in the basket. This helps them cook evenly and become crispier.
- Storage: Once cooled, store the candied walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to 1-2 weeks.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute walnuts with other nuts like pecans, almonds, or cashews. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if the nuts are a different size.
Can I make this recipe without butter?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, or even use ghee for a slightly different flavor.
How can I make these walnuts spicier?
If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the brown sugar mixture for a sweet and spicy kick.
Can I store these for a longer time?
Yes, you can freeze the candied walnuts! After cooling, store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature before serving.