© Original Recipe By Serena Recipes ©
🍬✨ Delicious Cinnamon Sugar Pecans for Snacking: A Sweet Spiced Treat! 🌰
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a snack that’s perfectly sweet, aromatic, and irresistibly crunchy, then cinnamon sugar pecans are your new best friend. These *homemade cinnamon pecans* are a delightful blend of toasted pecans coated with a crispy cinnamon-sugar crust. Whether you’re planning to serve them at a party or just craving a cozy treat, this recipe guarantees tasty, aromatic results that will keep you reaching for more.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes: Perfect for a quick snack or gift idea.
- One-pan simplicity: Minimal cleanup for maximum taste.
- Customizable spice level: Adjust cinnamon and sugar to suit your preferences.
- Healthy fats: Pecans are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats.
3. Ingredient Notes
To achieve the best flavor and crunch, I recommend choosing high-quality ingredients. Use raw, unsalted pecans for a fresh, nutty foundation. For sweet, aromatic spice, opt for pure ground cinnamon—Ceylon cinnamon adds a subtle, delicate flavor, but Cassia works as a budget-friendly alternative. High-quality sugars, like organic cane sugar, will bring a cleaner sweetness, complementing the warm spices beautifully.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer: Perfect for evenly crisping pecans with less oil, producing a crispy texture without the deep-frying mess.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set: Ensures easy stirring and cleanup for your nut coating process.
5. How to Make Delicious Cinnamon Sugar Pecans for Snacking
Step 1: Prepare Your Coating
In a small bowl, combine cinnamon and sugar. For a more aromatic touch, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom. Stir until well blended.
Step 2: Toast the Pecans
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat, and add your pecans. Toast for about 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly until they’re fragrant and slightly toasted. This boosts their flavor and ensures they stay crisp during baking or air frying.
Step 3: Coat the Pecans
While still warm, toss the pecans in a mixture of egg whites or a light drizzle of maple syrup if you prefer a sticky coating. Immediately sprinkle generously with your cinnamon-sugar blend, tossing to coat evenly. The goal is a crispy, sweet crust that clings well to the nuts.
Step 4: Bake or Air Fry
Spread coated pecans on a baking sheet or in your air fryer basket. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or air fry at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once done, let them cool completely to develop that irresistible crunch.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Use fresh pecans: Fresh nuts will toast more evenly and stay crisp longer.
- Watch the heat: Too high heat can burn the sugar before the pecans toast, so moderate temperature is key.
- Cooling is essential: Allow your pecans to cool completely on a wire rack for maximum crunch.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to two weeks to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If you’re sensitive to sugar or want to experiment, try swapping the sugar for coconut sugar or honey. For alternative spices, a dash of allspice or ginger can add a unique twist. You can also substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for different nutty flavors.
8. Storage & Reheating
Store your cinnamon sugar pecans in an airtight container at room temperature. To revive their crispiness, warm them in your Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo or in a hot oven for a few minutes. Avoid microwave reheating, as it can make them soggy.
9. FAQ
Can I make cinnamon sugar pecans vegan?
Absolutely! Use a mixture of aquafaba (the liquid from chickpeas) or a little maple syrup instead of egg whites to help the coating stick.
How long do homemade cinnamon pecans stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they will stay crispy and flavorful for up to two weeks.
Can I make these in the oven instead of air frying?
Yes, bake at 350°F (175°C) on a lined baking sheet for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through for even toasting.
Are sweet spiced pecans healthy?
They provide healthy fats and antioxidants from pecans, but should be enjoyed in moderation due to sugar content.
10. Conclusion
Homemade cinnamon sugar pecans are a delightful, aromatic snack that’s easy to prepare and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Their crispy exterior and warm spice flavor create an irresistible combo that wins everyone over. Whether enjoyed on their own or added to salads, desserts, or cheese boards, these sweet spiced pecans are a truly versatile treat you’ll want to make again and again.
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Delicious Cinnamon Sugar Pecans for Snacking
Crunchy, sweet, and aromatic cinnamon sugar pecans perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding to desserts.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg white
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg white and vanilla until frothy.
- Add pecans to the egg mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- In a separate bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, and salt, then sprinkle over the coated pecans and toss well.
- Spread pecans in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and fragrant.
- Allow to cool completely before storing or serving.
Notes
- Ensure pecans are spread in a single layer for even roasting.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Adjust cinnamon to taste for more or less spice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 180 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
