Air Fryer Spiced Nuts

posted by Michelle Goth on Dec 3, 2021 (updated Dec 15, 2025)

I can’t even find the words to describe how delicious these Air Fryer Spiced Nuts are. They’re a healthy snack and make a wonderful gift for the holidays!

There are little things we can do to make the holiday season a bit easier. Having a few easy recipes on hand, like this delicious recipe, can be a lifesaver! These Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Nuts are a great way to have a delicious snack on hand for guests.

And, these spicy mixed nuts make a GREAT low carb homemade gift for friends and neighbors!

I love making these nuts because they use simple ingredients but come together to make something magical! The spice mixture in this recipe is just the right combination of sweet, salty and spicy. I like to gift these spiced nuts alongside another homemade item like this gingerbread syrup, strawberry jam or my Christmas crack!

You will need the following nuts:

Walnuts: I love how the spices get into the crevices of the walnuts!
Almonds: I prefer to use lightly salted almonds, but you can also use plain almonds.
Cashews: My favorite nut!
Other ideas: You could also add or substitute some peanuts or macadamia nuts to this recipe for some extra fun. If you add any, don’t add more than ¼ cup of extra nuts.

For the seasoning, we use:

Egg white: This helps the seasoning stick to the nuts and forms a nice glossy finish.
Brown sugar: You can switch this out for granulated white sugar or honey if you prefer.
Cinnamon
Cayenne pepper: I think the amount of cayenne pepper in this is perfect, but if you want some extra heat, double the given amount. If you want less heat, halve it.
Garlic salt

How do I store these Spiced Nuts?

You can keep these in the refrigerator or at room temperature. However, make sure to store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

You can also freeze these and pull some out anytime you need some spicy nuts!

Can I use flavored or roasted nuts for this recipe?

If the flavor combinations work, you could certainly try flavored nuts. Using some nuts that are simply salted would certainly enhance the recipe (such as the almonds). Other options might be nuts that have some heat or honey or are roasted.

But, I wouldn’t throw anything in there that is extremely different, like nuts that are bitter or don’t fit the flavors that are already there. For example, avoid wasabi, pickle, or vinegar flavored nuts.

What can I do with spiced nuts?

I love to have this nut mixture on hand during the holidays! It’s the perfect snack to set out when you have guests.

This Air Fryer Spiced Nuts recipe also makes a great gift! Put them in a little bag with some festive ribbon, or a small air-tight container for gifting.

If you have leftovers, adding some spiced nuts to a recipe can create that extra crunch and texture that it needs. I would recommend tossing these in a salad, putting them in some cake or cookies, on top of ice cream, or sprinkling them on top of cooked fish or chicken.

They can also serve as a great snack at any time! I like to leave them out on the counter and munch on them every time I come into the kitchen. Delicious!

I don’t have an air fryer, can I do this in the oven?

YES! Of course you can. Preheat your oven to 365 degrees Fahrenheit, and place the nuts on a baking sheet. Roast for 5 minutes, then stir and flip the nuts. Roast in additional 2 minutes ingredients until the nuts are golden brown and roasted to your liking!