This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
Air Fryer Candied Walnuts are going to be your new favorite snack. They are so easy to make, and have just enough sweetness to match the salty flavor, so no matter which one your crave, it will hit the spot.
I love making fun and easy snacks in my air fryer. I tried air frying this recipe, instead of baking them in the oven, and they turned out perfectly.
Walnuts, like these from Kirkland, are the perfect snack because they are rich in antioxidants, and can even help lower blood pressure, among so many other benefits.
And if you are looking for a keto friendly way to make them, you can easily substitute the brown sugar and sugar with Swerve substitutes.
Looking for more easy recipes? Check out this list of over 100 Beginner Air Fryer Recipes.
What you need to make Candied Walnuts in the Air Fryer
These candied walnuts are so easy to make, and most of the ingredients you will already have on hand. To make these walnuts, you will need:
- unsalted butter
- vanilla extract
- walnuts
- brown sugar
- sugar
- cinnamon
- salt
How to make Candied Walnuts
Making this recipe is pretty simple, with very little prep. The first thing you will do is preheat the air fryer to 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the walnuts, by placing them in a medium bowl with the melted butter and the vanilla. Stir the walnuts until they are coated with the butter and vanilla, so the other ingredients will stick to them.
Once the walnuts are covered in the butter and vanilla coating, stir in the brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. I like to use McCormick’s cinnamon, and feel free to add a little extra if you want more of that flavor, especially around the holidays.
Toss the walnuts with the other ingredients so they are evenly covered. Finally, transfer them to your air fryer basket, and air fry at 200 degrees for 10 minutes, stirring them, or shaking the basket halfway through.
FAQ’s
How do you keep the walnuts from sticking?
This recipe does not use a lot of sugar or corn syrup, so they should not stick too much after they have cooled. It also helps if you shake the basket halfway through the cooking process.
Do Candied Walnuts go bad?
Yes. All types of nuts go bad after a certain about of time, so check the expiration date on the bag. To keep them fresh, store them in an an airtight container, for no longer than two months.
MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES:
Air Fryer Candied Walnuts
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups walnuts, halved
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 200 degrees.
- While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the walnuts, by placing them in a medium bowl with the melted butter and the vanilla.
- Stir the walnuts until they are coated with the butter and vanilla, so the other ingredients will stick to them.
- Once the walnuts are covered in the coating, stir in the brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Toss the walnuts with the other ingredients so they are evenly covered.
- Finally, transfer them to your air fryer basket, and air fry at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, stirring them, or shaking the basket halfway through.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Perfect
Thanks Peter! Glad you liked them!
Hi Peter,
I did mine in an old-fashioned Tefal air-fryer. It has a paddle so they were constantly stirred. You cannot alter the heat setting but 10 mins was perfect! I cooled them spread out on baking parchment! Delicious! Perfect for snacks or in salads. Thank you ????
10 minutes at 200!!! , I didn’t realize this recipe was in F, ha! they are burnt to a crisp from 200 c (400f) . (Canadians take note… set the air fryer at 95-100c if it will go that low! I should have read the fine print!
First time using my instant vortex mini air fryer I got for Christmas 3 years ago making this yummy recipe. Followed the recipe and these turned out delicious! Will be making again.
Thank you! We love getting feedback and are so glad you enjoyed this recipe. Have fun using your “new” air fryer!
Can I use canola or olive oil instead of butter?
Hi Neil. I haven’t tried either of those, but I would think they should work. Although, coconut oil might blend better with the nut and sugar flavors.
What are you referring to with ‘vanilla’ in the recipe, please? Vanilla essence? Vanilla extract? Vanilla pod scrapings? Vanilla sugar? Or something else?
Also what’s the temperature scale? Celsius? Or Fahrenheit?
Hello. It is vanilla extract and the temperature is Fahrenheit. Thank you!
Are you sure? 200 degree Fahrenheit is really quite low..
Hi Tina. Yes, 200 degrees F is correct. It’s really a slow cook because if you go hotter, the walnuts will burn with the coating. Enjoy!
Can you use a rotisserie basket ??
Yes you can!
Have you tried any other nuts?
I haven’t yet! I would think it should work on others.