A quick and easy recipe for the kind of candied almonds you’d find at the fair or the beach, made in the air fryer
This recipe for caramelized almonds in the air fryer is quick, easy, and wonderfully indulgent. Perfect as a sweet snack or a fun treat to serve with drinks, it comes together with just a few simple ingredients and delivers an irresistible balance of crunch and sweetness. A real treat!
Tips for perfect caramelized almonds in the air fryer
Choosing the almonds: Use whole almonds, with or without skin, depending on your preference. Unsalted almonds are ideal for this recipe.
Spice variations: If you don’t like cinnamon or vanilla sugar, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom.
Using sugar: White sugar gives a smoother, shinier result, while brown sugar adds a slightly deeper, more caramelized flavor. You can also use a mix of both.
Parchment paper: Make sure the parchment paper sits properly in the basket so the almonds don’t stick, the caramel doesn’t drip and burn, and the paper doesn’t touch your appliance’s heating elements.
Even mixing: Take the time to coat the almonds evenly in the liquid sugar mixture. This helps ensure even caramelization.
Monitoring the cooking: Air fryers can vary in power. Check the almonds after 10 minutes to prevent them from burning. Stir gently halfway through cooking for even heat distribution.
Cooling: Once the almonds are cooked, let them cool completely before handling them. The caramel will harden as it cools, giving the almonds their crunch.
Storage: Once cooled, store the almonds in an airtight jar to keep them crisp. They keep well for up to a week.
Adding texture: For a festive touch, add sesame or poppy seeds to the mixture before cooking.
Individual portions: For a lovely edible gift, divide the caramelized almonds into small bags and add a decorative label.
Cleaning tip: If the caramel sticks to the parchment paper, soak it in hot water to dissolve it easily.
For a sweet-and-salty twist: Add a pinch of fleur de sel after cooking for a delicious contrast of flavors.
Contributed by Stéphanie Dpl from the site’s official Facebook group
Equipment
Ingredients
- 200 g almonds
- 3 tablespoons water
- 3 tablespoons sugar white or brown
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar or cinnamon
Instructions
- Place the almonds in a bowl.200 g almonds
- Add the water, sugar, and vanilla sugar, or cinnamon instead.3 tablespoons water, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Mix until the almonds are evenly coated.
- Spread the almonds on parchment paper in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 180°C for 15 minutes.
