Air fryer candied almonds
Who knew a handful of almonds, some sugar, and a little cinnamon could turn into such an addictive snack? Thanks to the air fryer, you do not need any tricky steps. Just a few minutes, and you have crunchy, sweet air fryer candied almonds ready to enjoy. Snack on them straight from the jar, toss them over desserts, or share them with friends (if you can resist keeping them all to yourself).
Ingredients
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200 g
Almonds
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85 g
Caster sugar
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50 ml
Water
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1 tbsp
Butter
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1 tsp
Ground cinnamon
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Choose raw, unsalted almonds to make air fryer candied almonds. They absorb the sugar coating evenly and develop a crisp texture in the air fryer. It is best not to use roasted or salted almonds, as they can interfere with the caramelisation and make the finished taste overly salty or burnt.
Keep an eye on the sugar mixture as it cooks. It should thicken and coat the almonds evenly without burning. Stir regularly to stop it from crystallising in one spot. If it hardens too quickly, add a teaspoon of water to loosen the mixture and help it spread evenly.
Preheat the air fryer to 180 °C for 3–5 minutes before cooking. This allows the sugar to set quickly and prevents the almonds from sticking together. While starting with a preheated air fryer is not strictly necessary, it gives a crispier result. If you skip it, extend the cooking time by 1–2 minutes and stir more often to ensure the almonds caramelise evenly without clumping.
Line the air fryer with baking paper when making candied almonds. You can make do without it, but since the almonds are coated in a sticky sugar syrup that can stick to the basket, it can turn the clean-up into a messy affair. The baking paper acts as a non-stick barrier and protects the basket’s surface.
FAQ: Questions about air fryer candied almonds
If you are making air fryer candied almonds for the first time, you might have a few questions about the process. Here are clear answers to the most common ones.
Why are my air fryer candied almonds soft?
Your air fryer candied almonds might be soft because the sugar did not cook long enough to harden. Make sure to cook them at 180 °C for 8–10 minutes, stirring once or twice to keep them from sticking together and ensure they cook evenly. The sugar should look dry and crystallised, not wet or sticky. Also, spread the almonds in a single layer in the air fryer to prevent steaming, which can keep them soft. Let the almonds cool completely on baking paper to harden the sugar-coating. If they are still not crisp, extend the air frying time a bit, but keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
How do I know when the air fryer candied almonds are done?
You know the air fry candied almonds are done when they have a deep golden-brown colour, which shows they are well caramelised. You should also smell a strong, sweet cinnamon aroma. If you smell anything burnt, take the almonds out right away. When cool, they should be crunchy with a crisp candy shell that easily separates. During cooking, stir them once or twice at 180 °C for 8–10 minutes for even caramelisation. If you are not sure they are done, test one after letting it cool briefly. It should be crunchy with a brittle shell. If it is not, give them another minute, but keep a close eye on them to prevent them from burning.
How do I store air fryer candied almonds?
To store your air fryer candied almonds, make sure they cool completely on baking paper so the sugar hardens and prevents sticking. Once they are cool, put them in a clean, dry, airtight container or jar to keep out air and moisture. Store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. They will stay crisp for up to 2 weeks. Avoid freezing as it can make the sugar coating soggy when thawed, affecting the texture and flavour.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
1224 Kcal
| Fibre | - | 38.5 gram fibers |
| Protein | 13.8 | 41.6 gram |
| Fat | 85.7 | 118.6 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 0.5 | 1.6 gram |
Recommended information
Serving suggestion
Enjoy sweet and crunchy air fryer candied almonds
If you like to snack on something sweet every now and then, these air fryer candied almonds are for you. With just five simple ingredients, you can transform plain almonds into a crunchy, irresistibly sweet treat. As they cook, the aroma of cinnamon fills the air, enriching the natural taste of the almonds.
By circulating hot air, the air fryer allows the sugar mixture to coat each almond evenly, creating a uniform caramelised layer with a perfect crunch. It preserves the warm cinnamon flavour while avoiding burnt spots that can happen with stove-top cooking.
These almonds are great to have on hand for snacking. But be warned; they have the potential to become slightly addictive like the best kinds of treats, and anyone you share them with is almost certain to ask for more.
Perfectly caramelised with a hint of cinnamon
The caramelisation starts before the almonds even make their way into the air fryer. As they simmer in the sugar mixture, each almond becomes coated in a glossy, sweet layer that quickly thickens into caramel. The moment the cinnamon is stirred in, the mixture develops an inviting warmth.
The scent of caramelising sugar and cinnamon rising from the pan is enough to make anyone stop in their tracks. Once air-fried, the almonds take on an extra crunch while keeping the delicate balance of sweetness and spice that makes candied almonds such a favourite.
Delightful ways to use candied almonds
While these candied almonds are delicious enough to eat by the handful, there is so much more you can do with them. Their sweet crunch makes them an excellent topping for a variety of dishes.
Scatter them over a fresh strawberry salad with grilled vegetables, or sprinkle them into a creamy yoghurt bowl or over warm oatmeal porridge to add both texture and natural sweetness. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, where the warmth of cinnamon cuts through the creaminess.
For breakfast, try adding them to a smoothie bowl for an extra crunch. If you enjoy baking, chop them up and fold them into cookie dough, cakes, or even muffin batter for a sweet surprise in every bite. No matter how you use them, candied almonds are always a welcome addition.
Also, take a look at our air fryer chocolate cake, air fryer chocolate chip cookies, air fryer muffins, and air fryer scones.
Prepare as a thoughtful edible gift
Air fryer candied almonds are not just a treat to enjoy by yourself. They also make a thoughtful and charming gift. Package them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or in glass jars. Add a personalised label with the recipient’s name and a note about the homemade nature of the gift to make it even more meaningful.
For festive occasions like Christmas or birthdays, decorate the package with themed ribbons, tags, or stickers. Including a small card with the ingredient list is also considerate, especially for anyone with dietary restrictions. Whether given as a holiday gift, a party favour, or a simple thank-you, candied almonds will always be appreciated.
Tasty variations to try
Try different variations of the air fryer candied almonds. Instead of using caster sugar try brown sugar. It gives the almonds a deeper, caramel-like taste with notes of toffee or butterscotch. Just keep in mind that brown sugar holds more moisture, so the almonds may turn out slightly stickier, less crisp, and darker in colour. Use the same amount as in the original recipe, and keep an eye on them in the air fryer since brown sugar browns faster.
If you are out of cinnamon or want to try something new, there are plenty of spice alternatives. Nutmeg brings a warm, nutty note, while ginger adds a zesty finish. Pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice blends can be used in equal amounts to give your almonds a familiar, warming flavour. Cloves and allspice also work, but they are quite strong, so start with just half the amount.
Also, consider adding one teaspoon of vanilla extract to give the almonds a more pronounced sweetness. Or add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of sea salt as a counterpoint to the sweetness and highlight the caramel flavour. If you prefer a touch of heat, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne or chilli powder for a sweet-and-spicy snack.
