Can I make spiced walnuts without maple syrup?

Yes, absolutely. If maple syrup feels too pricey or you’d like to try something new, you can use date syrup , honey , or even agave syrup instead. I’ve tried a mix of half maple and half date syrup — it gives a beautiful caramelized flavor without being overly sweet. Just remember that honey browns a little faster, so keep a close eye on your walnuts while roasting.

Why did my spiced walnuts turn sticky?

If your walnuts turned out sticky, they probably didn’t roast long enough, or they weren’t cooled completely before storing. The maple syrup needs enough time to caramelize and dry on the surface. After roasting, spread them out on parchment paper and let them cool completely before sealing in a jar. They’ll crisp up beautifully once they’re fully dry.

How long can I store spiced walnuts?

These spiced walnuts stay fresh for up to two weeks in an airtight container at room temperature. If you live somewhere humid, you can refrigerate them instead — just bring them to room temperature before serving.

Can I make spiced walnuts in an air fryer?

Yes, you can. Preheat your air fryer to 140°C (285°F) , line the basket with parchment paper, and air fry for 5–6 minutes , shaking halfway through. Watch closely — maple syrup caramelizes quickly in an air fryer. If you love air fryer snacks, you might also enjoy Air Fryer Apple Fritters or Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower .

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Definitely! This recipe works beautifully with pecans, almonds, or cashews too. Pecans give a buttery richness, while almonds turn extra crunchy. If you’re making a holiday snack mix, combine a few different nuts for variety — it’s a crowd favorite at parties.

Why use black salt in spiced walnuts?

Black salt adds a subtle, savory, slightly eggy flavor that enhances the sweet and spicy tones of the maple coating. It’s not everyone’s favorite, though — if you prefer something milder, use kosher salt or sea salt instead.

Spiced Walnuts Recipe Irresistible Holiday Snack

Description

These Spiced Walnuts are sweet, salty, and a little spicy — perfect for snacking, gifting, or topping salads and desserts.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups walnuts
¾ cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon chili flakes
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon olive oil
1½ teaspoons black salt (or kosher salt)
1 teaspoon grated nutmeg

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Instructions

Place walnuts in a bowl and set in the sun for 15 minutes to reduce odor. Preheat OTG to 100°C.
In a bowl, whisk together black salt, pepper, nutmeg, chili flakes, maple syrup, and olive oil.
Add walnuts and toss until evenly coated.
Spread coated walnuts on a parchment-lined baking tray in a single layer.
Roast at 100°C for 5–8 minutes, stirring once. Turn off the oven once the syrup bubbles.
Cool completely before transferring to an airtight jar.

Notes

Cool completely to ensure crispiness. You can substitute black salt with kosher salt. For a convection oven, bake at 140°C and monitor every 2–3 minutes.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 cup
Calories: 90
Sugar: 9.4g
Sodium: 877mg
Fat: 4.7g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 11.3g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg